Private journeys

Istanbul and the Princes’ Islands in Six Days

A route proposal we can shape around your trip

This 6-day proposal connects Istanbul. The day-by-day outline keeps sightseeing and regional moves visible, so the travel rhythm can be assessed before…

Duration: 6 days
Guiding language: English · German · Spanish · French · Italian

Choose your tour language when requesting your proposal. We will coordinate the dates and the appropriate guide.

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Picture your journey

Your journey at a glance

Combine Istanbul's historic peninsula and Bosphorus setting with a Princes' Islands outing in a six-day stay. The outline moves from the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapı and Grand Bazaar to the Spice Market, waterfront views and Hagia Sophia. An independent city day creates space before the island stage and final departure.

Palaces, bridges and other landmarks seen along the strait are waterfront perspectives, not automatic interior visits. The island and its usable shore time determine that outing's format. Guiding, admissions, boat arrangements and any separately requested cultural event or hammam session are clarified for the chosen dates.

Route sequence

Istanbul
Princes’ Islands

What makes this route special

Historic peninsula
Bosphorus waterfront perspectives
Independent Istanbul day
Princes' Islands outing

Every stage, in detail

The complete programme

Explore the visits, regional moves and free time along this route.

How this route works

This 6-day proposal connects Istanbul. The day-by-day outline keeps sightseeing and regional moves visible, so the travel rhythm can be assessed before arrangements are made.

Use the programme as a route discussion. It identifies the places and interests for each stage while leaving transport, accommodation and service arrangements to the individual response.

Itinerary

Day 1: Istanbul

Begin with the arrival stage and time to settle into the first destination. Keep this part of the route flexible around the actual travel connection rather than assuming a full sightseeing day.

Day 2: Istanbul old city

The focus for this stage is Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar. These places provide the visit outline; their sequence and the time spent at each should be adjusted to the day's starting point and onward travel.

The former Hippodrome is an open urban space where surviving monuments help explain the older city's public life. It connects naturally with Sultanahmet while offering a different experience from entering a museum or palace.

The Blue Mosque forms part of Sultanahmet's urban composition, alongside the former Hippodrome and nearby monuments. Its architecture and decorative programme can be considered within that wider setting.

Interests associated with this stage include Mevlevi cultural event. Discuss the exact format and whether any activity belongs in the final plan; appearances in this outline do not establish a booking or inclusion.

Day 3: Bosphorus and Istanbul

The focus for this stage is Bosphorus, Spice Market, Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Çırağan Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, Küçüksu Pavilion, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, Maiden's Tower, Hagia Sophia. These places provide the visit outline; their sequence and the time spent at each should be adjusted to the day's starting point and onward travel.

The Bosphorus gives a geographical reading of Istanbul through its two shores and waterfront settlements. Viewing buildings from the water is different from entering them, and the chosen travel format needs to preserve that distinction.

The Spice Market connects commercial tradition with the streets around the Golden Horn. It makes a different stop from the larger covered bazaar, and can be approached through regional ingredients and everyday market life.

The waterfront palaces, bridges, fortress and tower belong to the views along the strait. Seeing them from the water is distinct from an interior visit; Hagia Sophia and the market are separate land-based interests.

Interests associated with this stage include Hammam. Discuss the exact format and whether any activity belongs in the final plan; appearances in this outline do not establish a booking or inclusion.

Day 4: Istanbul at your own pace

Keep this stage open for a slower day in the destination. Decide whether to rest, explore independently or request a separate activity; the open time is useful precisely because it need not become another full excursion.

Day 5: Princes Islands

The focus for this stage is Princes' Islands. These places provide the visit outline; their sequence and the time spent at each should be adjusted to the day's starting point and onward travel.

The islands introduce a different rhythm from central Istanbul, with the water journey forming part of the outing. Choosing an island and the time ashore comes before fixing transport or adding activities.

Day 6: Istanbul departure

Complete the route with the onward or return connection. The departure airport and ground journey need to fit the actual flight, with enough separation from any final visits.

Arrangements to clarify

Confirm each regional connection, overnight location and visit scope. Flights, vehicle type, guide language, admissions, meals and any boat, bath or balloon activity should be specified individually. The proposed programme does not import another operator’s hotel selection or service package.

Understand the arrangements

Services to agree with you

This itinerary is a proposal. Your written confirmation will set out the selected services, inclusions and alternatives.

Inclusions to confirm

Planned sightseeing: Historic peninsula, Bosphorus waterfront perspectives, Independent Istanbul day and Princes' Islands outing. Interior admissions and panoramic stops are identified separately.
Guiding, transfers and transport for the programme stages accepted in the written proposal.

Outside the proposed scope

International flights and services not expressly identified in the agreement.
Personal expenses, tips and optional activities not booked.
Meals, drinks and admissions not stated as included in the confirmation.

Notes for planning your visit

This is a route proposal that can be personalised. Written confirmation specifies private or shared format, tickets, admissions and meals; publishing the outline does not confirm availability for a date.
Coordinate arrival and departure flights with the sightseeing days; baggage and connections are specified for the issued tickets.

Make an informed booking

Before confirming your journey

Share your dates, traveller count and any flights you have already confirmed. Review the written programme and applicable conditions before accepting the booking.

The written confirmation identifies the route, travel dates, passenger count and agreed services.
Read the booking terms and cancellation policy before confirming or paying a deposit.
Tell us your preferred guiding language, arrival and departure details, rooming requirements and any participation needs when enquiring.

Ask us about this programme