Turkey Trip 2026
March 20 to April 2, 2026
If you are arriving early to Turkey, consider these options:
— Hop On-Hop Off Bus Tour — LINK — https://www.viator.com/tours/Istanbul/Istanbul-Open-Top-Hop-on-Hop-off-Sightseeing-Bus/d585-428165P280
— Galata Tower — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xyjDWa1DkQ
— Walk the famous Istiklal Street — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0M19nkubZac
— Walk down past the Galata Tower to the waterfront and catch a ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul (only a few dollars). While there, walk around the Karikoy area and have a meal.
Day 2 - Sunday, March 22
On Day 2 of our trip (the first day of touring) we will start after breakfast and take the bus (about 20 minutes) to the "horn" of Istanbul where many of the famous sites can be found.
Today we will see the Blue Mosque, the Haghia Sophia Cathedral, the Roman Basilica Cistern, and the Spice Bazaar.
To prepare you may want to watch any or all of these videos(They are very short):
Spice Bazaar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_bhNSrEnWo
Basilica Cistern: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLXUwHXfhaw. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih0wI08vIBE
Day 3 - Sunday, March 23
On Day 3 of our trip we have a second full day in Istanbul. We have three major plans: the Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, and a Cruise on the Bosphorus.
Topkapi Palace was the home of the sultans for centuries. You can watch this video to learn more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz5nIRAoq2I
The Grand Bazaar is the famous “mall” shopping under roof that has been around for a thousand years. Grand Bazaar:
Lastly, we will spend several hours on a boat in the Bosphorus and our guide, Sinan, will take the mic and describe what you are seeing from the boat, while you sit and sip some coffee or tea. Here is a short video on a Bosphorus Cruise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvwZUEVnn-M&t=245s
Day 4 - Sunday, March 24