Top Istanbul How to Get Around

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.

Istanbul is famous for its waterside landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and Maiden’s Tower—but with so many tall buildings, it can be hard to enjoy clear views from land. On this Bosphorus cruise, soak up the city’s scenery while comfortably seated indoors or outdoors, and give sore legs a break. Plus, learn facts behind each attraction via an included online audioguide requiring your own headphones and smartphone.

See the highlights of Istanbul without worrying about getting lost with this private tour. Your guide teaches you all about the city's history as you explore must-see attractions, including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and more, with time left over to explore the countless shops in the Grand Bazaar.

There's no better way to take in Istanbul's beauty than from the water. Discover many of its highlights with none of the step count as you sit back and relax on board this Bosphorus cruise. Learn history and context of what you're seeing as you go with an audio guide, and stay refreshed with unlimited Turkish tea.

Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Cistern on a 3-hour guided tour. Explore in small groups with skip the line tickets included. Learn about Istanbul’s rich Ottoman and Byzantine history.

The Bosphorus Strait divides Europe from Asia, and a Bosphorus cruise is a signature Istanbul experience. This round-trip yacht cruise, with live commentary and fun facts from an experienced guide, covers all the classic waterfront sights—bridges, palaces, the Maiden’s Tower, the Rumeli Fortress, and more. It includes a stop for coffee and snacks in the characterful Kanlıca neighborhood, onboard Wi-Fi, and hotel pick-up and drop-off for added convenience.

Explore Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait without stressing about handling the navigation or transportation with this guided yacht cruise, complete with a visit to the Asian side of the strait. Learn about the city's history, landmarks, and culture while your guides share their insights along the way. Take a break at Kanlica to wander its charming streets and savor some creamy yogurt. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Experience the magic of Istanbul on a Bosphorus dinner cruise, featuring stunning views of landmarks like the Maiden's Tower, Galata Tower, and Bosphorus Bridges. Enjoy a delicious multi-course meal with options like mixed grill or vegetarian dishes, paired with live entertainment including Turkish folk dances, belly dancing, and a DJ performance. With private VIP tables and optional hotel transfers, this unforgettable evening blends culture, cuisine, and breathtaking scenery.

Get an authentic taste of Istanbul on this food tour, featuring delicious Turkish street eats, a rooftop dinner at a 140-year-old family restaurant, and spectacular city views. Feast on food it’s easy to overlook if exploring alone, and make new friends on this small-group tour, which includes drop-off at Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Eminönü, Galata, Taksim, and cruise ports. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available.

Explore two of Istanbul’s most iconic attractions during this small-group walking tour of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Take a walk through the vibrant Sultanahmet neighborhood and admire the beautiful Islamic architecture of the Blue Mosque. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the Hagia Sophia, where you learn about life under Ottoman and Byzantine rule.

Begin your journey in the lively Sultanah met district, where you'll meet your expert guide at a convenient starting point. Your first stop is the famed Blue Mosque, renowned for stunning blue tiles. As your guide leads you through its fascinating history, you'll be immersed in the mosque's captivating atmosphere. Pause to admire the panoramic views of modern Istanbul from the mosque's courtyard before meandering through the ancient streets. Discover the Hippodrome, once the vibrant social and political center of the city. Explore the remarkable evolution of this site from a Greek Orthodox cathedral to a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Be awed by the harmonious blend of mosque and church architecture, featuring grand domes, towering minarets, exquisite mosaics. Continue your journey through the Hagia Sophia, where you'll learn about its ornate Iznik tiles, the iconic Virgin Mary mosaic, and the intriguing tradition of sultans being buried in its courtyard.

Experience Istanbul's enchanting Bosphorus Strait aboard a sleek yacht designed for a small, intimate group of travelers. You'll sail past iconic landmarks like the Maiden's Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Rumeli Fortress while enjoying local snacks, Turkish coffee, and seasonal fruit. The tour includes a relaxing stop in the quaint village of Kanlıca, offering the perfect mix of history, culture, and scenic charm.

