Essential Istanbul
from $1445
Independent Holiday with small group sightseeing
4 Days ex Istanbul
Departs Daily
 
Istanbul Old City (3)
 
Experience the magic of Istanbul with this 4-day/3-night stopover package, designed to showcase the city’s most iconic treasures. Upon arrival, enjoy the convenience of private airport transfers before settling into your hotel. Over the next few days, join small-group sightseeing tours, bringing Istanbul’s rich history and vibrant culture to life. This stopover offers the perfect introduction to Istanbul’s timeless charm and fascinating cultural heritage.
 
Highlights:
  • 24/7 local operator support in Turkey
  • Explore architectural wonders such as the magnificent Hagia Sophia Mosque (view from outside), and the stunning Blue Mosque
  • Visit the historic Hippodrome, where chariot races thrilled crowds thousands of years ago
  • Discover the opulent Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans
  • Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market

Day 1: Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey. On arrival at Istanbul International Airport, you will be met by a representative of our local operator and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel where accommodation is reserved for the following three nights. Remainder of day at leisure.

Day 2: Istanbul (BL)

Embark on a small group tour of Istanbul today. Begin your morning at Topkapi Palace, marvelling at its treasures and imagining the Sultan's life. (Entry to the Harem included.) Your journey continues with a stroll through the bustling Grand Bazaar, home to over 5,000 shops offering everything from rugs to lamps. Lunch invites you to savour authentic Turkish cuisine at a cozy local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Hippodrome, once Istanbul's social hub, followed by the stunning Blue Mosque adorned with hand-painted tiles, and the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of architecture. Istanbul's charm will captivate you instantly.
NOTE: Topkapi Palace closed Tuesdays | Grand Bazaar closed Sundays (alternative site included)

Day 3: Istanbul (B)

This morning visit the vibrant Spice Market before departing on a short Bosphorus Cruise, the picturesque waterway which divides the two great continents of Europe and Asia. While the boat crosses between the two sides, you will view waterside residences, Ottoman wooden kiosks (masterpieces of old Turkish architecture), Palaces of marble, modern apartments and the historical Rumeli Fortress built by the conqueror of Istanbul to control and protect the Bosphorus. The afternoon is at leisure.
Optional (supplement applies): Turkish dinner with belly dancing and folk dancing entertainment

Day 4: Istanbul (B)

This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Istanbul Airport for your onward flight.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

  • 24/7 local operator support in Turkey
  • 3-nights’ hotel accommodation
  • Breakfast daily at hotel
  • 1 lunch
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers by private vehicle (from/to Istanbul (IST) Airport
  • Full day small group Istanbul sightseeing tour
  • Half day Spice Market & Bosphorus Cruise
  • Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
  • Museum fee
  • Local taxes and charges
  • Turkey Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

  • International airfares
  • Optional tours and excursions
  • Porterage
  • Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
  • Personal Expenses
  • Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
  • Visas (unless specified)
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Accommodation based on the below (or similar):

Istanbul Old City

Value Class: Asur Hotel

First Class: Celal Sultan or Erboy or Yasmak Sultan

Deluxe Class: The Galatea Istanbul MGallery or Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel

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Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

Value Class (3*) / 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2026 / Per Person Twin Share
$1445
  • Value Class (3*)
  • 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2026
  • Per Person Twin Share
Value Class (3*) / 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2026 / Solo Traveller
$2009
  • Value Class (3*)
  • 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2026
  • Solo Traveller
Value Class (3*) / 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2027 / Per Person Twin Share
$1595
  • Value Class (3*)
  • 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2027
  • Per Person Twin Share
Value Class (3*) / 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2027 / Solo Traveller
$2235
  • Value Class (3*)
  • 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2027
  • Solo Traveller
First Class (4*) / 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2026 / Per Person Twin Share
$1715
  • First Class (4*)
  • 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2026
  • Per Person Twin Share
First Class (4*) / 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2026 / Solo Traveller
$2589
  • First Class (4*)
  • 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2026
  • Solo Traveller
First Class (4*) / 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2027 / Per Person Twin Share
$1895
  • First Class (4*)
  • 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2027
  • Per Person Twin Share
First Class (4*) / 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2027 / Solo Traveller
$2879
  • First Class (4*)
  • 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2027
  • Solo Traveller
Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2026 / Per Person Twin Share
$2189
  • Deluxe Class (5*)
  • 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2026
  • Per Person Twin Share
Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2026 / Solo Traveller
$3295
  • Deluxe Class (5*)
  • 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2026
  • Solo Traveller
Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2027 / Per Person Twin Share
$2435
  • Deluxe Class (5*)
  • 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2027
  • Per Person Twin Share
Deluxe Class (5*) / 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2027 / Solo Traveller
$3675
  • Deluxe Class (5*)
  • 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2027
  • Solo Traveller
Class
  • Value Class (3*)
  • First Class (4*)
  • Deluxe Class (5*)
Travel Date
  • 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2026
  • 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2027
Room Type
  • Per Person Twin Share
  • Solo Traveller

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