Istanbul Short Package Tour
Tour Code: CS-ISG
Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights
Highlights: Istanbul (Topkapi Palace, Roman Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, “Blue Mosque”, Grand Bazaar, “Spice Bazaar”, Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise), Princess Islands Excursion
Departures: Daily, all year round
Tour Price: From $430 per person, double occupancy (Small Group Tour)
Quick Overview
Spread across seven hills, and divided by the Bosphorus River, which separates Europe from Asia, Istanbul is the city where “East meets West”. As it’s name suggests, this tour provides an introduction to the city’s rich historic, cultural, and religious heritage. It also features a full day excursion to the nearby “Princess Islands”, a centuries-old summer retreat of Istanbul’s affluent residents.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2 – Byzantine and Ottoman Heritage Tour
After breakfast at your hotel, you begin a full day sightseeing tour of Istanbul. Highlights include a visit to the illustrious Topkapi Palace (harem section is optional), the ancient Roman Hippodrome (site of chariot races) and the Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine church that was converted to a mosque in 15th century. You will also visit the famed “Blue Mosque” and the Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest covered bazaar, where you’ll have free time to discover some of the nearly 4,000 tiny shops that line its maze of passageways. (B, L)
Day 3 – Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise
This morning you’ll be picked-up at your hotel and proceed to the “Spice Bazaar” (also known as the Egyptian Bazaar). With its array of spices, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, Lokum (“Turkish Delight”) and other exotic edibles, the Bazaar has the fragrance and atmosphere of the Middle East. After a brief visit, you continue to the embarkation point of your Bosphorus cruise, offering wonderful views of Istanbul’s European and Asian shorelines with their Ottoman palaces, citadels, and centuries-old mansions. At the end of the cruise (approx. 1:00 pm), you will be driven back to your hotel. The balance of the day is free for independent activities. (B)
Day 4 – Princes Islands Excursion
At 8:30 am, you will be picked up at your hotel and proceed to the embarkation point of passenger boats to Buyukada, known as the Princess Islands, where you join locals for the short trip to this picturesque retreat of some of the Turkey’s most affluent families. During your tour, you’ll see the islands’ traditional wooden houses and expansive summer homes, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the narrow streets and panoramic views of the Islands. Lunch will be provided in a traditional Turkish restaurant, where fresh fish dishes are the specialty. Upon returning to the mainland, you will be driven back your hotel in Istanbul. (B, L)
Day 5 – Departure
Free time until you are transferred to the airport for your homeward flight. Or you can continue your vacation with another of our escorted tours, or one of our short stay packages or cruises. (B)
PRICES& DEPARTURE DATES 2019
| Departure Period | Per Person Double Occupancy | Per Person Triple Occupancy | Single Supplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 1 to October 31 | $490 | $390 | $165 |
| November 1 to March 31 | $430 | $330 | $110 |
Note: Above rates are not valid during the Christmas and New Year Holiday.
What The Price Includes
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Accommodation at a 4-Star Hotel*
- Meals as specified in itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch)
- Transportation by non-smoking, air-conditioned mini/midi bus
- Services of a professional English-speaking escort/guide
- Full-Day sightseeing tour of Istanbul, with lunch
- Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise
- Full-Day Princess Island excursion, with lunch
- Entrance fees to the sites visited, per itinerary
- Hotel taxes and services charges
Upgrade to 5-Star or Boutique Hotel available (rates on request)
Not Included
- Gratuities to tour staff
- All items of a personal nature (laundry, taxis, etc.)
- Beverages (except for those served with breakfast).
- Visa fees
