Istanbul Express: From Ancient Mosques to Vibrant Streets
Istanbul Express: From Ancient Mosques to Vibrant Streets
The trip in a nutshell
Istanbul, a city bridging two worlds, connects West and East, uniting two continents not just symbolically but in the daily lives of its people.
The city's complexity is striking—truly a "collection of many cities." Its architecture and social landscape shift dramatically within mere meters, from Taksim to Kasımpaşa or Sultanahmet to Kadırga, revealing vastly different realities.
Both the European and Asian sides showcase a mix of conservative and modern neighbourhoods, like Beyoğlu and Kadıköy, historic sites like Sultanahmet and Üsküdar, bustling shopping areas, and religiously diverse quarters like Fener and Balat. Picturesque villages line the Bosphorus.
In our five-day journey, we'll explore Istanbul's many faces—from the Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia, vibrant neighborhoods, lively markets, and the flavors of street food and sweet Turkish delights.
This trip leaves us with a taste of Türkiye and a desire to return and dive deeper into this world among worlds.
Trip type
Express: jam-packed itinerary to make the most of the few days of holiday allowance you have.
Physical rating
LOW - this itinerary is easy-going and any extra sports or activities are entirely optional - minimum physical effort is required.
Entry requirements
Please visit your country's official government website to find out the necessary requirements for entering the country of destination.
Arrival and departure
This trip will begin and end in Istanbul. Aim to arrive on the first day by 5pm - on the last day you are free to leave whenever!
What's included
4 nights accommodation in shared rooms
"Local Experience": unwind with a traditional Turkish bath at a genuine hammam
Guided tour to explore the historic Fener and Balat districts, including a visit to the majestic Suleymaniye Mosque
Travel coordinator services
Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure
Itinerary
Welcome to Istanbul
Check-in
Round trip flights are not included in the package, so you can choose from where and when you want to fly. This is to give you maximum freedom of choice!
Check-in at the hotel in Istanbul followed by a welcome meeting with the rest of your group! We kick off our adventure with a stroll through the vibrant streets, exploring local products from fish to books, before heading to the seafront to relax in the sun and enjoy our first sunset on Turkish soil.
Included: overnight stay
Money pot: local transport (public and/or private).
Not included: meals and drinks
Discovering Istanbul
Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia
It's time to dive into the heart of Istanbul, starting with one of its iconic landmarks: the Blue Mosque. This photogenic masterpiece gets its name from the over 20,000 turquoise tiles adorning its dome, a sight that will leave us gazing upwards. The exterior, with its arches, curved lines, and striking symmetry, is equally enchanting.
After visiting the Blue Mosque, we'll descend into the Basilica Cistern, built by Emperor Justinian, captivating us with its architectural precision.
Next, we move on to the grand Hagia Sophia, once the largest church in Christianity until the 15th century. Its majestic dome, golden decorations, and stunning light play create a mystical atmosphere, making it feel like the dome is floating above the nave.
Fish Bread and Gran Bazaar
For lunch, we head to the Galata Bridge—how about a delicious Balik Ekmek? This famous fish sandwich is a local favorite and a must-try! After satisfying our hunger, we continue to the Grand Bazaar, an ancient market still bustling with stalls for every taste. Don’t forget to sip some freshly squeezed pomegranate juice and sample the renowned Turkish sweets—who could resist baklava?
Before heading back to the hotel to prepare for the evening, we’ll catch the sunset from one of the city's many charming rooftops.
Typical dinner and nightlife
After some well-earned relaxation, we’ll be ready for another memorable dinner together at a traditional restaurant. Afterwards, we'll dive into the heart of Istanbul's nightlife on the lively Istiklal Caddesi.
Included: overnight stay
Money pot: entrance fees and local transport (public and/or private).
Not included: meals and drinks
Istanbul: Beyond the Bosphorus
All Asian quarters: Uskudar, Kuzguncuk and Kadikoy
Üsküdar is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Ottoman Istanbul, originally a residential area and still maintaining that charm today. With over 180 mosques, some predating the Ottoman conquest, it's home to some of the city's oldest religious sites.
Nearby is Kuzguncuk, historically inhabited by the Jewish community since the 1500s, later welcoming Greek and Armenian residents. It's one of our favorite neighborhoods, where you can find a mosque next to an Armenian church and a synagogue beside an Orthodox church—a symbol of the tolerance and harmony that once thrived in Ottoman Istanbul.
Our final stop is Kadıköy, now one of Istanbul’s most modern and vibrant neighbourhoods.
A traditional Turkish bath
Wait, a Turkish bath? What exactly is that?
A traditional Turkish bath is a more humid version of a sauna—so don’t worry, it’s all about relaxation!
In Istanbul, there are hundreds of hammams. Most are traditional Turkish baths, but in recent years, more Western-style spas have appeared. Since we’re in the heart of ancient Constantinople, we’ll make sure you experience an authentic Turkish bath!
Included: overnight stay, traditional authentic Hammam experience
Money pot: local transport (public and/or private).
Not included: meals and drinks
Istanbul: there's more to explore!
Fener and Balat
We can’t leave Turkey without experiencing the true soul of Istanbul—the hidden charm of the lesser-known neighborhoods of Fener and Balat. Picture colorful wooden houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and the aroma of freshly baked bread. So, let’s lace up our comfortable shoes and unleash our inner Indiana Jones!
After our adventure, we’ll visit the local spice market and refuel with a delicious local lunch.
Suleymaniye Mosque Fatih Quarter
After lunch, we’ll enjoy a nice cup of Turkish coffee—and if we’re lucky, we might even have our grounds read! Who knows what insights they’ll reveal? In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Suleiman Mosque and the charming Fatih neighborhood, home to some lesser-known yet beautiful mosques.
After a day filled with culture and exploration, we deserve some relaxation. A delightful aperitif with a view of the Bosphorus—especially as it glows with the colors of sunset—will be just what we need.
Our last night together!
We gather once more for our last night together... the night?! We’re in Istanbul, a city that never sleeps, so why not celebrate with a little fiesta?
Included: overnight stay, guided tour to Fener and Balat and visit to the Suleymaniye Mosque.
Money pot: local transport (public and/or private).
Not included: meals and drinks
Check-out and goodbye
Check out and goodbye
Check-out and goodbye – until your next WeRoad adventure!
End of services. The itinerary may undergo some variations that differ from what is stated above. These variations may not be predictable nor depend on WeRoad’s will, i.e. climate conditions, national holidays, strikes, etc.






Info to know
Local culture
From February 28, 2025 to March 29, 2025 it will be Ramadan: this means that the trip may be subject to changes based on the opening hours of public places. The packed lunch will become our best friend and during the day we will be able to eat in private areas. Being a WeRoader also means respecting local traditions like this one, it will be an opportunity to get to know them even more closely!