Istanbul Holiday Packages

Istanbul Holiday Packages

A cosmopolitan city where East meets West, Istanbul is known for being an intriguing blend of cultures and traditions. With more than two thousand years of history behind it, including name changes from Byzantium to Constantinople and then its current moniker, Turkey’s largest city offers travellers everything from whirling dervishes and Christian mosaics to Egyptian obelisks and spice markets on their Turkey holidays.

Things to Do in Istanbul

You may regret it if your Istanbul holiday doesn’t include a stop at the famous Hagia Sophia, a former Christian basilica and imperial mosque that has since been turned into a museum. Take in the massive soaring dome that, with the right lighting, appears to float above the rest of the structure and is regarded as one of the best illustrations of Byzantine architecture. Continue your tour through history at the Topkapi Palace, an Ottoman royal residence for over 400 years that contains important Muslim relics such as the sword and cloak of Muhammad. Next, hop on a boat cruise through the Bosphorus Strait, which separates the Old and New City.

Finish your stay in Istanbul by chilling out at a hamam, a traditional Turkish bath that offers hearty scrubbings and massages to its visitors. Itching to see what’s outside the city? Book one of the car hire options in Istanbul on Wotif and make day trips to two of the important sites in military history: Gallipoli, where the Ottoman Empire claimed a massive victory over the Allies in World War I, and Troy, the legendary setting for the Trojan War that is now a popular archaeological site.

Shopping, Dining & Nightlife

With its numerous historic bazaars, many travellers book Istanbul holiday packages simply to shop. The best markets are in the Old City, particularly the Grand Bazaar, which contains more than 4000 shops. If you're looking for more modern conveniences, the Kanyon and Istinye Park malls in the New City offer an upscale retail experience with their contemporary architecture and luxury goods. Once you've shopped to your heart's content, take a walk down the famous Istiklal Caddesi. Stop by for a Turkish coffee and do some people-watching at one of the many cafes lining the avenue.

When you get hungry, grab some meze (appetiser dishes) or doner (skewered rotisserie meat) for a snack. As night falls, head to the Ortakoy district along the Bosphorus. This artsy neighbourhood on the city's European side not only offers a picturesque mosque but is also the location of some of Istanbul's hottest nightclubs. If you'd prefer to take it easy, relax and enjoy the view at a hookah bar.

What's Next?

If you're in search of Istanbul hotel packages for your next holiday, you're in the right place. Wotif offers a wide selection of options on hotels, flights, and car rentals to suit any budget. Bundle your airfare and lodging with Wotif’s cheap Istanbul packages, so that you'll have more lira to spend when you arrive. You can also book Turkey packages with us if you plan to travel around the country. Whatever you plan, we have an affordable option to get you there.