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Overview HighlightsItineraryWhat to ExpectFAQGallery

Istanbul Hidden Gems Tour 5 Day

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  • 5 Days
  • Small Group or Private Tour
  • Hotel Options
  • Daily Departure Guaranteed
  • English or Spanish
  • 7/24 Support

Experience the best of Istanbul with this 5-day tour package designed for curious travelers. Discover iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, sail between continents on a Bosphorus cruise, and wander through colorful neighborhoods like Fener and Balat. This expertly guided Istanbul itinerary combines history, culture, and breathtaking views—perfect for first-time visitors and culture lovers alike.

Highlights

Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia

Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace

Discover Dolmabahce Palace and Rustem Pasha Mosque

Explore Fener & Balat, Pierre Loti Hill and Rahmi Koc Museum

Shop at Spice Market and Grand Bazaar

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Istanbul & Transfer

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our driver will meet and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may join our optional dinner cruise in the evening.

Optional Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Entertainment
We will pick you up around 7:30 PM for an unforgettable evening on the Bosphorus. Enjoy a delicious Turkish dinner onboard while watching cultural performances such as folk dances, belly dancing, and live music. The cruise ends around midnight, followed by a transfer back to your hotel.

Meal: None
Overnight in Istanbul

Day 2Old City Tour

Today’s walking tour takes you to Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Explore Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome. Learn about the city’s layered history spanning Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Istanbul

 

Day 3Jewels of Istanbul Tour

Meet your guide at your hotel and start your day with a visit to the beautifully tiled Rustem Pasha Mosque, designed by the master architect Sinan.
Continue with a regular boat trip on the Bosphorus, where you will marvel at the opulent Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi Palaces, wooden Ottoman villas, and the impressive Rumeli Fortress (viewed from the sea).
End the day at the bustling Spice Market, perfect for sampling local delicacies and shopping.

MEAL: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Istanbul

 

 

 

Day 4Fener & Balat Tour

After breakfast, explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, known for their colorful houses, narrow streets, and layered cultural history. Visit the majestic Suleymaniye Mosque, a 16th-century Ottoman masterpiece with sweeping views of the Golden Horn. Discover the unique St. Stephen Church (Iron Church), a 19th-century Bulgarian Orthodox church made entirely of iron. Continue to Pierre Loti Hill, where you’ll ride a cable car to enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul from this peaceful vantage point. Conclude your day with a visit to the Rahmi Koc Museum, home to a fascinating collection of industrial, maritime, and transportation exhibits.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Istanbul

Day 5Depart From Istanbul

After breakfast, depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your departure.
Meal: Breakfast
End of Services

Inclusions & Exclusions

Includes

  • All sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Professional, licensed English-speaking guide
  • All transportation (including public transportation )
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Entrance fees to museums and historical sites
  • Lunch during tours (vegetarian, vegan, and halal options available)

Excludes

  • Personal expenses
  • Drinks during meals
  • Dinner
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guide and driver

What to Expect

  • Guided Tours: Led by licensed, English-speaking guides
  • Faith-Oriented Journey: Visit sites with deep Islamic and Ottoman significance
  • Smooth Transportation: All transfers, entrance fees, and transport included
  • Cultural Immersion: Historical architecture, sacred places, and traditional Turkish bazaars

FAQ

What are the most popular shore excursions in Turkey?

Top-rated Turkey shore excursions include:

Istanbul Old Cit Tour: Explore Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar with a licensed guide.

Kusadasi Day Tour: Take a guided day trip to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities.

Antalya City Tour: Discover Kaleici Old Town, Hadrian’s Gate, and stunning Mediterranean views.

Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port: Visit Ephesus on a full-day guided tour, just over 1 hour away. Perfect for cruise passengers docking in Alsancak Port.

Bodrum City Tour: Enjoy a Bodrum city tour, visiting Bodrum Castle, the ancient theater, Myndos Gate, and the charming marina area.

These tours are ideal for cruise passengers seeking culture, history, and comfort.

How do I book a shore excursion in Turkey?

You can book directly on our website before your cruise arrival. Early booking ensures availability and better rates compared to onboard excursions. All tours include port pick-up and drop-off and are designed to align with your ship’s schedule.

Are shore excursions in Turkey suitable for families with children?

Yes! Many excursions are family-friendly. For example, Ephesus tours are engaging for all ages, and Istanbul Tours offers activities like Bosphorus cruises and visits to museums or aquariums. We accommodate different age groups with flexible pacing and optional stroller-friendly routes.

What should I wear and bring on a shore excursion?

Wear lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and water. Modest attire is required at religious sites. Don’t forget your cruise card, photo ID, and local currency for small purchases or tips.

What are the best shore excursions from Kusadasi Port?

The best excursions include:

Ephesus Ancient City Tour

Biblical Ephesus Tour

Miletus and Didyma Tour

House of the Virgin Mary & Temple of Artemis Ephesus Tour
All tours return on time to the port and are tailored for cruise schedules.

Are English-speaking guides included in shore excursions?

Yes. All Turkey port tours include professional, English-speaking guides licensed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. They provide historical context and personalized service throughout your trip.

Can I book a private shore excursion in Turkey?

Yes, private Turkey shore excursions are available from every port. These offer flexibility in timing and content, perfect for small groups, couples, or those seeking a VIP experience. You can fully customize your tour, from historic sites to culinary stops

Are your tours cruise-timed and guaranteed to return to port on time?

Absolutely. Our shore excursions in Istanbul, Kusadasi, Izmir, and Bodrum are aligned with your ship’s docking times. We guarantee timely return to your port with extra buffer time to ensure a worry-free experience.

How far are major attractions from the cruise ports in Turkey?

  • Kusadasi to Ephesus: ~25 minutes by car
  • Izmir Port to Ephesus: ~1 hour 15 minutes
  • Istanbul (Galataport) to Old City: ~20 minutes
  • Bodrum Port to City Tour locations (Castle, Marina, Ancient Theater): 10–20 minutes

All shore excursions are carefully timed to include travel duration and still allow ample time for sightseeing and return.

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