ISTANBUL, TURKEY TOUR 2026 – WITHOUT FLIGHT

Day 1

Tour Program

Eyüp – Cable Car – Pierre Loti – Eyüp Sultan

At 14:10, we meet our valued guests at Istanbul Airport, International Arrivals, Exit Gate No. 9, where you will be welcomed by your professional cultural guide. After the meeting, we depart by our private vehicle towards Eyüp.

Upon arrival in the Eyüp district, we take the cable car up to Pierre Loti Hill. Pierre Loti Hill is located in Istanbul’s Eyüpsultan district and offers a panoramic view of the Golden Horn. The hill is named after the French novelist and orientalist Julien Viaud (Pierre Loti), who came to Istanbul in 1876, settled here, and frequently visited a coffeehouse on this hill. A proposal to rename the hill as “Eyüpsultan Hill” was later submitted to the municipal council but faced strong objections and was ultimately rejected. Today, the hill and its historic tea garden are among the most popular spots visited by tourists in Istanbul.

After a short explanation by our guide and a tea/coffee break, we visit Karyağdı Tekke and the Executioners’ Graves, then walk downhill through the historic cemetery area. Along the way, we see the tombs of many significant historical figures, including Kaşgari Tekke, Sokullu Mehmet Pasha, Lala Mustafa Pasha, Siyavuş Pasha, Ferhat Pasha, Adile Sultan, Gazi Ethem Pasha, and Marshal Fevzi Çakmak.

We then visit the Eyüp Sultan Mosque and the Tomb of Eyüp Sultan. Eyüp Sultan Mosque is located on the shores of the Golden Horn, outside the ancient Walls of Constantinople, in the Eyüpsultan district of Istanbul. Within the mosque complex lies the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a close companion and standard-bearer of the Prophet Muhammad, making this site one of the most spiritually significant places in the city.

After visiting this sacred site, we enjoy free time, then continue our walk while listening to stories from our guide about the Cülus Road, an important ceremonial route in Ottoman history. This district holds great importance for both Ottoman and Islamic history, and it is possible to see numerous tombs and graves of prominent historical figures in the surrounding area.

Later, we board our vehicle and head to a restaurant for dinner. After the meal, we transfer to our hotel in Istanbul.
Overnight stay: Istanbul.

Transportation Route & Total Distance (by vehicle)

• Istanbul Airport – Eyüp: 37 km (approx. 40 minutes)

• Eyüp – Fatih: 5 km (approx. 20 minutes)

• Fatih – Hotel: 19 km (approx. 30 minutes)

Total: 61 km (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes)

Meals

• Dinner: Fatih

Day 2

Tour Program

Beşiktaş – Dolmabahçe Palace – July 15 Martyrs Bridge – July 15 Martyrs Memorial & Museum – Çamlıca Hill – Üsküdar – Kadıköy

After enjoying an open buffet breakfast at our hotel, we begin the day with a visit to Dolmabahçe Palace, famous for its elegant Baroque style and as the place where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, passed away.

The name Dolmabahçe comes from the area being filled with stone and reclaimed from the sea during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I. In the 19th century, Sultan Mahmud II ordered the construction of a new palace on the same site. The present palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid I in 1842 and built by Karabet Balyan, with construction continuing until 1853. In addition to serving as Abdülmecid’s residence, the palace was also used for official state affairs. After him, his brother Sultan Abdülaziz also lived here.

Following the proclamation of the Republic, Dolmabahçe Palace became Atatürk’s presidential residence in Istanbul and holds a special place in Turkish history, as Atatürk passed away here on 10 November 1938. The main structures of the palace complex include the Harem, Mabeyn (Selamlık), the Clock Tower, and the Dolmabahçe Mosque. The palace contains 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 baths, and 68 restrooms, and is built on an area of 110,000 square meters. Electricity and central heating were installed in the palace in the 1910s.

