This short city break was put together for travellers from the Balkans and for anyone curious about the long, shared story between Istanbul and South-Eastern Europe. Over three days and two nights you see the classic face of the old imperial capital and then turn to the quieter Golden Horn quarters, where Orthodox Greek, Bulgarian, Armenian and Jewish communities lived side by side for centuries. Airport transfers, a professional licensed English-speaking guide, an air-conditioned vehicle during the touring and two nights in a centrally located hotel with daily breakfast keep the trip simple and relaxed.
The first afternoon is an orientation walk across Sultanahmet Square. From the outside you take in Hagia Sophia, the great domed church raised under Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616 with its six minarets, and the Hippodrome of Constantinople, where Byzantine crowds once cheered chariot races. The walk ends in the Grand Bazaar, a centuries-old maze of covered lanes and a good first stop for souvenirs, sweets and Turkish delight. The second day belongs to Balat, with its steep cobbled lanes and pastel-painted houses, and to a visit to one of two landmarks dear to Balkan visitors: the Patriarchal Church of St. George at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fener, the spiritual centre of Eastern Orthodoxy, or the Church of St. Stephen of the Bulgarians, the striking cast-iron church on the shore of the Golden Horn.
Afterwards the group heads up to Pierre Loti Hill, a much-loved viewpoint where you can sip Turkish tea above the curve of the Golden Horn; the cable car ride to the top is optional and depends on the weather. The last morning is free, so you can wander through the Spice Bazaar, enjoy coffee by the water in Eminonu or book a traditional Turkish hammam before your transfer to Istanbul Airport. Landmarks on this programme are visited from the outside, and interior visits, extra meals, museum tickets or a Bosphorus cruise can be added on request. Expect cobblestones in Balat, dress modestly for the churches, and note that the Grand Bazaar does not open on Sundays. Spring and autumn bring the mildest weather for walking.
| Tour type | Shared small group Β· multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Days 2 Nights |
| Price | From β¬206 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | English-speaking licensed guide |
| Stops | 12 |
| Entrance fees | Not included (paid on site) |
| 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.
Our representative meets you at Istanbul Airport and drives you to your centrally located hotel. Once you have checked in and had a short rest, your guide leads an orientation walk through Sultanahmet Square, the historic heart of the peninsula where Europe looks across to Asia. You view the exteriors of Hagia Sophia, the Justinian-era basilica from the 6th century, and the Blue Mosque, completed in 1616, then stroll along the line of the old Hippodrome of Constantinople, scene of Byzantine festivals and chariot races. The walk continues to the Grand Bazaar, a vast covered market whose vaulted lanes are filled with lamps, carpets, spices and sweets, ideal for a first round of souvenir shopping. Please note the bazaar is closed on Sundays. Overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast at the hotel you explore a more spiritual side of the city along the Golden Horn. The morning starts in Balat, a hillside district of narrow cobbled streets and brightly painted houses, where Greek, Armenian and Jewish families once shared the same neighbourhood. Next comes a visit to one of two churches closely tied to the Balkan peoples: either the Patriarchal Church of St. George, seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and an important place for Orthodox visitors from Serbia and beyond, or the Church of St. Stephen of the Bulgarians, the remarkable Iron Church built of cast iron beside the water. The day ends on Pierre Loti Hill, reachable by an optional cable car, where you can enjoy Turkish tea and wide views over the Golden Horn. Overnight in Istanbul.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend the remaining hours as you like before your departure transfer. Popular choices include a walk through the Spice Bazaar with its heaps of dried fruit, tea and spices, a relaxing session in a traditional Turkish hammam with its warm marble and steam (optional, at extra cost), or simply a coffee and some last-minute shopping around the busy Eminonu waterfront. At the agreed time you are collected and transferred to Istanbul Airport for your flight home, taking with you memories of a city that has linked the Balkans and Anatolia for centuries.
Sultanahmet Square and Grand Bazaar β Balat, Balkan churches and Pierre Loti Hill β Free time in Eminonu and departure
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₯ 37+2 Seats
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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 Sultanahmet Square and Grand Bazaar, Balat, Balkan churches and Pierre Loti Hill, Free time in Eminonu and departure.
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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!