Istanbul with its rich history, strong culture, beautiful landscapes, ancient sculptures, and vibrant markets have always attracted tourists from all around the world. With Istanbul just around a few hours flight from Dubai, it is a favorite holiday destination of UAE citizens and residents. Although Istanbul is not the capital of Turkey, it is the most popular and the largest city in the country. One of the reasons for its immense popularity is that the city lies across two continents, i.e., Asia and Europe. To make your trip to Istanbul fun and memorable, we offer some amazing Istanbul tour packages from Dubai. Our tour packages cater to all kinds of requirements and budget. Let’s peek into them.
Popular Istanbul Tour Packages
The Istanbul holiday packages are curated to ensure that all the important landmarks and attractions are included in it. Each of the packages is designed for different requirements of travelers. We have tour packages for 4 days, 6 days, and 8 days, and you can choose one as per your convenience.
| Package Name |
Duration |
Price |
Enquire Now |
| Enchanting Turkey |
5N/6D |
From AED 3699 Per Person |
View Details |
| Turkish Delights |
4N/5D |
From AED 3736 Per Person |
View Details |
| Explore Turkey |
7N/8D |
From AED 4399 Per Person |
View Details |
Packages by Theme
The purpose of travel is different for different people. While some travel to enjoy themselves in the lap of nature, there are others who are looking for adventure. Some people travel to Istanbul on a romantic holiday, while others make it a family holiday. Whatever your reason might be, you will find your apt tour package with Rayna Tours.
Honeymoon/Romantic Package: Couples on a honeymoon or a romantic holiday should go for ‘Enchanting Turkey’ tour package. During this 5 nights, 6 days package, you will get to enjoy the delights of both Turkey and Cappadocia. There is absolutely nothing more romantic than enjoying a dinner cruise over the Bosphorous and going on a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia. A trip to Princess Island would also add to your romantic tour.
Family Friendly Package: If you are looking for a short holiday with your family, the five-day tour package ‘Turkish Delights’ would be ideal for you. This involves exploring Istanbul for four days, which includes touring the Old City, cruising on the Bosphorous, and visiting the Princess Island. With a tour guide at your service, this Istanbul tour would be an informative and hassle-free one.
Budget-Friendly Package: If you want to explore Istanbul, then the ‘Turkey - 4 Nights & 5 Days’ package is the perfect one for you. Here, you get to enjoy a full day tour of the city as well as the Bosphorous along with a leisure day where you can explore the city as per your wish. Hotel stay and return flight tickets are included in the tour package, thus helping you save money.
Luxury Escapes: ‘Supreme Turkish Gems’ is the tour package you can choose if you want to enjoy a luxury holiday in Istanbul. The 7 nights, 8 days tour will take you to Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya. Apart from getting the chance to explore all these places in air-conditioned vehicles, you will get to stay at 4-star hotels in all three cities of Turkey. Return flight tickets are also a part of the package.
Adventure and Nature: ‘Explore Turkey’ is the right tour package for those who are looking forward to spending time amidst nature and indulging in adventure. After a couple of days in Istanbul, the tour will take you to Cappadocia and Antalaya where you soak in the natural beauty in the form of valleys, waterfalls, and more. You can also go hot air balloon riding and hiking here.
Historical Tour: The ‘Charismatic Turkey’ tour is for those who are interested to know the deep-rooted history of Istanbul. The package takes you on a 5-day tour where you explore the Old City of Istanbul along with a tour guide, who will not only take you to all the important historical landmarks but also tell you about them. A tour of the historical city of Busra is also included with this tour package.
Why Rayna Tours?
Rayna Tours is a reputable travel company with experience of almost two decades. Turkey’s Istanbul is one of the numerous destinations that Rayna Tours offers tour packages to. We have helped thousands of satisfied tourists in planning and executing their Turkey/Istanbul holiday. Here are the reasons you must book Istanbul packages with us:
- Exclusively curated Istanbul itineraries
- Best deals on tour packages with special discounts
- Round-the-clock local support in Istanbul
- Quick and efficient visa assistance
- 100% transparent – no hidden costs
- Fully customizable plans
- Trusted by 100+ happy customers
Best Time to Visit Istanbul
Before you book one of our Istanbul travel packages, it is important to know the best time to visit the place. The right climate would enhance your experience and make your holiday worthwhile.
