Istanbul Holy Land Tours & Trip Packages

Istanbul Holy Land Tours & Trips

302 Istanbul trips. Tours from 61 tour companies. 551 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

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Holy Land
From Legends to History: Turkey's Legacy of Civilizations and Culture
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Antalya, Cappadocia, Istanbul

Highlights

  • I like to spend much of the day exploring
  • Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
  • Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group

Themes

Culinary & Wine, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Yoga, Meditation & Wellness, Photography, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

Trip dates & details
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Signature City Istanbul
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Istanbul

Highlights

  • Walking is the best way to get to know a new place
  • I’m energetic and enjoy a good physical challenge, so I’m always ready to spend the day on the move
  • Whether it’s public transit, city streets or village cobblestones, I’m game

Themes

Culinary & Wine, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Yoga, Meditation & Wellness, Photography, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

Trip dates & details
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Extension: Istanbul: Ancient City - Modern City
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Istanbul

Highlights

  • I like to spend much of the day exploring
  • Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
  • Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group

Themes

Culinary & Wine, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Yoga, Meditation & Wellness, Photography, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

Trip dates & details
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Atlantic Pacific
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Delhi, Fatehpur Sikri, Istanbul, Jaipur, Kyoto, Reykjavík, Stockholm, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Explore Kyoto opportunity to visit the picturesque Kinkakuji Temple, called the Golden Pavilion for its glittering walls
  • Explore Tokyo
  • Visit to Singapore includes a ticket for a cruise on the Singapore River
  • Visit Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of Singapore's oldest Buddhist-Taoist temples
  • Discover Singapore
Show more

Themes

Around the World, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Holy Land

Trip dates & details
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Turkey in Depth
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Acropolis, Ankara, Antalya, Aphrodisias, Blue Mosque, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Goreme, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Konya, Pamukkale, Pergamum, Selcuk, Troy

Highlights

  • Explore Turkey's highlights on this comprehensive two week trip
  • Visit famous Greco-Roman sites, enjoy vibrant cities and relax on the stunning coastline
  • Discover Cappadocia's unusual landscape, underground cities and rock-cut churches

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Abdallah was a wonderful tour guide. We also had great bus drivers. We saw all of the major sights in only 9 days, 8 nights. We kept moving the whole time. The only place where there was some free time was Petra. Highly recommended."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

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Best of Istanbul & Cappadocia
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
For their reputation for flexibility, personal service, and trustworthiness throughout the planning process and during every moment of your trip
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Bosphorus Strait, Ephesus, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Pamukkale, Topkapi Palace

Highlights

  • Hippodrome: Step into the grandeur of ancient entertainment at this colossal arena, where iconic monuments like the Egyptian Obelisk and the Bronze Serpentine Column stand as silent witnesses to centuries of spectacle.
  • Blue Mosque: Marvel at the timeless elegance of this architectural masterpiece, its azure tiles shimmering under the Istanbul sun, casting a spell of enchantment over the skyline.
  • Hagia Sophia: Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring magnificence of Byzantine architecture at this timeless symbol of divine wisdom. Adorned with breathtaking mosaics, it stands as a testament to the ingenuity of human craftsmanship.
  • Basilica Cistern: Descend into the depths of history at this subterranean marvel, where ancient whispers echo amidst ornate columns and tranquil waters, offering a glimpse into Byzantine engineering genius.
  • Grand Bazaar: Lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleys of this bustling marketplace, where the aroma of exotic spices mingles with the vibrant tapestry of goods, beckoning adventurers and treasure seekers alike.
Show more

Themes

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

What travelers are saying

"Excellent service"

Trip dates & details
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Best of Turkey and Jordan
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amman, Cappadocia, Istanbul, Petra

Highlights

  • Visit the enchanting Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
  • Admire the spectacular rock formations and stunning landscapes, especially the Fairy Chimneys in Cappadocia.
  • Enjoy your visit to the must-see attraction – the archeological Amman Citadel.
  • Immerse in your time in the Dead Sea via the unwind floating experience.
  • Marvel at the breathtaking view and the highlights - the Siq and the Treasury in the pink-hued Petra

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I didn’t take this tour exactly, but made some changes based on my schedule and interests and travel dates. It was my first time in Southeast Asia and I was a traveling solo female. Liz my trip consultant and contact person was so helpful and responsive to any and all my concerns and questions. It was a trip of a lifetime. I can not gush enough about the itinerary and experiences. I am completely impressed with is company and this person. Ya ya in Chang Mai and Sam in Bangkok are top notch guides. The diving in Phuket was arranged with Siam diving, a small private boat not an over stuffed crowded one. It felt like we were the only people in the ocean. Goo, GO, GO!!!!"

