Best of Istanbul in 7 Days Tour

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great tour of Istanbul with a decent amount of down time

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hagia Spfia"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We wanted to learn and experience Istanbul. And in that regard, the tour was a success

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The cruise on the Bosphorus. It was a beautiful, relaxing day. A great way to see other other views of the city. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my third Rick Steves tour and once again it was an amazing experience. As suggested by the tour name, the itinerary included all the famous "must see" sights throughout the city. The spectacular beauty and astounding historical significance of these were only enhanced by the seemingly endless knowledge of our guide, Mert. His shared perspective as a local resident truly made the old Istanbul cliche "where east meets west" come to life.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"While the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the many other architectural and archeological treasures of Istanbul were certainly impressive, my truly favorite experiences came about from something so simple as exploring the street traffic and observing daily life within the city. Istanbul is incredibly fascinating on many levels, from the food to the many bustling shops and markets, all involving the best mixture of friendly and welcoming people I've encountered anywhere. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Enlightened

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing women in miniskirt was unexpected & pleasing to see that a Muslim nation is progressive "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I have dreamed of visiting Istanbul for years and this tour was perfect. Our guide was Mert and he was amazing. Mert is warm and engaging, with a deep knowledge of Turkish history.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Topkapi Palace. Unbelievably beautiful and the most opulent royal dwelling I have ever seen."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My husband and I had wanted to visit Istanbul for more than 10 years and had long ago decided we would go there on a Rick Steves Tour. When we arrived, I wondered if the tour could possibly live up to our high expectations. Well, it exceeded them. We had a fantastic time in Istanbul, in part because Istanbul is an amazing city with a long, long, colorful history, but also because our guide, Volkan, was so knowledgeable and wonderful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"In many ways, just being in Istanbul was my WOW moment because it is such an important historical city with so many amazing sites, mosques, and monuments. If I must chose 1 place or site, I chose the Chora Church with its beautiful mosaics and frescoes. Volkan's explanations of the stories being conveyed by the mosaics and frescoes made the Chora Church visit even more memorable."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Thoroughly enjoyable

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Many highlights - can't identify one among the many"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide was phenomenal! Volkan was incredibly knowledgeable about Istanbul, answered every question and was friendly and helpful. He was a terrific guide for our tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I enjoyed every part of the tour. Seeing the masques and learning their history was wonderful."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Saw some incredible things w a knowledgeable guide. Have travelled most of Europe, Mexico & Cuba, and this was the best experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"1) Grand Bazaar. 4000 shops, 30,700 sq meters under one roof. 2) Mosques, Turkish tiles."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great guide, lots of sites explored

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Chora Chuch - amazing relics and mosaics preserved for some many years"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This is my first Rick Steves tour and it exceeded my expectations. Volkan, our guide is outstanding. I appreciated the amount of time we had during the week in Istanbul to really see it.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The whole city is a "wow." One of my favorite memories though, is Volkan, calmly walking our group through this busy, bustling city and greeting his friends along the way. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was one of the top 3 of my 10 Rick Steves Tours I have taken. Th sights, history, guide, and group made this trip special and memorable. The hotel was perfectly situated between the spice market, New Mosque and the Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque area. Easy walking to get almost anywhere. I would recommend this tour to everyone.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Going to have a Turkish Bath Experience was the Wow moment even though it was after the last formal tour event and final dinner. I felt like a Pasha or a Sultan as I was wrapped in towels sipping a glass of tea with two other of my new friends. Seeing the famous mosques and realizing the New Mosque is called that because it was built in the 1600s."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent tour director with incredible knowledge who conducted all tours personally. Great language skills. Kind, compassionate, adjusted pace as needed for the group. Wonderful sites that matched the guidance in Rick's book.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There is something tremendous to take away from everything we see. Turkey was new to us and it was all a wow moment."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Interesting sights. The guide, Mine's pacing and narration was great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I'm very glad Balat was included on the tour. Charming houses, wonderful market, stuffed mussels, other sights."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We very much enjoyed our tour. Our guide was excellent, our fellow travellers were a pleasure to be with and the sites we visited were special.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Breakfast at the Demiray Hotel was always special but our favourite wow moment would be the visit to the Fener Neighbourhood and the Rustem Pasha Mosque near the Spice Market. Loved the serenity and the blue tiles!"

