Istanbul
Two continents, one city — Türkiye’s gateway for culture, shopping and congress.
- Ideal for
- City breaks · families · shopping · honeymoon · MICE · stopover programmes
- Airports
- ISTIstanbul AirportSAWSabiha Gökçen International
- Season
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecLowShoulderPeak
Istanbul is the starting point of most programmes to Türkiye and the country’s largest market for city breaks, family holidays, shopping and congresses. Two international airports connect it to every source market we serve.
We operate Istanbul year-round: hotel allotments in the Old City, Taksim, Şişli and along the Bosphorus; airport meet & assist; private and group transfers; licensed guides; and day trips to Bursa, Sapanca and the Black Sea coast.
Year-round destination. Spring and autumn are ideal for touring; summer is peak for Middle East markets.
- Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace
- Bosphorus by private yacht or dinner cruise
- Grand Bazaar, Nişantaşı and the city’s major malls
- Princes’ Islands and the Asian shore
- Day trips to Bursa, Uludağ and Sapanca
- Congress venues from 50 to 5,000 delegates
Istanbul, district by district.
Two continents, two airports and more than two thousand years of history. Below is everything FlyNest operates in and around Istanbul — hotels from palace to group-friendly four-star, guided excursions, ready-made programmes and the day trips to Bursa, Sapanca and the Princes’ Islands that complete a stay.
Culture, shopping and the Bosphorus work in every season; winter adds snow days at Uludağ and Kartepe.
IST and SAW connect to most markets with direct flights, which keeps air costs and routings flexible.
Palace hotels on the water, large five-star properties for groups and MICE, and well-located four-star hotels for value series.
One-hour domestic flights link Istanbul to Trabzon and Antalya; Bursa and Sapanca are reachable by road for day trips or short stays.
How an Istanbul programme is built
Most programmes combine a central base with one heritage day, one Bosphorus day and one excursion out of the city — then add shopping or free time to taste.
- 01Choose the base
Old City for first-time and culture groups, Taksim–Harbiye for transport and value, the Bosphorus for luxury, Levent for business and shopping.
- 02Heritage & Bosphorus
The Old City classics and a Bosphorus cruise are the core of every first visit — two days, ideally on different weekdays to work around closing days.
- 03Out of the city
Princes’ Islands, Bursa & Uludağ, Sapanca & Maşukiye or the Black Sea coast at Şile and Ağva add nature and variety.
- 04Extend or combine
Add nights in Sapanca, or fly on to Trabzon or Antalya for a twin-centre programme.
Places
Old City (Sultanahmet & Fatih)
The historic peninsula between the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the great bazaars, all within walking distance of each other.
- Hagia Sophia
The sixth-century Byzantine cathedral, later an Ottoman mosque — the defining monument of Istanbul.
- Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)
Sultan Ahmed I’s imperial mosque, famous for its six minarets and blue İznik-tiled interior.
- Topkapı Palace5 min
The palace of the Ottoman sultans for almost four centuries, overlooking the meeting point of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
- Basilica Cistern
A sixth-century underground cistern of 336 marble columns, with the famous Medusa heads.
- Süleymaniye Mosque10 min
Mimar Sinan’s masterpiece for Süleyman the Magnificent, crowning the third hill above the Golden Horn.
Where to base your guests
- Walk to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı
- Tram to Karaköy and Kabataş for the Bosphorus
- Mostly smaller hotels — plan coach access in advance
- Largest choice of five-star and four-star hotels
- Metro to Levent malls; funicular to Kabataş
- Lively evenings on İstiklal and in Nişantaşı
- Palace and waterfront hotels with Bosphorus views
- Close to Ortaköy and Bebek
- Easy access to private yachts
Hotel portfolio
Properties FlyNest contracts and books. Each hotel has a full profile on Nestigo with live rates and availability.
Boutique★★★★★Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
An intimate luxury hotel in a restored early twentieth-century building, set around a garden courtyard in the heart of Sultanahmet.
City hotel★★★★Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul
A well-run four-star hotel in Sultanahmet, known for its rooftop restaurant overlooking the historic peninsula.
City hotel★★★★★Crowne Plaza Istanbul Oryapark
A large five-star conference hotel near the Old City walls, with extensive meeting facilities and a spa.
City hotel★★★★★The Peninsula Istanbul
A landmark luxury hotel on the Karaköy waterfront, created from three historic buildings and a new wing within Galataport.
City hotel★★★★★The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
A classic luxury hotel above Dolmabahçe with Bosphorus views and an extensive spa.
City hotel★★★★★Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus
Istanbul’s historic Hilton, opened in 1955, set in large gardens with Bosphorus views and one of the city’s biggest event spaces.
City hotel★★★★★Grand Hyatt Istanbul
A large five-star hotel in Harbiye with gardens, an outdoor pool and extensive conference space.
City hotel★★★★★InterContinental Istanbul
A high-rise five-star hotel above Taksim with panoramic Bosphorus views and a popular rooftop bar.
City hotel★★★★★The Marmara Taksim
A landmark tower hotel directly on Taksim Square, a long-standing favourite for groups.
City hotel★★★★★Divan Istanbul
A contemporary five-star hotel from one of Türkiye’s best-known hospitality brands, near Taksim.
City hotel★★★★Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus
A practical four-star hotel in Karaköy with Bosphorus views and easy tram access to the Old City.
City hotel★★★★Mercure Istanbul Taksim
A straightforward four-star hotel near Taksim, suited to value groups and business travellers.
Resort★★★★★Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
A former Ottoman imperial palace on the Bosphorus, now one of the most prestigious hotels in the city.
Resort★★★★★Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
A nineteenth-century Ottoman mansion on the water, restored as a luxury resort hotel with an outdoor pool.
City hotel★★★★★Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul
A luxury waterfront hotel near Dolmabahçe Palace, with elegant Asian-influenced service and dining.
Resort★★★★★Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul
A contemporary luxury resort on the Kuruçeşme waterfront, with one of the city’s largest spas.
City hotel★★★★★Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
A large five-star hotel above Beşiktaş with Bosphorus views and major event capacity.
City hotel★★★★★Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul
A five-star hotel in extensive hilltop grounds above Dolmabahçe, with a large spa and Bosphorus views.
Boutique★★★★★Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul
A boutique-style five-star hotel on the water in Ortaköy.
City hotel★★★★★Raffles Istanbul
A luxury hotel within Zorlu Center, with a large spa and direct access to shopping and the performing-arts centre.
City hotel★★★★★The St. Regis Istanbul
A refined luxury hotel in Nişantaşı with signature butler service.
City hotel★★★★★Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center
One of the largest conference hotels in Istanbul, with a major ballroom complex and spa.
City hotel★★★★★Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent
A five-star business hotel in Levent, on the metro and close to the major malls.
City hotel★★★★★Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamış Marina
A five-star hotel on the Asian shore, overlooking Kalamış Marina and the Sea of Marmara.
City hotel★★★★★Hilton Istanbul Kozyatağı
A large five-star conference hotel in the business district of the Asian side.
City hotel★★★★★Almira Hotel
A large five-star city hotel in central Bursa, with conference facilities and a thermal spa.
City hotel★★★★★Hilton Bursa Convention Center & Spa
A five-star convention hotel in Bursa with a large spa using the region’s thermal tradition.
Nature hotel★★★★★Richmond Nua Wellness – Spa Sapanca
A wellness-focused five-star hotel on the shores of Lake Sapanca.
Tours & excursions
Scheduled and private excursions operated by our own team.
Old City Classics
The essential first day in Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar on foot with a licensed guide.
Imperial Palaces
Three Ottoman palaces in one day — Topkapı, Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi — crossing the Bosphorus to the Asian shore.
Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Bazaar
A morning at the Spice Bazaar followed by a cruise along the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia.
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
An evening on the Bosphorus with dinner and a Turkish show while the palaces and bridges are illuminated.
Private Bosphorus Yacht
A private yacht for couples, families or VIP groups, with a flexible route along the Bosphorus.
Asian Side Highlights
Çamlıca Hill, Beylerbeyi Palace, the Üsküdar shore and Kadıköy — Istanbul from its quieter shore.
Golden Horn & Miniatürk
Süleymaniye Mosque, the Pierre Loti viewpoint and Miniatürk — an easy half day ideal for families.
Istanbul by Night
Taksim, İstiklal Avenue, Galata and the illuminated Bosphorus at Ortaköy, with dinner.
Istanbul Shopping Day
Nişantaşı boutiques and two of the city’s flagship malls, with a driver on standby.
Princes’ Islands Day Trip
A ferry to Büyükada, the largest of the car-free Princes’ Islands, with a tour by island transport.
Bursa & Uludağ
The first Ottoman capital and its great mountain: mosques, silk bazaars, İskender kebab and the cable car to Uludağ.
Sapanca & Maşukiye
A green escape east of Istanbul: waterfalls and trout lunch at Maşukiye and the shores of Lake Sapanca.
Kartepe Snow Day
The closest snow to Istanbul: sledging, snow play or skiing at Kartepe with lunch at Maşukiye.
Şile & Ağva
The Black Sea coast of Istanbul: Şile’s lighthouse and castle, then river boats and lunch in Ağva.
Experiences to add to any programme
Optional services operated by FlyNest and quoted per group size — combine freely with any package.
- Traditional hammam experience at a historic bath
- Turkish cooking class with lunch
- Whirling dervish ceremony
- Private yacht at sunset with dinner on board
- Maiden’s Tower visit by boat
- Professional photo session in Balat or Ortaköy
- Hot-air balloon add-on in Cappadocia (one-hour flight from Istanbul)
- Football match at a major Istanbul stadium (subject to availability)
- Shopping assistant and VAT-refund support
Ready-made programmes
Tested itineraries we adapt to each partner’s market, flights, hotels and budget.
ClassicClassic Istanbul — 4 nights
Old City (Sultanahmet & Fatih) · 44nights · 5 days+
Classic Istanbul — 4 nights
- 01Arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Meet & assist by a FlyNest representative, private transfer to the hotel and check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.
- 02Old City Classics: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar with a licensed guide. Lunch included.
- 03Spice Bazaar and Eminönü in the morning, then a cruise along the Bosphorus past Dolmabahçe, Ortaköy and Rumeli Fortress. Afternoon at leisure.
- 04Asian Side: Çamlıca Mosque and viewpoint, Beylerbeyi Palace, the Üsküdar shore facing the Maiden’s Tower and a walk in Kadıköy.
- 05Breakfast and check-out. Private transfer to the airport for the departure flight, with assistance at the terminal.
ClassicIstanbul & Bursa — 5 nights
Beyoğlu (Taksim & Galata) · 55nights · 6 days+
Istanbul & Bursa — 5 nights
- 01Arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Meet & assist by a FlyNest representative, private transfer to the hotel and check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.
- 02Old City Classics: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar with a licensed guide. Lunch included.
- 03Spice Bazaar and Eminönü in the morning, then a cruise along the Bosphorus past Dolmabahçe, Ortaköy and Rumeli Fortress. Afternoon at leisure.
- 04Full-day excursion to Bursa: Grand Mosque, Koza Han silk bazaar, Green Mosque, İskender kebab lunch and the cable car to Uludağ.
- 05Shopping day with vehicle and driver: Nişantaşı, Zorlu Center and İstinyePark (or the guests’ preferred malls).
- 06Breakfast and check-out. Private transfer to the airport for the departure flight, with assistance at the terminal.
NatureIstanbul & Sapanca — 5 nights
Beyoğlu (Taksim & Galata) · 3Sapanca, Maşukiye & Kartepe · 25nights · 6 days+
Istanbul & Sapanca — 5 nights
- 01Arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Meet & assist by a FlyNest representative, private transfer to the hotel and check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.
- 02Old City Classics: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar with a licensed guide. Lunch included.
- 03Spice Bazaar and Eminönü in the morning, then a cruise along the Bosphorus past Dolmabahçe, Ortaköy and Rumeli Fortress. Afternoon at leisure.
