Licensed Agency - 17044
Licensed Agency - 17044
Istanbul is one of the world's great cities — a place where Byzantine grandeur, Ottoman splendour and modern energy coexist on the shores of the Bosphorus. Royal Turkish Travel offers private and group tours tailored to your interests, pace, and budget.
Istanbul is one of the world's great cities — a place where Byzantine grandeur, Ottoman splendour and modern energy coexist on the shores of the Bosphorus. Royal Turkish Travel offers private and group tours tailored to your interests, pace, and budget.
The essential Istanbul sights are Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, the Grand Bazaar, the Basilica Cistern, and a Bosphorus cruise. With more time, add Dolmabahçe Palace, the Spice Bazaar, and the neighbourhoods of Beyoğlu and Kadıköy on the Asian side.
The M11 metro connects Istanbul Airport (IST) to the city centre (Gayrettepe) in about 45 minutes. The Havataş bus serves Taksim and other stops. Taxis are available but agree on the fare in advance or insist on the meter. From Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side, the Havataş bus to Taksim takes about 60–75 minutes.
A minimum of 3 days lets you see the main Ottoman and Byzantine highlights. Four to five days gives you time to explore both the European and Asian sides without rushing. If you plan to take day trips — to Princes' Islands or Bursa — allow at least 5 days.
Yes, particularly for Topkapı Palace and the Hagia Sophia, where the historical layers are deep and context makes an enormous difference. A licensed local guide also knows the best visiting times to avoid peak crowds and can arrange skip-the-line access to major sites.
Sultanahmet puts you within walking distance of all the major sites but tends to be more expensive. Beyoğlu (around Taksim and Galata) offers more restaurants and nightlife. Karaköy is a stylish, centrally located option popular with design-conscious travellers. For a quieter stay, the Asian side (Kadıköy or Moda) offers a more local atmosphere.
Planning your first trip? Read our full guide:
Istanbul Travel Guide 2026 →Start your journey with a trusted Turkish travel agency. Licensed TÜRSAB No: 17044.
Private, fixed-price transfers with meet & greet and flight tracking — TÜRSAB-licensed (17044).
Get your transfer price →Turn the trip into something you keep. Royal Turkish Schools has taught Turkish in Istanbul and Izmir since 2009 — group and private courses, any level, starting every Monday.
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