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Country:
Turkey
Explore the city of Istanbul in Turkey, whether on a city break or as part of a longer trip. Short tours and activities for Istanbul and nearby attractions are shown below (where available). You can also check out a wide range of guidebooks from the link above and explore flight and accomodation options from our industry leading partners below.
Turkey's most important city spans Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus and has been capital of three empires - Eastern Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman throughout its history (including its previous incarnations as Byzantium and Constantinople). This has left it with an incredibly rich historical heritage that makes it one of the great cities of the world. The Blue Mosque is perhaps the city's most famous sight, built by the Sultan Ahmet I in the 17th century, with a stunningly impressive scale and elegant design. Aya Sophia was built as a Byzantine Christian church in the 6th century, converted to a mosque after the Islamic takeover in the 15th century and now a museum. Its huge dome and walls include some superb mosaics. The 4th century Hippodrome of Constantine was the site of political demonstrations, chariot races and polo matches. Topaki Palace, built in Islamic style, was the home of the Ottoman sultans for four centuries. Other buildings of note include Suleymaniye Mosque, the Kariye Camii church and the ancient ramparts and aqueduct. One of Istanbul's most famous attractions is the vast Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of some 4000 covered shops, cafés and restaurants, where you can haggle for jewellery, clothes, sweets and spices.
Tours of Istanbul
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Price: £28 Duration: day tour |
Bosphorus Cruise and Istanbul's Egyptian Bazaar Breathe in the heady mix of spices and herbs in the Egyptian Bazaar, then take an invigorating cruise on the Bosphorus for superb views of the magical city of Istanbul. You'll cruise past the famous Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi palaces, and see the historic European and Asian shores. |
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Price: £33 Duration: day tour |
Bosphorus Tour Enjoy an afternoon cruise on the waterway separating the two Continents of Asia and Europe. You will have plenty of excellent photo opportunities of ancient Ottoman architecture, alongside modern residences and luxurious apartment buildings. This cruise truly gives you a real insight into Bosphorus! |
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Price: £45 Duration: day tour |
Private Tour: Bosphorus Cruise and Istanbul's Egyptian Bazaar Begin the tour with a brief visit to the 17th century Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul's most colorful and bustling attractions. Then take an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the majestic strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. From your cruise boat, you can view the dramatic sights lining the Bosphorus' wooded shores: mosques, a bridge that for a time was the world's longest and the massive Rumeli Hisari, a fortress built by Fatih the Conqueror in just three months as he prepared to take Istanbul and the 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultan's fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges. |
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Book Flights to and Accomodation in Istanbul
Plan your trip to Turkey by booking best value flights and accomodation with our industry-leading partners. |