This historic city has been a major crossroads between East and West since it was founded in 660 BC by the Greeks. Constantinople, as it was formerly known, was the Byzantine capital until 1453 when Sultan Mehmet II overtook the city and it became the capital of the Ottoman Empire. It’s a place where the ancient past meets the modern world in an explosion of color and culture.  As Napoleon once said, “If the world was only one country, Istanbul would be its capital!”

Today Istanbul is a thriving cosmopolitan city of more than 15 million people with plenty of things to see and do. There are countless museums and historical sites to visit as well as shopping districts and markets where you can buy anything from antiques to local crafts.

Location: Marmara Region, Northwest of Turkey

Recommended Season: Four Season activity available

Suggested # of Days: We suggest a minimum of 2-3 days or a maximum of 6-7 days for city tour, scenic hikes, incredible experiences, historical sites, locations and locals. It can be the beginning of your Turkey experience or the end of it.

Tips: Can be combined with all programs as there are two active airports available where daily flights to all provinces to Turkey from Istanbul.

Guide: Both options available Guided or Self-Guided. We suggest guided option for some of the activities especially Istanbul City Tour.