You'll arrive in Istanbul and check into your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring your surrounding neighbourhood, which is conveniently located for local dining and shopping.
Step back in time as you wander the 60+ streets of the Grand Bazaar. This historic market is one of the worlds biggest and you can find plenty of treasures to take home, including souvenirs, jewellery, spices or traditional Turkish rugs.
The Bosphorus Strait is famous for its magnificent views and shimmering blue-green waters. Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus river that separates Europe and Asia, with a hearty meal of Turkish cuisine to indulge over.
Built in 537 AD as a church, later served as a mosque, and now a museum, the Hagia Sophia offers a glimpse into the history and cultural traditions of the city. It's one of the grandest attractions in Turkey and displays artefacts of significant historical and cultural value.
Step inside the ancient home of Ottoman emperors and admire the architecture and design of this stunning palace in the heart of Istanbul. The grounds and gardens are equally impressive with grand views of the city and the sea.
The Blue Mosque is famed for its intricate design, stunning arches and expansive inner courtyard. Spend the morning photographing incredible views of the mosque and learning about its history at the on-site museum.
Discover untouched nature and beauty on the Princes' Islands! A sharp contrast from the hustle-and-bustle of Istanbul, this archipelago offers a tranquil escape from the city with breath-taking views, well-preserved historical buildings, and famous for their fresh seafood.
Spend your last day wandering the city and looking for souvenirs or having a leisurely breakfast before your flight home.
Istanbul has a well-connected metro and tram system. Cabs are plentiful and can be easily hailed on the street, but be sure to negotiate your price before driving away. For longer trips, consider taking a boat or ferry to your destination. Traffic in Istanbul can be heavy, so factor that into your travel time and arrange any transportation services or car rentals in advance.
For those with more time, there are plenty of side trips to the local countryside to explore. Consider staying near the Bosphorus region to make getting to attractions easy. Finally, be kind to your feet: wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
Istanbul's primary airport, Istanbul Airport (IST), is located 35 km from the city centre. This airport is the new main hub for Turkish Airlines, and it offers a variety of transfer options including shuttle buses, taxi, car rentals, and metro transportation services. Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is another airport located in the Asian side of the city, 40 km away from the city centre