Antalya to Istanbul Day Trip: History, Culture, and Charm

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Experience Istanbul's beauty on a day trip from Antalya. Visit Sultanahmet, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and enjoy optional Bosphorus cruise and dinner.

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Key Activity Features

  • Available Days:
    Wednesday Saturday
  • Total Duration (Including Transfers): 1 Day
  • Guiding & Support: English , German , Polish , Russian
  • Booking Confirmation: Immediate Approval.
  • Voucher Type: Both Printed and Mobile Accepted.
  • Online Booking: Quick, Easy, and Secure.
  • Vegetarian & Vegan Options: Available.
  • Cancellation policy: Flexible
  • Fast-Track Entry: No Waiting in Line.
  • Wheelchair Accessibility: Not Available.
  • 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

All the hotels in Antalya, Side, Alanya, Kemer, and Belek. We also pick up from all the hotels between Alanya and Side. We provide pick-up services from everywhere and all the hotels in the Antalya region.

Meeting Point

Pick-up is from the main security entrance of the hotels. There is no pick-up or drop-off from the reception or lobby. For Antalya Old Town (Kaleiçi) hotels, the pick-up point is the McDonald's next to the ancient Hadrian's Gate.

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

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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

Hello, Thank you for contacting us. The Daily trip to Istanbul from Antalya is run all year round on Wednesday and Saturday. Early booking is highly recommended. Best regards, Vigo Tours

1 Overall Rating

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1 Review Summary

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18.08.2019

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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