6-Day Istanbul City Tour: Old City, Bosphorus & Asian Side Discovery
Highlights
- Explore Sultanahmet, the heart of historic Istanbul.
- Visit the Blue Mosque and the ancient Hippodrome.
- Discover Hagia Sophia’s remarkable architecture and heritage.
- Walk through the courtyards and exhibitions of Topkapı Palace.
- Browse traditional shops and stalls at the Grand Bazaar.
- Experience the colours and aromas of the Spice Bazaar.
- Enjoy a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise between two continents.
- Explore Galata’s streets and Karaköy’s waterfront atmosphere.
- Discover Kadıköy’s local market and the Moda neighbourhood.
- Enjoy free time for shopping, dining and optional experiences.
Overview
Discover Istanbul’s rich history, waterfront neighbourhoods and everyday local life on this 6-day Istanbul city tour package. From the historic streets of Sultanahmet to the lively markets of Kadıköy, this journey brings together the city’s celebrated landmarks and experiences on both sides of the Bosphorus.
Explore the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace with your guide, browse the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, and enjoy a sightseeing cruise between Europe and Asia. Discover Galata and Karaköy, experience the flavours of Istanbul’s Asian side, and leave time for your own discoveries.
With five nights of accommodation, daily breakfast, airport transfers and the guided activities listed below, this Istanbul holiday offers a comfortable introduction to the city for first-time visitors, couples, families and friends.
Route
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Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport, meet your transfer representative and travel to your hotel.
After check-in, the rest of the day is free to relax or begin exploring the surrounding neighbourhood. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short walk and dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Not included
After breakfast, meet your guide for a day exploring Istanbul’s historic centre.
Begin at the Hippodrome, once the setting for public gatherings and chariot races. See its surviving monuments before visiting the Blue Mosque, celebrated for its elegant domes and decorative tilework.
Continue to Hagia Sophia, where your visit introduces the building’s extraordinary history and architecture. Afterwards, explore Topkapı Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, with its courtyards, collections and views over the water.
Finish the day at the Grand Bazaar, allowing time to browse shops selling ceramics, jewellery, textiles and traditional souvenirs.
Return to your hotel after the tour.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast included
Enjoy breakfast before heading to the Eminönü district. Explore the Spice Bazaar, where stalls display spices, teas, Turkish delight and other local products.
Next, board a shared Bosphorus sightseeing cruise. Admire Istanbul from the water as you pass waterfront residences, palaces and neighbourhoods along the European and Asian shores.
After the cruise, enjoy free time for lunch near the waterfront. Continue with a guided walk through Karaköy, discovering its streets, cafés and changing character before returning to your hotel.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast included
After breakfast, discover another side of Istanbul on a guided walking tour.
Explore the streets around Galata Tower, stopping for exterior views and photographs. Continue towards İstiklal Avenue, passing shops, historic buildings and arcades along the way.
Walk through the Beyoğlu district and finish at Taksim Square. There will be time for lunch, shopping or a coffee break during the day.
Return to your hotel after the tour.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast included
Note: Galata Tower admission is optional and excluded.
Following breakfast, meet your guide and cross to Istanbul’s Asian side by public ferry.
Explore Kadıköy, known for its lively streets, food shops and local market. Your guide will introduce the neighbourhood and point out places where you can purchase Turkish snacks, pastries or coffee.
Continue to Moda for a relaxed walk through the neighbourhood and along the waterfront. Enjoy free time for lunch and photographs before returning to the European side and your hotel.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast included
Note: Food tastings and drinks are purchased separately.
Enjoy your final breakfast in Istanbul. Depending on your flight schedule, spend any remaining time shopping or relaxing.
At the arranged time, transfer to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport for your departure.
Meals: Breakfast included
Trip includes
Included
5 nights hotel - 5 Star Ramada By Wyndham Istanbul Pera
Five hotel breakfasts.
Please Note: If the above hotels are not available we will provide the similar category hotels.
Professional English-speaking tour guides
Guiding Method Fully guided
English
Arrival and departure airport transfers.
Transportation required for the scheduled itinerary, including public transport where specified.
Return public ferry journey for the Asian-side excursion.
Shared Bosphorus sightseeing cruise.
Admission to Hagia Sophia’s visitor area and the standard Topkapı Palace visit.
Visits to the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.
Guided walks in Karaköy, Galata, Beyoğlu, Kadıköy and Moda.
Applicable taxes on the included services.
Duration: Six days and five nights, starting and ending in Istanbul.
Accommodation: Hotel category and room type are confirmed in your booking quotation.
Tour format: Private or shared arrangements must be specified when booking. The Bosphorus cruise and Asian-side ferry in this itinerary are shared services.
Walking: Several days involve walking, steps and uneven surfaces. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Mosque visits: Modest clothing is required. Women should carry a headscarf, and shoes must be removed where requested.
Visit order: The itinerary may be rearranged around venue closures, religious services, traffic and weather.
Airport transfers: Provide your airport name, flight number and arrival or departure time when booking.
Meals: Breakfast is included; lunches and dinners are at your own expense, giving you flexibility to choose local restaurants.
Optional experiences: Additional activities are subject to availability and extra charges.
Accessibility: Please advise us of mobility requirements before booking so suitable arrangements can be discussed.
Arrival and departure days: Activities on these days depend on your flight times and hotel check-in or check-out arrangements.
Excluded
International and domestic flights.
Lunches, dinners and beverages.
Vegetarian
Halal
Meat
Travel insurance and visa expenses.
Food tastings and purchases at markets.
Topkapı Palace Harem admission and separately ticketed exhibitions.
Galata Tower admission.
Optional activities, including Turkish hammam visits, dinner cruises and additional museum visits.
Guide and driver tips.
Personal expenses, minibar purchases and laundry.
Early check-in and late check-out.
Services not specifically listed as included.
Need help or have a question about this tour?
If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We're ready to help.
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Availability
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What our travelers say
Real, verified reviews from travelers who explored Turkey with us — straight from Tripadvisor.
“We had an incredible experience on the 14-day ANZAC Gallipoli and Türkiye tour. The real highlight was our guide, Mert — outstanding from start to finish.”
“The Travelshop team made our trip to Istanbul truly unforgettable. Everyone was extremely professional, from the first message to the last day.”
“Our recent tour of Türkiye was an unforgettable experience, made truly exceptional by our highly knowledgeable and personable guide, Ash.”
“Mrs. Derya Buyukgol stepped up with extraordinary commitment and professionalism, securing full refunds across all our services. Truly grateful.”
Reviews are sourced from our verified Tripadvisor profile.
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