Our Guide To The Best Tours Of Istanbul

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 230
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Organised tours are the best way to explore Istanbul and the surrounding area. As well as taking you to places that are truly off the beaten path, having your own informed tour guide means that you will find out far more about the area than you would exploring on your own with a guide book.

A tour of West Turkey is available from Istanbul. You will visit the First World War sites of Dardenalles, then off to Troy and along the coast of the Aegean to the Acropolis of Pergamon. Ephesus is next, then Miletus and Didyma, finally ending at Bodrum.

The Best of Turkey Tour is an extensive tour of the natural wonders and historic landmarks of the area, beginning in Istanbul. The tour lasts for 8 days and takes you to Dardanelles, the world famous Troy, visiting traditional caravan groups and museums in Cappadocia and Konya, as well as Ankara and the beautiful Salt Lakes.

Tour the Old City of Istanbul, which is a day long tour. If you are staying in the Old City, this can be done as a walking tour, or with the use of a private van if you are staying further afield. You will see the beautiful Blue Mosque, Basilica ...
... Cistern, the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace and more.

Walking tours of Istanbul provide a leisurely way to experience all of the sights, sounds and smells of this unique city. Many begin at the great Mosque of Suleyman, and make their way through the bustling street markets and old spice market of Golden Horn, finishing up in the vibrant Taksim district.

Get to see the real Istanbul with the Two Continents tour of the city. As well as exploring the beautiful Mosque of Suleyman and the Byzantine Chora Church Museum, you then get to explore the Asian side of Istanbul with the Ottoman Beylerbeyi Palace, finishing with a Bosphorus cruise back to the European side of the city.

With 9 islands dotting the Sea of Marmara around Istanbul, day trips are available to the biggest island of Buyukada. Also known as Princes Island, your tour here includes a horse drawn carriage ride around the island, time to explore on foot, and a delicious lunch at a superb seafood restaurant.

A fantastic tour for photographers is the Istanbul Thru A Lens Tour. This four hour tour is led by a professional photographer and guide, who will lead you round the city. As well as telling you all about the historic landmarks en route, they also aim to improve your photographic storytelling and techniques too. Our guide to the best tours of Istanbul was written by Bonny Kominek, an experienced tour guide. They recommend checking the Octopus Travel website for details of Istanbul hotels and flight deals for your Istanbul trip.