A Week in Istanbul

7 days · 1 city

From $1,599 before flightsEstimated biweekly payments as low as $68

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Worry-free booking

Book for only $99 down and get 30 days to change your mind, no-cost rebooking up to 99 days before travel, and interest-free payment plans.

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Why go?

Istanbul is a single city that spans two continents—and feels infinite. As you explore ancient Old Town, get lost in trendy Karaköy, and fall for the most-loved kittens in the world, you’ll wish this trip to the never-ending city would never end.

What you'll get

All transportation while on the trip (Note: flights to/from your tour’s starting/ending cities are not included, but you can add them)
5 nights in handpicked accommodations
Meals: 5 breakfasts and 2 dinners
Guides: Expert Tour Director & 3 insider city tours with local guides
24/7 support from our travel gurus
Optional hammam spa experience, Turkish street food tour, and more

Picture yourself

Ooh’ing and aah’ing your way through a 1,500 year old mosque
Browsing the thousands of shops of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar
Filling your Instagram feed with color in the Balat neighborhood
Eating all the baklava and Turkish delight you can get your hands on
Visiting an ancient bathhouse for a scrubbing and bubble massage

TRAVEL QUESTIONS?

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Itinerary

Map showing flight routes from Istanbul, Turkey, with two airplanes heading towards Europe, highlighting Istanbul's connectivity.

Day 1: Overnight flight

Grab your go-to neck pillow, cozy up in your seat, and get some rest—Istanbul is home to 16 MILLION people, and they’re anxiously awaiting your arrival.

Day 2: Arrive in Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey, a city that straddles both Europe and Asia. Get settled in and get some rest—starting tomorrow, you’ve got two continents to explore.

Today’s included experiences

Meet an EF representative at the airport and head to your accommodations.
Get the latest schedule and info from your Tour Director.
Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your group at an authentic local spot.

Day 3: Sightseeing in Old Town Istanbul + optional hammam spa visit

Get swept up in one of the world’s largest cities as you explore historic Old Town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and see how Istanbul has evolved into a beautiful melding of Turkish, Ottoman, Greek, Roman, Islamic, and Christian cultures.

Today’s included experiences

Visit the Hagia Sophia, famous for its magnificent dome and golden interior.
Enjoy views of the Golden Horn, one of the world’s most picturesque waterways.
Haggle your way through the 4,000 shops of the Grand Bazaar.

Free time suggestions

Basilica Cistern: Get under the city’s skin with a visit to an ancient underground cavern built to collect rainwater during Roman rule.

Blue Mosque: Designed and built with over 20,000 blue Iznik tiles, this is the Hagia Sophia’s younger, but equally beautiful, sibling.

Day 4: Walking Tour of Karaköy

Once a bustling commercial port, Karaköy has been transformed into one of the trendiest districts in Istanbul. Its streets are filled with quirky cafés, contemporary art spaces, and some of the city's best restaurants.

Today’s included experiences

Join a local guide for a walking tour of Karaköy, a go-to spot for foodies and art lovers.
Refuel with Turkish delight, coffee, and tea at sweet treat o’clock.
Head to the top of Galata Tower (a former prison eeek) for epic views of the city and the Bosphorus.

Day 5: Free day in Istanbul + optional Kadıköy market tour + optional mosaic lamp making workshop

You’ve got 24 hours to explore one of the world’s most exciting cities. Choose your character in one of the many distinct neighborhoods—our faves are modern Beyoğlu, eclectic Karaköy, and faaancy Nişantaşı.

Free time suggestions

Topkapi Palace: Part-castle, part-palace, part-museum, Topkapi Palace was the royal residence for the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years.

Döner kebabs: Like their Greek cousin, the gyro, döner kebabs—lamb, chicken, or beef with lettuce, tomato, onion, and sauces in a warm pita—are a must munch.

Dolmabahçe Palace:  In the 1800s, the sultans decided they required a more lavish palace, so they built Dolmabahçe. And, hoo boy, is it lavish. Go see it for yourself, count the chandeliers you find, and live your fanciest life.

Day 6: Explore Balat + Farewell Dinner

Balat is an old Jewish and Greek neighborhood that’s been trending thanks to its colorful houses, narrow streets, and vintage shops. Head over and bop around Istanbul’s lesser-known, quirky side. In the evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your group.

Today’s included experiences

Snap the best photos of your life in front of the colorful buildings and standout street art.
Say hello to the iconic cat population of this bohemian neighborhood.
Enjoy some free time for lunch and hit the vintage shops in search of hidden gems.

Day 7: Fly home

Hoşçakalın arkadaşlar!
Translation: Goodbye, friends! Your next destination awaits—home. But this isn’t goodbye. It’s “See you later.” The only question is, where?

Accommodations

During your trip, you’ll stay at hotels handpicked by our team of local experts. Each property is centrally located, so the sights, shops, restaurants, and nightlife you came to experience are right in the neighborhood. Share a room with one other EF traveler or upgrade to solo.

Hotel room with two single beds, modern decor, wall-mounted TV, small table with a chair, large window with curtains, and soft lighting.

Grand Haliç Hotel

This upscale hotel is located in the Galata district of Istanbul on the European Side. Guests will enjoy an indoor pool, spa, and bar. Nearby, you’ll find a variety of bars, nightlife, and the Galata Tower.

Customize with excursions

Enhance your experience with hand-picked optional excursions—designed to add adventure, culture, and unforgettable moments to your journey.

Traveler photos

Weather

Istanbul, Turkey

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Flights

When you include flights with your trip, our dedicated team of experts will handle all the details, so your travel experience is as seamless as possible. Just select your dates and airport to see pricing.