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Tour group was too big to operate in a big city as we became too stretched out to keep up with our guide. Sights were great to visit.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Enjoyed most all of the sights and can't pick one over the others. Enjoyed our rug and spice manufacturing side trips,"

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Good but not great. Tour was too large for the confines of the narrow streets of a big, busy city and the group got spread out. She needed to slow her pace to let stragglers catch up and then point out certain things of interest.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to pick only one. Favorites would be Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia or the cisterns."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Istanbul was amazing. It was different enough to be interesting but not so different it was uncomfortable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had two. The Blue Mosque was so beautiful- I thought more beautiful than cathedrals I’ve seen in Italy. My favorite experience was the Turkish Bath a group of us did. It was a little out of my comfort zone but I was so glad I did it"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had wanted to visit Istanbul for a long time. It’s a big and wonderful place and this tour made it manageable and fun.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I did not expect such a sophisticated city. Istanbul is an amazing blend of old and new and is a real delight for the senses. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Mine made the tour so enjoyable. The hotel staff were very cordial and helpful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Turkish bath. Visits to the Spice Market were very fun. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved this tour! Exceptional group and guide. Turkey is not a country I was comfortable visiting on my own, now I can’t wait to go again. I especially appreciated Mine as a guide explaining some aspects of the culture and history with a female perspective. If you’re used to European travel but a little hesitant to go to Turkey I highly recommend this tour to introduce you to what turned out to be a very welcoming and beautiful place. I would not change one thing about the itinerary.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Rustem Pasha mosque"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great Pinar knew her city inside out and made great suggestions for extra experiences and made the reservations for us .

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Feeling the energy in Topakai Palace. I could fell myself walking in the footstets of people who lived there in the past."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Istanbul is so unique with its rich tapestry of history and culture--a bit like a Turkish rug! I loved the whole experience of soaking it in.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved the whole day we went to Asia--the boat trip, stroll around the market, and many courses of lunch there. My 2 favorite add-ons that were arranged by Pinar were the hamam and dinner upstairs with the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque lit up."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Loved the Hotel Location, walking distance to all the main attraction points, the selections of destinations and activities, pacing, provision of passes for public transport and prearranged admissions,

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being there during Ramadan/Bayram, crowds at the Hagia Sophia Friday Prayers"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Istanbul is a beautiful welcoming, incredibly historic city. I had it so built up in my mind I didn't think the actual city would deliver, but it did and then some. The guided time and free time were well-balanced and I appreciated the guide helping us get to know the layout of the city early in the week so we could use our free time seeing and doing rather than getting lost. I did get lost once, and that turned out to be a really good experience. The city seems very safe for tourists.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hagia Sophia! The little courtyard cafe next door designed by Sinan! The Turkish Bath! Gulheny Park! The Pera Hotel and concert I saw there! The free range healthy-looking dogs and cats roaming the city. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was an intriguing glimpse of a place I've long read about. Glad I finally got to visit this historic city and explore a little of its treasures. I'd like to return.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I don't usually do "wow" moments, but I did enjoy sitting in the park between two mosques and watching the families gather about the fountain between them. It was a peaceful moment and showed, I thought, a lot about life in the historic district."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide Mine was amazing!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The special dinner she arranged for us on Thanksgiving. And the Turkish spa. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Definitely the Best of Istanbul, led by our ideal guide (see "A Sonnet for Mine Karahan" written by Rob), and enjoyed with "a merry band of travelers", each unique, warm, and thoughtful. Turkish food, from orientation fabulous fish dish, to sumptuous Kadikoy lunch, to ancient Ottoman recipes, to tasty Istiklai Caddesi nibbles, to delicious farewell dinner, dazzled. Sights of architectural wonders, sounds of mosque prayers, smells of street food, progeny of empires past, constantly enthralled me.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Bosphorus Cruise, Topkapi Palace and Harem, and Hagia Sophia. Trio of splendid momentous moments experienced in the Queen of Cities, in the Capitol of the World, in the Everlasting Jewel of Historical Empires."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Guide was great. Getting into Hagia Sophia without waiting in line was brilliant. The Turkish Bath was totally worth it.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Turkish bath and the tour of the rug making facility - so fun I almost considered buying a rug!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Istanbul is a beautiful, historic and awe-inspiring city, with fantastic architecture, world class sites, and welcoming people. We enjoyed meeting our fellow tour members and our guide, Mine Karahan, was quite good.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many! But for me, the Call to Prayer, particularly one evening when we were sitting on an outdoor terrace between the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, where the Muezzin called back and forth in turn, was so evocative and meaningful."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Despite being 5 months post surgery on my knee and injured ankle, I was able to walk all over Istanbul, albeit slower. The guide kept us on route, on time and informed about everything we were seeing. A whole semester of information in 7 days, absolutely awesome. I was most impressed with how organized the whole operation flowed. Communication was continuous, Mean acted not only as guide, but problem solver, consoling mentor and over all our new friend.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The historical impact of the Turkish culture was what affected me the most. I had a spaghetti bowl of misinformation and confusing messages from childhood, but our guide had an educated understanding of the time, place and importance of each site we visited. She explained things so well that we did not feel lectured to, but more that we were given an account of the real events from ancient times. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