The crystal-filled railings of the Mabeyn staircase offer a magnificent view, while the four-ton crystal chandelier with 750 lamps, hanging from the 36-meter-high dome of the Ceremonial Hall, gives the palace a distinctly European atmosphere.

After our visit to Dolmabahçe Palace, we enjoy a panoramic view of Beşiktaş and cross the July 15 Martyrs Bridge to reach the Hafıza 15 July Museum and Memorial. Located on the Anatolian side of the bridge in the Üsküdar district, the museum was opened to visitors on 15 July 2019. It displays personal belongings of those who resisted the 15 July coup attempt, as well as weapons and ammunition used by the coup plotters. At the Martyrs’ Memorial, we say a prayer for those who lost their lives, followed by our museum visit.

Next, we proceed to Çamlıca Hill, the highest hill in Istanbul. Büyük Çamlıca Hill is located in the Üsküdar district on the Asian side of the city and rises 268 meters above sea level. The area includes Nurbaba Tekke (Bektashi lodge) and the Çamlıca TV Tower. Restored and opened to the public by the late Çelik Gülersoy, former President of Turing, the facilities on the hill are a popular destination for both local and international visitors thanks to their natural beauty, fresh air, and spectacular views.

During our tea and coffee break on Çamlıca Hill, guests may optionally visit the Çamlıca Mosque and enjoy postcard-like panoramic views of Istanbul.

After the break, we head to Üsküdar. When Üsküdar is mentioned, the Maiden’s Tower immediately comes to mind. The Maiden’s Tower is built on a small islet off the coast of Salacak, near the entrance of the Bosphorus from the Sea of Marmara. After enjoying our meal with a view of the Maiden’s Tower, we continue with a panoramic drive to Kadıköy.

In Kadıköy, we explore the lively bazaars, receive informative commentary from our guide, and then enjoy free time. After free time, we return to our hotel.

Transportation Route & Total Distance (by vehicle)

• Hotel – Dolmabahçe Palace: 24 km (approx. 30 minutes)

• Dolmabahçe Palace – July 15 Martyrs Memorial: 6 km (approx. 15 minutes)

• July 15 Martyrs Memorial – Çamlıca Hill: 5 km (approx. 15 minutes)

• Çamlıca Hill – Üsküdar: 8 km (approx. 20 minutes)

• Üsküdar – Kadıköy: 6 km (approx. 20 minutes)

• Kadıköy – Hotel: 32 km (approx. 50 minutes)

Total: 81 km (approx. 2 hours 36 minutes)

Meals

• Dinner: Üsküdar

Day 3

Tour Program

Hippodrome (Obelisks & Serpent Column) – German Fountain – Blue Mosque – Hagia Sophia – Topkapı Palace & Surroundings – Basilica Cistern – Çemberlitaş – Grand Bazaar – Mahmutpaşa Bazaar – Spice Bazaar – Eminönü – New Mosque

After breakfast at our hotel, we head to the Sultanahmet district, home to some of the oldest and most significant monuments of Istanbul, the City of Empires.
(As all museums and sites today are within walking distance, our vehicle will be used only for the return transfer. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing an ID and a photo for museum entry or museum card use.)

Our first stop is the Hippodrome, also known as the ancient At Meydanı, where we see the three surviving monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the Walled Obelisk, along with the German Fountain, which was manufactured in Germany and assembled in Istanbul in 1901.

After our guide’s explanations, we proceed to the Sultanahmet Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque. Built by Sultan Ahmed I on the Historical Peninsula and designed by Architect Sedefkar Mehmet Ağa, the mosque is known for its blue, green, and white İznik tiles, as well as its interior decoration dominated by blue tones. For this reason, Europeans named it the “Blue Mosque.”

