Istanbul, the captivating metropolis straddling Europe and Asia, offers visitors a chance to enjoy its rich history and vibrant culture. This 3-day guided tour package promises an enchanting exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks, from the grand Blue Mosque to the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia. Coupled with a delectable dinner cruise and private transfers, the experience promises to be both seamless and unforgettable. Whether you’re seeking to uncover the city’s hidden gems or simply bask in its mesmerizing atmosphere, this comprehensive tour provides an opportunity to truly discover the essence of Istanbul.
This experience made our list of the 20 Best 3 Day Tours In Istanbul.
Key Points
- A 3-day guided tour of Istanbul, including a dinner cruise with a 4-course Turkish meal, a tour of the historic Old Town, and an excursion to the Princes’ Islands.
- Pricing starts from €5,310 per person, with private transfers, select meals, and small group sizes of up to 10 participants.
- The tour offers flexibility with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and language options in English and Spanish.
- Highlights include visits to iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
- Positive reviews praise the Princes’ Islands tour, but concerns have been raised about the pacing and meal quality during the Old City tour.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This 3-day guided tour of Istanbul typically includes pickup from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport and transport to the hotel.
Plus, it features a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus River, complete with a 4-course Turkish meal and live entertainment.
Priced from €5,310 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now & pay later option.
The tour is limited to small groups of up to 10 participants and provides live tour guides in English and Spanish.
With a focus on the city’s top historic sites and the scenic Princes Islands, this comprehensive package offers an immersive Istanbul experience at a reasonable cost.
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Itinerary Highlights
On the first day, guests are picked up from either Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport and transferred to their hotel, followed by an evening dinner cruise on the Bosphorus River. The 4-course Turkish meal is accompanied by live entertainment, providing an immersive cultural experience.
The second day is dedicated to exploring the city’s historic Old Town, with guided visits to iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, and the bustling Grand Bazaar. Spanning 58 streets and over 4,000 shops, the Grand Bazaar offers a unique opportunity to take in the vibrant local marketplace.
The third day features a full-day tour of the Princes’ Islands, with stops at Heybeliada and Büyükada, complete with an onboard guide and lunch.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The 3-day Istanbul tour includes private transfers from Europe-side city center airports, a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus River, a full-day tour of Istanbul’s historic Old City, and a day-long Princes’ Islands excursion.
Plus, the tour includes 1 dinner with local drinks and 2 lunches. However, tips, personal expenses, drinks during lunch, and imported drinks during the dinner cruise are excluded from the tour package.
The tour is limited to small groups of up to 10 participants, and live tour guides are available in English and Spanish.
Pickup service is provided from Europe-side city center hotels, but those located on the Asian side or outside the city center may incur additional charges.
Group Size and Languages
The 3-day Istanbul tour is limited to small groups of up to 10 participants, and live tour guides are available in English and Spanish. This ensures a more personalized and engaging experience for travelers.
The small group size allows the guide to provide more attentive service and cater to the specific needs and interests of each guest.
The English and Spanish language options make the tour accessible to a wider range of international travelers, allowing them to fully enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Istanbul without language barriers.
This attention to group size and language diversity enhances the overall quality and enjoyment of the 3-day Istanbul tour experience.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews and Feedback
Based on the available information, travelers have provided a mix of feedback on the 3-day Istanbul tour. While some have praised the Princes Islands tour, others have expressed concerns about the pacing and quality of the meals during the old city tour.
Travelers are advised to carefully consider their energy levels when booking multiple activities back-to-back to ensure a more enjoyable experience.
The tour has received an overall rating of 3/5 based on 3 reviews.
Some key points of feedback include:
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Positive reviews for the Princes Islands tour
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Concerns about the pacing and quality of meals during the old city tour
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Suggestions to consider energy levels when booking multiple activities
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Opportunities for improvement in certain aspects of the tour
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Istanbul
- Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
- Istanbul City and Hidden Gem Private Guided Tour 1, 2, 3 Day Opt.
- Best Of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3 Day Private Guided Tour
- Colors of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Guided Private Istanbul Tours
- Istanbul Private Tours: 1, 2 or 3 Day Highlights
- Private Istanbul Tour With Guide for 1, 2 or 3 Day Options
Airport Pickup and Transfers
The tour includes a private transfer from any Istanbul airport on the European side of the city center. This service ensures a hassle-free arrival and seamless transition to the hotel. The transfer is included in the tour price, providing convenience and peace of mind for travelers.
Transfer Details | ||
---|---|---|
Pick-up Location | Istanbul Airports (Europe Side) | |
Drop-off Location | City Center Hotels | |
Availability | Included in Tour | Private Service |
The tour’s transfer service covers the most popular airport options, catering to the needs of international visitors. This added benefit simplifies the start of the Istanbul adventure, allowing participants to focus on the exciting itinerary ahead.
Dining and Cuisine
Though the tour includes a dinner cruise and two lunches, travelers should expect to pay for any additional drinks or personal expenses not explicitly covered in the inclusions.
The dinner cruise features a 4-course Turkish meal and live entertainment as passengers enjoy views of the Bosphorus River. During the full-day Princes Islands tour, a provided lunch allows travelers to sample local cuisine.
Here’s what else to know about dining on this Istanbul tour:
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Imported drinks aren’t included during the dinner cruise.
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Lunch drinks aren’t provided, so budget for beverages.
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Explore the Grand Bazaar to discover Turkish delicacies and street food.
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Consider dietary restrictions when booking to ensure specialized meals can be arranged.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Travelers can book the 3-day Istanbul tour with a ‘reserve now & pay later‘ option, allowing them to secure their spot without an immediate full payment.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours prior to the start of the tour, providing flexibility for last-minute changes in plans. This policy ensures that customers can arrange their travel with peace of mind, knowing they can receive a full refund if their plans change.
The tour operator’s generous cancellation policy sets them apart, demonstrating a commitment to customer satisfaction. Travelers can book with confidence, secure in the knowledge that they can adjust their plans if necessary without incurring any penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Departure Times for the Tours?
The departure times for the tours are not explicitly stated in the information provided. However, the itinerary indicates that the tours include pickup from the airport/hotel and guided visits throughout the day for the old city and Princes Islands tours.
Are Children’s Tickets Available?
Yes, children’s tickets are available for this tour. The tour operator offers discounted rates for children, though the specific pricing is not provided in the information given. Travelers should inquire about child ticket options when booking the tour.
Can I Customize the Itinerary for the Tours?
Yes, guests can typically customize the itinerary for these tours. The tour operator may allow flexibility to adjust the schedule or add/remove activities based on individual preferences and interests, though additional fees may apply.
Do the Guides Provide Recommendations for Local Attractions?
The tour guides typically provide recommendations for local attractions based on the group’s interests and energy levels. They can suggest additional sights, restaurants, or activities to enhance the overall Istanbul experience.
How Do I Get to the Meeting Point for the Tours?
The meeting point for the tours is typically the traveler’s hotel located in the Europe side city center. The tour provider offers private transfer service from the hotel to the starting point of each tour activity.
Recap
This 3-day guided tour of Istanbul offers an immersive and enchanting experience.
Visitors can explore historic landmarks, indulge in local cuisine, and venture to the Princes’ Islands, all while enjoying private transfers, a dinner cruise, and a personalized small-group setting.
With an inclusive price of €5,310 per person, this package provides a memorable and hassle-free way to discover the vibrant capital of Turkey.
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