Top Istanbul Hot Air Balloon Rides

Although many cross-country tours in Turkey only allocate a day to Cappadocia’s preternatural landscape and innovative architecture, most travelers find that a two-day tour strikes the right balance between seeing the region’s highlights and sacrificing time elsewhere in the country. See all of the highlights of Cappadocia comfortably during this two-day tour departing from Istanbul. Don’t risk running out of time to see all of the region’s unique natural heritage; instead, make sure you get to experience all of Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes, its cave churches, and the underground city.

Escape Istanbul’s bustle on a luxury sunset cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Sail between Europe and Asia as golden light reveals panoramic, water-level views of the city. Enjoy prime photo opportunities of Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and other iconic landmarks. This small-group experience includes live commentary in English and Spanish, with optional hotel pickup from select areas.

With its otherworldly valleys, underground cities, and rock-cut churches and monasteries, Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most unique regions—but organizing a trip there from Istanbul involves a lot of complicated planning. Leave the hassle at home; this easy overnight tour includes round-trip domestic flights, accommodation, and door-to-door ground transfers. Upgrade to include a hot-air balloon flight or a more luxurious hotel experience.

Step aboard a cruise between Europe and Asia on the Bosphorus to enjoy dinner and shoreline views. Eat a 3-course menu of traditional Turkish meze at a private table accompanied by soft drinks and alcohol. In addition to enjoying views of the sites on shore—such as the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridge and the Bosphorus Bridge—enjoy a show of traditional Turkish entertainment. Hotel pickup and transfer are included for convenience.

Uncover the sacred practice of the mystical Sufis at a Mevlevi Sema ceremony, held at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha Culture Center. Have the special chance to witness the 750-year-old tradition, which has been preserved on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Be mesmerized by the sight of the whirling dervishes as they perform their unique rituals during a show with a live orchestra.

Explore one of Turkey’s most unmissable destinations during this multi-day semi-private tour package to North Cappadocia. Round-trip flight tickets from Istanbul are included, plus overnight accommodation, comfortable ground transfers with hotel pickup, and activities and entrance fees. Visit the Goreme open-air museum and pottery village of Avanos, discover the picturesque Devrent Valley, and enjoy a panoramic hot air balloon flight over the region’s iconic fairy tale chimneys with skip-the-line access.

Discover Istanbul’s European and Asian sides—and taste a range of delectable Turkish delicacies—on this full-day, small-group tour. Meet your guide in the morning in Istanbul’s Old City, and be sure to come hungry: you have a day of feasting ahead of you. Explore a spice market, and enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast, before crossing the Bosphorus to trendy Kadikoy. Sip Turkish coffee, visit multiple restaurants, and discover Istanbul’s must-try dishes.

Prepare to be awed by Istanbul’s magnificent architecture, rich history, and eclectic bazaars as you discover the unmissable highlights of the Old City on this 1-, 2-, or 3-day private tour. Marvel over the glorious Hagia Sophia, learn how the Blue Mosque earned its famous nickname, tour Topkapi Palace to gain an insight into the lavish lifestyles of the Ottoman sultans and their harem, and browse the legendary Grand Bazaar, where you find everything from carpets to Turkish delight.

Spanning two continents, it's tough to figure out where to start your sightseeing in Istanbul, especially if you're short on time. This half-day tour helps you tick off the city’s famous historical landmarks and cultural sights without worrying about wasting time navigating or getting lost. See Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. Entrance fees are included, as is hotel pickup and drop-off for your convenience.

Maximize your time in Turkey by booking a two-in-one tour that explores the top attractions in both northern and southern Cappadocia. This tour is ideal for busy travelers who want to see as much as possible during their two days in the region. Joining a guided tour also lets you learn about Cappadocia’s rich history along the way—something you can’t get if exploring on your own.

Guarantee your spot at an evening of non-stop entertainment by prebooking your ticket for the Rhythm of the Dance show at the Hodjapasha Culture Center in Istanbul. Feel the electric rhythms of Turkey as you enjoy shimmying belly dancers, harem dances, folklore performances, and dazzling costumes, accompanied by live music and 360-degree video projections.

