ISTANBUL IN 4 DAYS

Four Days in Istanbul by Bike, Foot, and Boat

What do you think would be the best way to explore Istanbul when visiting for the first time? By foot, by bike, or maybe even by boat? Why not try all three! Our four day tour package lets you see the very best of Istanbul by offering a unique perspective on this one of a kind city by foot, by bike and by boat.

See Istanbul’s famous landmarks as well as the best kept secrets from a unique perspective for a one of a kind experience!

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrival in Istanbul

While we really do love cycling, we figured biking with luggage from the airport wouldn’t be a popular way to experience Istanbul, so instead we’ll have a private van pick you up and bring you to your hotel.

Once you’re at the hotel you can take some time to settle in, relax, or begin to explore the surrounding neighborhoods. Your hotel will be set amongst some of Istanbul’s most fascinating streets and attractions where ancient churches, colorful buildings, and crumbling fortifications are hidden down every street and alley.

For dinner the tastes of Turkish cuisine await you in the traditional restaurants of Istanbul’s historic Fener, Balat, and Eyüp neighborhoods. For those that would prefer to experience the energy of Istanbul’s nightlife, we’ll arrange transport to one of the city’s many lively neighborhoods.

If you’d like the freedom that comes with public transit, we’re here to help you get set up and oriented with Istanbul Cards, your pass to access the whole city, as well as all that you’ll need to know about getting around Istanbul on your own.

DAY 2 Istanbul’s Two Continents by Bike

Day two will begin with Turkey’s world famous breakfast: the Turkish Kahvaltı. Not only will this feast be delicious but it will be an important start to a day of inter-continental cycling! Did we mention that you’ll be biking on two continents? Don’t worry though, its not as hard as it sounds. There’ll be a boat to carry you from Europe to Asia and back again!

After breakfast we’ll meet at our centre in Balat to pick out the right bicycle and helmet for you and to explain a little about the tour and some safety points for cycling in Istanbul. After the briefing you’ll be ready to hit the road and take in and experience the wonders of Istanbul, the only metropolitan city to span two continents!

Beginning in one of Istanbul’s most colorful areas, we’ll wind our way through the backstreets of Fener and Balat on to Eminönü where we’ll catch one of Istanbul’s iconic ferries for a 20 minute ride to the city’s Asian side. From the water you’ll get to take in one of the greatest views in the city as the sights and landmarks of Istanbul stretch away along the coast. Feed flocks of seagulls from the rail of the boat and watch them expertly snatch bits of bread out of mid-air. Maybe even take a moment to try a cup of Turkish Coffee or a tulip-shaped glass of Turkish Tea.

Once we’ve set foot on the Asian shore we’ll set off to enjoy the comfortable network of trails that snake through the city’s beautiful parks and coastline before crossing the Bosphorus Strait again and heading back to the European shore.

DAY 3 Guided Walking Tour

Today we’ll give the bicycles a bit of a rest and instead travel on foot to explore the wonders of Istanbul’s historic districts. Your guide will be with you to make sure you not only see the city’s most famous landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar but also give you the chance to learn about the history and legends of Istanbul’s many sights. Our knowledgeable and certified guides will help ensure you use your time as well as possible by having fast-track access to museums and attractions.

Some of the main sites on this stage of the tour include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and much much more. Istanbul is home to hundreds of sights and museums and to keep this time flexible to best meet your personal interests, museum costs are not included and will change depending on exactly what museums and sites you’d like to visit most.

DAY 4 Freedom by Bike

By this point you’ll have become more accustomed to the city and may want to revisit some of your favorite places from the day before or maybe even set off to explore some of the city’s other fascinating neighborhoods for yourself. Don’t worry though, before you go, we’ll be there to help you pick out some great destinations and a good route. In order to get the most out of your remaining time in the city the bicycles will be yours right until the time you need to go.

If you’d rather try something new altogether you can choose from one of the additional experiences listed below: