Experience the timeless allure of Istanbul on this comprehensive seven-day exploration of Turkeyβs cultural heart. Designed for those seeking a blend of history, artistry, and relaxation, this tour provides an intimate look at the city where East meets West. You will traverse the historic Sultanahmet district, see the Blue Mosque facing Hagia Sophia, walk the ancient Hippodrome and wander through the opulent halls of Topkapi Palace, which served as the center of the Ottoman Empire for centuries. Every day is carefully curated to ensure you experience the cityβs most significant landmarks without the rush, allowing for a deep connection with the local heritage.
Beyond the monuments, this journey immerses you in the sensory delights of Istanbul. You will navigate the aromatic corridors of the Spice Bazaar and the sprawling, historic Grand Bazaar, discovering treasures from hand-painted ceramics to traditional textiles. The tour also offers a unique perspective of the city from the water, with a cruise along the Bosphorus and a boat trip to the Princes' Islands, passing by majestic marble palaces, historic fortresses like Rumeli, and the charming wooden villas that line the shores. From the panoramic heights of Camlica Hill to the serene landscapes of the Princes' Islands, you will witness the diverse beauty that defines this transcontinental metropolis.
To complete your experience, you will enjoy the refined side of Turkish hospitality. The itinerary includes a visit to the lavish Dolmabahce Palace, the final residence of the Ottoman Sultans, and an evening of traditional entertainment featuring Anatolian folklore and belly dancing. With professional guidance, comfortable air-conditioned transportation and six nights of hotel accommodation, this tour ensures a seamless and memorable visit to one of the world's most captivating cities, perfectly balancing iconic sightseeing with moments of leisure and cultural discovery.
| Tour type | Shared small group Β· multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 Days 6 Nights |
| Price | From β¬1,069 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 airport in Istanbul, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring the immediate surroundings of your accommodation. Istanbul is a city of endless discovery, and we are happy to assist with any specific activity requests you may have for your first evening in Turkey. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Your exploration begins at 08:30 with a visit to the historic Sultanahmet district. You will admire the Blue Mosque, a 16th-century mosque by the architect Mehmet, famous for its exquisite blue Iznik tilework. Nearby, we explore the ancient Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine social life, featuring the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column. We continue to Topkapi Palace, the grand residence of Ottoman Sultans, to view its imperial treasury and sacred relics. Finally, we visit the Spice Bazaar to experience its vibrant atmosphere and local flavors. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
The day starts at 08:30 at the Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of more than 4,000 shops where goldsmiths, carpet sellers and craftsmen of ceramics, copper and meerschaum each keep their own lanes. You then board a boat for the Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia, passing Dolmabahce Palace, the pavilions of Yildiz Palace, the long marble facade of Ciragan Palace, Ortakoy with its church, mosque and synagogue, the Rumeli Fortress, raised by Sultan Mehmet II in 1452 in just four months, and Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian shore. Crossing the Bosphorus Bridge takes you from one continent to the other, and Camlica Hill, the highest point of the city, offers a wide panorama from its Ottoman-style gardens. After the cruise, a shopping visit shows traditional carpet weaving, jewellery and handicrafts and a leatherwear show. Overnight in Istanbul.
We head to the Marmara Sea for a cruise to the Princes' Islands. As we sail, you will enjoy unique views of the city skyline, including Uskudar and the historic Leanderβs Tower. Our destination is Buyukada, the largest of the islands, known for its pine forests and tranquil atmosphere. Formerly a retreat for Byzantine royalty, the island offers a peaceful escape from the urban bustle. You will have time to enjoy the islandβs natural beauty before we return to the mainland. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Enjoy a free day to explore Istanbul at your own pace. You might choose to revisit a favorite neighborhood or relax at your hotel. In the evening, we gather for a spectacular Turkish Night show. Running from 20:30 to about 23:45, it includes dinner in a first-class restaurant with local drinks, followed by a performance featuring authentic belly dancing, traditional Anatolian folklore, and live music. You are transferred back to your hotel around midnight. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Our final full day focuses on the architectural splendor of the late Ottoman period. We visit the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, renowned for its 365 rooms, grand saloons, and a massive 4.5-ton crystal chandelier. Following this, we once again cross the Bosphorus Bridge, providing you with the unique experience of moving between Europe and Asia in minutes. The day ends with another stop at Camlica Hill for its view over the city and the Bosphorus. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
After breakfast at your hotel, you will complete your check-out process. A transfer will take you to the airport for your departure flight. We hope your time exploring the history and beauty of Istanbul has been truly memorable and we look forward to welcoming you back for future travels.
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 Sultanahmet β Bosphorus β Princes' Islands β Istanbul β Dolmabahce 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)
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 Istanbul, Sultanahmet, Bosphorus, Princes' Islands, Dolmabahce.
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Other private and group tours that visit the same destination.
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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!