Discover the timeless allure of Istanbul, a city where Europe meets Asia, on this curated four-day excursion. Your journey begins in the historic heart of the Old City, where you will step back in time to explore the architectural marvels of the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. The intricate blue Iznik tiles of the 17th-century Blue Mosque, built opposite Hagia Sophia, set the tone for a city where every corner tells a story of empires past. You will wander through the opulent courtyards of Topkapi Palace, once the primary residence of Ottoman sultans, and walk the grounds of the ancient Hippodrome, where chariot races once defined the social life of Constantinople.
Beyond the monuments, immerse yourself in the vibrant sensory experience of the Grand Spice Bazaar. This historic marketplace offers a treasure trove of exotic herbs, traditional Turkish delights, and artisanal crafts, perfect for discovering authentic local souvenirs. The tour balances historical exploration with the natural beauty of the city, featuring a peaceful morning visit to the sprawling, flower-filled landscapes of Emirgan Park. This retreat provides a serene contrast to the bustling city center, offering expansive views and a tranquil atmosphere that captures the softer side of Istanbulβs charm.
Please note that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays; on those days Hagia Sophia is visited instead. Three nights of hotel accommodation, three breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners plus the dinner cruise, guided touring in English and entrance fees are included.
The Bosphorus Strait serves as the centerpiece of your adventure, explored through both a private daytime boat trip and an enchanting evening dinner cruise. As you glide along the water, you will witness the majestic silhouette of the city, passing iconic landmarks such as the Dolmabahçe Palace, the formidable Rumeli Fortress, and the Bosphorus Bridge. The evening cruise provides a cultural finale, combining traditional Turkish cuisine with live performances including folk dances, belly dancing, a sword dance and whirling dervishes, with a professional DJ to round off the night, ensuring your stay in this transcontinental city is nothing short of unforgettable.
| Tour type | Shared small group Β· multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 Days 3 Nights |
| Price | From β¬637 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | English-speaking licensed guide |
| Stops | 9 |
| 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.
Upon your arrival at the Istanbul airport, you will be met by our professional representative. A transfer takes you to your hotel for check-in, and the rest of the day is free to settle in. Dinner is included this evening. Overnight in Istanbul.
After an open buffet breakfast, we begin our tour at 08:30. We visit the Topkapi Palace to view its imperial treasury and relics, followed by the Blue Mosque, famous for its 17th-century Iznik tilework. We then explore the ancient Hippodrome, site of historic chariot races. After lunch, we proceed to the Grand Spice Bazaar for shopping. In the evening, we board a boat for a Bosphorus dinner cruise. You will enjoy a set local menu with unlimited drinks, accompanied by a show with a sword dance, a whirling dervish, Caucasian and Turkish folk dances, Romani and belly dancers and a DJ, before you are driven back to your hotel. If the tour falls on a Tuesday, when Topkapi Palace is closed, Hagia Sophia is visited instead.
We start the morning with a visit to Emirgan Park, renowned for its lush greenery and seasonal floral displays. Following this, we enjoy a traditional Turkish meal at Emirgan SΓΌtiΕ, a restaurant offering scenic views of the Bosphorus. In the afternoon, a private boat takes you along the Bosphorus Strait, with views of the skyline, the Bosphorus Bridge, the DolmabahΓ§e Palace, and the Rumeli Fortress. We conclude the day with a leisurely stroll along the Bosphorus promenade to soak in the atmosphere of the city before returning to your hotel.
Enjoy a last open buffet breakfast at the hotel before checking out, which marks the end of your four days in Istanbul.
Handpicked 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels along your route. Choose your category β the price adapts.
Exact hotels are confirmed on booking based on availability and your chosen category; equivalent alternatives may be offered.
Istanbul β Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Spice Bazaar β Emirgan Park, Bosphorus β Istanbul
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles β the same fleet we use on your tour.
π₯ 54 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
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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 Istanbul, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Spice Bazaar, Emirgan Park, Bosphorus.
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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!