Spring Season (March to May): The transition season between winter and summer is one of the best times to visit Istanbul. The snow melts and in its place are beautiful blooms and greenery. The temperature in Istanbul is somewhere between 15- to 25-degree C, perfect for cruising and sightseeing. This is also the time when the city hosts the Istanbul Tulip Festival.
Summer Season (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season, as people all around the world flock to the city during this time of the year. Remember that the temperature can go up to 35-degree C during this time of the year. You can expect long, daylight hours, making them ideal conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. This is also the perfect time to enjoy Istanbul’s nightlife and the numerous music and arts festivals.
Autumn Season (September to November): As summer is the peak tourist season, Istanbul is quite crowded. If you want to avoid the crowd, a visit during the autumn season would be ideal. The temperature drops somewhere between 18-degree C and 25-degree C. You can explore the historical and modern attractions, go on ferry rides, and shop at the bazaars.
Winter Season (December to February): Istanbul is low-tourist season during the winter months, as the temperature can drop down to 0-degree C. But if you want to enjoy a white winter among snow-covered landscapes and landmarks, it is a great time to visit Istanbul. Moreover, you will also get to get some good deals on flights, accommodation, and Istanbul travel packages.
Quick Travel Guide
Top Attractions: Istanbul is a treasure trove of attractions, both historical and modern. Here are some of the attractions that you should not miss when visiting Istanbul.
Blue Mosque: Popular for its blue ceramic tiles, the Blue Mosque is one of the major architectural landmarks of the Ottoman Empire.
Hagia Sophia: Once a church, converted into a mosque, the Hagia Sophia is an epitome of Byzantine architecture. It also has a museum that tells you about the history of the city.
Topkapi Palace: The grand palace of the Ottoman kings, the Topkapi Palace would give you a glimpse into the life of the Sultans during the yesteryears.
Dolmabahce Palace: A 19th century palace, the Dolamabahce Palace is the largest palace in Istanbul, located along the Bosphorous. The architectural style of this palace is a combination of Ottoman and European styles.
Basilica Cistern: Running under the city of Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern is a large water tank with high ceilings and carved columns, an engineering marvel you must not miss.
Bosphorous Cruise: The Bosphorous Strait is what divides Istanbul into Asia and Europe. Going on a dinner cruise on the Bosphorous includes delicious dinner, entertainment, and sightseeing.
Galata Tower: A cylindrical, wooden tower, the Galata Tower stands at a height of 63 meters and gives you a panoramic view of the place.
Grand Bazaar: Covering an area of 30,000 square meters, the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest markets in the world with over 4000 stores selling varied amounts of products.
Culture of Istanbul: The culture of Istanbul is a mix of old and new. Here are some things you should know about the culture of this city of Turkey.
- As the city lies on the cusp of East and West, you will see the influences of both these on Istanbul.
- Apart from the Ottomans, you will also see the influences of Byzantine, Roman, and Constantinople cultures in this city.
- Turkish people are very hospitable and would often welcome tourists to join them for a cup of Turkish tea or coffee.
- While there is no restriction on outfits, it is important to wear modest clothing in religious places.
- If you are visiting a local person’s home, it is important to remove your footwear at the door.
- When you are visiting local markets or bazaars, you can bargain before deciding on the final price.
Cuisine of Istanbul: The cultural influences of the dynasties that ruled Istanbul can be seen in its cuisine as well. The Turkish cuisine is an amalgamation of Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman Empires. Fused with flavors and a variety of spices, the Turkish cuisine is one of the reasons that draws people to Istanbul. Some of the dishes that you must try here are Kebabs, Meze, Menemen, Kofte, Simit, Kumpir, Lahmacun, and more. When it comes to desserts, the Lokum or the Turkish Delight is the most famous, although you must also try Baklava, Dondurma, and Kunefe. Turkish Coffee, Cay (Turkish tea), Ayran, and Raki are some of the beverages to try here.
Practical Tips: Here are some practical tips that you need to know about visiting Turkey:
- The currency of Turkey is Turkish Lira.
- Credit cards are accepted in most huge establishments like hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, etc. However, do carry cash while visiting small establishments and while shopping in the local markets.
- Use public transportation like taxis, trams, buses, metros, and ferries while exploring the city. Public transportation is quite efficient in Istanbul.
- Do not drink tap water in Istanbul. Always opt for bottled water.
- Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
- Cover your shoulders and knees while visiting mosques in the city.
- Traffic in Istanbul is quite chaotic. Hence, always be cautious while crossing roads.
- The average daily cost of visiting Turkey can be anywhere around AED 400 to AED 500.
- Pack your bags as per the season you are visiting. Summers require you to take comfortable, cotton clothes while the other seasons require you to cover up in layers.
Turkey Visa and Documentation
Any foreign national who wants to visit Turkey for business or tourism needs to get a
Turkey visa. Turkey e-visa is available for those who have a valid USA, UK, Schengen, or Ireland tourist visa or resident visa. This is a single-entry visa with which you can stay in the country for 30 days. All others need to apply for a sticker or paper visa. You need to apply for the Turkey visa through the Turkey embassy or consulate in Dubai. The validity of the regular visa is also 30 days within 180 days. Multiple entry visas are also available.
Documents Required for Turkey Visa: When you are applying for a Turkey visa, you need to provide some important documents:
- Filled and signed application form
- Passport with at least six months validity and two blank pages
- Two passport size photographs
- Return flight tickets
- Proof of finance like bank statements and salary slips
- Proof of accommodation or hotel reservation
- Travel insurance
- Proof of employment
Processing Time: The processing time for Turkey evisa is somewhere between 48 and 72 hours, while a regular visa would take anywhere between 10-15 days.
Rayna Assistance: Rayna Tours’ visa experts have years of experience in dealing with Turkey visa requirements. Whatever might be your reason to visit Turkey, we can help you get your visa without any hassles. All you need to do is send us all your visa documents, and we will ensure that you will get your Turkey visa on time.
Things to do in Istanbul
Istanbul is a complete holiday destination, as it has something for everyone. Be it adventure, leisure, or luxury, you can enjoy your dream vacation in the beautiful land of Istanbul.
Adventure: If you love adventure, a visit to Istanbul would be definitely exciting.
- Helicopter tours and paragliding are some of the air tours that you can enjoy here. If you have chosen a tour package that takes you to Cappadocia, you can also go on a hot air balloon ride.
- Water adventure enthusiasts can have a great time jet skiing or going on a speedboat ride on the Bosphorous. A few other water sports include wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
- Istanbul also offers outdoor and nature experiences like rock climbing, camping, hiking, cycling, and kayaking.
Luxury: Tourists seeking luxury experiences will not be disappointed, as there are plenty of leisure and luxury activities available in Istanbul.
- Visiting a Turkish Hamam is one of the most luxurious things to do in Istanbul. This is one of the best ways of getting pampered during your holiday.
- Rather than going on a dinner cruise on the Bosphorous, opt for a private yacht cruise for a more splendid experience.
- Go for a private tour of the city, where you get to enjoy the beautiful sights of the city in a more comfortable way.
- Choose a fine dining restaurant to relish the delicious Turkish cuisine in stylish surroundings.
Family Activities: There are abundant family activities that tourists with children can enjoy in Istanbul.
- You can have a fun time visiting theme parks like Vialand, Bostanci Amusement Park, and Istanbul Aquarium with your kids.
- Istanbul has several museums that both children and adults would find entertaining. Some of these include Istanbul Toy Museum, Pera Museum, Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, and Rahmi M. Koc Museum.
- You can spend quality time with your children at the nature attractions of Istanbul. Emirgan Park, Gulhane Park, and Pierre Loti Hill are must-visit attractions with family and friends.
Shopping: Just like sightseeing, adventure, and activites, shopping is also an exciting activity in Istanbul. To enjoy a local experience, you must visit the traditional markets or local bazaars like Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, and Arasta Bazaar. Some of the best local products you can buy here are ceramics, carpets, evil eye, jewelry, leather goods, lamps, sweets, spices, scarves, souvenirs, etc. You can also choose to shop at the numerous shopping malls and trendy shopping streets that sell everything from local to international brands.
How to Reach Istanbul?
Here are the different ways in which you can reach Istanbul from all around the world.
- By Air: This is the easiest and the most convenient way of reaching Istanbul. The city has a major international airport with flights from over 300 destinations almost every day. There are direct flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah to Istanbul almost every day.
- By Train: If you are in other Turkish cities like Ankara, Konya, or Eskisehir, you can arrive in Istanbul by train. Trains are also available in other countries, i.e. Bulgaria and Romania.
- By Bus: Regular buses are available from different parts of Turkey to Istanbul as well as cities of nearby countries like Athens, Sofia, Bucharest, Thessaloniki, etc.
- By Road: If you want to enjoy a road trip, you can arrive in Istanbul via highways through Bulgaria and Greece.
