Complete Istanbul 8 Days
• Istanbul
Price
€0
Overview
Step into the heart of one of the world’s most fascinating cities with this immersive 8-day Istanbul Journey. From the majestic Ottoman palaces and Byzantine marvels of the Old City to the bustling markets, vibrant Asian-side streets, and serene Princes’ Islands, this tour blends history, culture, and local life. Experience the city’s iconic mosques, museums, and underground cisterns, savour its culinary delights, and enjoy stunning panoramic views over the Bosphorus and Golden Horn.
Highlights:
- Explore Topkapı Palace and its Imperial Treasury, sacred relics, and panoramic terraces
- Admire the grandeur of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
- Sail the Bosphorus and cross between Europe and Asia for a unique perspective on the city
- Discover Istanbul’s literary and cultural heritage at the Museum of Innocence
- Taste Istanbul’s most loved street food during Kadikoy adventure
- Visit the Princes’ Islands, exploring Büyükada among historic mansions and pine forests
- Wander through the Istanbul Archaeology Museum, Basilica Cistern, and Grand Bazaar, experiencing ancient treasures, underground marvels, and vibrant commerce.
Included/Excluded
- Arrival & Departure Airport Transfers
- 8 Nights' Accommodation
- 7 Breakfasts, 6Lunches, Street food trials
- Professional licensed tour guide throughout the tour
- Air-conditioned non-smoking vehicle
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- V.A.T.
- Drinks with meals
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Travel insurance
- Any activity mentioned as optional
Tour Plan
Day 1 - Arrival in Istanbul
Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed at the airport and escorted to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore Istanbul at your own pace.
*Please advise your flight arrival details, including which airport, at least 14 days prior to your departure.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals Included: None
Day 2 - Treasures of the Old City
Today is dedicated to exploring the historic core of Istanbul on a fully guided walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Old City.
The journey begins at Topkapı Palace, the former imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans for over four centuries. You will explore its elegant courtyards, the Imperial Treasury displaying priceless jewels, the Sacred Relics Room, and panoramic terraces overlooking the Bosphorus and Golden Horn.
The tour continues to the magnificent Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), admired for its harmonious proportions, cascading domes, and exquisite Iznik tiles that glow with shades of blue.
Next, step inside Hagia Sophia Mosque, an architectural marvel that has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum. Its monumental dome, ancient mosaics, and vast interior reveal layers of Byzantine and Ottoman history.
After the tour, you will return to the hotel. The evening is free to enjoy Istanbul independently.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 - The Best of Istanbul
The day begins with a guided visit to Dolmabahçe Palace, the opulent 19th-century residence of the late Ottoman sultans. Lavish interiors, crystal chandeliers, ceremonial halls, and the famous Crystal Staircase reflect the empire’s final era and its transition toward European modernity.
Following the visit, enjoy a scenic ferry crossing from Europe (Besiktas) to Asia (Uskudar), offering beautiful views of palace, mosques, and the city shoreline.
Upon arrival in Üsküdar, discover one of Istanbul’s most authentic districts, visiting the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, a masterpiece by architect Sinan, and the intimate Şemsi Paşa Mosque, set along the shoreline. Time is allowed to relax in a local café before returning to the hotel.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 - The Mystic Beyoğlu
Begin the day with a private Bosphorus yacht cruise, sailing between two continents while admiring Ottoman palaces, waterfront mansions, suspension bridges, and historic fortresses.
After disembarking, enjoy a leisurely walk along İstiklal Avenue, Istanbul’s most famous pedestrian street, lined with boutiques, historic buildings, galleries, and cafés. In Galata, ascend the iconic Galata Tower, dating back to the 14th century, for breathtaking panoramic views over the Golden Horn, Bosphorus, and historic peninsula.
The cultural journey continues at the Museum of Innocence, inspired by Orhan Pamuk’s Nobel Prize–winning novel. Through evocative displays, guests experience a poetic narrative blending memory, love, and Istanbul’s social history.
Descend toward the waterfront and cross the lively Galata Bridge, where fishermen line the railings and ferries glide below. Return to the hotel afterward.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - The Eternal City
Today explores Istanbul’s monumental and spiritual heritage. Begin with the Walls of Istanbul, a masterpiece of Byzantine military engineering that once protected Constantinople for centuries. Continue to the former Chora Church (Kariye Mosque), renowned for its extraordinary mosaics and frescoes depicting biblical scenes with remarkable artistic detail.
The journey concludes at one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods with a walking tour through Balat, a UNESCO-listed quarter along the Golden Horn renowned for its layered history, colourful streets, and multicultural heritage. Once home to Jewish, Greek Orthodox, and Armenian communities, Balat reveals a rich tapestry of faiths and traditions through its synagogues, churches, and historic schools, including the striking Bulgarian St. Stephen Church made entirely of cast iron.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - Büyükada Escape
Escape the energy of the city with a ferry journey across the Sea of Marmara to Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands. Upon arrival, explore the island by golf car, passing elegant Ottoman mansions, pine-covered hills, historic churches, and peaceful seaside paths. With no motor traffic, Büyükada offers a refined, nostalgic atmosphere ideal for relaxed exploration.
Time is allowed to enjoy the island at leisure before returning to Istanbul by ferry in the afternoon.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 - Istanbul’s Classic Trio
Delve into the city’s layered past with three iconic landmarks. Begin at the Istanbul Archaeology Museum, home to one of the world’s richest collections, including imperial sarcophagi, ancient inscriptions, and artefacts from Anatolia and Mesopotamia. Continue underground to the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, where softly illuminated columns and still waters evoke the mystery and engineering brilliance of Byzantine Constantinople.
The experience concludes at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest covered markets, where centuries-old trade traditions continue among vibrant stalls selling carpets, jewellery, ceramics, spices, and handcrafted goods. Return to the hotel after the tour. Evening at leisure in Istanbul
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 – Street Food Tour with Ferry Ride
Begin your day with a classic Turkish breakfast in a local café. Enjoy fresh-brewed tea, simit (sesame bagel), olives, cheese, and honey with cream. Wander through the historic Spice Bazaar, stopping to taste Turkish delight, roasted nuts, dried fruits, and street food staples. Sail from Europe to Asia (Kadikoy) with a short, scenic ferry ride. Breathe in the sea air, sip tea on board, and enjoy the best panoramic views of the city skyline.
Once you arrive in Asia, taste your way through one of Istanbul’s most loved food neighbourhoods. Try kokoreç (a bold and spicy street favourite), seasonal mezes, olives, cheeses, pickles, and fresh wood-fired lahmacun (Turkish-style pizza). End on a high note in a cozy local café. Learn the art of Turkish coffee, choose from baklava, künefe, or rice pudding.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals Included: Street food trials
Day 9 - Departure Day
Morning at leisure. Transfer to the airport in accordance with your international flight schedule.
Overnight: None
Meals Included: Breakfast
