Istanbul Day Trips
Top Day Trips from Istanbul
Explore more of Turkey’s rich history and culture beyond the city with these fantastic day trips from Istanbul!
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Bosphorus Cruise (Boğaziçi Yolları)
Start your day trip with a relaxing Bosphorus cruise that takes you through the strait separating Europe and Asia. Enjoy stunning views of palaces, fortresses, and historic neighborhoods along the way.
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Prince’s Islands (Adalar)
A short ferry ride from Istanbul will take you to the beautiful Prince’s Islands, a car-free archipelago with charming Victorian architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and sandy beaches. Don’t forget to visit the Orthodox Church of Saint George!
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Aya Sofya Museum and Hagia Irene (Ayasofya Müzesi ve Hagia Irini)
Spend a day exploring two of Istanbul’s most iconic Byzantine churches turned museums: Aya Sofya and Hagia Irene. Marvel at their stunning architecture, mosaics, and frescoes.
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Troy (Truva)
Take a guided tour to the ancient city of Troy, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Discover its nine layers of ruins, dating back to 3500 BCE, and learn about the Trojan War from Homer’s Iliad.
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Bursa (Büyükşehir)
Explore the “Green City” of Bursa, known for its lush forests, mineral-rich hot springs, and historic mosques. Visit the Green Mosque and Mausoleum, the Grand Mosque, and the Silver Lake (Yıldız Köşkü).
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Ephesus (Efes)
Journey back in time to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the world. Wander through the ruins, including the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Hadrian, and visit the House of Virgin Mary nearby.