Do you have a long connection in Istanbul? You can take a city tour (free of charge)
Are you taking a long trip and have a layover of several hours? I know, it can be a hassle. Of course, [...]
Turkish Airlines
Star Alliance
IST
Turkey
You're going on a long journey, and you have to a stopover of several hours? I know, can be a nuisance. Sure, you could wander around the airport, squander some dough in the various shops or duty free or you can decide to kill time by gobbling in the lounge: all these options are not evil however. there is an alternative (free, to boot).
In this article:
What is Touristanbul and how it works
If you fly with Turkish Airlines and have a stopover at Istanbul International Airport., in fact, you could take a free tour of one of the world's most fascinating megacities: this service is called Touristanbul and is offered free of charge to all Turkish Airlines passengers; the sine qua non is that the stopover lasts between 6 and 24 hours.
For more, as Turkish explains on its website, no registration or reservation is necessary: once you pass pass passport and customs control, will simply search the hotel desk and ask to participate in Touristanbul.
What is the schedule of the various tours
Passengers will be provided with - every day, including Saturdays and Sundays - 8 different tours.
- Panoramic tour - Transit travelers will depart at 08:00 a.m. from Istanbul Airport and take a sightseeing tour (lasting 3 hours) of the megacity's most famous areas: Yedikule fortress, the old Armenian quarter of Samatya, Yenikapı port, and Constantinople walls, The Eminönü district and also Galata Bridge, Dolmabahçe Palace, Taksim Square, Galata Tower, the Golden Horn and Valente Aqueduct; once the sightseeing tour is over, passengers will be taken back to the airport.
- Half-day tour - Departure is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., and after a breakfast offered to passengers, the tour begins: starting at the Blue Mosque, then to the Hippodrome, then to the Serpentine Column, and finally to Theodosius Obelisk and Topkapı Palace; before returning to the airport, scheduled for 3 p.m., travelers will be offered lunch.
- Full-day tour - If you have a really long stop-over this is, in my opinion, the option to consider. The tour schedule is pretty much the same as the half-day tour: the only difference is that you will also have time to visit the covered Grand Bazaar; departure at 08:30 and return to the airport at 18:00, with breakfast and lunch included.
- Tour of Turkish history - If you like history, well, this is the right tour for you: after departing from Istanbul airport at 10 a.m. the sightseeing tour will begin, which includes visits to castles and historical palaces as well as a journey through the history of the Turkish people. Then if you have brats don't worry, they won't be bored: not only is there a traditional glassmaking workshop but also a visit to the toy museum.Return to the airport will be at 4 p.m. (lunch is also included in the case of this tour).
- Afternoon tour - Do you have a few hours to wander around Istanbul? It is a megalopolis, it would take at least 10 days to visit it thoroughly...but even in a few hours you can see something, albeit in passing. We will depart at 12 noon to the Pierre Loti hill and cafeteria, then to the Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Square; then it will be the turn of the city's Byzantine walls, the Ayvansaray Sahaba tombs and St. Mary's Church (Panagia - Blachernae); then you will take a walk along the streets of the Balat district and visit (without, however, entering) the Bulgarian Church of St. Stephen, the Ahrida Synagogue, the Fener Greek Orthodox School and the Istanbul Patriarchate. Return to the airport is scheduled for 6 pm.
- Evening tour - One of the most interesting options to see Istanbul colored by the sunset. Departing from the airport at 4 p.m. to the Yenikapı port via the coastal road, then on to Beyazit Square and the tower of the same name, then to Istanbul University, the old book market, Çorlulu Ali Pasha Mosque and the tomb of Mahmud II; after which, again, you will see Constantine's Column, Hippodrome Square, the German Fountain, the Egyptian obelisk but also the Serpentine Column, Theodosius Obelisk, the Blue Mosque and St. Sophia (no admission charge, only an explanation of the historical and cultural importance of the monument). Dinner is planned after which you will return to the airport at 9:30 pm.
- Bosphorus Tour - If your trip (and, consequently, stopover) will be between May 1 and October 31, 2024, then you are in luck because there is a chance to take a Bosphorus cruise during that period; departure from the airport at 6:30 pm and return at 11 pm.
- Shopping tour - Are you a shopaholic? This is the right tour for you. After departure from the airport at 6:30 pm and dinner you will have time until 11 pm to shop in Galataport.
In conclusion
The nightmare of a stop over of several hours could turn into. (almost) in a dream: a chance to admire - in passing, sure, but free of charge - i colors, i perfumes, the beauties by one of the most fascinating cities on the planet.
