Istanbul Layover Tour – Private Half-day with Airport Transfers 

Your Istanbul Layover begins the moment you land at Istanbul Airport, where your private guide greets you inside the terminal, holding a personalized sign. There is no confusion, no waiting, and no wasted time.

Within minutes, you are comfortably seated in a private vehicle, leaving the airport behind and heading toward the historic heart of the city. This Istanbul Layover Tour is designed to transform a long transit into a rich cultural experience without stress or rush.

Layover Tour Inclusions:

• 8-9 Hours touring service.
• Pick up and drop off services.
• Transfers in modern a/c vehicles.
• One bottle of mineral water for each.
• Lunch at a local fine restaurant.
• Licensed English-speaking tour guide.
• Entry fees for all listed attractions (except picture stop attractions per the itinerary).
• All taxes and charges.

Layover Tour Exclusions:

• Turkey transit visa.
• Kitty tipping.

Layover Tour Itinerary

• Airport Pick Up and Scenic Drive into Istanbul
  As you exit the airport area, the city gradually unfolds. The modern highways give way to glimpses of minarets and domes on the horizon. Your guide begins to introduce Istanbul not just as a city, but as a story shaped by empires, trade, and religion. The drive itself becomes part of the experience, setting the tone for what lies ahead.
• Arrival at Hagia Sophia and First Encounter with History
  Your first stop is the iconic Hagia Sophia. Standing before it, the scale alone commands attention. Once a church, then a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again, it reflects the layered identity of Istanbul. Inside, your guide walks you through centuries of transformation, pointing out mosaics, calligraphy, and architectural brilliance. This is not a quick photo stop. It is an immersion into one of the most important landmarks in the world.
• Exploring the Grandeur of Topkapi Palace
  A short walk brings you to Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. As you pass through its gates, the atmosphere shifts from public grandeur to imperial privacy. Courtyards, treasury rooms, and panoramic views over the Bosphorus reveal how power was once exercised here. Your guide connects the spaces to real stories of rulers, politics, and daily palace life, turning stone walls into a vivid narrative.
• Lunch with a Taste of Authentic Istanbul
  After absorbing history, it is time to experience Istanbul through its cuisine. You stop at a carefully selected local restaurant where the focus is on authenticity rather than tourism. Freshly prepared dishes arrive one after another, offering a balanced introduction to Turkish flavors. This moment is not just a break, but a continuation of the journey, where culture is tasted as much as it is seen.
• Süleymaniye Mosque and the Quiet Side of the City
  Next, you visit Süleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece that stands with calm authority over the city. Unlike more crowded landmarks, this mosque offers space to breathe and reflect. The symmetry, light, and simplicity create a different emotional tone. From its courtyard, the view stretches across Istanbul, reinforcing the city’s scale and beauty.
• Galata Tower and a New Perspective
  Your journey continues across the Golden Horn toward Galata Tower. The transition from the historic peninsula to the more cosmopolitan side of Istanbul adds contrast to your experience. As you approach the tower, its medieval presence stands out among modern surroundings. From the top, the entire city reveals itself in a single panoramic view, connecting all the places you have visited into one coherent story.
• Drive Back to Istanbul Airport with Last Impressions
  As your Istanbul Layover Tour comes to an end, you return to Istanbul Airport with a completely different perception of the city. What began as a simple layover has turned into a meaningful exploration of history, culture, and daily life. The drive back is calm, allowing time to process the experience while your guide ensures timely arrival for your next flight.

Important to Know:

• The tour operates on daily basis as a private tour.
• The tour pick up/drop off is Istanbul IST Airport
• Lunch is included.
• A professional English-speaking tour guide is included.

Rate per Person:

Payment Policy

• Sightseeing Tours: A 45% to 55% down payment is required to confirm your booking.
• Travel Packages with Accommodation: Full payment of accommodation costs is due upon booking confirmation.
• Accepted Down Payment Methods:
  • PayPal
  • Online Payment Gateway
  • Bank Transfer
• Balance Payment on Arrival:
  • Accepted in Cash or Credit Card
• Important:All transaction or bank transfer fees are the responsibility of the guest.
• Accepted Currencies:
  • USD ($)
  • EUR (€)
  • GBP (£)
  • CAD (C$)
  • AUD (A$)
  • AED (د.إ)

Children Policy

• Infants (0 – 1.99 years): Free of charge.
• Children (2 – 12 years): Charged 50% of the adult rate when joining a private tour.
• 12 years and above: Considered an adult and charged at the full adult rate.

Cancellation Policy

• Free Cancellation: Cancellations made more than 72 hours before the tour start time are fully refundable,
  except for the cost of any pre-purchased tickets, which are non-refundable and will be deducted from the down payment.
• Refund Timeline: Eligible refunds for cancellations made more than 72 hours in advance will be processed within 10 business days.
• Partial Refund: Cancellations made between 24 and 72 hours before the tour start time are subject to a 50% cancellation fee.
• No Refund: Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour start time or in no-show cases are non-refundable.
• Force Majeure: In cases of force majeure (e.g. natural disasters, emergencies), a 100% refund will be issued.

FAQs