Istanbul 1-Day Tour With Flight From Side

Exploring the magnificent city of Istanbul in just one day may seem like an ambitious feat, but the Istanbul 1-Day Tour with Flight from Side promises an immersive and well-curated experience for travelers. Kicking off with an early morning flight from Side, this guided tour provides access to the city’s iconic landmarks, delving into the captivating Ottoman history and vibrant culture. From the grand Topkapi Palace to the mesmerizing Blue Mosque, each stop offers a glimpse into Istanbul’s rich heritage, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for this dynamic metropolis. With an array of inclusions and the convenience of round-trip flights, this tour presents an enticing opportunity to maximize one’s time in this enchanting destination.

About Your Stay

• This full-day tour from Side to Istanbul includes round-trip flights, visits to top attractions like Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome Square, Blue Mosque, and Egyptian Bazaar.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness from participants.
• Key inclusions are hotel pickup/drop-off, English-speaking guide, and admission tickets, while food, drinks, and optional activities like the Bosphorus cruise are excluded.
• The tour itinerary covers major historical and cultural landmarks in Istanbul, providing insight into the Ottoman Empire’s legacy.
• With a maximum group size of 35 and free cancellation up to 24 hours before, this tour offers an affordable and well-reviewed option for visitors.

Tour Overview and Highlights

Although this full-day Istanbul tour from Side offers visitors a chance to experience the city’s top highlights, it’s important to note that the optional Bosphorus cruise and local dinner aren’t included in the tour price.

During this guided excursion, you’ll explore Topkapi Palace, with its exhibits of Islamic relics, jewelry, and clothing, offering a glimpse into Ottoman history.

You’ll also visit Hippodrome Square, the Blue Mosque, and the vibrant Egyptian Bazaar.

Convenient round-trip flights from Antalya to Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport are provided, making for a hassle-free day trip.

With a moderate physical fitness level recommended, this tour is an excellent way to discover Istanbul’s iconic landmarks in a single day.

Itinerary Details

The Istanbul 1-Day Tour kicks off with a 5:00 AM hotel pickup in Side, followed by a 1-hour, 15-minute flight to Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport.

Once in the city, the group will:

1. Visit Topkapi Palace for an hour-long exploration of its Islamic relics, jewelry, and clothing.
2. Spend 30 minutes at the historic Hippodrome Square.
3. Tour the iconic Blue Mosque and browse the vibrant Egyptian Bazaar for an hour each.

After a lunch break at a nearby restaurant, the tour wraps up around 8:00 PM with a return flight to Side.

Included and Excluded

The Istanbul 1-Day Tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional English-speaking guide, and admission tickets to the major attractions visited.

However, the tour price doesn’t cover food, drinks, gratuities, or optional activities like the Bosphorus sightseeing cruise and visiting the Harem Department at Topkapi Palace.

Travelers should also note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

The maximum group size is 35 people, and only hand luggage is allowed, with infants required to sit on laps.

Travel Information

Maximum group size for the Istanbul 1-Day Tour is 35 travelers.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests should have a moderate physical fitness level. A valid passport is required, and infants must sit on laps during the flights.

For luggage, the tour only allows hand luggage – no checked bags.

The travel details include:

1. 5:00 AM hotel pickup in Side
2. 1 hour, 15 minutes flight duration to Istanbul
3. Return to Ataturk Airport around 8:00 PM for the flight back to Side

Pricing and Reviews

The Istanbul 1-Day Tour has a starting price of €199.00, making it an affordable option for visitors looking to explore the highlights of Istanbul in a single day. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, providing flexibility for travelers. According to the 5 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5, indicating a positive experience for the majority of participants.

Feedback Highlights	Number of Reviews
Well-organized	3
Informative guide	4
Recommended boat trip	2
Dissatisfaction with optional dinner	2

The tour’s pricing and positive reviews suggest that it is a well-received and value-for-money option for those seeking a comprehensive introduction to Istanbul’s iconic landmarks and cultural heritage.

Ottoman History at Topkapi Palace

A highlight of the Istanbul 1-Day Tour is the visit to Topkapi Palace, which offers visitors an immersive experience into the rich history of the Ottoman Empire.

Guests can explore the palace’s magnificent exhibits showcasing:

1. Islamic relics, including the Prophet Muhammad’s cloak and sword.
2. Exquisite jewelry, such as the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, one of the world’s largest diamonds.
3. Opulent Ottoman clothing worn by the sultans and their families.

Through these captivating displays, travelers gain a deeper understanding of the lavish lifestyle and cultural traditions that defined the Ottoman royal court.

The visit to Topkapi Palace is truly a window into the grandeur and power of this historic empire.

Exploring Istanbul’s Iconic Sites

After being picked up from their hotels in Side, tour participants embark on their journey to explore Istanbul’s most iconic sites.

The first stop is the Topkapi Palace, where they enjoy Ottoman history and marvel at the exhibits of Islamic relics, jewelry, and clothing.

Next, they visit the Hippodrome Square, a historic center of Byzantine and Ottoman Constantinople.

The tour then proceeds to the awe-inspiring Blue Mosque, with its stunning architecture and iconic blue tiles.

Finally, participants browse the vibrant Egyptian Bazaar, known for its spices, teas, and authentic Turkish delights.

Throughout the day, the knowledgeable guide provides insightful commentary, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience in the heart of Istanbul.

Optional Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise

For those interested in exploring Istanbul from a different vantage point, the optional Bosphorus sightseeing cruise provides a unique opportunity.

This 1 to 2-hour boat tour allows travelers to admire the city’s stunning skyline and historic landmarks from the tranquil waters of the Bosphorus Strait.

The cruise offers three key advantages:

1. Panoramic views of iconic sites like the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque.
2. A chance to see the European and Asian sides of Istanbul from the water.
3. An opportunity to observe the bustling maritime activity and charming coastal neighborhoods.

While not included in the base tour price, the Bosphorus cruise is a popular add-on that enhances the overall Istanbul experience for many visitors.

Questions About Staying Here

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Topkapi Palace?

Photography is allowed inside the Topkapi Palace, but there may be some restrictions in certain areas like the Harem Department. Visitors should follow the guide’s instructions and be mindful of any signage or rules regarding photography within the palace grounds.

Is There a Dress Code to Enter the Blue Mosque?

The Blue Mosque has a dress code that requires visitors to cover their shoulders and knees. Loose, long pants or skirts and shirts that cover the arms are recommended. Visitors may be asked to wear robes provided at the entrance.

Can I Bring My Own Lunch to the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention if you can bring your own lunch. Most guided tours don’t allow outside food, as they want participants to enjoy the local cuisine during the lunch break. However, you could inquire with the tour provider about this.

Is the Tour Guide Fluent in Multiple Languages?

The tour guide is fluent in multiple languages, typically including English, Turkish, and often additional languages like German, French, or Spanish to accommodate the diverse backgrounds of tour participants.

Can I Extend My Stay in Istanbul After the Tour?

The tour package doesn’t include an option to extend your stay in Istanbul after the tour. However, you can explore this possibility independently by booking additional nights at a hotel or arranging a separate extension through a local travel agency.

Worth The Stay

The Istanbul 1-Day Tour with Flight from Side offers travelers a comprehensive and enriching experience of the city’s iconic landmarks. Participants can enjoy Ottoman history at Topkapi Palace, admire the architectural grandeur of the Blue Mosque, and explore the vibrant Egyptian Bazaar. The tour’s efficient itinerary and included transportation ensure a seamless and memorable exploration of Istanbul’s vibrant culture and heritage.