Private Tour Highlights
- Hop between two continents without even leaving the city! Istanbul has land in both Europe and Asia. Take a ferry or cross over the bridge.
- Haggle over the price of Turkish jewelry, carpets, ceramics, and other goods in the Grand Bazaar.
- Marvel over the incredible decoration of Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. There are many buildings and courtyards to explore.
- Cruise the Bosphorus to get the best view of both the European and Asian sides of the city.
- Explore Sultanahmet Square, where both the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are located. This section is enriched with so much history and beauty.
Tour Overview
See the highlights of Istanbul! Visit the only city located on two different continents, making it easy to hop from Europe to Asia without even leaving the city. Start to peal back the layers of this ancient city, once home to the Byzantines and the Ottomans. Marvel over the extravagant Topkapi Palace, once the main residence of Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years. See the Saint Sophia Basilica, also known as the Hagia Sophia, an ancient seat of the Byzantine Church. Enjoy the beauty of the Blue Mosque, still a functioning mosque and one of Istanbul biggest attractions.
Take a trip to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s first and largest covered market. Take time to wander through the many different shops and admire jewelry, carpets, ceramics, water pipes, and other traditional Turkish goods. Haggle over prices to get a true Turkish shopping experience. Also have the chance to visit the 17th century Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s most colorful, bustling attractions.
Take a cruise on the Bosphorus, the strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. This unforgettable cruise will give the best panoramic views of both sides of the city. From the boat, see Istanbul’s iconic bridge, many beautiful mosques, and the mansions that once belong to the Ottoman elite.
Inclusions
Exclusions
International airfare (unless specifically included), airport departure taxes that must be paid on-site, gratuities, meals not mentioned, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with meals, early / late check-out, room service, visa fees/services and other personal items or services not mentioned.
Package Price: From £$ 2735
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Arrive in Istanbul
Upon arrival into Istanbul, the traveler will be met by a local Yampu representative who will transfer the traveler to the hotel.
At night, Be taken to an exclusive night club where to enjoy a spectacular oriental show and a dinner. The party includes belly dancers, folk groups from various regions of Anatolia and Turkish singers and two soft drinks/half a bottle of wine. Transfer back to the hotel at the end of the evening.
Upon arrival into Istanbul, the traveler will be met by a local Yampu representative who will transfer the traveler to the hotel.
At night, Be taken to an exclusive night club where to enjoy a spectacular oriental show and a dinner. The party includes belly dancers, folk groups from various regions of Anatolia and Turkish singers and two soft drinks/half a bottle of wine. Transfer back to the hotel at the end of the evening.
Explore Sultanahmet
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Go on a guided tour exploring the ancient city of Istanbul. The tour includes a visit to the Topkapi Palace, the main residence of Ottoman Sultans. See the Saint Sophia Basilica, an ancient seat of the Byzantine Church. Marvel over the Blue Mosque, still a functioning mosque and one of Istanbul biggest attractions. Walk through the Roman Hippodrome that was once used for chariot races. Finish the day wandering through the seemingly never-ending Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is filled with many small shops offering the best in Turkish goods including jewelry, carpets, and ceramics.
In the evening, go a walking food tour. Start the tour from a Spice Market area learning about spices which dominated Ottoman cuisine. Try sherbet (spice juice), Turkish Delight and nuts. Experience the smells and the colors of Istanbul. Then walk through Galata Bridge to Galata area. Stop to taste ethnic dishes from all regions of Anatolia. Galata district is becoming a cultural center with design shops, cultural designers, wine cellars, and boutique hotels. Taste Turkish coffee cooked on charcoal, maybe a sesame pretzel and roasted chestnuts on the way to Beyoglu. Beyoglu has little labyrinth like streets with hidden tastes of different Greek mezes, Black Sea style Turkish pizza, fried mussels, pickles, tripe soup etc. Conclude the tour with desert, either mastic rice pudding or elastic ice cream or Beyoglu chocolate. Taste all of them if the traveler has a sweet tooth. ...read less
Bosphorus Cruise and Asian Side
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Begin the day with a brief visit to the 17th century Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul's most colorful, bustling attractions. Next, travel through the Golden Horn on the way to an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the majestic strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. From the cruise boat, view the dramatic sights lining the Bosphorus' wooded shores: mosques, a bridge that for a time was the world's longest and Rumeli Hisar, a massive fortress built by Mehmet the Conqueror in just three months as he prepared to take Istanbul. Also noteworthy on this tour are the 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultans' fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges. Take an afternoon drive to Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side of the city. Then drive to Camlica hill. After the tour transfer back to the hotel. ...read less
Princes' Island
Boat trip across the Marmara Sea to Buyukada. A very colorful and charming summer resort, where the beauties of nature and traces of history are harmonized. Have lunch in a local restaurant. After the lunch, take a chariot tour. Use the rest of the time on the island for leisure. Finally take a ferry back to the hotel.
