Istanbul Wonders with Şile & Ağva Retreat

4 Days

4 Days 3 Nights

  • Istanbul Airport (IST or SAW)
  • English-Speaking
  • Daily Breakfast
  • 4 Star Hotel
  • Istanbul Airport (IST or SAW)

Overview

This 4-day tour combines the best of Istanbul’s cultural treasures with the natural beauty of the Black Sea coast.

Highlights

  • Bosphorus Cruise
  • Beylerbeyi Palace
  • Çamlıca Hill
  • Eyüp Sultan
  • Pierre Loti
  • Ottoman Experience
  • Göksu River
  • Şile Castle
  • Ağva Village
  • Black Sea

Itinerary

  • Day
    01

    Arrival in Istanbul

    Arrive at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight stay at a 4-star hotel in Istanbul.

  • Day
    02

    Istanbul Full Day Tour by Bus & Bosphorus Cruise

    Discover the beauty of Istanbul across two continents in this full-day guided tour combining city highlights with a relaxing Bosphorus cruise. The day begins with a hotel pickup around 08:20 AM and takes you to some of the most iconic sights of Istanbul, blending history, culture, and scenic views.
    Your journey starts at Çamlıca Hill, the highest point on the Asian side, where you can take in sweeping views of the Bosphorus and both continents. From here, you will continue to the Çamlıca Mosque, Turkey’s largest mosque and a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture.
    Next, visit the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace, the 19th-century summer residence of Ottoman sultans. If the palace is closed on Mondays, the visit will be replaced with Çamlıca Tower, a modern landmark with panoramic views. Afterward, drive across the impressive Bosphorus Bridge, which connects Europe and Asia.
    A break for a traditional Turkish lunch awaits in the historic Eyüp district, where you will taste authentic cuisine with dessert and a soft drink included. After lunch, explore the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, one of the most important religious sites in Istanbul, before heading up to the famous Pierre Loti Café. From here, enjoy spectacular views of the Golden Horn, followed by a scenic descent on the Eyüp Cable Car.
    In the afternoon, stroll through the colorful neighborhoods of Balat and Fener, known for their vibrant streets, historic churches, synagogues, and traditional houses.
    Finally, your day concludes with a 2-hour Bosphorus Cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia. Relax on board with complimentary Turkish tea or coffee, free Wi-Fi, and commentary available in multiple languages as you pass landmarks such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and Maiden’s Tower.
    At the end of the cruise, you will be transferred back to your hotel around 9:00 PM.

    Tour Highlights
    Panoramic views from Çamlıca Hill
    Visit to the magnificent Çamlıca Mosque
    Explore Beylerbeyi Palace (or Çamlıca Tower on Mondays)
    Cross the Bosphorus Bridge between two continents
    Traditional Turkish lunch in Eyüp
    Visit to the sacred Eyüp Sultan Mosque
    Coffee break at Pierre Loti Café with Golden Horn views
    Scenic Eyüp Cable Car ride
    Walking through the colorful Balat & Fener neighborhoods
    2-hour Bosphorus Cruise with commentary and refreshments

    What’s Included
    Hotel pickup and drop-off
    Professional English-speaking guide (Spanish-Russian-Arabic-French Assistance)
    Entrance ticket to Beylerbeyi Palace (or Çamlıca Tower if closed)
    Traditional Turkish lunch with dessert and soft drink
    10-hour guided city tour by bus
    2-hour Bosphorus sightseeing cruise
    Complimentary Turkish tea, Nescafé, and Wi-Fi on the boat


    What’s Not Included
    Tips and personal expenses
    Optional Ottoman costume photography

  • Day
    03

    Şile & Ağva Tour (Black Sea Coast)

    Leave the busy streets of Istanbul behind and discover the peaceful beauty of the Black Sea coast with a full-day excursion to Şile and Ağva. The journey begins with hotel pickup around 08:00 AM, followed by a drive across the Bosphorus Bridge, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul before heading into the tranquil countryside.
    Your first stop is the charming seaside town of Şile, famous for its sandy beaches and unique history. Here, you will visit the Şile Castle, standing proudly along the coast, and the Şile Lighthouse, one of the most important historic lighthouses in Turkey.
    From Şile, the tour continues to Ağva, a picturesque town nestled between two rivers. Relax with a scenic boat ride along the Göksu River, surrounded by lush greenery and fresh air. During the summer season, there’s also the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim on one of the Black Sea beaches.
    A traditional riverside lunch with a soft drink is included, offering a chance to taste local flavors in a serene setting. In the afternoon, take a peaceful forest walk, where you can pause at a cozy café to enjoy Turkish tea while soaking up the natural surroundings.
    By evening, your adventure comes to an end as you return to Istanbul, arriving back at your hotel around 8:00 PM, with cherished memories of the Black Sea’s natural beauty.

