We are arriving in Istanbul at 5 PM and have a connecting flight the next morning at 7 AM. We are interested in doing a night tour after our arrival of Istanbul then being taken back to the airport. We are traveling in business class and have access to the lounge in the Istanbul airport after our night tour. Any recommendations for tour guides for a night tour of Istanbul.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17919 posts
If the tour doesn't work out for you (it's an hour + to town), you might consider getting a good night sleep at the Airside Yotel Hotel near the gates and arriving at your destination fresh, clean and ready to go.
Posted by
OP
Orange County, CA
4 posts
Since we have access to the Turkish Airlines business lounge we should be able to get a shower and some rest there.
Posted by
TX, USA
4079 posts
I have friends who are planning to take advantage of this Turkish Airlines offer:
https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-int/flights/fly-different/touristanbul/
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17919 posts
TTM, that is a great deal. Love the idea. I would only have one insecurity and that is getting to the right bus or van or what ever it is. Would love it if when your friend does it they put something here. The insecurity stems from several multi-day layovers in Istanbul and the pure unadultrated chaos of finding the hotel transfer van. IST is my favorite airport "INSIDE" and my least favorite "OUTSIDE". Also, in the past there has been a security check to get through the front door. But I assume that they take that time into consideration too.
Finally, I have visited Istanbul a few times because I flew Turkish Air from Houston to either Budapest or Odesa or Kyiv and discovered that the ticket cost was the same if i did a 3 hour or a 3 day layover. Something else to consider.
Posted by
TX, USA
4079 posts
Mister É, they go in March (on the way back from Israel) and I will report back. They unfortunately don’t have extra days due to work constraints. You know I would be staying longer! 🤣
Posted by
OP
Orange County, CA
4 posts
Mister É, how were you able to book with Turkish Air with a 3 day layover? I tried to do that but I was being required to book 2 separate legs which was more expensive. Thanks
Posted by
Boise - Idaho
22 posts
You can simply book a tour online and finish your tour around 00.00. Hagia Sophia is open 24 hours. You can make your tour in Sultanahmet area. I did my night tour last year and it was a nice experience