Best Excursions & Day Trips From Istanbul

Istanbul is a fantastic place to base yourself if you’re looking to explore some of Turkey’s top sights such as Hagia Sophia, the Bosphorus River and the Grand Bazaar.

If you’ve got a few days planned in Istanbul, you might also want to take a day trip to see the surrounding areas; thankfully, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 best day tours from Istanbul to give you some inspiration!

These tours are based on their incredible itineraries, customer ratings and their affordability.

1.Istanbul Byzantine Relics Half-Day Morning Tour

Istanbul Byzantine Relics Half-Day Morning Tour

Overview

Travel back in time and learn more about Istanbul’s fascinating history on this day tour from the city to the Byzantine Relics. You’ll see Relics that were around during the Roman Empire, as well as even before Ottoman times and you’ll also stop off at numerous other sightseeing-worthy spots such as the Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque.

Highlights

  • See top UNESCO sites such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
  • Learn more about Istanbul’s enigmatic history from your expert tour guide
  • Enjoy a fun-filled day of exploring the Byzantine Relics

Includes

  • Hotel pickup and drop off with professional driver
  • Local taxes, fees and service charges
  • Licensed tour guide

Duration: 4 hours

Rating: 4/5

2.Edirne Day Trip from Istanbul

Edirne Day Trip from Istanbul

Overview

This epic day tour from Istanbul takes you on a journey to explore the ancient city of Edirne, which was founded all the way back in 125AD by the Roman Emperor, Hadrian! This is a great tour to embark on if you’re a huge history buff as you’ll learn all about the Ottoman Empire, discover ancient relics and landmarks such as the Selimiye Mosque, the Beyazit Külliyesi Medical Mosque, plus so much more!

Highlights

  • Learn about the important gateway between Europe and the Middle East
  • Explore the “second city” of the Ottoman Empire
  • See top sights such as the Ali Pasa Covered Bazaar and Selimiye Arastasi

Includes

  • Lunch
  • Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Local taxes and charges
  • Hotel transfers

Duration: 10 hours

Rating: 5

3.Private Full Day Pamukkale Hierapolis Tour from Istanbul

Private Full Day Pamukkale Hierapolis Tour from Istanbul

Overview

If you really want to make the most out of your time in Turkey and you don’t want to limit yourself to just seeing Istanbul, then this tour is a great choice for you. From Istanbul, you’ll travel to Pamukkale via plane where you’ll enjoy a visit to the Hierapolis, the Necropolis and the Pamukkale travertines. This tour also allows you to enjoy lunch and a visit to the Cleopatra Swimming Pool; it’s an excellent way to discover more of the country and learn more about its incredible culture!

Highlights

  • Visit the Cleopatra Swimming Pool as an optional extra to your tour
  • See the Necropolis and Hierapolis in Pamukkale
  • Enjoy travelling in style without worry as you make your way to and from Istanbul in one action-packed day!

Includes

  • Travel insurance
  • Domestic taxes
  • Professional tour guides on each tour
  • Airfare

Duration: 12 hours

Rating: 5

4.Day Tour from Istanbul To Ephesus By Plane

Day Tour from Istanbul To Ephesus By Plane

Overview

Make the most of your time in Istanbul and include a day trip to Ephesus as part of your holiday itinerary. On this small group tour, you’ll have the chance to explore the former heart of Western Anatolia, where you’ll discover sites that many ancient Romans and Christians discovered thousands of years ago. You will also see the Temple of Artemis, as well as numerous other fountains, baths and temples. This tour includes airfare to and from Istanbul so you can rest assured that it’ll be a stress and worry-free excursion!

Highlights

  • Leave behind the busy city of Istanbul and embark on a magical journey to Ephesus
  • See ancient roman temples, baths and fountains
  • Learn about the history of many religious sites and discover the stomping ground that the Virgin Mary and Saint John are thought to have visited over 2,000 years ago.

Includes

  • Professional and local expert tour guide
  • Domestic return flights from Istanbul to Ephesus

Duration: 14 hours

Rating: 4/5

5.Princes’ Island Tour from Istanbul: Büyükada

Princes’ Island Tour from Istanbul: Büyükada

Overview

Visit the island of Büyükada, AKA the biggest Princes’ Island, and make your way across the Sea of Marmara to the island from Istanbul. Once you arrive, you will enjoy learning more about the history on Büyükada Island, as well as spending time relaxing on its many beautiful beaches.