    Tour Highlights
    Cross the Bosphorus Bridge with stunning city views
    Explore the seaside charm of Şile
    Visit the historic Şile Castle and Şile Lighthouse
    Enjoy a boat ride on the Göksu River
    Traditional lunch by the riverside
    Seasonal swimming opportunity on the Black Sea beaches
    Scenic forest walk with a stop at a local café

    What’s Included
    Hotel pick-up and drop-off
    Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
    Professional English-speaking guide
    Entrance fees
    Lunch with one soft drink
    Boat ride on the Göksu River


    What’s Not Included
    Personal expenses
    Beverages not specified
    Tips for guide and driver (optional)

  • Day
    04

    Departure from Istanbul

    Have breakfast at the hotel, after which you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.

The Cost Includes

  • Airport-Hotel-Airport Transfers
  • 4-Star Hotel Accommodation
  • Daily Breakfast
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off for the tours
  • Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
  • Istanbul Full Day Tour by Bus & Bosphorus Cruise on sharing basis
  • Şile & Ağva Tour on sharing basis
  • Professional English-speaking guide (Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and French assistance available on Day 2)
  • Entrance fees (Beylerbeyi Palace or Çamlıca Tower on Mondays, Şile attractions)
  • Traditional Turkish lunch with dessert and a soft drink (Day 2: Eyüp district | Day 3: Riverside lunch)
  • 10-hour guided city tour by bus (Day 2)
  • 2-hour Bosphorus sightseeing cruise with multilingual commentary, Wi-Fi, and complimentary Turkish tea/coffee (Day 2)
  • Boat ride on the Göksu River (Day 3)

The Cost Excludes

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fee
  • Dinners
  • Lunches not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Drinks not mentioned in the includes list
  • Personal expenses
  • Entrance fee not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tips/gratuities for guide and driver
  • Optional Ottoman costume photography (Day 2)
  • Others not mentioned in the includes list

Important Information

All tours are subject to availability.

Prices may vary depending on seasonal demand and availability.

Tour price: £380 per person (based on 2 people sharing a room).

Solo/single traveler extra charges will apply.

Hotel check-in: 2:00 PM on Day 1.

Hotel check-out: 12:00 PM on Day 4.

To confirm availability and secure your booking, please get in touch with us in advance.

Dates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What time does the tour start and end?

The Istanbul Full Day Tour with Bosphorus Cruise (Day 2) starts around 08:20 AM and ends at approximately 9:00 PM. The Şile & Ağva Tour (Day 3) also begins around 08:00 AM with return to your hotel by 8:00 PM.

Are meals included in the tours?

Daily breakfast and include a traditional Turkish lunch on day 2 and day 3 with a soft drink. Other meals (such as dinners or additional drinks) are not included.

What is included in the Bosphorus Cruise?

The 2-hour Bosphorus Cruise (Day 2) includes multilingual commentary, complimentary Turkish tea or coffee, and free Wi-Fi on board while you enjoy views of landmarks like Dolmabahçe Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and Maiden’s Tower.

What should I bring for the Istanbul Tour?

We recommend comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and a light jacket in cooler months.

Do I need to bring anything special for the Şile & Ağva Tour?

Yes. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as some walking is required. Remember to bring your sunglasses and hat to protect your skin from the elements.

Are entrance fees included in the tours?

Yes. Entrance fees to attractions such as Beylerbeyi Palace (or Çamlıca Tower), Şile sites, and the Göksu River boat ride are included in the package price.

What expenses are not covered?

Flights, visa fees, dinners, drinks not specified in the itinerary, travel insurance, personal expenses, tips for the guide/driver, and optional activities (like Ottoman costume photography) are not included.

What are the hotel check-in and check-out times?

Hotel check-in is available from 2:00 PM on Day 1, and check-out must be completed by 12:00 PM on Day 4.