Istanbul · 2-DAY EXPERIENCES
11 reviewed
Good 2-day experiences fill up fast in Istanbul, and the great ones fill first. Here are the 11 best, with current prices and what sets each one apart, so you can book before the calendar closes.
Private Istanbul tour with hotel transfer: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, bazaar, Bosphorus cruise, Dolmabahce, Istiklal Street.
“We were specific in our requirements of the guide and Songul Laksu was great. We even asked her help as to how we could see the Whirling Dervishes and she made the reservation for us and drew us a map how to find it.”
A 2-day guided Cappadocia trip from Istanbul with flights, cave-hotel stay, skip-the-line museum entry, and fairy-chimney valleys.
“Everything was great and well organised! The sights were incredible and interesting. The hotel they booked for us was fantastic, a real find!”
Istanbul to Cappadocia in 2 days with flights, cave hotel, guided stops at Goreme, valleys, underground cities, and airport transfers.
“The driver picked us up at the airport and it was easily the most professional pickup of the whole trip to Turkey. He driver was very personable and welcoming, answered questions about the trip to the start of the guided tour... and put us at ease. The tour was sights (payment for all of the entrance fee places not included in the booking) which were very interesting, and guide informed and free with his knowledge. The Fresco hotel was VERY welcoming, and the staff understanding. The incorporated restaurant deve hani cappadocia was far, far beyond our expectations and came up to some of the best food I have ever (in…”
2 days in Cappadocia from Istanbul with a cave hotel and guided UNESCO stops plus optional balloon ride. Small group, early starts.
“Poorly managed. The flights picked were inconvenient, wasting much downtime. The guide was a bit belittling and very rigid, to the extent that most people in our group were discontent. The hotel Chakra didn't provide basic necessities and had no facilities—a hot night without even an option to have a fan. I did not enjoy this tour.”
Two days in Cappadocia from Istanbul with cave hotels, semi-private guided touring, and an optional sunrise balloon ride.
“The site seeing was good, hotel Misty cave hotel also, lunches very good, you have to pay extra for drinks. We visited carpet, leader, ceramic factories and were encourage to make a purchase. It would be good to know about it beforehand. Also we should have some time for shopping after visiting underground city. Our flight back to Istanbul was delayed.”
Two-day guided Gallipoli and Troy tour from Istanbul with hotel, breakfast and lunch included. See ANZAC Cove and Troy ruins.
“Superb organisation , fabulous knowledgeable guides . Sadly Hotel very noisy and breakfast sub standard”
Two days in Cappadocia from Istanbul with flights, hotel pickup, Goreme museum, underground cities, valleys, and optional balloon ride.
“A lot of confusion with scheduling, incomplete tours, not being transparent about the status of balloon flights (no warning that for several days, the flights have been canceled for bad weather and it was not looking good) and significantly more expensive than what others on the same tour paid. They asked me to get ready for pickup by 4:10 am but ended up being picked up at 5:30 am. The tour already started at 10am and the flight they booked for me did not allow me to join the tour on time. Multiple items in the published itinerary were skipped/missed. Others on the same tour were offered significantly cheaper rates.…”
2 days of unlimited open-top hop-on hop-off bus rides across Istanbul’s Europe-Asia divide, with Golden Horn views and multi-language audio.
“Website was not clear that Hop on/off was for one route only. paid £66 and covered whole route in 2hrs. went next day to do blue route only to be told by BusforUs that our ticket only covered red route only. had to pay another 2500 Turkish Lira. Not happy and BusforUs would not offer a discount regarding the situation.”
2 days in Cappadocia from Istanbul: fairy chimneys, Göreme frescoes, underground city, craft workshops, hotel stay, and optional balloon flight.
“Cana was very good and the whole group was pleasant.”
Two days from Istanbul to Gallipoli and Troy with expert English guides, an overnight in Canakkale, and a tightly packed history route.
“Our guide Hassan was an absolute asset to this trip. He bought the Gallipoli experience alive. His photo resources added immensely to the experience. His knowledge is extensive and he gave both sides of the story. As a history teacher I found his insights invaluable and will add them to my teaching of the topic. The final touch of listening to the song 'And the band played Waltzing Matilda' really finished of the emotion- filled day.”
2-day Cappadocia highlights from Istanbul: Zelve, fairy chimneys, Derinkuyu, Ihlara Valley, and a sunrise hot-air balloon ride.
“Impressed with prompt pick-up and drop offs. My guide, Selene, was great. Balloon ride was amazing. Hotel (Ciner) was just okay, adequate.”
Two days from Istanbul to Cappadocia with flights, cave-stone hotel, guided North and South tours, and optional sunrise balloon.
“The tour is well organized and agencia keep you informed on who will pick you up, as well as providing directions. You have to deal with the time for dropping people at their hotels but the groups are small. We had excelent guides, mainly Mustafa. He perfectly knows the region and is absolutelly enthusiastic about it. He also adapts to the type of group and provides relevant information. Capadoccia is a wonderful place full of alternatives for staying and eating, as well for options to fly in baloons. Be aware that not everyday is possible to fly in Cappadocia and the local company could offer you other location. Be very…”
Two days from Istanbul to Gallipoli and Troy with hotel, guided stops at ANZAC sites, and included meals—small-group pacing, long drives.
“The tour guides were amazing as was the areas visited. So interesting. A worthwhile tour for history insight and to see an incredible area.”