Highlights

    Visit the island of Büyükada, AKA the biggest Princes’ Island, and make your way across the Sea of Marmara to the island from Istanbul. Once you arrive, you will enjoy learning more about the history on Büyükada Island, as well as spending time relaxing on its many beautiful beaches.

    Tour highlights:

Includes

  • Hotel pickup and drop off
  • Round-trip boat to the island
  • Horse-drawn carriage ride around Büyükada Island

Duration: 8 hours

Rating: 4.5/5

6.Sapanca Lake and Masukiye Tour

Sapanca Lake and Masukiye Tour

Overview

This 14-hour tour is an action-packed day to some top sights in the countryside from Istanbul. You’ll get the chance to enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Sapanca Lake, tuck into a scrumptious traditional Turkish picnic and make your way to the top of a famous ski resort for panoramic views of the landscape below. This tour is sure to be a day that you’ll never forget, so make sure you pack your camera and plenty of spare batteries!

Highlights

  • Visit a nature reserve and discover more than 200 animal species
  • Wander around the beautiful Sapanca Lake
  • Enjoy a traditional Turkish picnic right next to a waterfall

Includes

  • Tour guide
  • Hotel transfers
  • Lunch in the form of a Turkish picnic
  • Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle

Duration: 14 hours

Rating: 4.5/5

7.Private Day Trip from Istanbul to Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary

Private Day Trip from Istanbul to Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary

Overview

Enjoy an action-packed day away from the bustling city of Istanbul as you traverse to numerous spiritual, religious and historic sites on an epic day trip. Pay your respects at the House of Virgin Mary, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ephesus ancient ruins and make your way around the Celsus Library and the Grand Theatre.

Highlights

  • Discover the remaining ruins of the Temple of Artemis
  • Visit the House of Virgin Mary and learn more about its significant importance within the Christian religion
  • See the Celsus Library and the Grand Theatre in Ephesus

Includes

  • Round-trip airfare
  • Hotel pickup and drop off
  • Entrance fees
  • Tour guide and driver

Duration: 1 day

Rating: 5

8.Bursa Full-Day Tour from Istanbul

Bursa Full-Day Tour from Istanbul

Overview

Embark on a full day trip to Bursa from Istanbul and cross the Sea of Marmara. On your tour you’ll have the pleasure of tasting locally sourced and homegrown food, purchase something from the many community markets and enjoy a tour around the 14th century Seljuk-style mosque. Your tour also includes an incredible Turkish-style BBQ lunch at the top of Mount Olympus where you’ll enjoy unparalleled views of the alpine landscape below.

Highlights

  • Learn about Bursa’s history and enigmatic trading artisans while enjoying tea in the Old Silk Market
  • Venture up to the top of Mount Olympus and enjoy a yummy Turkish BBQ lunch
  • See the sights of the Ottoman Empire’s earliest capital city, dating back thousands of years

Includes

  • Lunch
  • Professional tour guide
  • Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle

Duration: 15 hours

Rating: 4/5

9.Wonders of Cappadocia - 2 Days Cappadocia Trip from Istanbul

Wonders of Cappadocia - 2 Days Cappadocia Trip from Istanbul

Overview

Make the most of your time in Turkey and enjoy this incredible 2-day tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia, known as the “city of balloons”. With everything taken care of for you, you can enjoy visiting Cappadocia’s top sights such as various temples, villages, caves, churches and the famous wind-sculpted rock. This tour also comes with the option to add a sunrise hot air balloon ride as part of your excursion; it’s a great opportunity to get out of the busy life in Istanbul and explore more of the beautiful countryside surroundings.

Highlights

  • See the main highlights of Cappadocia
  • Choose to add a hot air balloon sunrise flight to your itinerary
  • Relax in style as everything is planned and taken care of for your

Includes

  • 1-night accommodation in the cave hotel with breakfast
  • English-speaking tour guide
  • Optional hot air balloon tour
  • Transportation
  • Lunch and breakfast
  • Hotel transfers

Duration: 2 days

Rating: 4.5/5

10.Full Day Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Small Group Tour

Full Day Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Small Group Tour

Overview

Enjoy a full day tour of Old Town as you visit top historic sites from the Ottoman and Byzantine eras. You’ll pay a visit to the famous Hagia Sophia Museum, the Topkapi Palace, plus numerous other museums and ancient ruins throughout the day!

