Embark on an immersive two-day exploration of Istanbul, the historic heart of Turkey, departing conveniently from Kusadasi. This curated journey offers a deep dive into the architectural grandeur and cultural heritage of the former Ottoman capital. You will be guided through the legendary sites of Sultanahmet, including the opulent Topkapi Palace, where the treasures of sultans are preserved, and the iconic Blue Mosque, celebrated for its exquisite interior of blue Iznik tiles. The tour balances historical discovery with the vibrant atmosphere of Istanbulβs traditional markets, ensuring a comprehensive experience of the cityβs unique spirit.
On the second day the itinerary continues with a scenic boat excursion along the Bosphorus, the historic waterway that divides Europe and Asia. From the water, you will admire a stunning array of landmarks, including the majestic Dolmabahce Palace, the imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace, and the elegant marble facade of Ciragan Palace. You will also view the historic Rumeli Fortress, a masterpiece of military architecture, and the beautiful Beylerbeyi Palace. The cruise offers a unique perspective on the cityβs skyline, characterized by a harmonious blend of fortresses, wooden villas, and palaces.
Spices and crafts frame the whole programme. On the first afternoon the Spice Bazaar fills the air with cinnamon, saffron, mint and thyme, and on the second morning the Grand Covered Bazaar leads you through a labyrinth of more than 4,000 shops where goldsmiths, carpet sellers and makers of hand-painted ceramics, copperware and meerschaum pipes each keep their own lanes. Along the shore you also glimpse Ortakoy, where a mosque, a church and a synagogue have stood side by side for centuries. Hotel pick-up in Kusadasi, transfers to and from Izmir airport, a night in Istanbul and a professional guide are arranged for you.
| Tour type | Private Β· multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Days 1 Night |
| Price | From β¬585 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 5 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours Β· TΓRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full program, day by day β click a day to see every stop.
After pick-up from your hotel in Kusadasi you are driven to Izmir airport for the domestic flight to Istanbul, where your guide meets you for a full day in the historic peninsula. Topkapi Palace comes first: home of the sultans for roughly four hundred years, it displays crystal, silver and Chinese porcelain, imperial robes, the jewels of the Treasury, miniatures and the Holy Mantle with relics of the Prophet Mohammed. Across from Hagia Sophia stands the Blue Mosque, named after the blue Iznik tiles of its interior and completed in the early 17th century. In the ancient Hippodrome, once the stage of chariot races, you see the Egyptian obelisk raised by Theodosius, the twisted bronze Serpentine Column and the stone-built Column of Constantine. The day ends among the fragrant stalls of the Spice Bazaar before you check in for the night in Istanbul.
After breakfast you are collected from the hotel at 08:30 for the Grand Covered Bazaar, a maze of lanes and passages with over 4,000 shops selling gold, carpets, ceramics, copper and brassware, onyx and meerschaum pipes. Next comes a traditional boat trip on the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia. From the deck you see Dolmabahce Palace, the parks and pavilions of Yildiz Palace, the long marble front of Ciragan Palace, the waterfront quarter of Ortakoy, Rumeli Fortress, raised in 1452 by Mehmet the Conqueror, and Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian shore. After the cruise you transfer to Istanbul Airport for the domestic flight back, and a driver brings you from the airport to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Kusadasi - Istanbul Old City β Grand Bazaar & Bosphorus - Kusadasi
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles β the same fleet we use on your tour.
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π₯ 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
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π₯ 46 Seats
π₯ 37+2 Seats
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π₯ 35 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 12+1 Seats
π₯ 6+1 Seats
Extra day tours you can add along your route β Kusadasi - Istanbul Old City, Grand Bazaar & Bosphorus - Kusadasi.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
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!
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!