Istanbul Land & Sea Combo with Food Tasting

2-Day Istanbul Sightseeing and Food Tasting Tour

Escape from the bustle of your city and discover the highlights of Istanbul in two days. You will travel down Turkey's timeline and sense its history, dating back to the Byzantine Empire, take a ferry between Asia and Europe, walk in a local bazaar, and taste the local cuisine.

Days

2

Price

from US$499 p/p

Best For

First-timers

Best Time

All year round

Tour Highlights

Witness the rich history of Istanbul.
The inner of the Hagia Sophia
Leisurely appreciate the Hippodrome.
The obelisk at the Hippodrome
Take a ferry to visit both Europe and Asia in 2 hours!
The Bosphorus Strait
Try local Turkish food in both the European and Asian parts of Turkey.
Local foods in Turkey
Experience an authentic local Turkish bazaar.
The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul

Itinerary Details

The itinerary below is only a typical sample and you may alter any aspect of it. Tell us your needs and our travel advisors will tailor-make it to meet your requirements.

Day 1
Istanbul Arrival and the Old CityCappadocia Arrival and North Tour

Meals provided: lunch

Istanbul, located in the west of Turkey, is the only city to have served as the capital of three empires and to have land in both Europe and Asia. The Old Town of Istanbul, also known as the Historical Peninsula, is the oldest part of the city and is a must for travelers.

Upon arrival in the morning, your guide would meet you at the airport and escort you to discover the Historical Peninsula. You would first head to the Hippodrome, where you can see the Obelisk of Theodosius (approximately 3,500 years old) is still in excellent condition. Have a short break there.

Then, we would then enter both the Blue Mosque, which is the only mosque with six minarets, and the Hagia Sophia that is officially known as the Noble Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and was formerly known as the Church of Holy Wisdom. Hold your breath and step quietly into Turkey's legendary history. Of course, your guide would be glad to answer any of your questions.

After experiencing the local cuisine for lunch, we would visit Topkapi Palace, which is the largest palace in the area and is now a large museum. Witness the captivating treasures there, and listen to engrossing stories about the rich sultans in ancient times.

Optional trip to enrich your tour

Night club & restaurant (food, music, folklore show, and belly dance):You will enjoy an evening with a delicious full course meal of fineTurkish cuisine.Be entertained byclass acts of music and dance in traditionalsurroundings. This feast for the senses is presented in an orientalatmosphere, where you can discover the delights of Turkish musicalinstruments, a typical folk orchestra, and experience a danceextravaganza focusing on the traditions of Turkish and Anatolian folklore,including belly dancing.

Day 2
Istanbul Bazaar, Market, Cruise, and Departure

Meals provided: breakfast and lunch

You are recommended to try a traditional Turkish breakfast at your hotel, though ordinary breakfast is available too. Your guide would be happy to help you order.

After breakfast, we would explore the Spice Bazaar, which is one of the oldest markets in Istanbul, famous for its numerous spices and dry fruits.

Then, we would walk to the pier for a cruise of about 1½ hours that crosses the Bosphorus, visiting both Europe and Asia with stops en route for you to take photos of sights with natural beauty and attractive architecture.

After the cruise, we would drive you to the Asian side of Istanbul to explore bustling Kadikoy Market, which sells various delicious foods. Your exquisite lunch would be arranged there. After lunch, your guide and driver would then escort you to the airport for your departure. We hope you have great memories of this magical place and wish you a happy journey home!

Trip Notes

Each part of the itinerary above can be customized. Feel free to let us know your preferences and we will be pleased to adjust the elements for you.

Accommodation

Many types of accommodation are available including 5-star hotels, superior 4-star hotels, the best value 3-star hotels, or popular boutique hotels in various Turkish styles. We will select the perfect one for you.

Transportation

You will have a private vehicle with air-conditioning for transfers between attractions, hotels, and airports.

Meals

Lunches are prepared in local restaurants for you to taste authentic Turkish food. Please tell us your special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, Indian, gluten-free, or halal. Your guide will take care of it for you.

Price Includes

Price from: $499 (tour code: gh-tk-6)

One-to-one consultancy
One-to-one consultancy
Knowledgeable local guides
Knowledgeable local guides
Private drivers/driver guides and vehicles as listed
Private drivers/driver guides and vehicles as listed
Hand-picked hotels
Hand-picked hotels
Breakfasts and meals as listed
Breakfasts and meals as listed
Entry to all attractions on the itinerary
Entry to all attractions on the itinerary
Transportation as listed
Transportation as listed
A 24/7 helpline while traveling
A 24/7 helpline while traveling

Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

How would you travel?

When would you travel?

What's your hotel choice?

I prefer to be contacted via:

Why Global Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

  • Save Your Time:
  • Less research, more enjoyment!
  • Real-time 1V1 expert planning
  • Maximize Your Flexibility:
  • Personal local guide and ride
  • Explore at your own pace
  • Celebrate Your Journeys:
  • Specially-crafted family adventures
  • Celebrate milestones with style!

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

7-Day Turkey Classical Wonders Tour (Istanbul–Ephesus) 13-Day Natural Highlights of Turkey 10-Day Turkey Honeymoon Tour (Istanbul to Cappadocia) 16-Day Turkey Great Circle Tour

More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

7 Days in Turkey — 5 Top Itinerary Ideas 10 Days in Turkey: Top 4 Itinerary Ideas How to Plan a Trip to Turkey in 2024 How to Plan a Trip to Turkey and Greece in 2024
We are here to help you...
start planning your tailor-made trip with 1-1 help from our travel advisors.
Create Your Trip

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Where Can We Take You Today?

Rated 4.6 out of 5 | Excellence
China Highlights International
Travel Service Co., LTD
Featured on
Global Highlights was featured on these medias.

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China