We love —
- Cruising along the Bosphorus at sunset while minarets and palaces glow beneath the fading evening light.
- Wandering through Sultanahmet’s historic streets surrounded by the scent of spices, roasted chestnuts and freshly brewed Turkish coffee.
- Staying in the heart of Old Istanbul, Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel & Spa 5* offers guests the perfect location for exploring the Turkish capital, close to the Hagia Sofia and Grand Bazaar.
Customer reviews —
I particularly loved the Sura Hagia Sophia’s exceptional location in the heart of Sultanahmet, ideal for exploring Istanbul on foot and fully immersing yourself in the city’s rich history. The outdoor pool is a real highlight, a peaceful retreat after a day of sightseeing, adding an extra layer of comfort to the overall experience.
A first glimpse of your holiday —
Discover Istanbul —
Between imperial heritage, lively alleyways and sunset cruises along the Bosphorus, this stay in Istanbul invites you to discover one of the world’s most captivating cities. From the historic treasures of Sultanahmet to the vibrant districts of Galata and Karaköy, passing by Ottoman palaces and the rich flavours of the East, each day blends culture, relaxation and immersion into the city’s unique atmosphere. A journey shaped by centuries of tradition, spectacular panoramas and the gentle rhythm of life between Europe and Asia.
Suggested 5-Night Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul
Arrival and check-in at the Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel.
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a gentle first stroll through the Sultanahmet district, with beautiful views over Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome.
Dinner at leisure near the hotel.
Day 2 – Old City & Grand Bazaar
Included visit: Morning tour of the Old City
Duration: approximately 4 hours.
Discover the main landmarks of the Old City, including the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia (external view) and the Grand Bazaar.
The tour ends at the Grand Bazaar, without return transfer included, allowing you to enjoy free time for shopping and lunch before making your own way back to the hotel.
Day 3 – Topkapi Palace & Harem
Included visit: Afternoon Old City tour
Duration: approximately 4 hours.
Free morning with the possibility to visit the Basilica Cistern or enjoy a walk through Gülhane Park.
In the afternoon, pick-up from your hotel for a guided visit of Topkapi Palace, the Harem and Hagia Irene Church. Museum entrance tickets and return transfer are included.
Day 4 – Galata, Karaköy & Sunset Bosphorus Cruise
Free morning and early afternoon to discover the districts of Galata, Karaköy and, if you wish, Istiklal Avenue. These neighbourhoods reveal a more modern and lively side of Istanbul.
Late afternoon:
Included visit: Sunset cruise on the Bosphorus
Duration: approximately 3 hours.
This cruise offers magnificent views over the Bosphorus, including Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace, Çırağan Palace and the Maiden’s Tower. Return transfer to the hotel is included.
Day 5 – Leisure Day in Istanbul
A flexible day to explore Istanbul at your own pace.
Suggestions include the Spice Bazaar, Süleymaniye Mosque, a ferry crossing to Kadıköy on the Asian side, or a traditional Turkish hammam experience.
Farewell dinner at leisure, ideally in Sultanahmet, Karaköy or along the Bosphorus waterfront.
Day 6 – Departure
Breakfast and check-out.
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a final stroll through the city or some last-minute shopping before your transfer to the airport.
Sunset cruise on the Bosphorus River —
Admire Istanbul’s most beautiful landmarks bathed in golden light during a 3-hour sunset cruise along the Bosphorus, including hotel transfers and a stop at the historic Rumeli Fortress.
Additional information:
In a few days, you will receive a booking voucher from our partner KOLENIA directly in the appendix section of your travel documents, which can be viewed from your Voyage Privé member account. Please remember to check this section at least two days before your departure to download the voucher.
The voucher will indicate the date, time and meeting place for your activity.
Please print it out and present it on the day of your visit to benefit from the offer. Without this document, we cannot guarantee access to the activity.
Emergency number: +90 551 443 20 80
+90 551 443 20 95 or
+30 2111989807
Type of excursion: boat cruise
Guided: no
Languages: English
Availability: every day
Duration: approximately 3 hours
Times: 5pm - 8pm
Boat capacity: 210 people maximum
Transfers included: yes
Pick-up and drop-off location: at your hotel - Please be ready 15 minutes before the pick-up time
The price includes:
- Transfers between your hotel and the meeting point
- 3-hour sunset cruise on the Bosphorus
- 30-minute stop at Rumeli Fortress
- Passage under the 2nd Bosphorus Bridge
- Panoramic view of the main monuments from the sea
The price does not include:
- 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.
Morning old city tour (excluding entrance to Hagia Sophia) —
Treat yourself to an unforgettable immersion in the heart of Istanbul and let yourself be guided through its most iconic treasures. A seamless and enriching experience, perfect for discovering the essentials with complete ease.
Additional information:
Duration: 4 hours
Pick-up from: Hotel
Transfer included: No
Tour language: English
The price includes:
One-way pick-up from your hotel, a guided visit of the following landmarks: Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia (external explanation only) and the Covered Grand Bazaar. The tour ends at the Grand Bazaar.
Important note: Hagia Sophia will not be visited inside. Your guide will provide explanations from the exterior before continuing the tour as planned.
The price does not include:
Return transfer to your hotel. This tour is not available during national public holidays in Turkey.
Please note:
Your bus will collect passengers from several hotels; the actual start time of the tour may vary between 30 minutes and 1 hour after the scheduled pick-up time. Please be ready at your hotel or meeting point 15 minutes before the indicated time.
The tour finishes at the Grand Bazaar, and no return transfer is included. You are free to continue exploring the area or return to your hotel independently after the visit.
Afternoon old city tour (for stays of 5 nights or more) —
Enjoy a captivating immersion into the history of Istanbul, where each monument reveals centuries of imperial grandeur and living cultural heritage.
Practical Information:
- Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Pick-up time: 12:00 pm
- Departure time: 1:00 pm
- Duration: 4 hours
- Pick-up: Hotel
- Transfer included: Yes
- Tour language: English
The price includes:
Guided visit of Topkapi Palace, the Harem and Hagia Irene Church
Museum entrance tickets included
Return transfers to and from your hotel included
Information:
Visit of Topkapi Palace and Hagia Irene Church
Museum tickets included
Hotel pick-up and return transfer included
For hotels in Şişli: pick-up at 12:15 pm
For hotels in Taksim: pick-up at 12:15 pm
For hotels in the Old City: pick-up at 12:30 pm
Please be ready 15 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time.
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel Istanbul 5* —
Experience a memorable stay at the luxurious Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel Istanbul 5*, located in Sultanahmet, in the heart of Istanbul. Settle into lavish accommodation just a short stroll from some of the capital's most iconic sites, including the Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and the beautiful Hagia Sofia itself.
Receive a warm welcome in resplendent surroundings, with the finest Turkish hospitality, and enjoy access to a range of facilities. The hotel has its own Turkish hammam, and spectacular outdoor pool area, with a traditionally designed courtyard. Delight in the peaceful spaces throughout the resort and indulge on the exquisite cuisine at the onsite restaurants, including the Deraliye Terrace Restaurant with breathtaking views.
Your room —
Enjoy a stay in an Upgraded Comfort Room.
Upgraded Comfort Room (24 m²)
Enjoy the luxury of a Comfort Room with bright and modern features. With a range of high-quality amenities, you'll love relaxing here after a busy day exploring the city.
Your dining choices
Just for you:
- 1 x 15€ voucher to use at Deraliye Restaurant per person per stay
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
At Deraliye Terrace Restaurant, guests can look forward to an extraordinary meal featuring a diverse selection of international dishes, including pasta, grilled sea bass, and lamb kebabs. The highlight is the breathtaking panoramic view of Istanbul’s historic peninsula, which stretches out before diners from the hotel’s stunning terrace. Meanwhile, Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant offers a regal dining experience with its focus on traditional Ottoman dishes once served to princes and honored guests. There's also Sura Restaurant, located at the nearby Sura Design Hotel & Suites in Sultanahmet, which serves a wonderful array of rich Turkish cuisine in an elegant setting with both indoor and outdoor seating options.
Your time
Just for you:
- 15% discount on spa services
- 1 x free spa entrance per booking per stay
Maintain your fitness routine while on your exciting city break and head to the hotel's fitness centre, supplied with free-weights and cardio and resistance equipment for a complete workout.
Put yourself in the hands of expert masseurs at the Turkish Bath & Spa area, for a series of refreshing treatments that leave body and mind renewed. Escape the hustle and bustle of buzzing Istanbul followed by an afternoon by the sublime outdoor pool, an ideal spot to soak up the sunlight in a blissful setting.
Included extras & excursions —
Morning old city tour (excluding entrance to Hagia Sophia)
Treat yourself to an unforgettable immersion in the heart of Istanbul and let yourself be guided through its most iconic treasures. A seamless and enriching experience, perfect for discovering the essentials with complete ease.
Afternoon old city tour (for stays of 5 nights or more)
Enjoy a captivating immersion into the history of Istanbul, where each monument reveals centuries of imperial grandeur and living 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.
Optional extras —
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.
Transfers:
For a relaxing stay from the moment you arrive, take advantage of included return transfers when you book with flights. For inbound transfer arrangements please confirm with your transfer provider when you arrive. Alternatively, please check with the reception of your accommodation. If you still require assistance, please call the transfer provider directly.
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.
