Istanbul Tour from Manavgat: Embark on a day-long journey from Manavgat to Istanbul, complete with return air travel, an exploration tour covering the city’s key sites, and all necessary airport transfers. Istanbul, an impressive and stunning urban center, stretches across the Bosphorus Strait, bridging two continents together. It stands as a pivotal location globally, showcasing the harmonious existence of an age-old eastern city alongside a contemporary western cityscape. From Manavgat, you have the opportunity to engage in a comprehensive day-long guided excursion of Istanbul, alongside domestic airline service.
Explore the grandeur of Topkapi Palace, immersing yourself in the world of Ottoman emperors, delve into the wonders of the ancient city, and hone your haggling skills at the Egyptian Bazaar. This day trip offers a practical and cost-effective means to experience Istanbul while staying along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey.
Your day starts with a comfortable van ride to the airport in Antalya, setting the stage for your journey. A flight of one hour and twenty minutes awaits to transport you to Istanbul, where an expert English-speaking guide will greet you to lead you on this exciting adventure. The first stop of your exploration is the historic Topkapi Palace, once the grand residence of Ottoman sultans and now a treasured museum. This site showcases an array of Ottoman-era artifacts, including exquisite jewelry, imperial treasures, and significant artworks.
A delightful dining experience at a local restaurant will introduce you to the rich flavors of Istanbul’s culinary traditions. Post-lunch, seize the opportunity to explore the Hippodrome, the heart of Istanbul’s ancient city center, home to fascinating monuments and columns. A short walk away is the Blue Mosque, inviting you to admire its stunning interior design. During your midday leisure time, don’t miss visiting Hagia Sophia, once the world’s largest Orthodox cathedral, now a museum with captivating Byzantine architecture.
Next, immerse yourself in the sensory delights of the Egyptian market, a bustling hub of spices and local specialties. Here, you can sample amazing flavors, shop for unique souvenirs, and engage with the local culture. As the day progresses, enjoy a scenic stroll along the Bosporus Strait, marveling at the natural divide between Asia and Europe. Your evening concludes with a hearty dinner at a charming local restaurant, followed by a bus ride to the airport for your return flight to Antalya. Upon arrival, a team member will escort you back to your hotel in Manavgat, marking the end of your memorable journey.
Istanbul Tour from Manavgat costs (price) 299 € for adults, 299 € for children 2 between 11 years old and children under 2 years old are free.
Manavgat Hotels – 04:00
“Please note that we have no hidden costs”
What do you need to bring with you?
Sunglasses, Sun Cream, Hat, Comfortable Shoes, Camera
Anatolia stands unparalleled in its collection of historical artifacts, acting as a crucial link between continents. Its western frontiers are delineated by the Aegean Sea, the Dardanelles, and the Bosphorus. Close to the Dardanelles, the ancient remnants of Troy bear witness to millennia of historical narratives. Along the banks of the Bosphorus, Istanbul presents herself with elegance and grandeur, preserving the tales of her past.
In the Old City’s heart, you’re enveloped by history, notably in areas enveloping the ancient Hippodrome of Byzantine times. This vast expanse once buzzed as a circus and venue for athletic competitions when Constantinople was at its zenith. Today, the iconic Hagia Sophia stands as the crown jewel of this area, an architectural masterpiece that was unrivaled in its time, completed in 537 CE. Not far, the Hippodrome, another marvel of Istanbul’s rich architectural heritage, faces the splendid Blue Mosque.
Adorned with over 20,000 blue Iznik tiles that line its interior, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque — its formal name — dazzles visitors with its beauty and historical significance, having been erected in the early 17th century. Your afternoon will unfold in the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, dating back to 1455. Spanning an area of over 333,000 square feet (30,700 square meters) and comprising 61 covered streets, the bazaar is home to more than 4,000 shops offering an eclectic mix of goods, from authentic Turkish rugs to modern imitations of designer wear. Amidst this vast marketplace, allow yourself moments of rest at any of the numerous cafés scattered throughout.
At the outset of your tour, the majestic Blue Mosque awaits. Serving as both a monumental architectural site and a place of worship, this edifice was intentionally built to parallel the grandeur of the nearby Hagia Sophia in size. Its remarkable design and the stunning blue tiles that grace its interior are sights to behold for every visitor.
In proximity, the German Fountain and the Hippodrome stand as testaments to historical festivities. The Hippodrome, a central hub for chariot races, celebrations, and ceremonies during the Roman and Byzantine periods, offers a glimpse into the past. The German Fountain, notable for its exquisite design, features an octagonal dome, marble exteriors, and intricate gold mosaics.
Your free time in Sultanahmet Square presents an opportunity to engage with the area at your leisure. This is the perfect moment to indulge in traditional Turkish delicacies, relax, and delve into the local way of life.
Topkapi Palace is on your itinerary, promising an intriguing exploration of the opulent residence once inhabited by the Ottoman Sultans. This pivotal site offers insights into Turkey’s illustrious history.
The Spice Bazaar, known too as the Egyptian Bazaar, beckons with its vast selection of spices that characterize Turkish cuisine. During your free time, consider acquiring some of these local spices or simply admire the bazaar’s architectural beauty.
For additional adventures, a Bosporus Cruise can be arranged by your tour guides. This excursion includes a 90-minute journey along the Bosporus, providing views of Istanbul’s most iconic sights, such as the Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia, among others.
The tour concludes with a return trip to Sabiha Gokcen Airport for your flight back to Antalya, ending your day late in the evening, enriched with poignant memories and experiences from your day’s journey.
Excellent communication from the agency, Great tour guide who was flexible enough to accommodate any questions and requests the group might have. A good value for money for tourists who are short on time and want a good city overview.
It was a really great experience for me to visit Istanbul for the first time. The tour was perfectly planned, no waiting, easy access to all attractions, professional drivers with an AC minivan. About the tour guide Murat, he was really professional, helpful and caring about everyone, you could see the twinkle in his eyes when he was talking about the history and his country. His tour was so interesting, he gave us a lot of interesting and fun facts about Sultan’s life. We had enough free time to do the sightseeing by ourselves and take photos. So I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to visit Istanbul and learn some interesting facts about it. Was a great experience!! It definitely worth it!😍
What a beautiful day! It started at the agreed time when our driver picked us up at the hotel entrance. We were lucky to be the only two that day so we basically had a private tour! I’m glad the tour went ahead anyway and wasn’t cancelled. The tour to all places was beautiful. Ensar told us a lot about it and gave us enough time to go on our own. Everywhere we got beautiful stories about the rich history of this beautiful city. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would highly recommend this tour as an introduction to Istanbul. And Ensar especially as our tour guide!