Top Istanbul Day Trips

Uncover ancient Greek mythology and the history of the Trojan War during this guided day trip to Troy from Istanbul. During a walking tour, learn about the famous archaeological site of Troy and see a replica statue of the Trojan Horse. Then, delve into the interesting era’s of Troy and discover how this settlement transformed over time. Plus, enjoy a visit to the small coastal town of Eceabat for lunch.

Travel back in time nearly two millennia and discover the House of Virgin Mary and Ephesus during this guided day trip from Istanbul. With round-trip flights to Izmir included, you'll fly to the best preserved ancient city in the eastern Mediterranean for an epic trip. Stroll along roads once roamed by toga-clothed Romans; enjoy visits to the Library of Celsus, the stunning Great Theatre; gaze at temples and walk along shop-lined streets. You'll then explore the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, have lunch, and highlight your day with a tour of the stone home where it’s believed the Virgin Mary spent her final days. Numbers limited to 14 on this small-group tour.

Journey to Cappadocia for a comprehensive one day small group tour of Rose Valley, Ortahisar, Kaymakli Underground City and Pigeon Valley. With plenty of attention from your local guide discover this otherworldly UNESCO World Heritage region famous for its mushroom topped pinnacles, subsurface cities and cave carved ‘fairy chimneys.’ During this tour, stroll the verdant Rose Valley, visit the deserted village of Çavuşin, marvel at Ortahisar Castle, explore Kaymakli Underground City and admire stunning volcanic monoliths at Pigeon Valley. 

Recall the days of ancient Rome on this full-day trip to Ephesus from Istanbul by air. With a professional guide, explore spectacular Greco-Roman Ephesus, Turkey’s archaeological showpiece. Stroll the ancient streets to marvel at the 2nd-century Celsus Library, the Great Theater and crumbled shops, bathhouses and temples. Bookend your trip with visits to the House of the Virgin Mary, Isabey Mosque and the ruined Artemis Temple. Opt to return to Istanbul or enjoy a drop-off in Kusadasi after your tour. Numbers are limited to 15 for a small-group experience.

Escape from the busy streets of Istanbul for a full-day excursion to the Princes Islands. Cruise past Topkapi Palace, Leanders Tower and Uskudar, then glide across the Marmara Sea to reach the islands of Heybeliada and Buyukada. Learn about the princes of the Byzantine Empire who once relaxed on these islands as you take a horse-drawn carriage tour. Have lunch at a fish restaurant and enjoy free time to explore on your own, taking in the beaches and historic sites at your leisure before returning to Istanbul.

This day trip to Pamukkale is one you definitely don’t want to miss when you’re in Turkey—it makes it simple to explore the city and its ancient sights and ruins from Istanbul.  After a short flight and easy transfer, see the red springs of Karahayit, explore the Roman ruins of Hierapolis, and swim in the thermal waters of the Cleopatra Antique Pool (additional expense), with a guide providing historical context along the way. You also have some time to explore the village of Pamukkale on your own before your return flight and transfer back to Istanbul.

Experience the serenity of the biggest Princes' Island in Turkey, Büyükada, on this full-day guided tour from Istanbul. After traversing the Sea of Marmara by boat, arrive on the quaint island to spend time exploring by horse-drawn carriage. On Büyükada, learn about the island’s history from your guide, and enjoy ample time to lounge on its beautiful beaches. 

Explore the top attractions in Sultanahmet (the old city) on a full-day tour with a knowledgeable guide. Take in UNESCO World Heritage sites and famous monuments in Istanbul including the stunning Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Hippodrome. Then follow your guide through the Grand Bazaar, browsing the shops of hundreds of vendors with an array of textiles, jewelry, perfumes, spices and more. Your guide shares the long history of Istanbul with your small group, which is limited to 10 participants to ensure a more intimate experience.

Explore the Gallipoli Peninsula and its famous sites during this small-group guided day trip from Istanbul. During World War I in 1915-16, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) launched an Allied campaign that resulted in the loss of many lives during a standoff with Turkish troops. Your journey takes you to historic site to remember those who fought and includes ANZAC Cove and Lone Pine, Johnston’s Jolly, The Nek, and Chunuk Bair. Lunch is provided during the trip.

Visit three of Turkey’s most important historic and spiritual sites on this full-day tour from Istanbul and travel in style with a private guide, round-trip flights and luxury transfers by Mercedes-Benz. Explore the ancient ruins of UNESCO-listed Ephesus and stand in awe before the Grand Theater and Celsus Library, then pay a visit to the House of Virgin Mary, where the Mother of Jesus spent her final days. Finally, see the sparse ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Visit the notorious WWI battlefields of Gallipoli in just one day on this full-day tour from Istanbul, including lunch and hotel pick-up. See ANZAC Cove, where the troops first landed; visit the ANZAC Commemorative Site, where the Dawn Service is held; walk along Brighton beach; and learn about the war from both perspectives as you view the Allied and Turkish trenches at Johnston's Jolly.

