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Istanbul Long Layover

5 Days / 4 Nights

Republic of Türkiye
4 Nights in Enchanting Istanbul

Looking for ideas for your Istanbul Long Layover? Then look no further than this 4-night long layover in Istanbul journey by the award-winning travel designers at Ker & Downey. This classic layover can be customized to suit your travel interests and preferences. See the iconic sites of the city, haggle in the Grand Bazaar, explore the shores of the Bosphorus, and witness an exciting Whirling Dervishes ceremony. Plus, discover ways to upgrade your experience along the way.

Istanbul Long Layover - 4 Night Long Layover in Istanbul with Ker & Downey

 

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Welcome to Türkiye! On arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be greeted and privately transferred to your hotel.

Upgrade your day: Instead of traveling by car, consider upgrading to a private helicopter transfer from the airport to the hotel with a 15-minute city tour to see the iconic Bosphorus from above along the way.

Your Istanbul long layover first begins with a full-day private tour of Istanbul’s Old City.

Highlights include:

  • Topkapi Sarayi, the legendary royal palace
  • Hagia Sophia, the great church built by the Roman emperor Justinian
  • Blue Mosque, an iconic symbol of Istanbul
  • Hippodrome, a public arena mainly for chariot races
  • Underground Cistern, created by the Romans as a water source for both the Byzantine Emperors and later the Ottomans' Topkapi Palace
  • The Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where your guide can help you haggle for goods.

Finally, conclude the evening with an exciting Whirling Dervishes Ceremony, a one-hour long mystical ritual of the Mevlevi Order. Indeed, this whirling performance has been declared a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity.

Upgrade your day: After haggling your way through the Grand Bazaar, follow your guide for exclusive private access to the roofs of the Grand Bazaar. You will gain access to some of the secret rooftop vantage points that can only be accessed by those in the know. This, of course, includes the rooftops surrounding the iconic rooftop chase scene from the James Bond film Skyfall. 

Then meet with your lecturer local guide at your hotel to discover the hidden gems and lesser-known places in Istanbul. Throughout the day, you will feel as though you have been transported back in time to an era of opulence and grandeur.
 
Highlights Include:
  • Molla Zeyrek Mosque (Pantakrator Monastery), constructed in 1136
  • Zeyrek Çinili Hamam & Museum, boasting an archaeological artifact collection dating back to 5th century
  • Valens Aqueduct, one of the aqueduct bridges bringing water from Thrace to Constantinople
  • Church-Mosque of Vefa, one of the most important examples of Comnenian and Palaiologan architecture of Constantinople
  • The Şehzade Camii, where many members of the Ottoman royal family are buried
  • Kariye Mosque, formerly Church of St. Saviour in Chora,renowned worldwide for its well-preserved mosaics and frescoes

Upgrade your day: Perhaps end the day with plenty of relaxation during a Private Turkish Bath Experience at a historic Hammam.

The Bosphorus Strait divides the city of Istanbul and separates the European and Asian continents. Indeed, the Bosphorus’ shores boast gorgeous palaces, compelling neighborhoods, bustling marketplaces, and multicultural fishing villages. Therefore, today you will continue your Istanbul long layover with a culinary walk in this fascinating part of the city.
 
Highlights Include:
  • Explore Beşiktaş Market
  • Visit to an Ottoman-era bakery to sample baked goods
  • Boat ride across the Bosphorus
  • Food samplings at Üsküdar Market
  • The colorful neighborhood of Kuzguncuk
Upgrade your day: Spend the afternoon on Private Cruise on the Bosphorus. Of course, seeing Istanbul from the Bosphorus promises one of the most spectacular ways to experience the striking scenery and character of this historic city.

If time allows, start the day with a relaxing private biking tour along the Bosphorus while the city is calm and the weather is cooler. Ride up the Bosphorus and enjoy spectacular views of Ortakoy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, or Ottoman mansions around Emirgan Park. Indeed, this offers a lovely conclusion to your Istanbul long layover.

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your departing international flight onward.

Upgrade your day: Alternatively, extend your time in Istanbul an additional day to discover its many galleries and museums with a contemporary art expert.

Book an Istanbul Long Layover with Ker & Downey

Contact a Ker & Downey Travel Designer to personalize your own long layover in Istanbul or another travel hub around the world. In the meantime, read more about the seasonality and pricing in Southern Europe. For even more travel inspiration, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

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