Six unhurried days in the one city that straddles two continents. This private Istanbul programme gives you the time the great monuments deserve — a full guided day across the historic peninsula, a cruise along the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia, and two further days to reach beyond the usual circuit to the Prince's Islands and the panoramic hills of the Asian side. Planned in-house by Inca Tour, a TURSAB-licensed operator, and guided in English throughout, it is paced for travellers who would rather understand Istanbul than merely tick it off.
The journey opens in Sultanahmet, where Topkapi Palace — the residence of the Ottoman sultans and its storied treasury — stands within walking distance of the Blue Mosque with its cascade of domes and six minarets, the basilica-turned-mosque of Hagia Sophia, and the open ground of the Hippodrome with its Egyptian obelisk and Serpent Column. A guided cruise on the Bosphorus follows a shoreline of palaces, wooden yali mansions and fortresses that have guarded the strait for centuries.
Away from the monuments you browse the vaulted lanes of the Grand Bazaar and the fragrant Spice Bazaar at Eminonu, climb Camlica Hill on the Asian shore for a sweeping panorama, and cross the Marmara Sea to the car-free Prince's Islands, where pine woods, Belle Epoque villas and horse-drawn lanes feel a world away from the city. Along the way you pass the imperial Dolmabahce Palace, the medieval Galata Tower and the waterfront square of Ortakoy beneath the first Bosphorus bridge — a full and generous portrait of a city that rewards every extra day you give it.
Your full program, day by day — click a day to see every stop.
Welcome to Istanbul. You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city, where you receive your room key and tour information. The rest of the day is free to settle in and take your first walk through the old town. Overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast you set out on a full guided tour of the historic peninsula: Topkapi Palace and its treasury, Sultanahmet Square and the Blue Mosque, the great dome of Hagia Sophia and the ancient Hippodrome with its obelisks. A local lunch is included during the day, and there is time to browse the Grand Bazaar before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
A guided cruise on the Bosphorus takes you along the strait that divides Europe and Asia, past Ottoman palaces, waterfront mansions and the fortress of Rumeli Hisari. You continue to the Spice Bazaar at Eminonu and visit carpet- and leather-weaving ateliers, with a lunch break on own account. Overnight in Istanbul.
Today you cross the Marmara Sea by ferry to the Prince's Islands, the car-free archipelago that was once a place of exile for Byzantine royalty. On Buyukada, the largest island, you explore pine-shaded lanes, Belle Epoque mansions and quiet beaches, with views back towards the city skyline and the Maiden's Tower. Lunch is on own account on the island. Overnight in Istanbul.
You cross to the Asian shore and climb Camlica Hill, the highest point in Istanbul, for a sweeping panorama over the Bosphorus and the historic peninsula. The day takes in the waterfront square of Ortakoy beneath the Bosphorus Bridge, the imperial Dolmabahce Palace and the medieval Galata Tower, with free time to enjoy the cafes and shops of the modern city. Overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast your tour comes to an end. You are transferred to the airport in good time for your onward flight. We wish you a safe journey home.
Handpicked 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels along your route. Choose your category — the price adapts.
Exact hotels are confirmed on booking based on availability and your chosen category; equivalent alternatives may be offered.
Istanbul
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
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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 — 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!