We love —
- Staying in an elegant hotel where contemporary style blends seamlessly with attentive hospitality at the city’s centre.
- Experiencing Istanbul from a sunset Bosphorus cruise, with the city skyline unfolding in golden light.
- Losing yourself in the winding streets of the old town or the vibrant Grand Bazaar, for a true taste of Istanbul’s character.
Customer reviews —
Discover Istanbul —
Set off on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Istanbul. A city rich in culture and tradition, straddling East and West, it invites you to explore its many secrets.
Enhance your stay with a sunset cruise along the Bosphorus, taking in the city’s architectural gems from the water.
For stays of four nights or more, enjoy a carefully curated morning tour of the old town, exploring iconic spots from the Grand Bazaar to the Blue Mosque.
For stays of five nights or more, complete your experience with a gourmet meal at Deraliye, savouring the best of local flavours.
Sunset cruise on the Bosphorus —
Glide along the Bosphorus, between Europe and Asia, and admire Istanbul as the sun sets behind its minarets. On this three-hour cruise, take in the elegance of Dolmabahçe Palace, the grandeur of Çırağan Palace, and the authentic charm of Camlıca Mosque.
Old City morning tour (Hagia Sophia exterior only) —
Immerse yourself in the heart of Istanbul with this guided morning tour, designed to showcase the city’s most iconic landmarks in a simple and enriching way.
Discover the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia (exterior explanation only), before ending your visit at the Grand Bazaar. An ideal experience to explore the essentials without hassle.
Practical information:
- Duration: approx. 4 hours
- Pick-up: from your hotel (one-way only)
- Return transfer: not included
- Language: English
Included:
- Hotel pick-up (one way)
- Guided tour of the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia (exterior explanation only) and Grand Bazaar
Not included:
- Return transfer to your hotel
- Visits inside Hagia Sophia
- Not available on Turkish national holidays
Good to know:
Pick-up may involve multiple hotels, so the actual start time may vary by 30 minutes to 1 hour. Please be ready 15 minutes before the scheduled time. The tour ends at the Grand Bazaar, and you are free to continue exploring or return independently.
Menu 1 - Kebab Menu (for stays of 5 nights or more) —
Treat yourself to a true culinary journey to the heart of the Ottoman Empire with the Kebab Menu at the prestigious Deraliye Restaurant, selected by the Michelin Guide in Istanbul.
For three hours, you will discover refined imperial cuisine, inspired by the flavours of Central Asia, Persia, Arabia, Anatolia and the Balkans.
The recipes on offer are inspired by forgotten dishes once served to sultans, for an authentic and unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Menu:
Assortment of cold starters
- Muhammara: Walnut purée, peppers, herbs, olive oil
- Hibesh: Mashed chickpeas with cumin, garlic, tahini, lemon and chilli
- Mutabbal: Purée of roasted aubergines, yoghurt, tahini, garlic and lemon
- Babaganoush: Roasted aubergine and pepper, garlic and yoghurt
- Spicy salad: Tomatoes, onions, peppers, spices and herbs
Salads
- Dilber Asideli Marul Salatası
- Homemade green salad with garden herbs
Main course
- Chicken kebab with smoked aubergine
- Marinated chicken, grilled and flavoured with cinnamon, served on a bed of smoked and crushed aubergine
Dessert
- Traditional baklava
- Crispy pastry soaked in sweet syrup according to a recipe dating back to the 14th century
Practical information:
Type of excursion: gastronomy
Guided: no
Languages: English
Availability: every day
Recommended/minimum age: all ages. Minors are the responsibility of the adults accompanying them.
Duration: approximately 3 hours
Start time: 7:30 p.m.
Transfers included: no
Meeting point: Deraliye Restaurant, Divanyolu Cad, Alemdar Mah, Ticarethane Sk, No:10, Sultanahmet – Istanbul
The price includes:
- The full kebab menu (starters, salads, main course, dessert)
- Water during the meal
- An immersive Ottoman gastronomic experience
The price does not include:
- Transfers between your hotel and the meeting point
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in ‘The price includes’
- Any tips
- Personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned in ‘The price includes’
Cancellation policy: cancellation less than 24 hours before departure: 100% of the booking amount will be charged.
Old City afternoon tour (for stays of 7 nights or more) —
Step into Istanbul’s rich history with this captivating afternoon tour, where each landmark reveals centuries of imperial splendour and cultural heritage.
Visit the Topkapi Palace, including the Harem and Hagia Irene Church, with museum entry tickets included. A fascinating journey into the heart of the Ottoman Empire.
Practical information:
- Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
- Pick-up time: from 12:00 pm (depending on hotel location)
- Departure: 1:00 pm
- Duration: approx. 4 hours
- Pick-up & return: hotel included
- Language: English
Included:
- Guided visit of Topkapi Palace, Harem and Hagia Irene Church
- Museum entrance tickets
- Return transfers from and to your hotel
Good to know:
Pick-up times vary depending on your hotel location:
- Şişli & Taksim: around 12:15 pm
- Old City: around 12:30 pm
Please be ready 15 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time.
Rayelin Hotel Old City 4* —
Just for you:
- Complimentary early check-in from noon and late check-out until 2 pm
Located in the Old City district of Istanbul, Rayelin Hotel Old City 4* is in a prime location to explore the city, just a 13-minute walk from the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque.