- 04Check-out and drive east to Maşukiye for waterfalls and a riverside lunch, then check-in at your Sapanca hotel.
- 05A free day at Lake Sapanca, with optional Kartepe (snow in winter) or a lakeside walk and spa time.
- 06Breakfast and check-out. Private transfer to the airport for the departure flight, with assistance at the terminal.
FamilyIstanbul for Families — 5 nights
Şişli, Nişantaşı & Levent · 55nights · 6 days+
Istanbul for Families — 5 nights
- 01Arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Meet & assist by a FlyNest representative, private transfer to the hotel and check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.
- 02Old City Classics: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar with a licensed guide. Lunch included.
- 03Golden Horn: Süleymaniye Mosque, the cable car to Pierre Loti Hill and Miniatürk park.
- 04Princes’ Islands: ferry or private boat to Büyükada, island tour by electric vehicle or bicycle and lunch by the harbour.
- 05Shopping day with vehicle and driver: Nişantaşı, Zorlu Center and İstinyePark (or the guests’ preferred malls).
- 06Breakfast and check-out. Private transfer to the airport for the departure flight, with assistance at the terminal.
HoneymoonBosphorus Honeymoon — 4 nights
Bosphorus (Beşiktaş, Ortaköy, Bebek) · 44nights · 5 days+
Bosphorus Honeymoon — 4 nights
- 01Arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Meet & assist by a FlyNest representative, private transfer to the hotel and check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.
- 02Old City Classics: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar with a licensed guide. Lunch included.
- 03Private Bosphorus yacht cruise at sunset, followed by dinner at a Bosphorus restaurant.
- 04Princes’ Islands: ferry or private boat to Büyükada, island tour by electric vehicle or bicycle and lunch by the harbour.
- 05Breakfast and check-out. Private transfer to the airport for the departure flight, with assistance at the terminal.
CultureImperial Istanbul & Bursa — 6 nights
Old City (Sultanahmet & Fatih) · 66nights · 7 days+
Imperial Istanbul & Bursa — 6 nights
- 01Arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Meet & assist by a FlyNest representative, private transfer to the hotel and check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.
- 02Old City Classics: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar with a licensed guide. Lunch included.
- 03Imperial Palaces: Dolmabahçe on the European shore and Beylerbeyi on the Asian shore, with lunch by the Bosphorus.
- 04Golden Horn: Süleymaniye Mosque, the cable car to Pierre Loti Hill and Miniatürk park.
- 05Full-day excursion to Bursa: Grand Mosque, Koza Han silk bazaar, Green Mosque, İskender kebab lunch and the cable car to Uludağ.
- 06Asian Side: Çamlıca Mosque and viewpoint, Beylerbeyi Palace, the Üsküdar shore facing the Maiden’s Tower and a walk in Kadıköy.
- 07Breakfast and check-out. Private transfer to the airport for the departure flight, with assistance at the terminal.
Twin-centreIstanbul & the Black Sea — 7 nights
Old City (Sultanahmet & Fatih) · 3Trabzon & the Black Sea · 47nights · 8 days+
Istanbul & the Black Sea — 7 nights
- 01Arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Meet & assist by a FlyNest representative, private transfer to the hotel and check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.
- 02Old City Classics: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar with a licensed guide. Lunch included.
- 03Spice Bazaar and Eminönü in the morning, then a cruise along the Bosphorus past Dolmabahçe, Ortaköy and Rumeli Fortress. Afternoon at leisure.
- 04Check-out and transfer to the airport for the domestic flight to Trabzon. Meet & assist on arrival and transfer to the hotel.
- 05Full-day trip to Uzungöl: the lake and wooden village, with stops at Sürmene and the waterfalls on the way.
- 06Full-day trip to Rize and Ayder: tea gardens, Zilkale, Fırtına valley and the Ayder plateau.
- 07Trabzon city: Boztepe viewpoint, Atatürk Pavilion, Hagia Sophia of Trabzon and shopping time.
- 08Breakfast and check-out. Private transfer to the airport for the departure flight, with assistance at the terminal.
