Free Istanbul Tour by Turkish Airlines
We have already written that some airports offer free tours to passengers flying in transit.Now let’s talk about the free Istanbul tour and the “Stopover in Istanbul” service.If you are flying through Istanbul with Turkish Airlines and the time between flights is more than 6 hours, then welcome to the Touristanbul registration desk!During the tour, you will see Istanbul’s most beautiful sights and brighten up your waiting time for the flight.
What sights will passengers visit during the tour?
1. Ancient reservoir — Basilica Cistern
2. Blue Mosque — the most popular attraction for most tourists.
3. Sultanahmet Square, where an ancient hippodrome was once located.4. Topkapi Palace, famous for its harem and treasury.
5. Grand Bazaar — one of the largest covered markets in the world.6. Hagia Sophia Mosque, which was once Hagia Sophia Cathedral7. Galata Tower, one of Istanbul’s symbols8. Istiklal Street and much more!
Turkish Airlines offers 6 tour options, depending on the waiting and arrival times:
Sightseeing From 8:30 to 11:00–2.5-hour mini-tour
Arrival time before 7:30, return flight after 12:00
From 9:00 to 15:00–6-hour tour
Arrival time before 8:00, return flight after 16:00
From 12:00 to 18:00–6-hour tour
Arrival time before 11:00, return flight after 19:00
From 9:00 to 18:00–9-hour tour
Arrival time before 8:00, return flight after 19:30
Cultural walking tour 16:00–21:00–5-hour tour
The tours vary for each option. The tour package includes: airport transfers, tours, museum entrance tickets, meals (breakfast and lunch).The tour is conducted only in English.
Who can join such a tour?
If you meet all of the following conditions, you can get a free tour of Istanbul.
Your layover must be at Istanbul Atatürk Airport.
You are flying internationally (not to Turkey).
You are flying both segments (to Istanbul and beyond) with Turkish Airlines.
The time between flights is no less than 6 hours and no more than 24 hours.
The layover time is from 9:00 to 18:00. This means you must be at the airport during this specific time frame.
How to book a free Istanbul tour?
In the arrival hall (not in the transit area, but after passport control), you need to go to the Hotel Desk (located next to Starbucks). You must book the tour no later than 30 minutes before its start.
What to do if you want to see Istanbul but don’t qualify for the tour?
In this case, you can find a guide or an interesting tour of Istanbul in advance. You can get to the city on your own or book a transfer.
What if you have an overnight layover in Istanbul?
In this case, use the “Stopover in Istanbul” (STOPOVER) service. If your transit lasts more than 20 hours, you are also entitled to a free hotel. Business class passengers will receive a room in a five-star hotel, economy class passengers — in a four-star hotel. For details on conditions and eligible cities for a stopover, read here.