Following our visit, we continue to the Hagia Sophia Mosque, a monumental structure with a 1,500-year history and once the largest church in the world. Hagia Sophia was built three times on the same site; the present building is known as the Third Hagia Sophia. Construction of the first began during the reign of Emperor Constantine I, who recognized Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. It was inaugurated in 360 AD during the reign of Constantine II. The structure was largely destroyed during a riot and fire in 404 AD, and no remains of the first building survive today. After listening to our guide’s detailed narration of this magnificent monument, we continue our tour.

Next, we visit Topkapı Palace, the 400-year residence of the Ottoman dynasty and the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire for nearly four centuries. Located in Sarayburnu, the palace offers panoramic views of the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn. At one time, nearly 4,000 people lived within the palace. We explore the palace and take photos in its courtyards, enjoying the breathtaking views.

Afterwards, we enjoy a group lunch prepared especially for us, followed by free time, and then visit the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Cistern). Built in 526–527 AD to meet the city’s water needs, the cistern is located southwest of Hagia Sophia. It is popularly known as the “Sunken Palace” due to the many marble columns rising from the water.

Leaving the magical atmosphere of the cistern, we walk towards the Çemberlitaş Column. Along the way, we pass numerous shops selling souvenirs. The Çemberlitaş Column, also known as the Column of Constantine or the Burnt Column, was erected in 330 AD in honor of Emperor Constantine I, on one of Istanbul’s seven hills.

After our guide’s explanations, we visit the famous Grand Bazaar, often featured in films and TV series. Located between the Beyazıt, Nuruosmaniye, and Mercan districts, the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with approximately 4,000 shops and around 25,000 employees. It is said to host nearly 500,000 visitors per day at peak times and was ranked as the most visited tourist attraction in the world in 2014, with over 91 million visitors. It is frequently referred to as the world’s first shopping mall. We enjoy free time here.

We then walk towards Eminönü via the Mahmutpaşa Bazaar. Built in 1462 by Veli Mahmud Pasha, a grand vizier during the reign of Mehmed the Conqueror, the bazaar stretches along a sloping street lined with numerous shops. Visitors may shop freely along the route.

Upon reaching Eminönü, we enter the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), one of Istanbul’s oldest and most famous covered markets, located behind the New Mosque (Yeni Camii). Renowned for its spice merchants, the bazaar still sells traditional products such as natural remedies, spices, seeds, dried herbs, nuts, and delicatessen items. The Spice Bazaar is also open on Sundays. We allow free time for shopping, taking guests’ needs into consideration.

At the time designated by our guide, we meet and return to our hotel.

Transportation Route & Total Distance (by vehicle)

• Hotel – Sultanahmet: 13 km (approx. 22 minutes)

• Eminönü – Hotel: 20 km (approx. 30 minutes)

Total: 33 km (approx. 52 minutes)

Meals

• Lunch: Sultanahmet

Day 4

Tour Program

Fener–Balat – Bosphorus Boat Tour – Ortaköy

After breakfast at our hotel, we head to the Fener–Balat district. Due to its steep streets, the area was called “Petrion” by its inhabitants during the Byzantine period. As we walk along these slopes, we encounter charming examples of Greek (Rum) architecture, colorful houses that seem to declare, “We are also part of this city,” and the historic Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the spiritual center for nearly 250 million Orthodox Christians worldwide.

During our walking tour, we see many significant landmarks, including Küçük Mustafa Pasha Bath, Gül Mosque (former Church of St. Theodosia), Yeni Ayakapı, the Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, St. George’s Church, Fener Neighborhood, Fener Greek Orthodox College, Panagia Muhliotissa Church, Yuvakimyon Greek Girls’ High School (exterior), House of Dimitrie Cantemir (exterior), Women’s Library (exterior), the Bulgarian Iron Church (St. Stephen), Tur-i Sina Metokhion (exterior), Balat Square, Ahrida and Yanbol Synagogues (exterior), Surp Hresdagabet Armenian Church, Ferruh Kethuda Mosque, Ayvansaray Panagia Balinu Church (exterior), Ayios Dimitrios Kanebu Church, and Atik Mustafa Pasha Mosque (former Churches of St. Peter and Mark / St. Thekla).