Skip the hassle of arranging flights, accommodations, and activities with this 3-day small group Cappadocia tour from Istanbul. Explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum, Avanos pottery town, and fairy chimney valleys, and enjoy included hot air balloon and camel rides. With two nights at a cave boutique hotel, meals, hotel pickup, and round-trip flights, experience Cappadocia’s culture and landscapes without the stress.

Istanbul is teeming with must-see historical attractions, but its packed city squares and maze-like streets can be tough for even return visitors to navigate. On this small-group tour, spend a day admiring the lavish interiors of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, soaking up treasures in Topkapi Palace, and haggling for souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar, without stressing over logistics, since a private group guide, lunch, and transportation are included.

Ensure a stress-free start to your stay in Istanbul with this convenient arrival transfer. Your driver will meet you on arrival at Istanbul Airport, help with your luggage, and drive you directly to your Istanbul hotel or accommodation. Travel in the comfort of a private air-conditioned car or minivan, with no extra stops to pick up other passengers and no waiting around at the airport.

Secure your spot on this popular evening Bosphorus cruise—one of the best ways to see the city of Istanbul—as it often sells out. Step aboard for nighttime views of Istanbul’s illuminated landmarks, including the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the Blue Mosque. Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner with drinks and live entertainment, with hotel pickup included for a seamless experience.

The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul’s top attractions, and waiting in line to purchase a ticket to get inside can easily shave off an hour of precious vacation days. Optimize limited time in Istanbul with this prebooked admission ticket, and explore the Byzantine-era underground landmark at your own pace. Plus, a handy, all-inclusive audioguide fills you in on the Basilica Cistern’s history while you visit.

Maximize your time in magical Cappadocia with this 3-day package from Istanbul, complete with a hot air balloon ride option. Explore ancient rock-cut churches, fairy chimneys, and charming traditional villages, guided by local experts who bring the region's rich history to life. With roundtrip flights, two nights of accommodation, guided tours, and most meals included, this experience perfectly balances adventure and convenience.

Enjoy a private, one-way transfer between Istanbul Airport and your hotel in a climate-controlled minivan with Wi-Fi and bottled water. This service includes wait time for flight delays or traffic at no extra cost, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey, without struggling to buy metro tickets or waiting in long taxi lines.

Tick off the highlights of stunning Cappadocia during this private, attraction-packed excursion from Istanbul, which includes a hot air balloon tour. Admire the region’s otherworldly landscapes and mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys from above. Admission tickets, most meals, flights, and ground transportation are included, plus a night’s stay in a historic cave hotel.

See the sunrise over Cappadocia with a hot air balloon experience that includes a one-way flight from Istanbul to Erkilet International Airport/Kayseri Airport. After an early-morning flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia and breakfast at the launch pad, you’ll lift off above Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, valleys, and otherworldly rock formations, a landscape that's among Turkey’s most dramatic highlights. Following touch down, the tour concludes with transfer to the airport or to a hotel in Cappadocia.

Discover Istanbul off the beaten path on a guided adventure where history and vibrant culture come alive. Visit iconic landmarks like the Hippodrome, Serefiye Cistern, and Suleymaniye Mosque, along with hidden gems like the book market Sahaflar Çarşısı, the Spice Bazaar, and the old neighborhoods of Fener and Balat. Between stops, savor Turkish coffee, pastries, and even a relaxing hookah session before exploring more of the city’s rich layers.

On this private full-day tour, you can discover the enchanting atmosphere of Istanbul's Old City without waiting in long lines at museums with our certified professional guides. Meet at your hotel and set off to visit Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome Obelisk, German Fountain and Sultanahmet Blue Mosque. Learn the history of Sultanahmet from your guide and wander around the Grand Bazaar. • Private Istanbul Old City tour with a private certified guide • Explore local streets and museums on a walking tour of the Old City • Customize your itinerary to fit your schedule • Learn about local history from your guide • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Explore both southern and northern sides of stunning, otherworldly Cappadocia during this guided multi-day tour. Highlights include detailed panoramic views from Uchisar Castle, a visit to UNESCO-listed Goreme Open-Air Museum (with admission ticket included), a pottery demonstration and traditional lunch in Avanos, and a look at the iconic rock formations of Devrent Valley and Urgup. Lunches, hotel pickup and drop-off, and private transportation are included.