Istanbul Suggested Itineraries

Written by Viator, August 2010

RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Tip - Suggested Itineraries, Tip - What to See & Do

From Roman-era plumbing to Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman harems, Istanbul has centuries of history to share. After touring the mosques and palaces, be sure to relax at one of the famous Turkish hammams.

Day 1: Istanbul Tours

If time is tight, focus on Istanbul's Big Four: Topkapi Palace, Haga Sophia, the Blue Mosque and shopping at the Grand Bazaar. Or get your bearings on the 90-minute Istanbul City Tour, hopping on and off at several stops, before taking a half-day tour highlighting an aspect of Istanbul's millennia of history. Compare the city's European and Asian faces on the Istanbul Two Continents Tour, or focus on the city's Ottoman past on an Ottoman Relics Tour taking in Topkapi Palace, Rustem Pasha Mosque and the Grand Bazaar.

Day 2: The Personal Touch

Having covered your major bases on day one, this is a day to get under the city's skin. The private tour of the Egypitan Bazaar and cruise on the Bosphorus combines shopping for spices with beautiful views from the water. The private tour of Haga Sophia and Grand Bazaar blends history and shopping at two of Istanbul's most famous sites. And in the evening, when the city's mosques and monuments are floodlit, take a private tour of Istanbul by night and stay on for a Turkish dinner and floorshow with belly dancers!

Day 3: Day Trips from Istanbul

Take a ferry up the Bosphorus to the mouth of the Black Sea. For students of war history, the beaches of Gallipoli are within reach on the Gallipoli Day Trip . You also have the option to spend a leisurely free afternoon in Canakkale. The Burse Day Trip takes you to a traditional Ottoman city that's also the birthplace of modern Turkish culture.

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All Istanbul Suggested Itineraries Reviews

Reply by Viator, May 2013
Doing what: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar

Our tour guide was very knowledgable and informative. The tour itself is pretty full on, but well worth it as you get some excellent insight into Istanbul. Highly recommend it! :)

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Reply by Viator, May 2013
Doing what: Dolmabahce Palace Tour in Istanbul

This tour was perfect. We all enjoyed it very much.

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Reply by Viator, May 2013
Doing what: Istanbul in One Day Sightseeing Tour: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar

Super tour and introduction to the most famous sites in Istanbul, plus the guide and driver were helpful and adaptable in maneuvering around some of Istanbul's worst traffic. The tour group in the van was diverse in countries represented and a good time was had by all through the day and over the delicious Turkish meal at lunch time. The guide gave us options throughout the day so that people could go through some sites with him, have some time on their own, and meet together to journey to the next destination.

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