Istanbul, Byzantium, or Constantinople! A fascinating history has bequeathed the city a vivid inheritance of Byzantine ruins, splendid palaces, old mosques and churches, exotic bazaars or if you are looking for a modern city with trendy bars and restaurants, Western boutiques and elegant suburbs, it is also in Istanbul. With this 5 days trip; enjoy a stay in a traditional Ottoman mansion, stand in awe before the golden mosaics of the St. Sophia, cruise along the Bosporus, see the sultans' treasury, and step barefoot into the world famous the Blue Mosque.
Day 1: Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul Ataturk Airport and after visa and luggage claim, meet your driver and private car, for your transfer to your luxurious hotel. A welcome package with tour vouchers, a map, and other information will be waiting for you upon arrival. There are no plans for this day unless you are interested in the traditional Turkish bath and SPA centre in your hotel. Your specialist recommends dinner at spectacular Hamdi Restaurant.
Meals: No Meals
Day 2: Byzantine & Ottoman Attractions
After breakfast, meet your personal guide for a full day tour of St Sophia Museum, the pride of the Byzantine architecture, the Hippodrome, where once chariot races were held; the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue Iznik tiles; and shopping in the largest covered bazaar with 4000 shops, known as Grand Bazaar. After lunch at an elegant casual restaurant, visit the fascinating Byzantine underground cistern and then Topkapi Palace, the famous residence of the Sultans (The harem section is not included in the tour).
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 3: Istanbul
Enjoy a free day to explore the city on your own. Upon your request, we can arrange a driver and car to take you to Nisantasi, the luxury fashion district for fine Istanbul shopping. With its impeccable reputation as the district preferred by palace residents and later the Republic’s intellectuals and influential elite, it is still one of the most important areas of Istanbul. Enjoy your diner in one of the elegant restaurants will be recommended by your tour specialist.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Full Day Private Tour of Bosphorus
Meet your personal guide and begin your day with a visit to the Spice Market, where locals still shop for herbs and spices from all over the world. Then, take a yacht cruise along the Bosphorus, crossing under the two picturesque bridges that connect the European and Asian sides of the city. Grab your camera and take pictures of the wooden mansions aligned at the water’s edge much like pearls on a string. This will be followed by lunch at an elegant casual restaurant where unique tastes of traditional Turkish cuisine are served. End the day in Sabanci Museum viewing its rich collection of artefacts. A special farewell dinner can be arranged upon your request.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Istanbul
Transfer to the airport with your private car and driver. Depart from Istanbul airport and end of our services. Alternatively, extend your stay to travel to the region of
Cappadocia, known as the home of fairy chimneys.
Meals: Breakfast
Can I book my trip online, or must I do it over the phone?
We do not have an online booking system because most of our services are personalized and different conditions may apply for specific requests. You can call us, send an email, or complete a tour request form so that our Turkey travel specialists can help you to select the best tour for your travel needs. When you submit our tour contact form, one of our specialists will contact you within 24 hours to confirm availability.
What do you need from me to begin a proposal for a customized Turkey tour?
Fill out a customized tour request form that provides us with useful insight on how to design a trip that will suit your travel needs. If you are interested in customizing one of our tour packages, you can email us the name of the tour package and estimated date you have chosen to start the tour.
Can TSC design a customized trip for our group’s interests?
We will gladly work with you to offer a Turkey tour package tailored to your group’s interests. For this, you need to provide us your group details, interests, and travel needs.
Is airfare included in programs? Can I book my international flight through you?
Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point. You can purchase your airfare tickets through the internet or a wholesaler. By booking your own flight, you have more flexibility and control of your choices - in real time.
What type of accommodation do we use?
TSC Travel use hotels situated at excellent locations and close to all amenities. Room types range from double rooms to junior suites, depending on the package of choice. Amenities and facilities may differ from those in South America, North America, Australia or Malaysia.
What type of transportation is used on tours?
TSC Travel utilize a variety of transportation methods including public and private minivans, cars, coaches, trains, flights, ferries, boats, etc. We use whichever method provides travellers with the safest and most efficient transportation option.
Do you cooperate with travel agents?
If you are a registered travel agency with a wish to co-operate in business, please fill out our contact form.