Boat trip across the Marmara Sea to Buyukada. A very colorful and charming summer resort, where the beauties of nature and traces of history are harmonized. Have lunch in a local restaurant. After the lunch, take a chariot tour. Use the rest of the time on the island for leisure. Finally take a ferry back to the hotel.
Depart Istanbul
At the appropriate time the traveler will be met at the hotel to transfer back to the Istanbul airport for the departing flight.
At the appropriate time the traveler will be met at the hotel to transfer back to the Istanbul airport for the departing flight.
Istanbul, İstanbul, Turkey
Places You'll See
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Istanbul
Visit the city that has a long, rich history. First known as Byzantium in 660 BC, this city has been home to many different civilizations. Beginning in 330 AD, the city was renamed to Constantinople during the Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman empires. After the country’s establishment in 1923, the city was renamed again to Istanbul. The city served a hub for the growth of Christianity until the Ottomans conquered, whose religion was Islam. The city has so many different layers of history, making it an exciting place to explore! The city itself is split by the waters of the Bosphorus strait, onto two different continents, Europe and Asia. This makes it easy to hop from one continent to another without even leaving the city! Istanbul is well known for its landmarks such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, the Grand Bazzar, and the popular Turkish hammams(Turkish bath houses). This city has so much to offer!
Media Gallery
Hotel Options
4 Star Properties
Istanbul : Yasmak Sultan Hotel
Yasmak Sultan Hotel
Istanbul , TURKIYE (TURKEY)
Centrally located in a world renowned city with three thousand years of history, Yasmak Sultan Hotel boasts impeccable Turkish hospitality and all the modern amenities needed to make guests feel at home. Each of the different sized rooms features a tasteful decor with Traditional Ottoman touches, modern furniture, a functional design and a relaxing ambiance.
Levni Hotel
Istanbul , TURKIYE (TURKEY)
Levni provides luxurious, beautifully furnished rooms and suites for your comfort. We are giving our best for our guests to have an enjoyable stay with us and make the most of the many opportunities offered by Istanbul. Our experienced and fully informed staff will make you feel at home and reveal you the secrets of a city they love by providing you with local tips and practical advice.
5 Star Properties
Pera Palace
Istanbul , TURKIYE (TURKEY)
Istanbul’s most iconic hotel located in the vibrant Beyoglu district for over one century, combines timeless glamour and elegance with genuine Turkish hospitality. Today Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah retains its unique heritage combined with a modern touch which epitomizes cosmopolitan Istanbul. The well appointed 115 rooms and suites retain the classic characteristics of the 19th century, with many suites inspired by the iconic guests who made this hotel their home. Afternoon tea in the opulent Kubbeli Lounge is a much-loved institution for Istanbul residents and guests alike, whilst the Orient Terrace continues to be one of Istanbul’s most popular outdoor venues, and is renowned as the place to meet in the Pera district. The bijou jewel that is Patisserie de Pera is open throughout the day for the perfect Turkish coffee and indulgent cakes.