the tour was terrific all around, guide, location, group members

Favorite "WOW" moment

"the last night dinner: everyone and me ! were enjoying the last moments in istanbul "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Istanbul was an historical, cultural, and educational experience that challenged my perceptions of myself and the United States place in the world.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were too many "WOW" experiences to recount. The Hagia Sophia/Blue Mosque, hearing call to prayer,the food, the grand market/spice market, Bosphorus cruise. What a city!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very enjoyable. Great guide, great combination of things to see and do, friendly group

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hagia Sophia interior"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Overall, I enjoyed the tour. The guide was very good, and there was not a stinker in the group of 24. I felt the first couple of days were rushed. Overall, we saw too many mosques and maybe not enough about other aspects of Istanbul.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hagia Sophia. It was the first mosque we toured, and other than there being lots of other visitors, the place was amazing."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was my first Rick Steve's tour and it exceeded expectations. Great guide, wonderful group and plenty (maybe too much) free time in the schedule to explore other experiences in our area.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Somewhat torn. The Turkish bath and the Cistern were both over the top. While neither was part of the itinerary, our guide was great in setting up access to both during our free time. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Istanbul was a busy city but Vulkan did a good job of arranging our itinerary to avoid crowds as much as possible.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Turkish bath!"

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

We enjoyed the tour but felt seven days was too long in one place - Istanbul.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sitting on a roof top terrace listening to the evening call to prayer."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour leader, Volkan, was great - very knowledgeable and personable. The group was a very kind and friendly group, too. This made the tour of the very interesting city a wonderful experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sitting on the rooftop of the hotel celebrating the birthday of one of tour group. We were sharing food, drinks and favorite moments of the day. While we were at the party, another person from the group stated that they had been on previous Rick Steve tours and all groups became close with similar moments."

Great tour, great city, great group, great guide.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The City of Istanbul is very surprising with unexpected experiences at every turn. Listening to the amazing "dual" call to prayer between the Blue Mosque and the Haggia Sophia ... Also the sea of humanity in and around the Galata bridge area - "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour hit the spots I most wanted to see, and the guide was friendly, helpful, and informative.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I doubt I will soon forget the Basilica Cistern, the changing views of the Sultanahmet mosque at various times, and the archaeological museum's collection of sarcophagi from the Sidon necropolis. "

Overall rating: rating 2 of 5

Elvan is a great person and quite the academic and historian. She helped me get to a police station after I was pick pocketed on the tram ( lost my cards and cash...my whole wallet). However, Elvan was a lecturer and had us stand and listen rather than set us loose to SEE on our own for a set time. Many of us could not bear to stand for so long or walk so far so fast that some sat out activities. Elvan led us so fast on the Asian side, for example, that there was no time to buy a fruit !

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Getting back to my room to rest. Underground caverns were like something I had never seen before and so beautiful. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The destination itself is wonderful. The guide was good about getting us into popular sites before they became too crowded. We happened to be there at a significant time- the election- and I appreciated the open discussion of the issues and candidates.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Hagia Sophia any time. Blue Mosque at night the first time."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The history and mystery of Istanbul has long fascinated me, and going w/Rick Steves Tour made visiting the big sites with guided commentary invaluable. Hotel location was 3 blocks from both Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque. Blue Mosque opened 2 weeks prior, and is easy to visit. Very much appreciated our guides, help in scheduling "extras": Basilica Cisterns, Hurrem Sultan Hamam, and she also helped me with personal special jewelry project.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hurrem Sultan Hamam turkish bath a wonderful decadent treat! Imperial Clothing exhibit at Topkapi Palace, and of course Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace. My favorite mosques were Suleyman the Magnificent and Rustem Pasa for their Iznik tilework."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 2 of 5

