Experience the iconic city of Istanbul, the gateway between Europe and Asia, and a centre of culture, art and politics for more than 2,000 years. Consistently rated as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Istanbul, with its glorious past as Constantinople and Byzantium, has been attracting world travellers for centuries. This 4-day excursion makes the perfect stopover on long-haul flights to and from tours in India, Africa, the Middle East and beyond. Türkiye’s crowning jewel provides a tantalizing mix of East and West, boasting monumental architecture and famously friendly people. This city is, after all, where Europe and Asia meet.
| Tour Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Duration | : | 4 days |
| Minimum | : | 2 persons |
| Average | : | 14 persons |
| Price (From) | : | US$ 595 |
| International air not included | ||
Day 01: Arrive Istanbul
Hoşgeldiniz! Welcome to stunning Istanbul*. Set on the Bosporus peninsula, with part of the city in Europe and part in Asia, Istanbul is perhaps one of the most important cities in history. Born as Byzantium and later renamed Constantinople, Istanbul served as an imperial capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires for almost 16 centuries. Upon arrival, we are met at Istanbul Ataturk Airport and transferred to our hotel. Hotel check in time starts from 1500hrs. Balance of the day is free to relax or take in some of the city’s incredible architecture, which reflects its grandiose history.
Overnight: Hotel in Istanbul (3 nights)
Day 02: Istanbul
We start by taking in the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a massive 1,500-year-old basilica originally built by Constantine the Great. Across the majestic square, we discover the dominating Sultan Ahmed Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque due to its blue-tiled interior. Next, see the Byzantine Hippodrome, where chariot races and athletic events took place in antiquity. We then experience legendary Topkapi Palace, which served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. End the day with a visit to the vibrant Grand Bazaar - one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered alleys and over 4,000 shops on a total area of 30,700 m². (B)
Day 03: Istanbul
Today’s tour starts with a visit of the Spice Bazaar, the center for the spice trade in Istanbul. We then board the Bosphorus Cruise, a magical journey which covers both European and Asian shores. Cruising along and we are treated with views of the Maiden Tower (Kiz Kulesi), Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortakoy, Fethi Ahmet Pasa Mansion, Ortakoy Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace,Kuleli Military School, Arnavutkoy, Bebek and more highlights of Istanbul located on both sides of the Bosphorus. Afternoon, we cross the Bosphorus Bridge to Asia and visit Beylerbeyi Palace the summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans. We end our day with a visit to Camlica Hill and get a wonderful panoramic view of a city that is impossible to forget. Balance of the day is free.
Evening an optional activity near Hagia Sophia Basilica and Topkapi Palace – Istanbul’s striking cultural mosaic. Transformed from a large 15th Century Hamam (Turkish bath), it showcases the mystical ritual of the Mevlevi Order, whose whirling dance has been declared a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity. The Sema, is a journey through man’s spiritual ascent to “perfection” through mind and love - a truly unmissable and astonishing experience of music and moves. You can also see exhibits of to the world of dervishes. Cost is US$ 100 per person based on minimum of 2 persons. (B)
Day 04: Depart Istanbul
After a fascinating exploration of Istanbul, we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight. Check out time is by 1100 hrs. (B)
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Departure Dates & Prices
We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here
| 2025 | Per Person on Three Sharing |
Single Room Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Departures | ||
| 5* Hotels: Hotel Sura Hagia Sophia | US$ 790 | - |
| 4* Hotels: Hotel Levni | US$ 630 | - |
| 4* Hotels: Asur Hotel | US$ 595 | - |
| 2025 | Per Person on Twin Sharing |
Single Room Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Departures | ||
| 5* Hotels: Hotel Sura Hagia Sophia | US$ 830 | US$ 380 |
| 4* Hotels: Hotel Levni | US$ 675 | US$ 290 |
| 4* Hotels: Asur Hotel | US$ 625 | US$ 250 |
| 2025 | Per Person on Three Sharing |
Single Room Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Departures | ||
| 5* Hotels: Hotel Sura Hagia Sophia | CA$ 1137 | - |
| 4* Hotels: Hotel Levni | CA$ 907 | - |
| 4* Hotels: Asur Hotel | CA$ 857 | - |
| 2025 | Per Person on Twin Sharing |
Single Room Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Departures | ||
| 5* Hotels: Hotel Sura Hagia Sophia | CA$ 1195 | CA$ 547 |
| 4* Hotels: Hotel Levni | CA$ 972 | CA$ 418 |
| 4* Hotels: Asur Hotel | CA$ 900 | CA$ 360 |
Notes
Inclusions
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 2 and average group size of 14 participants
Customised Itinerary
If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.
Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378.
Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.
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