After exploring this historic neighborhood, we board our private boat for an approximately 2-hour Bosphorus cruise. During the cruise, we admire Istanbul’s beautiful waterfront districts such as Kuzguncuk, Bebek, Arnavutköy, Küçüksu, and Kandilli, along with historic mansions (yalıs), palaces, and waterfront residences—many of which have served as locations for famous TV series and films. Landmarks such as the New Mosque, Spice Bazaar, Süleymaniye Mosque, Galata Tower, and Çırağan Palace are just a few of the magnificent structures that will accompany us along the shoreline.

After the cruise, we dock at Ortaköy Pier and enjoy free time in this lively district. Later, we head to our restaurant for dinner, followed by a transfer back to our hotel.

Transportation Route & Total Distance (by vehicle)

• Hotel – Fener: 15 km (approx. 20 minutes)

• Ortaköy – Karaköy: 8 km (approx. 35 minutes)

• Karaköy – Hotel: 22 km (approx. 25 minutes)

Total: 45 km (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes)

Meals

• Dinner: Karaköy

Day 5

Tour Program

Galata Tower – Beyoğlu & Surroundings – Tünel Square – Çiçek Passage – Hazzopoulo Passage – Narmanlı Han – Galatasaray Square – İstiklal Street – St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church – Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church – Taksim Square – Halep Passage – Taksim Mosque – Atatürk Cultural Center – Transfer to Airport

After enjoying an open buffet breakfast at our hotel, we depart by coach to the Beyoğlu district.

Today’s tour focuses on the neighborhoods of Galata and Beyoğlu, which reflect Istanbul’s rich multicultural heritage. Our tour begins at Şişhane Square, an area that has recently been renovated and is home to what is considered Istanbul’s first modern municipal building, now serving as the Beyoğlu Municipality.

From here, we follow Büyük Hendek Street to reach the square surrounding the Galata Tower. Along the way, our guide shares the story of Galata and its cosmopolitan character, illustrated by the historic buildings we pass. In the small square around the tower, we listen to the fascinating history of Galata Tower, dating back to the 6th century, and capture memorable photos of this iconic landmark. We then ascend the tower, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views and taking spectacular photographs.

After a short break, we walk along Serdar-ı Ekrem Street—named after the grand viziers who served as commanders-in-chief during the Ottoman era—passing the famous Doğan Apartment and reaching the Crimean Memorial Church, built by the British in memory of the Crimean War.

Continuing along Galip Dede Street, we arrive at Tünel Square, where our first stop is the Galata Mevlevi Lodge (Galata Mevlevihanesi). Tünel is the upper station of the historic underground line coming from Karaköy, regarded by some as the second, and by others the third, oldest metro system in the world. It is also the endpoint of the nostalgic tram that runs along İstiklal Street from Taksim Square.

From this historic square, we begin our walk along İstiklal Street, Istanbul’s most famous pedestrian avenue, stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers. Accompanied by our guide’s commentary, we occasionally explore side streets, making small discoveries along the way.

Along İstiklal Street, we encounter numerous historic consulates, inns, passages, churches, art galleries, cinemas, cultural centers, and renowned culinary spots. Highlights include Narmanlı Han, St. Anthony of Padua Church—the largest Catholic church in Istanbul—Çiçek Passage and Nevizade Street, Hazzopoulo Passage, Galatasaray High School and Square, Hüseyin Ağa Mosque, and the historic Emek and Atlas Cinemas.

During our walk, we take a well-deserved break at Mandabatmaz, one of Beyoğlu’s iconic cafés, to enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee.

After this pleasant walk, filled with stories of the district, we arrive at Taksim Square, often described as the beating heart of the city. Our guide explains the history of the square, highlighting the water distribution structure (maksem) that gave the area its name, the Republic Monument, Topçu Barracks, Gezi Park, the newly built Taksim Mosque, and the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM).

