City break in Istanbul | along the Bosphorus and the Old City

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Today you’ll fly to Istanbul, where a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel.

Day 2: Highlights of the old city

Today you will visit the highlights of Istanbul. After breakfast, a private guide will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby. You will start the morning with a visit to the legendary royal palace: Topkapi Saravi, a magnificent example of Ottoman architecture. Wander through the many pavilions, gardens and courtyards and admire the unrivalled treasures of the Ottoman sultans, including dazzling jewellery and unique porcelain. Next, you’ll head to Hagia Sophia, the great church built by the Roman Emperor Justinian. You’ll also visit the Blue Mosque, the iconic symbol of Istanbul. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Hippodrome, a public arena where chariot races were primarily held, featuring an underground cistern. You’ll round off the day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, featuring local products ranging from handmade ceramics and textiles to spices and jewellery.

Day 3: Culinary walk & private cruise on the Bosphorus

In the morning, you’ll take a culinary walk along the lively Bosphorus. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll stroll through the market in Beşiktaş, where you’ll visit a bakery dating back to the Ottoman era. From there, you’ll head to the market in Üsküdar, where a more traditional food culture has been preserved. You’ll sample the best of this market during your visit to a honey seller from Eastern Turkey, an olive shop and a third-generation candle maker. You’ll also visit the fairytale-like neighbourhood of Kuzguncuk with its small restaurants, artisan food shops and local food producers. In the late afternoon, you’ll board a boat for a cruise on the Bosphorus. Along the way, you’ll discover majestic marble palaces, luxurious wooden mansions from the Ottoman era, enormous ancient mosques, picturesque waterfront neighbourhoods, remarkable bridges and much more.

Day 4: Balat – Pera – Istiklal Caddesi – Galata

Today you’ll discover a few more of Istanbul’s hidden gems. We’ll take you to Balat, one of Istanbul’s oldest neighbourhoods. Colourful, quiet streets are lined with old wooden houses and trendy cafés and restaurants. Afterwards, you’ll visit Pera with its mix of numerous boutiques, cosy cafés, old churches, synagogues and impressive historic mansions. In the afternoon, you’ll stroll along Istiklal Caddesi, an elegant pedestrian street about 3 km long, lined with beautiful boutiques, music shops, bookshops, art galleries, historic patisseries, chocolate shops and restaurants. Next, you’ll climb the nearly 200-metre-high Galata Tower, built in the 14th century, which offers spectacular views of the city. The final stop of your day is Dolmabahce Palace on the banks of the Bosphorus. There, you’ll visit beautiful rooms, salons, galleries and baths.

Day 5: free day

Today, you can enjoy this beautiful city at your own pace. Visit one of Istanbul’s many art galleries, take a bike ride along the picturesque Bosphorus, or treat yourself to a traditional Turkish bath. Round off your day with dinner at one of the many rooftop restaurants along the Bosphorus and enjoy a stunning sunset.

Day 6: Return home

Today you return home. A driver will take you to Istanbul Airport for your return flight home.

What is the price?

For this tour, you can expect a guide price starting from 6,000 euros for two people. This price includes international flights and accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, and depends on your travel dates, hotel choices and any extras such as excursions or extensions.

Frequently asked questions about this Istanbul city break

What is the best time of year for a city break to Istanbul?

The months of April to June and September to November offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the city.

Is a hire car necessary to explore Istanbul properly?

No, the traffic is very heavy; private transfers and the efficient tram and ferry system are the best options.

What makes Istanbul so unique compared to other cities?

It is the only metropolis that literally straddles two continents, where Eastern traditions and Western modernity meet.