Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Istanbul, a city where continents collide and history comes alive. This comprehensive six-day journey takes you through the heart of the Sultanahmet district, home to the architectural marvel of the 6th-century Hagia Sophia and the stunning 17th-century Blue Mosque. You will walk the ancient grounds of the Hippodrome among its obelisk and columns, then browse shops selling spices, baklava, Turkish delight, coffee, ceramics and evil eye charms, a lively introduction to local flavours and craftsmanship.
Beyond the historic peninsula, you will set sail on the legendary Bosphorus Strait, passing iconic landmarks such as the Rumeli Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace, the sprawling Dolmabahce Palace and Ortakoy, before a shopping tour that includes a carpet weaving course, jewellery and handicraft centres and a leather fashion show. Your adventure continues with a relaxing escape to the Princes' Islands, specifically the charming Buyukada, followed by a day of modern thrills at Isfanbul theme park. You will also enjoy panoramic views from Camlica Hill and the Pierre Loti cafe, providing a bird's-eye perspective of the Golden Horn, with an afternoon at the Cevahir Shopping Center to finish the day.
The journey concludes with a deep dive into both miniature and aquatic wonders. Discover the world in detail at the expansive Miniaturk park, featuring intricate models of Anatolian and Ottoman heritage, before visiting the Istanbul Aquarium to witness the diverse marine life of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. Please note that this program covers guided touring and transport only, with hotel accommodation, lunches and entrance fees arranged separately. With expert guiding, seamless transportation, and a perfect blend of sightseeing, shopping, and leisure, this tour offers an unparalleled look at the past, present, and future of Turkey's most captivating metropolis.
| Tour type | Shared small group Β· multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 Days 5 Nights |
| Price | From β¬597 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | English-speaking licensed guide |
| Stops | 13 |
| 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.
Your journey begins in the historic Sultanahmet district. We explore the Hippodrome, once the epicenter of Byzantine chariot races, featuring the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column. We visit the Blue Mosque, renowned for its exquisite 17th-century Iznik tilework, followed by the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, a 6th-century masterpiece of Byzantine architecture famous for its golden mosaics. After a lunch break, we explore local shops to sample Turkish baklava, delights, and coffee, while browsing for ceramic handicrafts and traditional souvenirs.
Depart for a scenic boat excursion along the Bosphorus, the waterway separating Europe and Asia. Admire the wooden villas and imperial pavilions of Yildiz and Ciragan Palaces. From the water you also view the Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy, the formidable Rumeli Fortress and the elegant summer residence of Beylerbeyi Palace. After crossing the Bosphorus Bridge, we ascend Camlica Hill for a panoramic view of the city. The day concludes with a shopping tour: a carpet weaving course showing traditional silk weaving, a jewellery and handicrafts centre and a leatherwear show, with tips on haggling from your local escort.
Experience a relaxing cruise across the Marmara Sea toward the Princes' Islands. Admire the skyline views of Topkapi Palace and Uskudar before docking at Buyukada, the largest of the islands. Once a retreat for Byzantine royalty, the island offers a serene atmosphere perfect for exploring by horse-drawn carriage. Stop for lunch at a fish restaurant, with ample time to enjoy the island's pine-covered scenery and coastal charm before returning to the city.
Today is dedicated to excitement at Isfanbul, Turkeyβs premier modern theme park. Covering 600,000 square meters, the park features over 50 attractions, including high-speed roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly carousels. The parkβs design reflects the atmosphere of old Istanbul, providing a unique cultural backdrop to your entertainment. With dedicated zones for all ages and an adjacent shopping center, this day offers a perfect blend of adrenaline and leisure before returning to your hotel in the afternoon.
We visit Miniaturk, the world's largest miniature park, showcasing 105 models at a 1/25th scale, including historic structures from Istanbul, Anatolia, and Ottoman territories. We then head to the Pierre Loti cafe, situated atop the Eyup Sultan Cemetery, for a spectacular view over the Golden Horn. The afternoon is reserved for a visit to the Cevahir Shopping Center, one of Europeβs largest malls, where you can explore a wide variety of modern retail brands.
On your final day, we visit the Istanbul Aquarium, home to thousands of marine creatures, including sharks, piranhas, and rays. Explore 29 themed exhibits representing the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, and walk through the 80-meter-long acrylic underwater tunnel. The observation deck offers a 270-degree view, providing a mesmerizing look at the underwater world. After this fascinating aquatic experience, you will be transferred back to your hotel, concluding your comprehensive Istanbul tour.
Old City Istanbul β Bosphorus Strait β Princes' Islands β Isfanbul Theme Park β Golden Horn & Miniaturk β Istanbul Aquarium
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
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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 Old City Istanbul, Bosphorus Strait, Princes' Islands, Isfanbul Theme Park, Golden Horn & Miniaturk, Istanbul Aquarium.
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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!