Go for a refreshing dip in the sleek indoor pool after a long day and head to the hotel's restaurant to sample flavourful Turkish cuisine every evening. This hotel is the perfect backdrop to explore this iconic city.
Your room —
Choose between a stay in a Standard Room, an Upgraded Superior Room or a Superior Room for 3 people.
Standard Room (21 m²)
Delicately adorned with light colours and modern lines, the Standard Room is the ideal space for those seeking relaxation and escape.
Upgraded Superior Room (24 m²)
Let yourself be captivated by the delicate details of your Superior Room and enjoy a serene stay in the heart of beautiful Istanbul.
Superior Room for 3 people (24 m²)
For more comfort when travelling in a small group, the Superior Room for 3 people offers you a cosy atmosphere in which to relax during your stay.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
Indulge in the sweet and spicy flavours of Turkish specialities and treat yourself to a delicious meal at Mado Plus. From Ezogelin corba (a spicy tomato soup) to a filling flatbread pide, Turkish cuisine has both mild and bold tastes to suit every palate.
Your time
Just for you:
- 20% discount on extras at the spa
- Complimentary spa access
Discover Istanbul's historic heart from the comfort of an ideally located hotel, situated just steps away from the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and other iconic landmarks.
After a day of exploring the Old City, cool off in the beautiful indoor pool or find bliss with a soothing massage at the spa. Don't let your routine fall by the wayside and enjoy a daily workout at the hotel's perfectly equipped fitness centre.
Your included extras & excursions —
Old City morning tour (Hagia Sophia exterior only)
Immerse yourself in the heart of Istanbul with this guided morning tour, designed to showcase the city’s most iconic landmarks in a simple and enriching way.
Old City afternoon tour (for stays of 7 nights or more)
Step into Istanbul’s rich history with this captivating afternoon tour, where each landmark reveals centuries of imperial splendour and cultural heritage.
2GB of included mobile internet data, to keep you connected on the go
Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for the modern traveller. Activate your included eSIM and enjoy a connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family, with no risk of going over the limit.
Note: 2GB of internet data represents around 25 hours of web browsing/audio streaming or 2 to 3 hours of video streaming / social networking/video calls.
Your optional excursions & extras —
Classic Istanbul Pass: Activities, public transport and discounts (7 days)
Discover Istanbul and its must-see sites and attractions. Enjoy 5 public transport journeys, a cruise along the Bosphorus, a guided tour of the Grand Bazaar and the spice market, as well as a digital guide in English so you don't miss anything throughout your stay.
Dinner cruise on the Bosphorus with limited alcoholic drinks and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks
Experience an unforgettable evening on the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia. Enjoy a gourmet dinner with drinks while admiring the sparkling lights of Istanbul from the sea.
Tour of Istanbul's old town (morning)
Discover the treasures of Istanbul... Between historical visits and local folklore, you will return from this morning with stars in your eyes.
Evening dinner cruise on the Bosphorus with entertainment and local beverages (non-alcoholic)
Enjoy an evening with dinner and entertainment aboard a cruise on the Bosphorus... and admire the most beautiful panoramas of Istanbul by night.
Stay connected with an unlimited data plan
Add an unlimited mobile data plan to stay connected with complete freedom, without any risk of exceeding your allowance. Activate your eSIM and enjoy continuous connectivity wherever you go: share the internet with your loved ones, find the best places around you, use your GPS without stress and enjoy your favourite apps to the full, without worrying about your usage.
Your journey to Istanbul —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Istanbul —
Istanbul, where East meets West, is a city of contrasts and boundless history. As the last outpost of the Roman Empire, Istanbul boasts over 2,500 years of heritage, combining cultural richness with modern vibrancy. From ancient mosques to contemporary cafés, this city offers an unforgettable journey through time.
Must-sees:
- Hagia Sophia: A spectacular fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, featuring stunning mosaics and a magnificent dome.
- Topkapi Palace: Explore the opulent world of Ottoman sultans with historic treasures, ornate courtyards, and panoramic views of the Bosphorus.
- Blue Mosque: A symbol of Istanbul’s Islamic heritage, renowned for its striking blue Iznik tiles and six towering minarets.
- Grand Bazaar: One of the world’s oldest covered markets, ideal for discovering spices, textiles, jewellery, and unique souvenirs.
- Bosphorus Cruise: Sail between Europe and Asia, enjoying remarkable views of Istanbul’s skyline along the Bosphorus Strait.
Culinary culture:
Istanbul’s cuisine is a vibrant fusion of flavours. Indulge in traditional kebabs, meze platters, and sweet treats like baklava and Turkish delight. Fresh seafood along the Bosphorus is a must-try, while a cup of authentic Turkish coffee is perfect in one of the city's historic cafés. For an immersive experience, explore the Spice Bazaar, where aromatic stalls invite you to taste the city's culinary delights.
Dive deeper:
Istanbul’s position as the final stop of the Silk Road is reflected in its eclectic mix of art, architecture, and culture. Discover neighbourhoods like Galata and Karaköy, where boutique hotels, contemporary art galleries, and trendy shops coexist with centuries-old structures. To further uncover the city's hidden depths, visit the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground reservoir offering a unique historical experience.
Good to know:
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Istanbul, with pleasant weather perfect for sightseeing. The city seamlessly blends its historical wonders with modern allure, offering both cultural exploration and cosmopolitan excitement for travellers of all kinds.