Istanbul Discovery 3 Nights / 4 Days

4 days
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
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Private Guided
This is one of the most sought after tours in Turkey. You’ll discover Istanbul, a city of business frenzy, entertainment, and a wealth of rich Turkish culture. Absorb it’s ancient structures, traveling from its mosques to the Roman influenced architecture. On your arrival day you'll be transferred to your hotel in the center of the historic district, Sultan...
From$3,540
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Hagia Sophia: Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Greek Orthodox Christian cathedral, later converted into an Ottoman imperial mosque and now a museum.
    • Blue Mosque: Explore the stunning Blue Mosque, one of the most famous mosques in Turkey, known for its intricate blue tiles and impressive architecture.
    • Hippodrome and Basilica Cistern: Marvel at the ancient Hippodrome, once the sporting and social center of Constantinople, and explore the mysterious Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir built during the Byzantine period.
    • Grand Bazaar: Experience the bustling atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, offering a vast array of goods including jewelry, textiles, spices, and more.
    • Topkapi Palace: Take a guided tour of the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, and explore its opulent rooms, courtyards, and the Imperial Harem.
    • Spice Market / Egyptian Bazaar: Wander through the vibrant Spice Market, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, where you can indulge in the sights and aromas of exotic spices, herbs, and Turkish delights.
    • Bosphorus Boat Tour: Enjoy a scenic boat tour along the Bosphorus Strait, taking in panoramic views of Istanbul's iconic skyline and landmarks from the water.
    • Turkish Coffee: Experience a moment of tranquility at one of Istanbul's best Turkish coffee cafes, savoring the rich flavors of traditional Turkish coffee.

What's this trip about?

    This is one of the most sought after tours in Turkey. You’ll discover Istanbul, a city of business frenzy, entertainment, and a wealth of rich Turkish culture. Absorb it’s ancient structures, traveling from its mosques to the Roman influenced architecture. On your arrival day you'll be transferred to your hotel in the center of the historic district, Sultanahmet, and may choose to spend time this evening wandering the area. The next day take advantage of your guide’s knowledge on visits to St. Sophia Church and the Blue Mosque, known for its blue colored tiles and architecture. Continue your tour to Byzantine Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar - a massive bazaar where virtually every knick-knack is available. Your second full day of touring will start at the Topkapi palace, where you start to understand the unique mystical Ottomans. Next, you'll visit the Spice Bazaar / Egyptian Bazaar before embarking on a tour of the Bosphorus Straits, where seasonally you may see an amazing sunset. You'll return to your hotel for a final night. The final day will include a return transfer to the Istanbul airport for your departure flight.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityIstanbul
End CityIstanbul

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Local Immersion & Homestays
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Turkey

Attractions

  • Basilica Cistern
  • Blue Mosque
  • Hagia Sophia
  • Istanbul
  • Topkapi Palace

Activities

  • Caving
  • Culture
  • Educational/ learning
  • Hiking
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion
  • Nature
  • River cruise
  • Ruins & Archaeology

Trip includes

    • Accommodation in your choice of hotel category, or inquire to include your own selection of hotels or to exclude accommodation:
    • Platinum Class Hotel (On Request)
    • Gold Class Hotel (Hagia Sophia Mansions)
    • Silver Class Hotel (Sultanhan)
    • Breakfast daily, Lunch on Full Day tours

    • Private Tours with licensed professional English-speaking guides

    • Airport Transfers
    • 
Admission tickets to sites and museums

    • Private VIP transportation per tour itinerary

    • Parking, portage, toll roads

    • Coordination and attentive customer service throughout the tour by Sojourn staff

    • Required Association of Turkish Travel Agencies Foreign Visitors Insurance 
(a basic mandatory policy and not an adequate replacement for purchasing your own travel insurance.)

Itinerary

Day 1: Istanbul Arrival

Your private guide and driver will welcome you at the Istanbul airport and take you directly to your hotel in the historic district of Sultanahmet. That afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy as you become acquainted with the celebrated historic district of this bustling city before turning in for the night.

Day 2: Istanbul

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you will begin your day by visiting the Hagia Sophia. Later, you will visit one of the Ottoman Empire’s greatest architectural achievements, the Blue Mosque. Following lunch, you will also marvel at the Hippodrome and the Ba...

Day 3: Istanbul

Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning and you will take a short walk to the Topkapi Palace where you will tour the incredibly decorated structure and the hidden chambers of the Imperial Harem. Later, you'll visit the Spice Market /Egyptian Bazaar befo...

Day 4: Departure

A private driver will pick you up at your hotel and shuttle you to the Istanbul airport for your return international flight.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,540
Price per day$885
Last Updated: 5/3/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Sojourn Turkey.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Sojourn Turkey Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
Excellent
121
Great
2
Average
2
Disappointing
0
Terrible
2
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Other Sojourn Turkey Reviews

M

M Abu-Harb

Mar 2024

Provided bySojourn Turkey

Excellent service

Excellent service

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Response from

thank you

S

SH

Mar 2024

Provided bySojourn Turkey

Perfect service, we enjoyed the time in turkey

Perfect service, we enjoyed the time in turkey

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Response from

We are so glad you had a wonderful time in our beautiful country! Thank you for your review and feed...

P

Peter

Feb 2024

Provided bySojourn Turkey

Our visit to Istanbul was all we hoped it would be.

Our visit to Istanbul was all we hoped it would be. My communication with Sojourn was excellent and their itinerary, hotel choice and travel guide made the trip memo...

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Response from

We love to hear this! Thank you for your review

Write a Review

Tour Operator

Sojourn Turkey

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Sojourn Turkey is a Turkish-American team creating custom trips for travelers who value personal service. A fully licensed tour operator in Türkiye, it was founded by Americans and Turks who are dedicated to curating custom designed private and small group tours that immerse you in the most beautiful aspects of Turkish culture, history, and cuisine. Sojourn specializes in trips that seamlessly blend classical and special interest sightseeing with experiences of local cuisine, art, and culture. Their niche lies in providing the best of both worlds, a team of Turkish guides and planners who have close local connections, and American owner-operators who intuitively understand your expectations and aim to exceed them.
 
Established by the dynamic duo, Chris and Angela, who have made Turkey their home since 2001, they formed a team of great local guides and tour designers, committed to serving each traveler with high standards. This fusion of American customer service and Turkish hospitality makes Sojourn unique. As Americans working alongside exceptional Turkish staff and the country's best guides, they all take pride in delivering the best quality, customized tours. They have earned a reputation for flexibility, personal service, and trustworthiness among their travelers, as well as local suppliers.
 
By choosing the finest guides, hotels, and restaurants, they set the stage for an unparalleled travel experience. This commitment is ingrained in every aspect of your journey. Sojourn’s experienced staff, trained by Chris and Angela themselves, work collaboratively to bring every detail to life. With core values of Innovation, Integrity, Fun (because enjoying life fuels what we do), Valuing People, Optimism, and Excellence, they are set apart and it shows in their many 5-star reviews.
 
Plan your travel with Sojourn Turkey, where every trip is designed to give you a wonderful experience of the best the country has to offer!

Why we love this operator
For their reputation for flexibility, personal service, and trustworthiness throughout the planning process and during every moment of your trip
What they’re known for
Sojourn is a Turkish-American team working together in the country to plan and operate the best customized private tours

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International flight tickets

    • Optional gratuities to guides, drivers, etc.

    • Entry Visas

    • Additional drinks at lunch and dinner

    • Optional programs listed in the itinerary
    • International/Domestic flight tickets
    • Drinks at lunch
    • Travel insurance
    • Visas, laundry, and personal items
Guides
All of our guides boast extensive experience complemented by profound local expertise pertaining to the regions they navigate alongside groups.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

Breakfast daily, Lunch on all Full Day Tours 

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

Travelers - PLATINUM 

  • (1) On Request
  • (2-3) On Request
  • (4-5) On Request
  • (6+) On Request
  • Single supplement On Request

Travelers - GOLD 

  • (1) $3,540
  • (2-3) $1,930
  • (4-5) $1,530
  • (6+) $1,410
  • Single supplement $720

Travelers - SILVER 

  • (1) $2,640
  • (2-3) $1,510
  • (4-5) $1,120
  • (6+) $1,000
  • Single supplement $350

Travelers - HOTEL EXCLUDED

  • (1) $1,990
  • (2-3) $1,160
  • (4-5) $750
  • (6+) $620
Trip ID
sojour1-sojour1-IsDi

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