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.

Explore Istanbul’s diverse landscapes without the stress of coordinating multiple transport routes, tickets, and activities on your own. This combined experience brings together a Bosphorus cruise, panoramic viewpoints, and guided city exploration into one seamless itinerary. With logistics handled, you can focus on the scenery and contrasts between waterfront landmarks and elevated city views.

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.

Experience Istanbul's Beauty from the Bosphorus – Daytime, Sunset & Night Cruises See Istanbul from a unique perspective on our modern, comfortable boat, perfectly timed for a breathtaking sunset or a scenic cruise at any time of the day. Relax and enjoy iconic landmarks along the Bosphorus while our friendly guides share fascinating stories. Iconic Sights Along the Way: As we cruise, you'll pass the Galata Bridge and Tower, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Dolmabahçe Palace (with its Mosque and Clock Tower), Çırağan Palace, and Ortaköy Mosque. Sail under the First Bosphorus Bridge, pass Galatasaray Island, and glimpse Bebek Khedive Pavilion. Admire the Rumeli Fortress before passing under the Second Bosphorus Bridge. On the return, enjoy views of the Maiden's Tower, Topkapı Palace, Yeni Camii (New Mosque), and the majestic Süleymaniye Mosque. Whether you choose a daytime, sunset, or night cruise, each journey offers a memorable perspective of Istanbul.

Island-hopping tours can spend more time traveling between stops than letting you experience the Princes’ Islands themselves. Focus your day on Buyukada, with more time to discover its car-free streets, Ottoman mansions, pine-covered landscapes, and sea views. An island shuttle tour helps you cover more ground and learn about local history and culture, while lunch adds convenience to your day away from central Istanbul.

Explore Istanbul’s must-see sights—Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern—on this guided tour, ending with a Bosphorus cruise for breathtaking views of the city. Avoid the hassle of navigating Istanbul’s bustling streets and long queues; instead, focus on experiencing its rich history and cultural wonders. With a guide to streamline the itinerary, you’ll save time and enjoy the city stress-free.

Roll through Sultanahmet, the heart of historic Istanbul, atop a Segway on this fun morning tour that gets you through the sights at a pace walking can’t match. After spending a minute or two mastering your machine, don your headset and helmet to see the signatures: the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, and more. You’ll travel in a small group for a safer and more intimate experience.

Istanbul has a thriving food scene, but it can be hard to know where to find an authentic Turkish experience. Enjoy an evening immersed in Istanbul's traditional culture with dinner at a historical family restaurant loved by locals, complete with a dervish performance—an 800-year-old tradition that's Unesco Heritage listed. Plus, transportation back to your hotel is included at the end so there's no hassle of flagging a taxi.

The 2-day all-inclusive Cappadocia tour from Istanbul with optional balloon flight is the perfect way to explore this stunning region without the stress of planning. This small-group tour simplifies everything by arranging flights, ground transportation, and guided activities so you can focus on enjoying the incredible scenery. To make your trip even more memorable, you’ll stay in a boutique cave hotel that truly captures the essence of Cappadocia.

Visit the World War I battlefields of Gallipoli in just one day on this tour from Istanbul, which includes lunch and hotel transfers. See Anzac Cove, where the troops first landed; visit the commemorative site where the Dawn Service is held; walk along Brighton Beach; and explore the Respect to Mehmetcik Statue and Johnston's Jolly trenches and tunnels while learning about the war from multiple perspectives.

Experience Istanbul’s beauty on a small-group sunset and daytime cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Glide past landmarks like Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Cıragan Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridge while enjoying a live professional English-speaking guide and delicious onboard treats including canapés, snacks, homemade lemonade, and fresh fruit. This intimate tour offers a stress-free way to soak in the city's highlights away from crowds, with insights into each sight you pass.