Istanbul Short Stay
Per person sharing
The Istanbul Short Stay tour offers a concentrated experience of the city's magical sites, blending the charm of Old Istanbul with the mesmerizing views of the Bosphorus during the Princess Island cruise.
Istanbul, often referred to as the pearl of the East and the jewel of the West, stands as a unique bridge between two distinct cultures, religions, and social perspectives. This duality is not only seen in the city's architecture and traditions but is deeply rooted in its historical and geographical significance.
The weight of a nation's history is palpable in Istanbul, a city that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the meeting of civilizations, and the passage of time. It serves as a living testament to the rich tapestry of cultures that have influenced the region.
Moreover, being a city that claims one of the seven wonders of the world, likely referring to the ancient city of Troy or the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, Istanbul is a treasure trove of historical wonders. The layers of history are evident in its iconic landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
By offering a short stay, this tour allows visitors to capture the essence of Istanbul, appreciate its unique position as a cultural and historical crossroads, and witness the breathtaking beauty that has earned it the reputation as a jewel straddling two worlds.
At a glance
| Day 1 | Welcome to Istanbul. Transfer to your hotel | ||
| Day 2 | Full-day Princess Island tour incl. lunch | ||
| Day 3 | Full-day Bursa tour including shopping experience with lunch | ||
| Day 4 | Istanbul: day at leisure | ||
| Day 5 | Services end with transfer to Istanbul Airport |
Highlights
> Private return transfers between Airport and the hotel
> Full-day tour to Bursa, known as the green city
> Visit Princess Island, located 20 kilometres south-east of Istanbul, and once the place of exile for unruly Byzantine princes
Quick Contact
Itinerary
Istanbul - Arrival Day
- Welcome to Turkey Istanbul Airport.
- Meet with our representative at Istanbul Airport for transfer to your hotel & check-in.
- Overnight in Istanbul
Princess Island tour (B/L)
- This tour is a relaxing way to leave the hush of Istanbul. Enjoy the cool air and attractive sights along the way to Buyukada, the largest and most visited island in the chain. The most important charming side of these islands is that there is no traffic jam as cars and motorcycles are banned. You can only see bicycles and horse-drawn carriages around you, called phaetons which will be used by us to tour the island and the scenery beatified with flamboyant mansions draped with purple and white bougainvilleas, redolent of a more inactive and admirable era.
- Stop for lunch at a restaurant near the waterfront and gaze across the Asian shore towards Istanbul, so close and yet worlds apart.
Istanbul (B/L) - Bursa Tour
- Visit the city of Bursa, once the capital of the Ottoman Empire, on this day trip from Istanbul that starts with a 2-hour ferry ride. Enjoy the views during the trip, and visit Tophane for a panoramic look at Bursa.
- Enjoy a local lunch, and ascend Mt. Uludag, the ancient Olympus, by cable car to take in the scenery.
- Other activities include a silk market and covered bazaar.
Inclusions
- Meet and assist on arrival and departure by our local representative
- Transfer as per itinerary in AC vehicle
- Accommodation in selected hotels in double/twin sharing
- Meals: as mentioned
- Tours with Local English speaking
- Entrance fees
Exclusions
- International flights – Departure & Fuel taxes (Contact us for best airfares)
- Personal expenses, meals and drinks unless otherwise specified
- Travel insurance
- Turkey Visa fee
- Tips
- Services not stated in the itinerary
Validity
- Rate valid for travel between 01 JUL to 31 OCT 25
Contact us for any other travel date required
Country information
Best time to go
The best times to visit Turkey’s archaeological sites and cities are in spring (Apr-May) and autumn (Sep-Oct) as the temperature is warm, but not too hot.
High summer (Jun-Aug) can be hot: best time for beach holidays. Winters can be cold and many hotels though city breaks are still an option. Turkey does offer ski options during the winter months
Turkey food & drink
Turkish food is varied and delicious. It’s often meze style – lots of small dishes to sample, including aubergine dips, calamari, borek (stuffed pastries), mashed broad beans and stuffed vine leaves – plenty of options for vegetarians, too. Local food involves a lot of meat, often in kebab form – the smell of charcoal-grilled beef, lamb and chicken permeates Turkey.
A Turkish menu includes wonderful breads, super-sweet baklava (pistachio and syrup pastry) and salty white cheeses. Despite being a Muslim country, alcohol is easy to find in Turkey, especially in the touristy coastal regions. Efes is the Turkish beer of choice. Raki, grape spirit, is potent.
Turkish coffee is pitch black, very strong and often sweet. Tea is widely drunk and served black
Culture and Language
Turkish is the official language, however, English, French and German are widely spoken in all major cities and tourist areas. Shaking hands is the common form of greetings. Hospitability is a top priority. Pointing fingers at a person a considered rude. Declining an offer is done by putting your hand over your heart. Observe dress code when visiting Islamic sites
Getting around
Train travel is a very popular mode of transport between the major cities. It may be slow but can sometimes offer you some inspiring scenic moments. Coach travel is the most used way of getting around Turkey. Bus routes are relatively cheap and are most comfortable. Just about any city is connected by coach. On certain upmarket coaches, extra legroom and Wi-Fi is offered. If your journey is more than 5 hrs, a 30-minute stop is made about every three hours. Taking a taxi is by far the most convenient way of travel in major cities, but not always the quickest way. Taxis can easily be hailed on the street. Important: only take the official bright yellow taxis. If they do not have a meter, then it is a no go
Tipping
The basic rule is: tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafes and bars. Hotel staff does, however, expect a tip between 5 and 20 Turkish Lira. Do not tip taxi drivers but round up the fare. Tour Guides do not depend on tips, however, if a tour has really gone beyond what your expected, a tip of between 20 and 30 Tl will be greatly appreciated