Istanbul in Three Days
The peninsula on foot, with a licensed guide and no queueing.
- Duration
- 4 days
- Group size
- Up to 12 guests
- Season
- Year-round
Three empires, one floor under the next
Istanbul has been the capital of three empires and each one left its floor under the next. Three guided days walk the historic peninsula and Galata in the order that keeps you ahead of the crowds: the Hippodrome and Hagia Sophia before the light gets flat, the Basilica Cistern while the columns still stand in silence, the Blue Mosque between prayers. Then Topkapi and its harem, the Suleymaniye on its hill, the Spice Market by smell before sight. The last day crosses the Golden Horn for Istiklal, the Galata tower and the Mevlevi lodge, and ends wherever you want it to.
Three days with a licensed guide, on foot and by private vehicle where the distances ask for it, with entry tickets arranged so there is no queueing. Arrival and departure transfers are private. We stay in boutique hotels as a rule, chosen with you; any other style is happily arranged.
Along the wayThe Basilica Cistern, in silence
Down the steps before the crowds, where 336 Roman columns stand in still black water and two Medusa heads hold up the roof of a sixth-century reservoir.
Topkapi and its harem
The courtyards where the empire kept its secrets and its silverware, and the tiled rooms of the harem with a guide who knows which door to take first.
The Suleymaniye and the markets
Sinan’s masterpiece on its hill, then down to the Spice Market by the Golden Horn — met by smell before sight — with the Grand Bazaar at your own pace.
Across the Golden Horn
Istiklal street, the Galata tower and the Mevlevi lodge of the whirling dervishes — the modern city built on the oldest crossing in it.
The shape of the days
Three guided days is the shape; the number moves with you.
Day 1 Arrival in Istanbul
A private transfer from the airport to your hotel, and the rest of the day to yourself.
Overnight Boutique hotel, chosen with you
Day 2 The Hippodrome and Sultanahmet
A walking day: the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, the Arasta bazaar and the Blue Mosque, in the order that keeps you ahead of the crowds rather than in them.
Overnight Boutique hotel
Day 3 Topkapi and the markets
Topkapi palace and the harem, then the Suleymaniye, then down to the Spice Market by the Golden Horn. The Grand Bazaar on the way, at whatever pace you want to give it.
Overnight Boutique hotel
Day 4 Galata and the modern city
Istiklal street, the Galata tower, the Mevlevi lodge museum and the walk down the Golden Horn to Galataport, where the guide leaves you.
Overnight Departure, or onward
We favour small boutique hotels a short walk from the sights, and we choose them with you. If your taste runs elsewhere — a grand classic, a modern tower, a family-run konak — we arrange that just as happily.
What is included
- Private arrival and departure airport transfers
- A professional English-speaking licensed guide for three full days
- All entrance fees, admissions and parking
- Entry tickets arranged ahead, so there is no queueing
- Your guide’s help in choosing restaurants, and all taxes
Not included
- Hotels — we favour boutique houses and book them with you; any other style arranged to taste
- Visa, where one is needed
- Gratuities, and travel and health insurance
“Mert and the Runner Tourism group are fantastic. They are extremely knowledgeable, friendly and always ready to share this knowledge freely, in a very comfortable and relaxed environment. If you are ever in Turkey, I would highly recommend reaching out to Runner Tourism and Travel.”
Ralph Perricelli · USA · View on Google
Shape this journey around you
Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming. We will write the itinerary around that and send it back for you to argue with.
Request a quote