See all of the major landmarks, visit the continent of Asia and eat your way through the city in 10 hours.
On our trip to the Maldives, we were able to break the flight up with a long layover in Istanbul, Turkey. After 11 hours in economy class, we were literally running off of the plane when we landed. Before heading to Turkey, our tour guide told us to get our Turkish Visas online in order to save time when going through customs. The online application was very easy and short. The processing fee for the visa was $20 and we received it immediately after hitting the “submit” button.
Here is a look at our itinerary…
Tour name : Private Evening Tour, Incoming Flight.
Sites included: We will catch a ferry to cross the Bosporus strait to Asian side (Kadikoy), and we will see most of the Istanbul highlights, Topkapi palace, Hagia Sofia, Blue mosque, Maiden’s Tower, Bosporus and Galata Bridges and Galata Tower. Visit the local food market and sample the local specialities with your guide. Dinner at a nice local restaurant where your guide choose the delicious foods for you, kebabs and many other Turkish food. Ferry back to European side (Karakoy) Baklava tasting (the mouth watering Turkish dessert), and a Turkish tea /coffee break at a 300 years old cafe which was a former Medressa.
Price includes: Guiding. Pick up and drop off from and to Ataturk international airport. Dinner, food samplings, desserts. Public transportation fees, ferry fees, coffee and Shisha smoking. Three non alcoholic drinks over the night.
Price excludes: Extra drinks and shopping expenses and tipping to the guide.
Itinerary: Our driver will be waiting for you at the airport with your name on a board. You will then be transferred to the center with the private car (Mercedes Vito). You will meet your guide at the center and he will lead you into the sights and share a lot of historic and cultural information with you. At the conclusion of your tour you will be transferred back to airport.
Followed by
TOP SITES OF OLD ISTANBUL (Half day private tour ), Return Flight.
Tour duration: Pick up from airport at 07:00 and drop off at airport at 11:30 am.
Sites included: Once you arrive to center your guide will take you to a nice place for a delicious breakfast until the sights open at 08:30 am. You will then visit the follow sights: Karakoy neighborhood, Ayasofya, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome Area and Grand Bazaar. Spice Market.
Price includes: Pick up and drop off from and to Ataturk airport. Breakfast. Profesional guiding. Entrance fees.
Price excludes: Drinks and shopping expenses.
Itinerary: Our driver will be waiting for you at the airport with your name on a board. You will then be transferred to the center with the private car (Mercedes Vito). You will meet your guide at the center and he will take you to a nice breakfast cafe where you can enjoy an exclusive Turkish breakfast while the sights are still closed. After the breakfast then he will lead you into the sights and share a lot of historic and cultural information with you. At the conclusion of your tour you will be transferred back to airport.
Having a guided tour on layovers saves you time, gives you the most bang for your buck and adds an element of safety. We used the company, “My Local Guide Istanbul Tours”. You can check out their reviews and get more information about the company here:
My Local Guide Istanbul Tours tour pricing is determined by your itinerary.
Istanbul has so much to offer! We felt safe and fell in love with this beautifully historic city. Layover tours are a great way to fit in another trip while abroad. Read reviews, do comparison shopping and ask for referrals before choosing a company.
#LiveLoveTravel
Alisha
Author: enchantedtravels
Welcome to my Travel blog! Some of you may not know that this is not my first rodeo on the blogging scene. I wrote an entertainment and lifestyle blog for an NYC based PR Firm back in 2011 before my business took off and got a little busy.
I have traveled abroad and domestically at my leisure and for work since 2005 and I have many stories to share. I was first introduced to international travel by my parents. They took me along with them on a missions trip to Germany and halfway through the trip, I hopped on a bus by myself and crossed the border into France. I spent the weekend exploring Paris on my own back when solo trips were not popular. I was 25 years old with a YOLO attitude and just could not be that close to the "City of Lights" without making a visit. That is when the travel bug hit!
I was recently inspired to start blogging again after my trip to Cuba, and this time, create a blog for myself.
When I first started traveling on a more consistent basis and internationally, I was 25 years old, single and working full time as contract travel Occupational Therapist. I met my husband of almost ten years along the way and he said that one of the things that attracted me to him was my love for travel. He got himself a passport and we have continued to see the world since then, kids and all!
View all posts by enchantedtravels