Istanbul : Eresin Crown Hotel Sultanahmet
Eresin Crown Hotel Sultanahmet
Istanbul , TURKIYE (TURKEY)
The unique museum hotel of Turkey, the Eresin Hotels Sultanahmet, located in the heart of Istanbul which is the only city in the world standing upon two continents, will convince you of it. The Eresin Hotels Sultanahmet is not just a hotel offering personalized quality, service and comfort, but also a deluxe hotel in Sultanahmet with a private museum showcasing a cistern, mosaics, 49 other museum pieces of historical and architectural significance from Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine times and extraordinary discoveries dating from Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman times. In addition to the valuable historic pieces in our boutique Istanbul hotel, our gallery features Byzantine and Ottoman art and a collection of original ceramics including the only exact reproductions of the Ottoman Empire displayed at the British Museum of London in England. Eresin Hotels Sultanahmet has been totally renovated to provide not only an irrefutably high level of quality but also to showcase original and carefully conceived design. This means that this museum hotel located in Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district, close to the city’s main touristic, entertainment and shopping areas and just a short walk away from world-famous sights such as Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia, The Hippodrome and Topkapi Palace, has its own unique identity.
Luxury Properties
Istanbul : Grand Hyatt Istanbul
Grand Hyatt Istanbul
Istanbul , TURKIYE (TURKEY)
Journey to a destination where the traditions dimensions of East and West blend seamlessly at the Grand Hyatt Istanbul hotel. One of the best 5 star hotels in Turkey, this luxury Istanbul hotel reflects the spirit and culture of the city. Located in the new center of modern Istanbul, the Grand Hyatt Istanbul hotel brings you close to Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, the entertainment district and various shopping malls. Meeting your high expectations of five star hotels in Istanbul, at the Grand Hyatt Istanbul you can relax in modern, stylish and comfortable surroundings, and unwind in 360 luxury Istanbul hotel rooms and suites with spectacular views of the city, the pool or the Bosphorous Strait. The Istanbul city center hotel is just minutes away from the historic landmarks of the Old City, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. The Istanbul hotel’s Taksim location means you’ll also find yourself within walking distance of the main convention and exhibition centers, for a flawless business-travel experience. At this outstanding five star hotel Istanbul’s countless highlights are as close at hand as any guest could wish for. One of the best hotels in Istanbul in which to sample authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, the Grand Hyatt Istanbul Hotel invites you to please your palate at a host of Istanbul restaurants and lounges, including new Restaurant 34, The Mezzanine Bar & Lounge, The Library Bar and Gazebo. From a owned Italian pizzas to our exclusive cocktails by the pool, our luxury hotel in Istanbul has a range of dining options that is guaranteed to delight every guest. Our luxury Istanbul hotel offers modern spa treatments and authentic hammam rituals in Gaia Spa & Fitness Center. For on-site events, meetings and those wishing to hold their wedding in one of the top hotels in Istanbul, a dedicated staff of planners and caterers awaits, ready to deliver the world-renowned Hyatt service that guests might expect of 5 star hotels in Istanbul, and that ensures a standout gathering. The last word in Istanbul 5 star hotels, the Grand Hyatt Istanbul’s superb facilities include a hair and beauty salon, a stunning outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace with poolside bar, and free floodlit tennis courts for guests to enjoy. We can even arrange private tennis tuition in the comfort of our Istanbul hotel. It’s our commitment to provide the highest standards of service and our attention to the little details that ensure our guests have the most pleasurable stay that makes the Grand Hyatt Istanbul stand out from other hotels in Istanbul as being one of the best hotels in the city. Whether visiting for business or leisure, your search for hotels in Istanbul ends and your perfect break begins at the Grand Hyatt Istanbul Hotel, a truly outstanding hotel in Istanbul.
Istanbul : Ciragan Palace Kempinski
Ciragan Palace Kempinski
Istanbul , TURKIYE (TURKEY)
Welcome to the only Ottoman Imperial Palace and Hotel on the Bosphorus. Ciragan Palace Kempinski offers a resort ambiance in the city and reflects the ultimate luxury of a genuine Ottoman Palace. With a total of 313 rooms, including 282 rooms and 20 suites in the main hotel section and 11 suites in the imperial palace section the hotel’s restaurants & bars, offer a blissful culinary experience. Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is regarded as the city’s most distinguished high profile meetings & congresses for private companies, or extravagant weddings & social events that create memories to remember for a life time experience. Beyond all the Spa facilities, a favorite is the winter heated infinity outdoor pool, which gives you the feeling of floating on the Bosphorus. Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is the only hotel in Istanbul accessible by car, yacht and helicopter.
