Istanbul:Private Layover Tour from Istanbul Airports&Hotels
Beyoglu, Istanbul
Enjoy the best of Istanbul with your local licensed guide. Discover the highlights and the hidden gems of the city in a short time instead sitting at the airport for hours.
This layover tour in Istanbul suits travelers wanting to explore key city sights quickly with a local guide.
Highlights
- Taste rich and diverse Turkish cuisine at the local food market
- Experience a ferry cruise from the European side to the Asian side
- Visit the 1,500-year-old Hagia Sophia, significant to both Islam and Christianity
- Explore the 15th-century Grand Bazaar with 4,000 shops
- See the Blue Mosque and hear the live call to prayer
Description
This tour offers a chance to explore Istanbul during your airport layover with a licensed local guide. The itinerary is customized based on your flight arrival time and confirmed at the airport meeting.
If your flight lands before 4:00 PM, you can enter major sights. Landings after 4:00 PM allow views of Istanbul at night without interior visits. Possible sights include:
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Roman Hippodrome
- Grand Bazaar
- Spice Bazaar
- Topkapı Palace
- Basilica Cistern
- Galata Bridge
- Bosphorus Bridge
- Bosphorus to Kadıköy cruise
- Maidens Tower
- Kadıköy food market
- Karaköy neighborhood
- Taksim Square
- Istiklal Avenue
Optional activities are available for additional fees:
- Turkish bath: €50
- Dinner at a local restaurant: €10–20
- Baklava tasting: €5–10
Includes
- Round-trip private transfer to and from the airport
- Professional licensed English-speaking guide
- Tram fees within the city center
- Ferry cruise fees to and from the Asian side
Excludes
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fees to sites
- Optional activity fees
- Gratuities (recommended €10–20)
Entrance fees vary by site; some are free:
- Hagia Sophia: €25 per person
- Basilica Cistern (09:00–19:00): €30
- Topkapı Palace: €40 per person
- Blue Mosque: free entry
- Dolmabahçe Palace: €30 per person
Entry fees may be paid by credit card or Turkish lira. Guides can assist with priority line access at some sites.
Important Information
- The car is used only for airport pickup and drop-off; the tour uses walking, tram, or ferry to avoid traffic congestion.
- Women must cover their hair with a scarf when visiting mosques; scarves can be borrowed at the mosque.
- Luggage storage is recommended at the airport’s “Left Baggage” before exit gate #13 for a small fee.
- Wi-Fi is available at some cafes along the route.
- Some travelers may need an e-visa to leave the airport; USA passport holders do not require a visa for Turkey.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Book early to secure your preferred itinerary and check your flight arrival time to maximize entrance opportunities. Bring a scarf for mosque visits and consider storing luggage at the airport for convenience.