This was unlike any Rick Steves tour I have taken. It was unorganized and confusing. The itinerary was not followed, even loosely. There did not appear to be many resources allotted to it. We were walked endlessly through sketchy neighborhoods while our guide was using her phone for direction. The death-defying trip to Balat to see yet another mosque and church where we were walked as a group along a super busy highway to visit a seedy town and cafe was the pits. Again, not knowing the way.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I wish I could say there was one."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was everything advertised. Our guide was helpful in so many ways. She went above and beyond our expectations when she helped arrange our anniversary dinner at a local restaurant. It was a very special evening for my wife and me. I had wanted to return to the middle east after living in Iran many years ago. This trip helped revive my many happy memories from my childhood. We'll hold our memories for this trip for the rest of our lives.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Standing between Higia Sophia and the Blue Mosque as the call to prayer was made. Something you simply cannot feel until you are there and will remember forever."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I have wanted to go to Turkiye for over 40 yrs. I knew RS tours would be a good way to make this dream real. Yaren was a great guide. Our hotel and staff were great. The other tour members were easy to get to know. Over all weather was good, food was great, we were there at end of Ramadan, a new experience. I would have loved to see Chora Church and more of Aya Soyafa, but you can't have it all

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Being inside Aya Sofoya"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent tour with loads of cultural and historical touch points.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I was amazed by the significance of Istanbul’s role in world history. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Learned so much from our knowledgeable and friendly guide. Lots of fun activities, great food.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Boat ride across the Bosphorus Strait to Asia, Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had many questions regarding Istanbul and the Rick Steves experience. Both far exceeded our expectations. Our Tour Guide Yaren was truly amazing. What an ambassador for Both Turkey and Rick Steves tours.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Yaren and her energy and knowledge. Every day was an adventure and she was so caring. We can't wait to come back and do the best of Turkey. Hopefully we will reunite with Yaren. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was very comprehensive.

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We enjoyed meeting our fellow travelers and our wonderful guide. Everyone was welcoming and pleasant. Our hotel was well located and overall excellent. However they did not respond to several emails regarding airport transfer. We made do and it turned out fine in the end. The tour organization was excellent. The sites we saw were all worth it. Breaks and meals were well planned.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s hard to pick but the rustam pasha mosque was special. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great guide, great group. Mert, our guide, was very knowledgeable and personable. Thoroughly enjoyed this trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Taking in the sights of how old Istanbul blends with modern Istanbul. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I didn’t know what to expect from Istanbul and I loved it all. Very comprehensive view of the city and its history.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"When Mert said Turkeyie wants to show the world Islam and democracy can coexist together."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This is my 4th Rick Steves tour. Each tour has been excellent. This time I brought 3 friends who enjoyed the tour so much, they want to sign up for another. Our guide (Mert) is now one of my top 3 (aside from Federico and Barbara)! I got to visit all the places I wanted to see in Istanbul. I like the amount of tours vs. free time. The hotel was nice and in a great location to walk to other attractions we wanted to see. The number of people on the tour was also just right. We had a great time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were a number of "wow" moments. I loved hearing the call to prayer. The two big mosques calling back and forth just gave me chills. A beautiful tradition. I was fascinated with watching the ships coming through the Bosphorus. I could have sat there and watched that all day. I am glad our hotel had a view of the strait. I teach art, so seeing the thousands of hand painted tiles in the Topkapi Palace was also a memorable experience that I could bring back to share with my students. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I've been wanting to see the Hagia Sophia and the original pendentives for decades. Also how it's great dome rests on a circle of light bc of the little arch windows. Our guide Mert was very good and frank. I like it when he says something like Americans and Turkish are very much alike -- they love their flag and their holy book. On the down side, our hotel location was poor. I quickly tired of walking through the gauntlet of overly-aggressive men pushing their meals and goods at me. Awful!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Maybe because I work at a port, i don't know, but I really enjoyed the numerous ships passing through the Bosphorus -- both directions, empty and full, grain and oil or something else.."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first tour of this type and it exceeded my expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I cannot identify a single moment that impressed me more than others. In general, was just overwhelmed by learning about the history and cultures of the region."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

As I had hoped, this tour gave me a really comprehensive introduction to Istanbul and its people. Mert was a tremendous guide to his city and a terrific travel partner. He was full of information, insights and humor. He never failed to go the extra mile to make sure everyone had the best experience possible. His deep knowledge about the different religions that surrounded us in Istanbul was invaluable. At the same time, the insights he provided into his own experiences were fascinating.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market were each very exotic experiences but really, every day was full of surprises. Our cruise on the Bosporus Strait was amazing and then visiting the Asian side of Istanbul as well as the New District were both particularly enjoyable."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

I loved our guide Mert, did not like our hotel in Istanbul, liked all meals except for our first dinner and wished Rick Steves had better headsets. It was very hard to hear and I felt like if I was not near our guide I missed a lot of what he was saying.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque for the first time."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Saw many wonderful sights, learned a lot of the history of Istanbul, and ate great food.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Entering the Hagia Sofia"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Enjoyed seeing the parts of Istanbul I missed on earlier trips. Would have enjoyed a little slower pace.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Grand Bazaar’s spice market. "