Twin-centreIstanbul & Antalya — 7 nights
Beyoğlu (Taksim & Galata) · 3Antalya & the Riviera · 47nights · 8 days+
Istanbul & Antalya — 7 nights
- 01Arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Meet & assist by a FlyNest representative, private transfer to the hotel and check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.
- 02Old City Classics: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar with a licensed guide. Lunch included.
- 03Spice Bazaar and Eminönü in the morning, then a cruise along the Bosphorus past Dolmabahçe, Ortaköy and Rumeli Fortress. Afternoon at leisure.
- 04Check-out and transfer to the airport for the domestic flight to Antalya. Meet & assist on arrival and transfer to the resort.
- 05Antalya city: Kaleiçi old town and harbour, Hadrian’s Gate and the Düden waterfalls.
- 06A free day at the resort to enjoy the beach, pools and facilities.
- 07A free day at the resort to enjoy the beach, pools and facilities.
- 08Breakfast and check-out. Private transfer to the airport for the departure flight, with assistance at the terminal.
All programmes are market-neutral templates. Hotels, order of days, guiding language and private or shared operation are adapted to each operator’s requirements and quoted per season and group size. Domestic flights in combination programmes are quoted separately or included on request.
- ✓Meet & assist at IST or SAW and all airport transfers
- ✓Accommodation in the selected hotels with breakfast (half board on request)
- ✓Air-conditioned vehicles sized to the group, from private cars to coaches
- ✓Licensed professional guides in English, Arabic and other languages on request
- ✓Entrance fees and lunches as stated in each programme
- ✓24/7 local support from FlyNest’s Istanbul operations team
Recommended lunch stops
- Hamdi RestaurantOld City (Sultanahmet & Fatih)Long-established kebab house at Eminönü with terraces overlooking the Golden Horn — a classic group lunch after the Spice Bazaar.
- PandeliOld City (Sultanahmet & Fatih)Historic restaurant above the entrance of the Spice Bazaar, with blue-tiled dining rooms and Ottoman-Turkish dishes.
- Sultanahmet KöftecisiOld City (Sultanahmet & Fatih)The famous meatball house opposite the Hippodrome — a quick, reliable lunch on Old City days.
- Hacı AbdullahBeyoğlu (Taksim & Galata)Traditional Ottoman-Turkish cuisine just off İstiklal Avenue, in business since the nineteenth century.
- FeriyeBosphorus (Beşiktaş, Ortaköy, Bebek)Waterfront restaurant in a historic Ottoman building beside Çırağan Palace, suited to private and VIP dinners.
- Sunset Grill & BarBosphorus (Beşiktaş, Ortaköy, Bebek)Hilltop restaurant in Ulus with panoramic Bosphorus views — a popular choice for special dinners.
- Çiya SofrasıAsian side (Üsküdar & Kadıköy)Kadıköy institution serving regional Anatolian dishes; best for small groups on an Asian-side day.
- Kebapçı İskenderBursa & UludağThe family restaurant credited with creating İskender kebab, the essential lunch on a Bursa day.
When to go
The best months for sightseeing: mild weather, the April tulip season and comfortable Bosphorus cruises. Peak demand — book hotels early.
Hot and busy, with long evenings for cruises and rooftop dinners. Add Sapanca, the Princes’ Islands or the Black Sea coast for fresher air.
Cool and quieter in the city with better hotel rates; snow days at Uludağ and Kartepe are the highlight for many markets.
Transfers
| Route | Approx. drive |
|---|---|
| IST Airport→Sultanahmet | 50–70 min |
| IST Airport→Taksim / Şişli | 45–60 min |
| SAW Airport→Sultanahmet | 60–80 min |
| SAW Airport→Taksim / Şişli | 60–75 min |
| Istanbul→Bursa · Uludağ | 150–180 min |
| Istanbul→Sapanca · Maşukiye | 120–150 min |
- !Allow 60–90 minutes for airport transfers at peak traffic hours.
- !Friday prayer hours affect mosque visits; we plan itineraries around them.
- !Large congress groups: venue holds should be placed 9–12 months in advance.
Request rates for Istanbul
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