Highlights

  • See the world-famous Hagia Sophia Museum for yourself
  • Visit top religious and historic sites such as the Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and the Hippodrome
  • Enjoy learning more about the remarkable periods of history during the Byzantine and Ottoman eras

Includes

  • Driver and tour guide
  • Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
  • Lunch
  • Taxes, handling charges and National Park fees
  • Entrance tickets

Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Rating: 5

11.One Day Gallipoli Tour from Istanbul: Lunch Included

One Day Gallipoli Tour from Istanbul: Lunch Included

Overview

Embark on a history-fuelled tour from Istanbul to the WW1 battlefields of Gallipoli and learn more about the remarkable feats that occurred during the war. See the ANZAC Commemorative Site, Brighton Beach and the ANZAC Cove. While this tour isn’t necessarily the most happy and fun-filled, it is an incredibly important tour to go on while in Istanbul to learn more about Turkey’s involvement in World War One.

Highlights

  • See the Allied and Turkish trenches at Johnston’s Jolly
  • See the site where the Dawn Service in held
  • Tour the historic sites of Gallipoli such as ANZAC Cove and the Commemorative Site

Includes

  • Local tour guide
  • Hotel transfers
  • Lunch
  • Handling fees, taxes and charges

12.Troy And Anzac in 1-Day from Istanbul

Troy And Anzac in 1-Day from Istanbul

Overview

Tour the most famous and historic battle sites from World War 1 on this day tour from Istanbul to Troy and Gallipoli. Walk in the footsteps of the brave soldiers along the beaches of Dardanelles, and visit numerous trenches, cemeteries and battlefields. You will also get to explore famous sites from the Trojan War such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site archaeological dig where Achaean and Spartan warriors laid siege.

Highlights

  • A fantastic tour for history buffs wanting to learn more about the famous wars
  • See Troy and Gallipoli in one day
  • Visit trenches, battlefields and cemeteries

Includes

  • Hotel pickup and drop off
  • Professional tour guide

Duration: 1 day

Rating: 4.5/5

13.From Istanbul: Half-Day Dolmabahce Palace Tour

From Istanbul: Half-Day Dolmabahce Palace Tour

Overview

Enjoy a half-day, guided tour of the Dolmabahce Palace from Istanbul and learn about its importance within history. The small group tour makes it a much more enjoyable and intimate experience so you’ll get the chance to ask your tour guide any questions you might have.

Highlights

  • Guided tour of the Dolmabahce Palace
  • Small group for a more enjoyable experience

Includes

  • All admission fees
  • Hotel transfers
  • Guided commentary from a professional tour guide

Duration: 3 hours

Rating: 4.5/5

14.Bosphorus Full-Day Sightseeing Tour: Golden Horn and Bosphorus Cruise, Spice Bazaar, Camlica Hill and Dolmabahce Palace

Bosphorus Full-Day Sightseeing Tour: Golden Horn and Bosphorus Cruise, Spice Bazaar, Camlica Hill and Dolmabahce Palace

Overview

This epic full day tour takes you around some of the best sights in and around Istanbul. You’ll cross over the Bosphorus Strait and Golden Horn where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the city and its many temples, bridges and palaces as you cruise along. You will also make your way to the top of Camlica Hill where you’ll visit the beautiful RüstemPasha Mosque.

Highlights

  • See the Dolmabahce Palace and the RüstemPasha Mosque
  • Wander through the remarkable Spice Market and pick up some souvenirs to take back home with you
  • Enjoy a cruise along the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn

Includes

  • 3-course lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant
  • Local tour guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop off
  • Air-conditioned vehicle transportation

Duration: 8 hours

Rating: 4.5/5

15.Istanbul Old City to Grand Bazaar Tour<

Istanbul Old City to Grand Bazaar Tour<

Overview

Take a tour around Istanbul’s Old City and visit the top sights such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome. Your tour also includes a visit to the famous GrandBazaar and the stunning Topkapi Palace. This tour is an absolute must-do while in Istanbul as it gives you the chance to see as many incredible sights as possible within one day.

