Designed for schools, universities and curious groups, this four-day programme turns Istanbul into an open-air classroom. Sightseeing, museums and hands-on workshops are combined with a genuine academic element: a visit to Bogazici University or Istanbul University, a guest lecture by a professor and time to talk with Turkish students. Full board is included from the first lunch to the last breakfast, and a licensed English-speaking guide accompanies every touring day.
After arrival at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen and hotel check-in, the first afternoon goes straight to Sultanahmet. You visit Hagia Sophia, the 6th-century Byzantine landmark that later became an Ottoman mosque, the Blue Mosque with its six minarets and Iznik tiles, and the Basilica Cistern with its famous Medusa heads. A welcome dinner and orientation introduce the history and culture you will explore. Day two covers Topkapi Palace with the Harem and Imperial Treasury, the church of Hagia Irene, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, with a lunch of Turkish street food such as simit, doner or pide. At sunset you board a cruise on the Bosphorus past Dolmabahce Palace, the Maiden's Tower and Ottoman mansions, with tea, coffee and sweets on board.
The third day is dedicated to learning. At the university a professor speaks on Ottoman and Byzantine history, international relations or Turkish arts, followed by a meet-up with local students and lunch at a student cafe with manti and lahmacun. In the afternoon the Istanbul Archaeology Museums present finds from Troy, Mesopotamia and the Hittite world, and the Museum of Islamic Art displays calligraphy, manuscripts and ceramics. The evening workshop introduces calligraphy and Ebru, the Ottoman art of water marbling. On the final morning there is free time to browse the Arasta or Egyptian bazaars before the airport transfer, and every participant receives a Turkish souvenir as a farewell gift.
| Tour type | Private Β· multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 Days 3 Nights |
| Price | From β¬1,299 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 11 |
| 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.
Whether you land at IST or SAW, a representative welcomes you and drives you to the hotel to check in. At 13:00 the tour begins, and you stroll through the historic Sultanahmet district, visiting the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the serene Blue Mosque, and the underground marvel of the Basilica Cistern. A lunch break at a traditional restaurant lets you taste authentic Turkish dishes. The day concludes with a welcome dinner where youβll learn about Istanbulβs rich cultural tapestry and meet fellow travelers.
After breakfast and an 08:30 pick-up, the tour heads to the opulent Topkapi Palace, where youβll explore the sultanβs residence, the Harem, and the Imperial Treasury. Next door stands Hagia Irene, the first church built in Constantinople and now a museum. Lunch features streetβstyle Turkish fare. In the afternoon, wander the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar and the aromatic Spice Bazaar. The eveningβs Bosphorus sunset cruise sails past Dolmabahce Palace and the Maidenβs Tower, with tea, coffee, and sweets served aboard.
After breakfast and an 08:30 pick-up, a visit to Bogazici University (or Istanbul University) includes a guest lecture by a professor on Ottoman and Byzantine history, international relations or Turkish arts. Youβll then meet local students, sharing perspectives and experiences. Lunch at a student cafΓ© offers dishes like manti and lahmacun. The afternoon continues with the Istanbul Archaeology Museums and the Museum of Islamic Art, where Ottoman manuscripts and ceramics are displayed. The day ends with a calligraphy and Ebru (waterβmarbling) workshop, allowing you to create your own Ottomanβstyle art.
After breakfast, the morning is free to pick up souvenirs in the Arasta Bazaar near the Blue Mosque or the Egyptian Bazaar by the Golden Horn. A private transfer then takes you to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen for departure, and youβll receive a small Turkish souvenir as a farewell gift.
Historic Sultanahmet Tour β Ottoman & Byzantine Legacy β Academic & Cultural Exchange β Free Time & Departure
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
Extra day tours you can add along your route β Historic Sultanahmet Tour, Ottoman & Byzantine Legacy, Academic & Cultural Exchange, Free Time & 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!