My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
2 Days Istanbul Highlights: Old City & Bosphorus Cruise from Didyma Private Tour
Highlights of the Istanbul Cultural Experience
Experience the majestic fusion of history and culture in Istanbul, a unique metropolis that gracefully straddles the continents of Europe and Asia. This immersive two-day journey invites you to explore the lasting legacies of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. From the ancient chariot racing grounds to the opulent residences of sultans, you will witness the architectural grandeur that has defined this city for centuries. Our tour provides a comprehensive look at the heart of Turkey, balancing iconic historical landmarks with the vibrant atmosphere of traditional marketplaces.
Your exploration begins in the historic Sultanahmet district, where you will stand amidst the remnants of the Ancient Hippodrome, featuring the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. You will admire the Blue Mosque, celebrated for its exquisite blue Iznik tile interior and its distinction as the first six-minaret mosque of the Ottoman era. A photo break allows you to appreciate the exterior of the legendary Hagia Sophia, followed by an in-depth visit to the Topkapi Palace Museum. Here, you will discover the Sacred Relics, the Clocks Collection, and panoramic views of the city from the palace courtyards.
On the second day the journey continues with the Grand Bazaar, a historic commercial hub housing thousands of shops, and a scenic Bosphorus cruise. Sailing the waterway that divides two continents, you will pass by Dolmabahce Palace, the marble facades of Ciragan Palace, the imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace, and the military architecture of Rumeli Fortress. The tour also highlights the cultural diversity of Ortakoy and the elegant summer residence of Beylerbeyi Palace, ensuring a profound connection to the maritime and imperial history of Istanbul before your return to Didyma.
Quick facts
| Tour type | Private Β· multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Days 1 Night |
| Price | From β¬620 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 3 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours Β· TΓRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your full program, day by day β click a day to see every stop.
Day 1 Arrival - Bosphorus and Grand Bazaar βΎ
After a morning transfer from your hotel in Didyma to Milas-Bodrum Airport and a flight to Istanbul, you will arrive in Istanbul to begin your exploration of the Old City. Your guided tour starts at the Ancient Hippodrome, the former center of social life and chariot racing, where you can view the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column. Next, visit the Blue Mosque, renowned for its six minarets and stunning interior tiles. After a photo stop at the Hagia Sophia, you will proceed to the Topkapi Palace Museum to explore its armory, pavilions, and sacred artifacts. Following a lunch break at your own expense, a shopping walk through the bazaar quarter introduces traditional crafts such as hand-painted ceramics and copperware. You will spend the night at a comfortable hotel in Istanbul.
Day 2 Bosphorus and Grand Bazaar - Bosphorus π½ Breakfast βΎ
Begin your day with a visit to the historic Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, featuring thousands of shops across 61 streets. Afterward, embark on a traditional boat excursion along the Bosphorus, the waterway separating Europe and Asia. From the water, you will view significant landmarks including Dolmabahce Palace, Yildiz Palace, and the marble-fronted Ciragan Palace. You will also see the 15th-century Rumeli Fortress and the multicultural neighborhood of Ortakoy, where a mosque, church, and synagogue stand in harmony. The cruise also showcases the Asian-side summer residence, Beylerbeyi Palace. Following free time for lunch, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Milas-Bodrum Airport, from where you are driven back to your hotel in Didyma.
What's Included
β Included
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Istanbul
- 1 breakfast
- Licensed professional guide in your language
- Transfers between your hotel in Didyma and Milas-Bodrum Airport
- Transfers from Istanbul airport to the Old City and back to the airport
- Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
- Guided Old City and shopping tour, guided Bosphorus cruise
- Entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
β Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Lunch, alcoholic drinks, and personal expenses
- Entrance fee to the Harem section of Topkapi Palace
- Entrance fee to Hagia Sophia
- Turkey entry visa and city taxes
Your Route Across Turkey
Istanbul Old City β Bosphorus and Grand Bazaar
Our Tour Vehicles
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles β the same fleet we use on your tour.
π₯ 54 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
π₯ 55 Seats
π₯ 54 Seats
π₯ 50 Seats
π₯ 50 Seats
π₯ 50 Seats
π₯ 46 Seats
π₯ 37+2 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats
π₯ 35 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 12+1 Seats
π₯ 6+1 Seats
Add Daily Excursions
Extra day tours you can add along your route β Istanbul Old City, Bosphorus and Grand Bazaar.
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Book This Tour
Fill in your details and we confirm your private departure within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the 2 Days Istanbul Highlights: Old City & Bosphorus Cruise from Didyma Private Tour?βΎ
How many days is this tour and which cities does it cover?βΎ
Is this a private tour?βΎ
Which hotel categories are available?βΎ
In which languages is the guide available?βΎ
How do I book and what is the cancellation policy?βΎ
What Our Travellers Say
Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized β from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!