Highlights

  • See the ancient, 6th-century Hagia Sophia
  • See the old temples, palaces and ruins of Old City Istanbul
  • Enjoy lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant
  • Pick up some souvenirs and see the many crafts, spices and market vendors at the world-famous Grand Bazaar

Includes

  • Hotel transfers
  • Local taxes
  • Lunch
  • Professional tour guide

Duration: 8 hours

Rating: 5

16.Istanbul Two Continents Half-Day Tour

Istanbul Two Continents Half-Day Tour

Overview

This truly unique tour is a remarkable half-day trip to enjoy while in Istanbul as it gives you the opportunity to experience two continents in just one day! You will visit the Beylerbeyi Palace on the European side of the city and then you’ll wander to the top of Camlica Hill to take in the gorgeous views of the Asian side.

Highlights

  • Travel from the European shores of Istanbul across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of the city
  • See top sights in both Europe and Asia continents from Istanbul
  • Enjoy a completely unique tour as you see many sights in and around the city

Includes

  • Local tour guide
  • Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Hotel pickup and drop off

Duration: 4 hours

Rating: 4/5

17.Golden Horn Half Day Morning Tour in Istanbul

Golden Horn Half Day Morning Tour in Istanbul

Overview

Cruise across the beautiful Bosphorus River and take a cable car ride up to the very top of Pierre Loti Hill on this fantastic half-day tour from Istanbul. During your tour, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to learn from your tour guide about the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires, as well as stopping off at Chora Church and the walls of Constantinople.

Highlights

  • See spectacular works of Byzantine art in Chora Church
  • Ride up to the top of Pierre Loti Hill via Cable Car
  • See the sites of the city as you cruise across the Bosphorus Strait

Includes

  • Boat cruise
  • Entrance tickets and fees
  • Local taxes
  • Hotel transfers
  • English-speaking tour guide<

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

Rating: 4.5/5

18.Luxury Small-Group Tour of Imperial Istanbul Including Lunch

Luxury Small-Group Tour of Imperial Istanbul Including Lunch

Overview

Take part in a small luxury group tour of Imperial Istanbul and see the top sights in and around the city. Pay a visit to the world-famous Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace and the Chora Church and then make your way to the beloved Turkish Matbah restaurant where you’ll tuck into a scrumptious 4-course traditional meal.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a small group tour to the top sites from the Ottoman and Roman Empires
  • Visit the Istanbul Archaeology Museum, Hagia Sophia and Chora Church
  • Enjoy a delicious traditional 4-course Turkish meal at Matbah restaurant

Includes

  • Small group tour for more enjoyability
  • Expert tour guide
  • 4-course lunch with tea or coffee

Duration: 8 hours

Rating: 5

19.Eyup, Pierre Loti Hill, and Kariye Museum: Guided Day Tour from Istanbul

Eyup, Pierre Loti Hill, and Kariye Museum: Guided Day Tour from Istanbul

Overview

This jam-packed day tour has an incredible itinerary for you to enjoy from Istanbul. First up, you’ll visit places such as the Eyüp District, the PierreLoti Hill and the Eyüp Sultan Mosque.

Highlights

  • See top sites in Eyüp, Fener and Balat such as the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarchate
  • Smell the wonderful fragrances at the Egyptian Spice Market
  • Admire the stunning views of the Golden Horn from the top of Pierre Loti Hill

Includes

  • Local tour guide
  • Hotel transfers
  • Transportation for the day

Duration: 8 hours

Rating: 5

20.Bosphorus Cruise and Egyptian Spice Market Tour plus Turkish Dinner and Show

Bosphorus Cruise and Egyptian Spice Market Tour plus Turkish Dinner and Show

Overview

Fully immerse yourself in Istanbul’s enigmatic culture on this tour across the BosphorusRiver, complete with a 4-course Turkish dinner and a traditional belly-dancing show. This tour also includes a visit to the Egyptian Spice Market where you can pick up some local delicacies to take home with you as souvenirs.

Tour highlights:

Highlights

  • Watch a traditional, Turkish belly-dancing show
  • Cruise along the Bosphorus as you enjoy a yummy 4-course dinner
  • Visit the Egyptian Spice Market

Includes

  • Cruise with dinner
  • Hotel transfers

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