Visit Turkey’s most famous battle sites from ancient times to WWI on a full-day tour of Troy and Gallipoli from Istanbul. Take in the UNESCO-listed archeological dig at Troy, where Spartan and Achaean warriors laid siege during the Trojan War. Follow in the footsteps of the ANZAC troops that stormed fortified beaches along the Dardanelles, and explore their battlefields, trenches and cemeteries.

Visit the ancient city of Troy with ease on this full-day tour from Istanbul. Depart from your hotel and travel in an air-conditioned minibus. Stop at the Trojan Horse, the ancient city walls, the ongoing excavations, and more, and learn about the history of Troy from your guide. Pause midday for a local lunch.

Discover the ancient history of Troy on a full-day sightseeing tour from Istanbul. Travel by comfortable coach through the European side of Turkey to Gallipoli. Cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry to reach Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guide shows you highlights including a replica of the Trojan Horse, ancient ruins from nine different epochs, the Roman Temple (Bouleuterion) and more. Includes lunch, entrance fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Glimpse into the underwater world of the Istanbul Aquarium on this 5-hour tour, plus check out one of the largest shopping complexes in the city. Visit the Aqua Florya and discover an aquatic paradise consisting of 16 marine environments, more than 1,500 species and interactive demonstrations at every turn. You will stroll inside shark-laden hideouts, stare at the undersides of stingrays and sea turtles and ogle exotic frogs and feisty piranhas. Then, at your leisure, enjoy all your senses at a 5D movie house (own expense). End your day indulging in some light shopping or lunch within the mall (own expense).

Go back in time to the Byzantine times when Istanbul was Constantinople and enjoy an 8-hour small-group guided tour of monasteries and churches. On this tour, uncover the impressive history of Christian sanctuaries that peaked during the reign of the Byzantine Empire. Visit Kariye Museum, once Chora Church, and ogle its frescoes and mosaics. See mosques converted from churches such as Pammakaristos and Pantocrator. Immerse with your guide to discover the history of palatial remains plus enjoy lunch included on this tour. Numbers on this small-group tour are limited to 15 people for a more intimate experience.

Maximize your time in Turkey with an organized day tour to Ephesus.  Forget the stress of planning as the comprehensive tour includes your plane ticket to Izmir, hotel pickup and drop-off, a filling buffet lunch, and entry fees. With your guide running the show, all you have to do is relax and enjoy one of Turkey’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Cross the Sea of Marmara to the Ottoman Empire's earliest capital on a full-day trip to Bursa from Istanbul. Sample locally grown foods, explore community markets and tour a 14th-century, Seljuk-style mosque. Get sweeping views of the rugged alpine landscape while riding a teleferique up Mount Olympus for a Turkish BBQ lunch with time to explore on your own. Visit an atmospheric tea house in the old Silk Market to learn about Bursa’s historic artisans and traders then finish your day with a return trip to Istanbul.

Take a break from busy Istanbul with a full-day tour to Lake Sapanca and the village of Masukiye, located on the Gulf of Izmit. Go boating on Lake Sapanca, visit the Masukiye waterfalls, and have lunch in the village. In the summer, stop at the zoo before heading to the lake, and in the winter, check out the snowy slopes of Mount Kartepe. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

Take the time to explore Istanbul’s most magnificent sites at your own pace with a full-day, guided tour of the city's historic places and landmarks. Follow in the footsteps of charioteers and Roman soldiers at the Hippodrome, then see the arcing tiles of the Blue Mosque. Listen for the whispers of courtiers and sultans inside Topkapi Palace, then see Hagia Sophia’s stunning murals and minarets. Browse the vibrant displays at the iconic Grand Bazaar, with inside tips on the best places to find carpets, handicrafts and local souvenirs.

Relish an opportunity to learn about the Ottoman Empire's first capital, Bursa, during a small-group half day tour from Istanbul. Over centuries of rule, the Ottoman Empire influenced so much of Turkey’s culture and during this tour you will experience some of Bursa’s most historic landmarks. See the Green Mausoleum (Yesil Turbe) and the Green Mosque (Yesil Camii) famous for their tile decor. Visit the 14th-century Great Mosque (Ulu Cami) and then savor a lunch at a charming local eatery. Finally, venture to Koza Han to discover the ancient heart of silk trade. This tour is limited to 15 people to ensure a quality experience. 

Let’s start to explore Istanbul. First visit is Hippodrome. It was the center of sport activities of Constantinople. Haghia Sophia, is the most famous museum in Turkey and one of the greatest marvels of architecture. Haghia Sophia was built as a church in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian then in 1453 renovated into a mosque by Ottoman Emperor Fatih Sultan Mehmet. (Closed on Monday) Blue Mosque, as known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, this breath-taking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman Mosques in all of Turkey. (Closed on Friday) Topkapi Palace, which has been home to the Ottoman dynasty for many years, was used for educational administrative and as the art center of the state. (Closed on Tuesday) Grand Bazaar, is the biggest market and the most attractive shopping center of Istanbul which has lots of shopping opportunities with carpets, leather, jewellery, antique tiles etc. (Closed on Sunday)