Istanbul 3 Nights Cultural Tour Old City Bosphorus and Islands

Day 1: AIRPORT ARRIVAL & HOTEL TRANSFER

1. Istanbul
   1h
   Upon arrival in Istanbul, guests will be met at the airport and transferred to their hotel. Guests will check in and have free time to settle in and relax.

Day 2: Old City Tour

1. Sveti Stefan Bulgarian Orthodox Church
   30m · Admission ticket included
   One of the most unusual churches in Istanbul, the Bulgarian Iron Church stands on the shores of the Golden Horn in Balat. Built in the late 19th century from more than 500 tons of prefabricated cast iron brought from Europe, it is one of the few churches in the world constructed almost entirely from iron.
   
   Here your guide will share the real story & then you will have time to walk around, take photos, and admire its delicate iron architecture and peaceful waterfront setting — making it one of the most photogenic stops of the tour.
2. Balat Colored Stairs
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Balat is one of the most colorful and historic neighborhoods in Istanbul, known for its vibrant streets, old Ottoman houses, and rich multicultural past. After arriving comfortably by private vehicle, your guide will lead you through hidden corners, famous colorful streets, Greek Patriarchate and places locals love for traditional snacks.
   
   Along the way you’ll hear stories of the district’s past — from old communities to the tougher periods of the city. You will also have free time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Balat.
3. 3h
   The Bosphorus is the natural heart of Istanbul, dividing Europe and Asia. As we sail between two continents, you will see palaces, historic fortresses, waterfront mansions, mosques, and iconic bridges stretching across the strait.
   
   This is the perfect moment to relax and enjoy lunch on board while the city unfolds around you. Your guide will share stories about the landmarks along the shore, giving you a deeper understanding of Istanbul as the views slowly pass by.
4. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Few places in the world carry as much history as Hagia Sophia. Built in the 6th century, this monumental structure has been a Byzantine cathedral, an imperial mosque, and today remains one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.
   
   Inside, your guide will reveal the stories most visitors miss — from the secrets of its massive dome to the meeting of Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman architecture. Standing beneath its vast ceiling, you’ll understand why Hagia Sophia has fascinated travelers for nearly 1500 years.
5. Blue Mosque
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Just steps from Hagia Sophia rises the Blue Mosque, known for its six minarets and thousands of blue İznik tiles. As you step inside, the vast prayer hall opens beneath layers of domes and soft light filtering through stained glass windows.
   
   Your guide will share the meaning and traditions behind this living place of worship. At the end of the tour, a comfortable transfer will take you back to your hotel.

Day 3: Asia & Europe Tour

1. 1h 30m
   The best way to see Istanbul as a whole. From the water, the city reveals itself naturally — palaces, fortresses, mosques, bridges, towers and waterfront neighborhoods, all unfolding along the Bosphorus.Landmarks that would take days to explore on foot come together in one smooth journey.
   
   This is a moment to relax, enjoy breakfast on board, take photos, and let the city speak for itself — while your guide shares stories and context as the skyline passes by.
2. 1h 20m · Admission ticket included
   Set directly on the Bosphorus, Beylerbeyi Palace is one of Istanbul’s most elegant Ottoman residences — built for sultans.
   
   Behind its golden gates lie marble halls, Bohemian crystal chandeliers, handmade carpets, and rare Chinese and Japanese porcelain. This palace welcomed foreign royalty, including the wife of Napoleon III, and carries stories of sultans, harems, and court intrigue.
3. CamlIca Mosque
   1h · Admission ticket included
   From there, on the buses we rise to the highest point of the Asian side, where Istanbul opens in full scale. The Çamlıca Mosque, the largest and the most expensive in Turkey, stands above the city. With its six minarets and capacity of 63,000 worshippers, it is often compared to the Blue Mosque — yet here, the experience is calmer, grander, and impressive.
4. 1h
   Enjoy lunch on board while cruising back to the European shore.
   
   A calm pause with Bosphorus views before our last location — time to rest, connect, and enjoy the journey.
5. Pierre Loti
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Istanbul from above.
   
   At Pierre Loti Hill, Istanbul reveals itself from one of its most beautiful perspectives. A place for views, quiet moments, Turkish coffee, and reflection.
   
   The experience ends with a cable car ride — a smooth descent and a perfect final note to the day.

Day 4: Princes Island Tour

1. Princes' Islands
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Your day starts with a beautiful boat ride from Istanbul to the Princes’ Islands. Along the way, your guide shares stories in English and Russian about the landmarks and shoreline you pass, so the journey already feels like part of the tour — not just the transfer.
   
   You can relax on deck, enjoy the sea views, and visit the onboard cafeteria for Turkish tea, coffee, or light snacks before arriving at your first stop, Heybeliada.
2. Heybeliada
   1h
   The first stop of the tour is Heybeliada— one
   of the greenest and most peaceful islands. Pine forests, quiet streets, and sea views make it feel
   far away from the busy city.
   
   At the top stands the historic Greek Orthodox monastery. Gardens, farm animals, and even peacocks — a place that feels almost like a hidden sanctuary above the sea. Nearby you’ll also find
   the summer residence of Turkey’s second president.
   
   You can walk up with the guide at the monastery,
   or enjoy one hour of free time to explore the island.
3. Buyukada
   3h
   The main stop of the tour is Büyükada — the largest island, where gasoline is not allowed. Just bicycles or open electric cars, which you can rent to quickly explore the island.
   
   You will have about three hours of free time. Ride through the island, walk along the waterfront, swim at one of the beaches, or try the fresh seafood and fish the island is famous for.
   
   Our guides will point you to the best spots and help you plan your time so you can see and experience as much of the island as possible.
4. Princes' Islands
   1h · Admission ticket included
   After the island visits, the boat heads back to Istanbul along the Asian shoreline, passing more seaside neighborhoods and historic landmarks while the guide shares the final stories of the day.
   
   At the port, your transfer will be waiting to take you comfortably back to your hotel.

Pickup details

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, guests will proceed to the designated arrival exit. Our driver will be waiting at the airport arrival exit with a sign displaying the lead traveler's name, making the driver easy to identify.

Before arrival, guests will receive detailed meeting instructions, including photos and a video showing exactly where to go and where to meet the driver.

The driver will then assist the guests with their luggage and transfer them directly to their hotel.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels