Antalya to Istanbul Day Trip: History, Culture, and Charm
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Key Activity Features
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Available Days: Wednesday Saturday
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Total Duration (Including Transfers): 1 Day
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Guiding & Support: English , German , Polish , Russian
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Booking Confirmation: Immediate Approval.
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Voucher Type: Both Printed and Mobile Accepted.
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Online Booking: Quick, Easy, and Secure.
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Vegetarian & Vegan Options: Available.
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Cancellation policy: Flexible
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Fast-Track Entry: No Waiting in Line.
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Wheelchair Accessibility: Not Available.
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Tour ID: 45
Why This Tour Is Worth Choosing
- Visit Sultanahmet Square and the Blue Mosque.
- Explore Topkapi Palace, the former Ottoman residence.
- Stroll through the vibrant Egyptian Bazaar.
- Optional Bosphorus Cruise for stunning city views.
- Round-trip flights and hotel transfers included.
What to Expect
Guided Day Trip from Antalya to Istanbul — Explore Turkey’s Cultural Gem
Antalya to Istanbul — Discover a City Bridging Two Continents
Experience Istanbul in one unforgettable day with a professionally guided tour departing from Antalya. This carefully curated program combines history, culture, architecture, and scenery, offering a seamless introduction to Turkey’s most iconic city. Guided in English and German, the tour operates every Wednesday and Saturday, making it easy to fit into your holiday plans.
Why Visit Istanbul from Antalya
Istanbul is the only city in the world spanning two continents — Europe and Asia — and has served as the capital of three great empires. This day trip is designed for travelers who want to see Istanbul’s highlights efficiently without compromising depth or comfort.
Highlights of the Istanbul Day Tour
Hippodrome and German Fountain — The Heart of Ancient Constantinople
Step into the historic Hippodrome, once the center of social and political life in Byzantine Constantinople. This vast square hosted thrilling chariot races and imperial ceremonies for centuries. Nearby, admire the elegant German Fountain, a symbol of Ottoman–German friendship gifted by Kaiser Wilhelm II, surrounded by tranquil gardens and historic monuments.
Free Time in Sultanahmet Square — History at Your Own Pace
Enjoy free time in Sultanahmet Square, one of the most atmospheric areas in Istanbul. Surrounded by world-famous landmarks, shaded pathways, and beautifully maintained gardens, this is the perfect place for photos, relaxation, and absorbing the spirit of the old city.
Hagia Sophia — A Timeless Architectural Masterpiece
Discover Hagia Sophia, one of the most influential buildings in world history. Originally built as a cathedral, later transformed into a mosque, and admired today for its cultural significance, Hagia Sophia showcases monumental domes, exquisite mosaics, and a unique blend of Byzantine and Ottoman artistry.
Sultanahmet Mosque — The Blue Mosque Experience
Visit the iconic Sultanahmet Mosque, widely known as the Blue Mosque due to its stunning interior decorated with thousands of blue İznik tiles. Experience the serene atmosphere of this active place of worship and learn about Islamic architecture, symbolism, and tradition from your professional guide.
Spice Bazaar — Colors, Aromas, and Flavors of Istanbul
Explore the lively Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s oldest markets. Wander through stalls filled with exotic spices, Turkish delight, teas, dried fruits, and local delicacies. This vibrant marketplace offers a true sensory journey into Istanbul’s culinary heritage.
Bosphorus Cruise — Where Europe Meets Asia
Enjoy a scenic Bosphorus Cruise, sailing between two continents along one of the world’s most famous waterways. Admire Istanbul’s skyline, historic palaces, elegant waterfront mansions, and iconic bridges while learning about the city’s maritime history and strategic importance.
A Perfect Balance of Culture and Comfort
This guided day trip from Antalya to Istanbul is designed to balance sightseeing with comfort and expert insight. From ancient monuments to bustling bazaars and tranquil waters, the tour captures the essence of Istanbul in a single, well-organized day.
Frequently Asked Questions
On which days does the tour operate
The tour operates every Wednesday and Saturday.
What languages are available for the guided tour
The tour is guided in English and German.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Istanbul
Yes — it is ideal for first-time visitors who want to see Istanbul’s most important landmarks in a single day.
Does the tour include a Bosphorus Cruise
Yes — a scenic Bosphorus Cruise is included in the program.
Will there be free time during the tour
Yes — free time is provided in Sultanahmet Square for exploration, photos, and relaxation.
Is the tour more cultural or leisure-focused
The tour offers a balanced mix of cultural exploration, historical insight, and relaxed sightseeing.
Is this a guided or self-guided experience
This is a fully guided tour led by professional, licensed guides.
Can this tour be done as a day trip from Antalya
Yes — the program is specifically designed as a one-day guided trip from Antalya to Istanbul.