Trip dates & details
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Highlights of Turkey
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antalya, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Istanbul, Kusadasi, Pamukkale

Highlights

  • Discover ancient history and monuments of the Ottoman empire
  • Visit the Roman city of Ephesus
  • See the limestone cascades and thermal springs at Pamukkale
  • Discover one of the best-preserved theatres of the ancient world, Aspendos
  • Enjoy an optional hot-air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Eastern Europe Express
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bucharest, Istanbul, Romania, Sofia

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the communist past and vibrant present of Bucharest, a city often underrated by travellers
  • Travel through the scenic Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, mingling with monks at the 10th-century Rila Monastery
  • Experience the romantic "time travel" back to the 20-th century by taking a trip on the last operational narrow gauge line in Bulgaria on route from Bansko to Plovdiv.
  • Explore the amphitheatre and Plovdiv's other significant sights on a guided walking tour.
  • Breathe the crisp air on a hike and take in stunning view in the Pirin Mountain.
Show more

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

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Classic 7 Churches Tour
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
For their reputation for flexibility, personal service, and trustworthiness throughout the planning process and during every moment of your trip
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Acropolis, Ephesus, Istanbul, Pamukkale, Pergamum, Philadelphia, Temple of Zeus

Highlights

  • Ephesus: Explore the ancient city of Ephesus, known for its well-preserved ruins including the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis, and the Great Theater.
  • Pamukkale and Hierapolis: Visit Pamukkale to see the stunning White Terraces of Cotton Castle, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters, and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, known for its Roman ruins and necropolis.
  • Laodicea: Venture to Laodicea, one of the seven churches of Revelation, and explore its archaeological remains, including a stadium, theaters, and ancient water pipes.
  • Philadelphia: Discover the ruins of Philadelphia, another of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation, and explore its historical sites, including ancient churches and theaters.
  • Sardis: Explore the ancient city of Sardis, renowned for its association with the biblical book of Revelation and its historical significance as a center of trade, wool dyeing, and religious diversity. Highlights include the Temple of Artemis, a restored synagogue, and archaeological excavations.
Show more

Themes

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

What travelers are saying

"Excellent service"

Trip dates & details
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From Istanbul to Cappadocia
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Blue Mosque, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Pamukkale, Topkapi Palace

Highlights

  • Visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
  • Discover Ephesus, once the ancient city in the Roman Empire
  • Marvel at Pamukkale, a natural wonder with white travertine terraces
  • Watch the sunrise over hundreds of colorful hot air balloons in Cappadocia

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I didn’t take this tour exactly, but made some changes based on my schedule and interests and travel dates. It was my first time in Southeast Asia and I was a traveling solo female. Liz my trip consultant and contact person was so helpful and responsive to any and all my concerns and questions. It was a trip of a lifetime. I can not gush enough about the itinerary and experiences. I am completely impressed with is company and this person. Ya ya in Chang Mai and Sam in Bangkok are top notch guides. The diving in Phuket was arranged with Siam diving, a small private boat not an over stuffed crowded one. It felt like we were the only people in the ocean. Goo, GO, GO!!!!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
London to Istanbul Rail Adventure + Cappadocia Extension
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Belgrade, Cappadocia, Croatia, Istanbul, Konya, Milan, Paris, Sofia, Venetian Lagoon, Venice, Zagreb

Highlights

  • An iconic rail journey across Europe to the gateway of Asia
  • Stay in the iconic cities of Venice, Zagreb, and Belgrade
  • Visit one of Serbia's rural wineries and Croatia's baroque town, Varazdin

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Abdallah was a wonderful tour guide. We also had great bus drivers. We saw all of the major sights in only 9 days, 8 nights. We kept moving the whole time. The only place where there was some free time was Petra. Highly recommended."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
4 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Holy Land

Istanbul Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
551  Reviews
See all Istanbul tour reviews
Excellent
79
Great
18
Average
2
Disappointing
1
Terrible
0
K

Kate and Brian

May 2024

Written on

Turkey in Depth

Be aware that this is a very busy trip, as indicated in the trip info. We covered a lot of distance and did a lot of walking, and a lot of driving. If you're OK wi...

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Turkey in Depth

I think the trip was as advertised and its not explores fault that I didn't like Istanbul or that it was too windy for thr balloons in cappadocia. There were some r...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Turkey in Depth

An itinerary that had everything. Turkey is full of pleasant surprises and the trip highlighted them really well. Our guide, Alkan, worked really hard to provide the...

G

Gina

Apr 2024

Written on

Turkey in Depth

Our guide was a wonderful leader and took great care of everyone on the trip and made sure everyone was snd felt included He loved his country and telling us its ...

O

Olga

Apr 2024

Written on

Turkey in Depth

A full-on tour which is great valuer for money visiting all the main sites in ...

Write a Review

Istanbul Tour Selection Trips

  • Istanbul is a huge city-there are so many things to see and do. Look for tours that include at least 3 days here to really get a taste of the city.
  • Mosques that are well known tourist attractions usually have a separate entry for tourists, apart from those who come for prayer. Women should be careful to use the separate women’s entrance if visiting smaller mosques.
  • Before bargaining, ask your guide what you should expect to pay for different souvenirs.
  • Since there is so much to see, travelers who want to get off the beaten path should use their tour free time to do their own exploring through the ancient alleyways.
  • Turkish people are incredibly warm and hospitable. Look for tours that include cultural activities for the opportunity to meet and learn from locals.
  • Going on a guided tour will give you much more insight into the complex history of Istanbul’s top tourist attractions and beyond.
  • Keep in mind that Turkey is a secular Islamic state. You may dress or behave as liberally as you want, but it might draw unwanted attention, even in cosmopolitan Istanbul. To blend in better, you can dress fashionably, but not overtly sexy, and avoid PDA.
  • A bathhouse, or hammam, that caters to tourist will be able to guide you through the process in English, taking out the awkward guess work.

Additional details

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