Following free time, we board our vehicle waiting at Taksim Square and depart for Istanbul Airport. Upon arrival at the airport, we bid you farewell, hoping to welcome you again on another journey.

Transportation Route & Total Distance (by vehicle)

• Hotel – Şişhane: 19 km (approx. 30 minutes)

• Taksim – Istanbul Airport: 40 km (approx. 40 minutes)

Total: 59 km (approx. 1 hour 10 minutes)

Total Distance Covered During the Tour

• Overall Total: 279 km (approx. 7 hours 22 minutes)

4 Nights / 5 Days Accommodation in Quality Hotels

Day 1: ISTANBUL – Elite World Hotel, Gorrion Hotel, or similar
Day 2: ISTANBUL – Elite World Hotel, Gorrion Hotel, or similar
Day 3: ISTANBUL – Elite World Hotel, Gorrion Hotel, or similar
Day 4: ISTANBUL – Elite World Hotel, Gorrion Hotel, or similar

GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

These general terms and conditions are an integral part of the tour program and cannot be considered independently from it.
The tour brochure is valid as of 15.04.2024. Any tour brochure published at a later date for the same tour shall invalidate the previous one.

• Cancellations made up to 30 days prior to the tour departure date may be converted into an open booking free of charge or refunded with a €250 deduction.

• Cancellations made within 30 days prior to the tour departure date are subject to a 50% cancellation fee.

• Reservations can be made by paying 50% of the total tour price via bank transfer. The remaining balance must be paid at least 1 month before the tour date.

• For credit card payments, the reservation is confirmed upon payment of the full tour price.

• The duration of the tour is 5 days and 4 nights, including 4 nights of hotel accommodation.

• Seat numbers are not guaranteed at the time of reservation.

• Any transportation or hotel notes added to the reservation are not guaranteed.

• Child discounts applied in tour packages are valid for only one child accompanying two adults.

• For children aged 0–7, a separate bed may not be provided in hotel accommodations.

• A gradual price increase system may be applied to the tour.

• No refunds shall be made for unused transportation, accommodation, sightseeing tours, or similar services.

• In the event that sufficient participation is not reached, the producer agency reserves the right to cancel the tour up to 7 days prior to the departure date. In such cases, the producer agency is obliged to inform the guests personally.

• If the tour is cancelled by the producer agency, the agency is obliged to refund the full amount paid without any deductions.

• For tours including air transportation, the airline’s terms and conditions apply to flight-related services. Cancellation insurance does not cover air transportation. Economy class is used in flight-inclusive tour programs.

• The tour guide may make changes to the program schedule (including the order of visits during the day or changes between days) due to weather conditions, road conditions, or similar reasons, if deemed necessary.

• The producer agency shall not be held responsible for sites that cannot be visited due to force majeure (weather conditions, road conditions, congestion at attractions, etc.), even if they are listed in the tour program.

• Participants are required to carry relevant medical reports regarding any health conditions, pregnancy, or medications they must regularly use during the tour.

• The hotel names stated in the tour program are the preferred accommodation facilities. Due to occupancy or force majeure reasons, hotels of equivalent standard may be substituted.

• Participants are advised to choose appropriate clothing, accessories, and footwear (such as boots, slippers, sandals, water shoes, etc.) suitable for the region’s geographical conditions, weather, and the tour concept.

• Vehicle types used during the tour are determined according to the number of participants as follows:
  Buses: for 28–46 participants
  Midibuses: for 17–27 participants
  Minibuses: for up to 16 participants

THE ABOVE-MENTIONED TOUR PROGRAM HAS BEEN ORIGINALLY PREPARED BY THE PRODUCER AGENCY IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW NO. 6502 ON THE PROTECTION OF CONSUMERS.