What’s Included in the Price
- Hotel pickup and bus transfers
- Entrance fee to Topkapi royal palace
- Antalya - Istanbul - Antalya roundtrip flight ticket
- Tour guide (german, english, polish)
- Lunch
- Entrance fee to the Harem section of Topkapi Palace
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Beverages and personal expenses
- Istanbul Bosphorus boat trip
Pickup Information
Meeting Point
Important Information Before You Go
Things to Know Before You Go — Daily Trip to Istanbul from Antalya Region
Identification Requirement
— Passport or official ID is mandatory
— You must bring the same passport or ID used to enter Turkey
— Boarding for domestic flights is not possible without valid identification
Pricing & Age Policy
— Children 0–1.99 years — €20
— Children 2 years and older — full adult price
— Bosphorus Cruise with Dinner — €49 per person — optional
Accessibility & Physical Requirements
— Not suitable for wheelchair users
— Not recommended for guests with walking difficulties
— Tour involves extensive walking in historical areas
Program & Itinerary Changes
— The itinerary may be modified due to local conditions
— Seasonal factors, weather, traffic, or site renovations may affect the schedule
— Order of visits can change without prior notice
Museum & Site Entrances
— Museum entrance fees are not fixed
— Any extra entrance fees must be paid directly by participants
— Prices may vary depending on site regulations
Hotel Pick-Up & Flight Schedule
— Hotel pick-up times vary according to airline schedules
— Early morning departures are common due to flight timings
— Exact pick-up time is confirmed one day before the tour
Guiding & Operations
— The guide may adjust the program for operational, timing, or seasonal reasons
— Adjustments are made to ensure smooth logistics and flight coordination
General Tour Information
— Round-trip air transportation included
— Same-day return to Antalya
— Designed for guests who want to discover Istanbul in one well-organized day
— Combines cultural highlights, guided sightseeing, and free time
Summary
— One-day Istanbul experience from Antalya
— Air travel included
— Cultural, historical, and scenic highlights
— Efficient, fast-paced, and professionally organized tour
Tour Program & Schedule
Tour Program — Daily Trip to Istanbul from Antalya Airport
Hotel Pick-Up & Departure Areas
Pick-up service is provided from all hotels in the Antalya region, including:
— Side
— Alanya
— Belek
— Antalya city
— Kemer
All transfers are organized according to flight schedules to ensure timely airport arrival.
Pick-Up Times
— Pick-up takes place between 03:00 and 04:00 in the morning
— Exact time depends on the distance between your hotel and Antalya Airport
— For some locations, earlier pick-up may be required
The final pick-up time is confirmed one day before the tour.
Daily Istanbul Tour Itinerary
Early Morning Departure
— Pick-up from hotels
— Transfer to Antalya Airport Domestic Terminal
Flight to Istanbul
— Domestic flight from Antalya to Istanbul
— Flight ticket is included in the tour price
Arrival in Istanbul
— Bus transfer to the Sultanahmet historical area
— Start of guided sightseeing in the old city
Blue Mosque Visit
— Visit to the Blue Mosque
— If the Blue Mosque is under restoration, the visit will be replaced with the Suleymaniye Mosque
Hippodrome (Coliseum Square)
— Visit to Hippodrome Square, the former center of Byzantine public life
— See historic monuments and learn about ancient Constantinople
Free Time at Sultanahmet Square
— Free time for walking, photos, and personal exploration
— Surrounded by Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks
Lunch Break
— Lunch in the Sultanahmet area
— Lunch is not included and is at guests’ own expense
Topkapi Royal Residence
— Visit to Topkapi Palace, former residence of Ottoman sultans
— Explore palace courtyards and imperial history
Egyptian Bazaar
— Free time at the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar
— Opportunity for shopping and local discoveries
Optional Activities
— Optional Bosphorus Cruise
— Optional dinner in Kumkapi, famous for its traditional restaurants
— Optional activities are not included in the tour price
Return to Antalya
— Transfer to Istanbul Airport
— Domestic flight back to Antalya (included)
— Transfer from Antalya Airport back to hotels
Tour Timing
— Tour in Istanbul starts at approximately 08:00
— Tour ends at around 22:00, depending on flight schedules
Important Notes
— Optional activities and meals are not included
— Program order may change due to operational or local conditions
— This is a fast-paced, full-day tour designed to see Istanbul in one day
Summary
— Daily Istanbul tour from Antalya by plane
— Hotel pick-up and drop-off included
— Domestic flights included
— Historical sightseeing, free time, and optional experiences
— Efficient and professionally organized day trip
Prices & Availability
WhatsApp?
Contact us quickly via WhatsApp!Have a question?
Dear Ross Clark,
Thank you very much for your inquiry.
The 2026 program has not yet been finalized.
Our tour programs are prepared on a monthly basis, and the October 2026 schedule will be announced in September 2026.
Kind regards,
Vigo Tours
Stephen
(4.0)With the living traces of yesterday and the modern face of today, Istanbul is a great city worth seeing, it must be seen! Istanbul is an amazing city!
With the living traces of yesterday and the modern face of today, Istanbul is a great city worth seeing, it must be seen!
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