Istanbul Experience

4 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
92%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Uncover the multi-layered city of Istanbul; the continent-straddling metropolis that so many civilisations have called home over the past nine thousand years. Get an intimate and local feel for the city with an expert guide, surrounded by the remains of great fallen empires. In the streets and laneways between the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman architect...

Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • In an ancient han, watch artisans perfect the skills passed down over the centuries
    • Explore the grand bazaar, a web of vaulted passages packed with thousands of stalls
    • Soak up the sight of the magnificent suleymaniye mosque as the whole city stretches beneath

What's this trip about?

    Uncover the multi-layered city of Istanbul; the continent-straddling metropolis that so many civilisations have called home over the past nine thousand years. Get an intimate and local feel for the city with an expert guide, surrounded by the remains of great fallen empires. In the streets and laneways between the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, a cosmopolitan modern world thrives. Mix with Istanbulites at the Grand Bazaar that lies at the end of the historic Silk Road. Discover the Ottoman architecture of the city’s mosques and cruise along the Bosphorus taking in the sights to the Black Sea. Istanbul is a city that takes the best of the East and West and infuses it with its own unique character. Discover it on this illumining independent experience. TRIP CHANGES FOR 2018: In 2018 this trip will be discontinued. We recommend our PEGBX Istanbul & Gallipoli Battlefields - Experience that will include a home cooked meal with a local family in Istanbul as well as a guided tour of Gallipoli.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 3 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityIstanbul
End CityIstanbul

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Turkey

Attractions

  • Istanbul

Activities

  • Culture
  • Independent

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey! If you arrive at Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport (IST), you will be met and transferred to your starting hotel. If you arrive at Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) airport please make your own way to the hotel (unless you have booked a t...

Day 2 Istanbul

Meet your local guide early this morning to journey in the footsteps of the city’s most famous ruler and conquer Istanbul in just a day. Head to Sultanahmet (the Old City, formerly Constantinople), where ancient empires based themselves and historical sites intertwine...

Day 3 Istanbul

This morning you will be picked up from your hotel at 9.00am . Back on board we continue our Bosphorus exploration with a stop at Rumeli Hisari, constructed by Mehmet the Conquerer strategically situated at the narrowest point on the Bosphorus. You will enjoy a deli...

Day 4 Istanbul

Your independent Istanbul exploration comes to an end after breakfast. Perhaps choose to extend your stay and take your haggling skills back into the Great Bazaar.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $595
Price per day$149
Last Updated: 2/22/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Peregrine Adventures.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Peregrine Adventures Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
103
Great
1
Average
1
Disappointing
1
Terrible
7
Write a Review

Other Peregrine Adventures Reviews

T

Tania

Mar 2020

Written on
Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

Good impression overall

My first trip with this agency, and I will not hesitate to recommend it to friends and family. The right mix of planned activities and free time. Good central locati...

R

Ruth

Mar 2020

Written on
Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

very reasonable

Thank you to Tucan Travel for early cancellation notification of June tours to Africa and the response, which is very reasonable. Even if matters improve by then, ar...

J

Jane

Apr 2020

Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

Expect I'm not the only one

they are 'fair weather friends' I did not receive so much as an email advising of changes in the cancellation policy, discovered when I contacted them to cancel. I n...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Peregrine Adventures

preferred
View Profile

It’s been more than 36 years since our first small group set out to discover Nepal. It’s this heritage and our reputation that keeps travellers coming back time and time again.

We appeal to the well-travelled, discerning traveller. The one who chooses value over price, and wants to immerse themselves in a place instead of just ticking landmarks off a bucket list. The type of person who would rather stay in a family run B&B built in a 16th century Venetian convent than a forgettable hotel. We’re for travellers who want inclusions along the way instead of fiddling around for loose change.

Almost 20 years ago, Peregrine led an industry revolution by solely employing locally born leaders. This innovative approach gives our travellers a deeper insight into the countries they visit. Doorways are opened and a true understanding of the place is fostered.

At Peregrine, we travel in intimate groups and take the time to get under the skin of a destination. Of course we all want to see the Taj Mahal in India. But imagine then heading to a remote Rajasthani village and learning about rural life while in the company of locals. Seeing the famous sites is a must, but it’s often the memory of wandering through a small village or sharing dinner with a local family that will leave a lasting impact.

We promise to share our knowledge and expertise with you, and ensure you will come home with stories you will tell for years to come.

Why we love this operator
Since their founding in 1977 by trekkers exploring Nepal, they’ve maintained a strong connection to local culture and the “traveler spirit”.
What they’re known for
Immersive experiences that prioritize value, authenticity and adventure over luxury touches for older travelers.

Associations

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel (3 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Local Transport,private transfers,

Transportation & flights

Local Transport,private transfers
Guides
INDEPENDENT EXPERIENCE This is an ‘independent’ trip. You will have a local Peregrine guide for each activity (but not while on transport between each Experience if you booked several). As the name suggests, this is not a group trip, so it is just you (and your travelling companions if you booked with a friend). You will have 24/7 support from your guide and our local office.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a group trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Visa requirements
PASSPORT As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your consultant will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. TURKEY: Australia: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go Belgium: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go Canada: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go Germany: No - not required Ireland: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go Netherlands: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go New Zealand: No - not required South Africa: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go Switzerland: No - not required United Kingdom: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go USA: Yes - apply for an e-visa before you go Most nationalities require a visa to enter Turkey. Visas must be obtained through the e-Visa system. To apply for an e-visa, please go to https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ at least two weeks before you arrive in Turkey. This multiple entry e-Visa costs USD60 as is valid for 90 days. Please note, visa costs can change at any time and with little notice depending on the political climate of the region. Some countries do not require a visa at all. This includes passport holders from New Zealand, Argentina, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland for stays up to three months. We recommend all nationalities check with their local consulate o embassy as this information can change. Entry Requirements – Passport Validity: Foreigners entering Turkey must carry a passport with at least 60 days validity beyond the expiry date of their visa.
Health & Safety
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's travel alerts page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. PERSONAL BELONGINGS: We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. FREE TIME: Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. BALCONIES: Some hotel balconies don't meet western standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD: Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware! SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. PICK POCKETING & PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking at night and encourage you to walk in groups and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. WATER SAFETY: Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water. TRAVEL ADVICE & TRAVEL INSURANCE We recommend that you check your government's advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. SAFETY IN TURKEY: Following recent incidents in Turkey, we recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before your departure and that you ensure your travel insurance covers you for all areas in your itinerary. We have links to all major travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting your trip on our safety page (link above). The safety of our travellers and staff is our first priority. We continue to monitor the situation through official travel advisories and our local operations team, and we’re able to quickly change arrangements if for any reason we become concerned. If there should be any changes to the situation you will be advised immediately. We have also taken the following measures to minimise the potential risk for our travellers in Turkey: -Our local office is constantly monitoring local Ministry of Tourism updates and has regional advisors to keep them abreast on regional events. -We are monitoring local transport conditions and will make changes to included transport if required. -We may implement itinerary changes for the safety and comfort of our travellers. Whilst travelling in Istanbul before, after or during your tour we would recommend avoiding crowded areas like Taksim Square, Galatasaray and Kadikoy Meydan after 6.00pm especially on a weekend. If using public transport in the city please refer to http://www.iett.gov.tr/en for the latest updates and announcements.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Finish point Dosso Dossi Old City Hotel Alemdar Mah Alay Köşkü Cad No:12 P.K: 34110 Sultanahmet, Fatih Istanbul Istanbul TURKEY
Trip ID
peregrine-PEIEX

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >