Escape from the bustle of your city and discover the highlights of Istanbul in two days. You will travel down Turkey's timeline and sense its history, dating back to the Byzantine Empire, take a ferry between Asia and Europe, walk in a local bazaar, and taste the local cuisine.
Brief Itinerary for Istanbul Land & Sea Combo with Food Tasting Tour
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Istanbul Arrival and the Old City |
| Day 2 | Istanbul Bazaar, Market, Cruise, and Departure |
Seeking a time-efficient trip, to explore the major attractions within a limited timeframe? I'm here to assist you in planning and optimizing your trip.
- Monica Mo
- 8 years of travel advisor experience
- Has helped 5,000+ clients
Tour Highlights
Here are the awesome attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Highlights Travel (HT Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Highlights Travel (Only With HT) included in this tour:
Witness the rich history of Istanbul.
Leisurely appreciate the Hippodrome.
Take a ferry to visit both Europe and Asia in 2 hours!
Try local Turkish food in both the European and Asian parts of Turkey.
Experience an authentic local Turkish bazaar.
Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration
Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful tour for you.
Day 1
Istanbul Arrival and the Old City
lunch
- Istanbul, located in the west of Turkey, is the only city to have served as the capital of three empires and to have land in both Europe and Asia. The Old Town of Istanbul, also known as the Historical Peninsula, is the oldest part of the city and is a must for travelers.
- Upon arrival in the morning, your guide would meet you at the airport and escort you to discover the Historical Peninsula. You would first head to the Hippodrome, where you can see the Obelisk of Theodosius (approximately 3,500 years old) is still in excellent condition. Have a short break there.
- Then, we would then enter both the Blue Mosque, which is the only mosque with six minarets, and the Hagia Sophia that is officially known as the Noble Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and was formerly known as the Church of Holy Wisdom. Hold your breath and step quietly into Turkey's legendary history. Of course, your guide would be glad to answer any of your questions.
- After experiencing the local cuisine for lunch, we would visit Topkapi Palace, which is the largest palace in the area and is now a large museum. Witness the captivating treasures there, and listen to engrossing stories about the rich sultans in ancient times.
- Optional trip to enrich your tour
- Night club & restaurant (food, music, folklore show, and belly dance): You will enjoy an evening with a delicious full course meal of fineTurkish cuisine.Be entertained byclass acts of music and dance in traditionalsurroundings. This feast for the senses is presented in an orientalatmosphere, where you can discover the delights of Turkish musicalinstruments, a typical folk orchestra, and experience a danceextravaganza focusing on the traditions of Turkish and Anatolian folklore,including belly dancing.
Day 2
Istanbul Bazaar, Market, Cruise, and Departure
breakfast and lunch
- You are recommended to try a traditional Turkish breakfast at your hotel, though ordinary breakfast is available too. Your guide would be happy to help you order.
- After breakfast, we would explore the Spice Bazaar, which is one of the oldest markets in Istanbul, famous for its numerous spices and dry fruits.
- Then, we would walk to the pier for a cruise of about 1½ hours that crosses the Bosphorus, visiting both Europe and Asia with stops en route for you to take photos of sights with natural beauty and attractive architecture.
- After the cruise, we would drive you to the Asian side of Istanbul to explore bustling Kadikoy Market, which sells various delicious foods. Your exquisite lunch would be arranged there. After lunch, your guide and driver would then escort you to the airport for your departure. We hope you have great memories of this magical place and wish you a happy journey home!
Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours
Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.
Hand-Picked Hotels
We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.
No hand-picked hotels are listed for this tour on the source page.
Our Service Includes:
2 days from
US$ 499 per person (based on 2 persons, low season)Groups of 4 or more enjoy a more competitive price.
- One-to-one consultancy
- Knowledgeable local guides
- Private drivers/driver guides and vehicles as listed
- Hand-picked hotels
- Breakfasts and meals as listed
- Entry to all attractions on the itinerary
- Transportation as listed
- A 24/7 helpline while traveling
Tour code: gh-tk-6