Embark on a one-day journey of Istanbul Tour from Side, complete with round-trip air travel, guided tours of the city’s premier landmarks, and all essential airport transportation included. Straddling the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is a magnificent city that bridges two continents. It stands out as one of the world’s pivotal cities, showcasing the seamless blend of an ancient eastern urban landscape alongside a modern western cityscape. From Side, you can take advantage of a comprehensive, guided exploration of Istanbul, complete with domestic flights.
Explore the opulent corridors of Topkapi Palace, where the grandeur of the Ottoman emperors comes alive. Delve into the historical wonders of the old city and master the art of negotiation in the Egyptian Bazaar. This day trip is an economical and convenient option to experience Istanbul while visiting Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline.
Your day kicks off with a comfortable ride in a van heading towards Antalya’s airport. A flight spanning one hour and twenty minutes will then take you to Istanbul. Upon arrival, an English-speaking tour guide, well-versed in the area’s history and culture, will meet you. They will accompany you throughout this exciting expedition.
The first point of interest on your itinerary is Topkapi Palace, a pivotal historical site and former abode of Ottoman sultans. It has been transformed into a museum that showcases a vast array of Ottoman-era treasures. Among the exhibits are exquisite jewelry, imperial artefacts, and fine art.
For lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to savor the local cuisine at a nearby eatery, immersing yourself in Istanbul’s rich culinary traditions. Post-lunch, you’ll get some leisure time to discover the Hippodrome in the heart of Istanbul’s ancient city. This site is adorned with various historical monuments and columns. Close to the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque awaits your visit, allowing you to admire its stunning internal architecture. Another highlight is the Hagia Sophia, originally the world’s largest Orthodox cathedral, now serving as a museum. Its massive structure and captivating design are a testament to Byzantine architecture.
Next on the agenda is the Egyptian Market, famed for its vast assortment of spices. Here, you’ll have the chance to taste local delicacies, shop for unique souvenirs, and engage with the locals. A scenic stroll along the Bosporus Sea will lead up to dinner. The Bosporus strait marks the boundary between Asia and Europe. Dinner will be at a quaint local restaurant. Following the meal, you’ll be transported to the airport for your return flight to Antalya. Upon arrival, a representative will escort you back to your hotel in Side.
Istanbul Tour from Side costs (price) 299 € for adults, 299 € for children 2 between 11 years old and children under 2 years old are free.
Side 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 worldwide in its accumulation of historical treasures, acting as a natural connector between continents. The Aegean Sea, along with the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus, delineates the peninsula’s western edge. Echoes of millennia are found near the Dardanelles, where the ancient city of Troy’s ruins lie. Meanwhile, Istanbul, with its splendor and rich history, graces the shores of the Bosphorus.
In the Old City, prominent landmarks await, many encircling the ancient Hippodrome, a relic of the Byzantine period. This vast space, once a hub for circuses and athletic contests during the era of Constantinople, is now famed for housing Hagia Sophia. When completed in 537 CE, Hagia Sophia was unparalleled in magnitude and remains a celebrated edifice. Not far from the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome continues to stand as a testament to Istanbul’s architectural splendor.
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known colloquially as the Blue Mosque, owes its name to the exquisite blue Iznik tiles adorning its interior. Erected in the early 17th century, this mosque stands as a testament to historic architectural achievement. Later, your guide will escort you to the Grand Bazaar, a mammoth enclosed market and one of the oldest of its kind, established in 1455. Covering an area exceeding 333,000 square feet (30,700 square meters) and comprising over 4,000 shops along 61 covered streets, it presents an extensive array of merchandise, from authentic Turkish carpets to imitation branded clothes. Given its vastness, taking breaks at the bazaar’s numerous cafés is advisable.
The tour kicks off with the Blue Mosque, an iconic structure that functions both as a monument and a place of worship. Its construction was ambitiously designed to rival the grandeur of the nearby Hagia Sophia. The mosque is distinguished by its blue tiles and unique architectural features, which are open for visitor admiration.
In close proximity, you’ll find the Hippodrome, alongside the German Fountain, sites of historical significance. The Hippodrome was the center of social life, hosting chariot races and ceremonies in both Roman and Byzantine times. The German Fountain is remarkable for its exquisite octagonal dome, marble craftsmanship, and golden mosaic adornments.
Allocated free time at Sultanahmet Square allows for a personalized experience. This period offers the perfect chance to indulge in traditional Turkish cuisine, unwind, and gain insight into the local lifestyle.
Your itinerary includes the Topkapi Palace, a site of great historical and cultural importance in Turkey. Exploring the luxurious former residence of the Ottoman Sultans promises a memorable day with its rich historical ambiance.
The Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is an ideal spot to explore the rich assortment of Turkish spices. In your leisure time, you have the option to acquire some of these rare spices or simply appreciate the architecture of the Bazaar.
For those seeking additional adventure, a Bosporus Cruise can be arranged by the tour guides. This 90-minute excursion offers panoramic views of iconic landmarks including the Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, the Bosphorus Bridge, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia.
The journey concludes with a transfer back to Sabiha Gokcen, facilitating your return to Antalya. Arriving at your hotel by night, you’ll be filled with poignant memories and emotional reflections from your day-long exploration.
It was a very interesting tour, we learned a lot about Istanbul and its history. There were 12 of us in the group and our tour guide, so it was easy to stay together and hear everything he had to tell us. We had to walk a lot and we went in and out of mosques, so women had to cover their heads and everyone had to take their shoes off every time. Everything was great thank you
Really enjoyed! The tour guide (Mr. Murat) was great, had lots of interesting stuff to tell and just a good man. He did more than his best to make us all happy and we had a memorable tour. The pick-up service was also very nice and prompt. Highly recommended, thank you for the great service
The tour was well organized. I was picked up at my hotel (and dropped off again later) so I didn’t have to worry about my own transportation. The tour guide was a certified guide and he was very knowledgeable about the history and facts of the places we visited. There were 5 of us in a group, nice cozy group size. The pace of the Istanbul tour was just right. Would recommend to anyone.