Day Trips from Istanbul to Europe

Embark on a moving day trip to explore the WWI battlefields, trenches and memorials of the Gallipoli Peninsula on this full-day tour from Istanbul, including lunch. Hear about the bloody battles of the Gallipoli Campaign as Turkish and ANZAC troops fought over control of the Dardanelles strait and visit the many war cemeteries, including the Beach Cemetery where the grave of Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick lies.

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.

Visit the ancient city of Troy with ease on this full-day tour, with round-trip transfers from many Istanbul hotels. Stop at the Trojan Horse, a replica of the mythical device that toppled Troy, the ancient city walls, and more, and learn about the history and myths of Troy from your guide. Pause midday for a local lunch.

Tour the ruins of Ephesus and be back in Istanbul by nightfall during this time-saver, full-day tour, which includes round-trip domestic flight tickets to Izmir and back. See well-preserved ancient Roman-era sights like the Temple of Artemis and Celsus Library with a guide, and visit the secluded pilgrimage location, The House of Mary. Lunch and comfortable ground transfers are included.

Travel around Istanbul with the guidance and commentary of the Turkey Insider Team on this food-focused excursion. Your guide will give you information about the culinary culture and history of the city and you will stop on the way to taste traditional Turkish delicacies. Highlights include the Spice Bazaar, the back streets of Eminönü and the Kadıköy fish market.

Explore the Asian area of Istanbul (Kadikoy) like never before, through the eyes of a local Taste some delicious local cuisine in some of the locally renowned restaurants Wander around the bustling Kadikoy Fruit Market and sample some local produce Stroll around the cultural hub of Moda and take in the buzzing city life See Turkey’s largest and most impressive mosque, Camlica Mosque Take a breather in the picturesque Otagtepe Park Enjoy the intimacy of a private/small group tour

Discover the highlights of Bursa and Uludag on a full-day tour from Istanbul. Visit landmarks in Bursa such as the Great Mosque (Ulu Camii) and Green Mosque (Yesil Camii), and other sites in the former capital of the Ottoman Empire. Travel by cable car up Uludag mountain for great views and a barbecue lunch, then take an ATV ride or choose another activity (optional at own expense).

Traverse the peaceful and picturesque Gallipoli Peninsula, a historic landscape that was a significant battleground back in World War I. A long drive to the wonderful town of Eceabat where you energize by feasting on a delicious meal at a local restaurant. After a satisfying lunch, you will begin the tour around the peninsula, accompanied by a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide who will captivate you with his stories and commentary on the various sites you will visit. Since the Gallipoli Peninsula was a battleground during the war, a lot of soldiers, a good number of them Australian and Kiwi, perished there, so there is a poignant atmosphere that pervades all throughout the landscape. You can even pay your tributes to the fallen soldiers by the memorial sites found in Brighton Beach, ANZAC Cove, the Nek Ridge, and Chunuk Bair. You will even visit the famous Johnston's Jolly, a battlesite with trenches where many Turkish and Allied soldiers took cover.

Visit the legendary city of Troy on this day-trip from Istanbul. Feast on Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant when you arrive in Eceabat. After lunch, wander around the ancient ruins of Troy, including the Odeon stage, the Bouleuterion and a replica of the Trojan horse. Witness ongoing excavations and learn more about Greek mythology. You will even go on a ferry ride on the Dardanelles between Europe and Asia.

Tour starts at the old Hippodrome of Constantinople which was the sports and social center of the old city. Discover major works of art including the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine Column from Delphi, and the fountain of Willhelm II, constructed by the Germans. Continue to the Blue Mosque, whose six minarets are a key fixture of Istanbul’s skyline. Next, head for the Topkapi Palace, which was home to the Ottoman emperors between the 15th and 19th centuries. Marvel at the jewel-stuffed treasury and priceless displays of Oriental porcelain. Move on to the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Behold the dome and stunning Byzantine mosaics of this architectural gem as your guide recounts its turbulent history. Then visit the Grand Bazaar with over 3,000 shops selling everything from carpets to jewelry to ceramics and leather goods. Stroll around the Spice Bazaar with its incredible smell from almost every spice imaginable, as well as dried fruits and nuts, sweets and the ubiquitous Turkish Delight.

Unlike typical Bosphorus cruises, this tour takes you beyond the city to the peaceful waters near Büyükada. Enjoy extended swimming stop in the clear sea, relax aboard a spacious boat, and experience a perfect combination of sightseeing, swimming, and leisure—all in one unforgettable day.

Enjoy a full-day guided wine tour from Istanbul through Turkey's historic Thrace region. Visit two prestigious wineries, Chateau Nuzun and Arcadia Vineyards, for tastings of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, zinfandel, and pinot noir. Learn about organic winemaking and the region's rich wine heritage while exploring scenic vineyards.

Discover the captivating history and dynamic culture of Istanbul with us. Our esteemed guests relish top-notch experiences at budget-friendly rates with our highly sought-after guides.

Flights Included: Round-trip flights from Istanbul to Izmir for a smooth journey. Ancient Ephesus: Step into history at the eastern Mediterranean’s best-preserved ancient city. Highlights of Ephesus: Great Theatre – Marvel at the grandeur of Roman entertainment. Library of Celsus – A stunning symbol of ancient knowledge. Marble Streets, Temples & Baths – Walk where toga-clad Romans once roamed. Temple of Artemis: Discover the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. House of the Virgin Mary: Visit the sacred stone house believed to be her final residence. Lunch Included: Enjoy a delicious meal featuring local flavors.