10 Tours in Istanbul That You Shouldn't Miss

March 29, 2022 Myesha Cogley

The mosques, bazaars, and Turkish baths of Istanbul could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip: an eyeful of breathtaking architecture here, a good-natured haggle over a carpet there. Kick your trip off at the awe-inspiring Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), which is visible from many points of the city. Stroll the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artifacts. The Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse, while the Egyptian Bazaar is a fragrant trove of spices and fruits.
Restaurants in Istanbul

1. Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht Istanbul Bosphorus

Unkapanı - Kadir Has Üniversitesi, Cibali, 34083 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Bosphorus Tours Istanbul
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 33 reviews

Along a 2 hours evening sunset cruise, enjoy unique views, comfort and a relaxing environment on board with private yacht. Aboard the glass-encased luxury yacht, enjoy the Istanbul’s main attractions at dusk, including the Maiden’s Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Ortakoy Mosque Bosphorus Bridge and much more… Savor a delicious traditional Turkish drink such as demirhindi and canapés as you cruise the strait and delight in the magic of Istanbul’s urban shoreline as night falls.

Inclusions: Delicious canapés and snacks served aboard, Hotel pick-up and drop off, Delicious Snacks Served Aboard, Soft drinks, Coffee and/or Tea, Unbeatable and unique and photo opportunities during istanbul bosphorus sunset

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Billalkathrada

Something amazing, highly recommend. Forget any other cruise, you have to book with these guys. The trips start with not only picking you up from the hotel, but providing fresh fruit, savoury and drinks throughout the whole cruise. Staff are really friendly and treat you like family (this is what I call personalised treatment) you will not find a better cruise in Istanbul ????????

2. 2 Days Cappadocia Tour From Istanbul

Tours Flame
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 17 reviews

Experience all of the scenes of Cappadocia. Watch the sunrise from a hot air balloon as you float above the fairy chimneys that dot the landscape. Stay in one of the charming cave hotels built into the volcanic rocks of Göreme. Tour the famous sites of the region such as the underground city of Derinkuyu, Uçhisar Castle, Göreme Open Air Museum, Selime Monastery and the Ihlara Valley. Have an adventure you’ll never forget!

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, All Fees and Taxes, Round trip flight tickets with taxes, All airport transfers, 2 Day tour (Tour guide, Lunch, transportation (max 15 pax) and all entrance fees, Cave Boutique hotel with breakfast, Vegetarian Menu according to your wishes, Domestic Tax

Exclusions: Dinner, Drinks, Tips

Reviewed By usmanali173

My wife and I plan to go to some tour outside istanbul. But we don’t realize how to make it possible. Therefore, we have consulted with this travel agency whose service is very much appreciated. They themselves arranged everything for us such as flights, hotel reservations and even transportation services. With my wife, I enjoyed a balloon ride in Cappadocia that will haunt us for a lifetime. Trojan Horse in Troy and Pamukkale Thermal pools was very good too. Overall We had very good experience.

3. İstanbul Private Airport Transfer

Saw Airport Transfer
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 43 reviews

Take the worry out of your arrival or departure from Istanbul Airport and avoid the unreliable local taxis with a guaranteed transfer to or from your accommodation in all areas of Istanbul. Avail of a reliable and hassle-free ground transportation provider and get a welcome meet and greet on arrival by professional team. Sit back and relax in a vehicle exclusive to you and your group, and make your way directly to your hotel, apartment or private residence with ease. Benefit from flight tracking to avoid any unnecessary waiting fees and to make sure that your driver is ready on time. The service is available 24/7 to suit your needs, whatever time your flight is scheduled to arrive or depart. We know how to serve

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes, One-way private transfer, Local taxes

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By Discover57900894822

Amazing experience travelling with them to the airport from hotel. Very kind and cooperative driver and very affordable.

4. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Dance Shows

Istanbul Bosphorus Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 29 reviews

Begin your 3-hours Bosphorus dinner cruise with either a coach pickup from your hotel or join your guide at the port. Then, board your festive boat for a sightseeing cruise of the Bosphorus Strait and see the monument-laden European and Asian coastlines. To help you settle in, grab a complimentary drink from the cabin bar, and then pick your favorite viewpoint to gaze out at Istanbul’s stunning monuments. Enjoy this exciting performance of music and dancing which sheds light on the city’s Anatolian culture. As the show picks up, get ready for classic belly dancing with playful twists and shakes enjoyed by all. Once the show is over, spend the last few minutes admiring the sparkling city as your boat arrives at the port. Next, either head back to your hotel by coach or continue your evening from here at your leisure.

Inclusions: Rich Ordovr Plate,The speciality of the day, Meatball, Grilled chicken or Grilled Fish, Salad, Seasonal Fresh Fruits,Soft Drinks (with 10 euro extra, you can include unlimited local alcoholic drinks), Air-conditioned vehicle, Two ways hotels transfers from centrally located hotels, 3-Hours boat cruise on double deck boat, Great Turkish night shows including whirling dervishes and folk dances, Turkish belly dance shows

Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages (can be purchased at the cash bar)

Reviewed By donSly_

its sos beautiful this bosphorus and the houses on the twi sides are very impressive and expensive. Boat tour was amazing

5. Short Circle Bosphorus Yacht Cruise

Bosphorus Tour Istanbul
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Morning Bosphorus Cruise on Luxury Yacht See both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul on a 2.5-hour boat cruise of the Bosphorus Strait. Get the opportunity to visit a lovely village on the Asian side and try the most delicious yogurt in the world ever. The best way to see Istanbul is from the water! Board SUNSET BOSPHORUS YACHT, our two-deck yacht, for an unforgettable Istanbul sightseeing cruise. You’ll get a panoramic view of the Bosphorus Bridges, Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Beylerbeyi Palace, Maiden's Tower, and more. During your 2 hours and 30 min Bosphorus sightseeing cruise, you’ll be free to wander between decks to capture the best shots of Istanbul’s attractions. Our experienced guide will illustrate the history of what you see during the cruise; Bosphorus has a storied past, and our guides know the fun facts you can’t find in a tourist handbook. See why this is one of the best Istanbul city sightseeing cruises. Book now and enjoy your adventure with us!

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Bottled water, Turkish delight served with along Turkish coffee, Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board

Exclusions:

Reviewed By 548ricardoh

This was the highlight of my trip here in Istanbul. The company contacted me instantly after i booked with the meet up location. The yacht is exactly what they show in the picture. It is very clean beautiful comfortable and picture worthy. Great for kids as well. They shared valuable historical information about both sides of Turkey. There were complementary snacks and juices given on board. I will highly recommend this trip for the obvious name. Sunset Cruise.

6. Taste of Two Continents Food Tour

Brew Coffeeworks Sirkeci, Hobyar, Hamidiye Cd. No:60, 34112 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Istanbul on Food - Culinary Tours
Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 794 reviews

Get a taste for both sides of Istanbul. Indulge in a market breakfast in Europe in the heart of the historic Old City, before going to Asia and exploring the fashionable streets of Kadıköy. We’ll make 10 different stops during our walk with a variety of samples at each – enough to fill your belly to the brim with all the amazing Turkish flavours! From home-made dishes and street foods, to traditional kebabs and Turkish ice cream – the Taste of Two Continents tour is your chance to immerse yourself inside Istanbul’s food scene and acquaint yourself with Turkish culture and habits.

Inclusions: Around 5-6 exciting and local non-alcoholic drinks., 10 uniquely different eateries and restaurants, multiple tastings at each, Friendly, knowledgeable and passionate English-speaking tour guide, A day filled with culinary, cultural, historic and personal anecdotes, with a local insider’s view

Exclusions: Gratuities, No vegetarian food options at 2-3 of the food stops, No vegan food options at 4-5 of the food stops

Reviewed By henryh12345

Loved the variety of food and variety of neighborhoods that we trekked through - super The Mussel man place was awesome; never would have discovered it otherwise. The other half loved the pide and ice cream. Lastly, thank you Mehmet for the good chats!

7. Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour İstanbul 3 Hours Tour With 1 Hour Stop in Asia Side

Hoca Paşa, Ebussuud Cd. No:2, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Blue Brothers Bosphorus Cruise
Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 114 reviews

What makes this 3-Hour tour stands out from all the other is that you will be with friendly staff that will make sure to give you a great service, fun and as much as information as possible. Passing under the beautiful Galata Bridge, the guide will tell you its history and tell you many interesting stories about the other attractions we see during this 3 hour boat tour. When we get the Asia side we will stop in asia side, under the bosphorus bridge, you will have change see closer the beauty of bosphorus. We will also take beautiful photos of you in front of the Rumeli fortress and other places we pass by. You will get to choose your booking time either in the morning at 11 AM or the late afternoon at 5 PM.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions:

Reviewed By Mehrshinn

A great tour with a knowledgable, nice, caring and kind leader (Fahim). We enjoyed our time and definitely would recommend it to others. یه تور کروز عااالی با لیدری فهیم عزیز که بسیار خوش برخورد و مهربان و با معلومات بودن. ما که لذت بردیم.

8. Historic Off the Beaten Path Tour of the Real Istanbul

Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant, Alemdar, Divan Yolu Cd. No:6, 34400 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey Real Istanbul Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 94 reviews

See Turkey like a local on this historic off-the-beaten-path tour of the real Istanbul. Go where the locals go, and experience life in the back streets of Istanbul. Wind through the hills of Fener, home to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Church and colorful Greek and Ottoman Houses. Meeting point is Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant

Inclusions: Light refreshment, Practice of hookah at favorite local hangout, Professional guide, Public transportation; ferry and bus, Lunch

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Drinks

Reviewed By Richard F

we started out with the "off the beaten path" tour and half way through I knew I had to book the full day private walking tour the next day. Our guide, Emir, had a remarkable knowledge of Turkish history combined with a fantastic personality, and after two tours we now have a friend who we hope to see when we return.

9. Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Tour

Guided Istanbul Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,025 reviews

Visit top-sights of Istanbul with your private family and kid friendly tour guide in 1-2 or 3 days; DAY-1 Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, German Fountain, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace. DAY-2 Spice Market, Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower(from outside).  DAY-3 Suleymaniye Mosque, Chora Church, Fener-Balat Districts, Iron Church, Pierre Lotti Panorama Hill by Cable Car.

Inclusions: Private tour, Professional local guide

Exclusions: Museum/Attraction Tickets, Transportation from/back to hotel and between sites (unless option selected), Lunch, Gratitude (suggested)

Reviewed By michaelzX71IY

Sergio was an amazing guy, showed me and my girlfriend beautiful places in Istanbul. He also spoke english very well and told us a lot of interesting facts about Turkey‘s history and culture.

10. Istanbul Full Day Old City Tour

Turkey Tours Company
Excellent
95%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 40 reviews

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. (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. (Closed on Sunday) Hagia Irene also called as “St. Eirene” Church. It is one of the oldest Byzantium churches in Istanbul, was the 2nd largest church of the Eastern Roman Empire after Hagia Sophia. (Closed on Tuesday)

Inclusions: Entrance Fees, Professional Licensed Tour Guide, Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off, A/C Mercedes Sprinter

Exclusions: Food & Drinks, Personal Expenses, Driver & Guide Tips – Gratitue, Topkapi Palace Harem Entrance Fee

Reviewed By freddyp463

That was an excellent trip from the beginning till end. Every step of the tour was unique and perfect. Not only guide but also driver were respectful and funny people. We love it! Highly recommended! Trip was beyond my expectations. Thanks for the team they helped us much. Superb!

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.