Tour overview

This 3-day break gives you the highlights of Istanbul with the freedom to explore on your own. There is no tour leader; local experts guide the included visits. You stay two nights in a central hotel, with breakfast daily, a welcome dinner and a lunch.

Istanbul is the only city in the world to straddle two continents, and on your first evening you enjoy a welcome dinner. The next day an urban adventure takes you into the old city, with a guided tour of Hagia Sophia, a visit to Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans, and time to bargain in the labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar.

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The rest of your time is free for optional extras such as the Blue Mosque or a Bosphorus cruise.

This break suits independent travellers who want a short, well-organised taste of Istanbul.

Trip highlights

  • A welcome dinner (Day 1)
  • Hagia Sophia (Day 2)
  • Topkapi Palace (Day 2)
  • The Grand Bazaar (Day 2)

Your route

2 stops from Istanbul to Istanbul

3-day route: Istanbul old city – Hagia Sophia – Topkapi Palace – Grand Bazaar
  1. Istanbul Days 1–2
  2. Istanbul Day 3

Why choose this tour

The best of Istanbul in a weekend. Departs almost every day.

Best suited to

  • Independent travellers
  • Short-break seekers
  • City lovers
  • Solo travellers and couples
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul

Day-by-day itinerary

3 days from Istanbul, Turkey to Istanbul, Turkey

  1. Day 1 · Istanbul Istanbul

    A welcome dinner.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Dinner
  2. Day 2 · Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar Istanbul

    The old city.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  3. Day 3 · Istanbul Istanbul

    The break ends.

    Meals
    Breakfast
The arched halls of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

Where you stay

  • Istanbul (2 nights) Hotel

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 2 nights in a central hotel
  • Meals 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
  • Local transport for included activities
  • Hagia Sophia with a local expert
  • Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar
  • Istanbul urban adventure
  • Local guides for included activities

Not included

  • Flights
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not included 1 dinner
  • Travel insurance and personal spending
A colourful alley in Istanbul

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You want a tour leader
  • You want a long holiday
  • You want all meals included
  • You want flights included — they are not

Good to know

Meals by day Breakfast: Days 2–3 · Lunch: Day 2 · Dinner: Day 1
FCDO advice UK FCDO travel advice for Turkey
The Blue Mosque in Istanbul

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £515 per person, twin share, tour only. 363 upcoming departures.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book this tour?

Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.

What financial protection do I get?

Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.

Is there a tour leader?

No, this is an independent break; local experts guide the included activities.

Do I need a visa for Turkey?

No, UK citizens can visit Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180.

Is the Blue Mosque included?

No, it is an optional extra, as is a Bosphorus cruise.

How often does it depart?

Almost every day of the year.

Can I add extra nights?

Yes, extra nights can be arranged before or after.

Which meals are included?

Breakfast daily, a welcome dinner and a lunch.

Can you tailor the trip?

Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.

ATOL protected 100% financially protected in a Trust bank account PTS 6035 4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option

Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.

If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.

Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary

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