Istanbul Holidays

Welcome to Istanbul

Istanbul is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of the Orient and the Occident, with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. For the perfect Two-centre holiday, combine a stay in Istanbul with a Turkish coastal resort or Cappadocia or just the city break alone.

Standing on the shores of the Bosphorus, the narrow strait where the waters of the Black Sea mingle with those of the Sea of Marmara, Istanbul is also divided by the Golden Horn. Surrounded by water, the city guards the precious remains of the empires of which she has been capital from the Byzantine to the Ottoman. Istanbul is a unique link between East and West, past and present.

The Skyline of minarets and domes, mingling with modern skyscrapers immediately strikes the eye as that of a city full of intrigue. There is a continual bustle and movement of the crowds, rumbling of vehicles along the old cobbled streets with everybody going about their everyday business in this lively city. Listen to the cries of the street sellers mingling with the sounds of the ships in the busy port or enjoy one of the many restaurants, cafes and bars, sampling the delicious Turkish cuisine.

Soak up the history of Topkapi Palace, the centre of the Ottoman Empire, the place from which the Sultans ruled their Empire, or marvel at the sheer beauty of the Blue Mosque and Hagia St. Sophia, Islam and Christianity, facing each other across history, a true symbol of peace and tolerance. Stumble upon fine examples of wooden Ottoman houses as you make your way to the incredible Grand Bazaar, the maze of shops selling everything under the sun. However long you stay, your time in this unforgettable city will be a unique experience.

Flights to Istanbul

You can fly to Istanbul with the scheduled flight services of Turkish Airlines, with daily flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh as well as a flight from Dublin. We can also arrange British Airways and alternative carriers from any UK airports.


 

Istanbul Daily Tours

Day 1 - Istanbul Classic Tour
Duration: 9 am to 4 pm.
Visit the most important popular sites of Istanbul in one full day tour.
Acropolis and the remarkable Acropolis Museum.
Read More


Average Temperatures in Istanbul

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Temperature 9°C 10°C 12°C 17°C 22°C 27°C 28°C 28°C 25°C 20°C 16°C 12°C

What to do in Istanbul

There are many fascinating sights to see in Istanbul - do not miss these.
 

Istanbul Daily Tours

Day 1 - Istanbul Classic Tour
Duration: 9 am to 4 pm.
Visit the most important popular sites of Istanbul in one full day tour.
St Sophia Museum, Byzantine Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar.
Read More

Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque)

More familiarly known as the Blue Mosque due to its interior panelling of blue and white Iznik tiles, it was built for Sultan Ahmet I between 1609-1616. Topkapi Palace The opulent home of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th-19th centuries, highlights include the Harem, the treasury with the famous Spoonmaker’s Diamond and the Topkapi Dagger.

Hagia Sophia

The Church of the Divine Wisdom is one of the world’s most important architectural monuments 100 miles due to its astonishing free-standing dome. Originally a church, then a mosque, it is now a museum.

Grand Bazaar

One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, this is the perfect place to hunt for your holiday souvenirs in the labyrinth of streets and passages which house over 4000 shops.

The Bosphorus

Take a cruise along the strait that separates Europe and Asia passing stunning buildings such as the Dolmabahçe Palace, as you head towards the Black Sea.

Best of Ottoman style 

Sultania Superior Boutique Hotel

4* Superior BB

Prices From: £715

Information & Dates

Boutique Hotel

Yasmak Sultan Hotel

4* BB

Prices From: £665

Information & Dates

Simple Boutique Hotel

Empire Palace Hotel

4* BB

Prices From: £648

Information & Dates

Simple Boutique Hotel

Nowy Efendi Hotel

4* BB

Prices From: £665

Information & Dates

Best of Ottoman style 

Romance Superior Boutique Hotel

4* Superior BB

Prices From: £715

Information & Dates

An exceptional experience in the heart of Istanbul

Sirkeci Mansion

4* Deluxe BB

Prices From: £876

Information & Dates

The design hotel in Sultanahmet

Sura Design Hotel

 4*  BB

Prices From: £870

Information & Dates

Ottoman Palace hotel

Hagia Sofia Mansions 

  5  * BB

Prices From: £818

Information & Dates

Luxury choice with pool 

Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel

 4* Superior BB

Prices From: £648

Information & Dates

Superior Boutique Hotel

Sultanhan Hotel 

4* Superior BB

Prices From: £838

Information & Dates

A Unique Boutique Experience

The Galata Istanbul Hotel

5* Deluxe BB

Prices From: £876

Information & Dates

Top luxury

Four Season Hotel - Sultanahmet

5* Deluxe BB

Prices From: £1,098

Information & Dates

Ottoman Palace hotel

Ciragan Palace Kempinksi

5* Deluxe BB

Prices From: £1,242

Information & Dates

Istanbul Multi Centre Holidays

  Istanbul Multi Centre Holidays

Istanbul combined with:

  • Cappadocia
  • Turkish resort  or         
  • Gulet Cruise

Prices: from £998

Information & Dates

Speak to a Specialist

Akin has been to all these places and experienced all these holidays.

Give him a ring to discuss your holiday in detail on 0330 390 0999 or send an email.

Get in touch

Why Book with Diamond Star Experience...

Looking for something different?

Personal service tailored to you

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"We just returned from a week in Cappadocia Turkey. Diamond star Experience were really helpful and friendly throughout our experience with all aspects of the holiday. Our flight was delayed and I received contact from Oguzhan and Rica telling me that they had arrange later pick up from the airport when arriving in Turkey. Mustafa our driver was warm and friendly throughout our stay .The transfer and 3 day tours were fantastic , Our guide was really knowledgeable and looked after us while we toured this remarkable place The highlight was the Balloon ride in the morning a truly magical experience . I can not fault any part of the holiday and the service of Diamond Travel Experience . Easy to contact through what’s app anytime which was a great touch . I would strongly recommend Diamond star Experience for booking a holiday , We will def book again with them when returning to Turkey. Thanks and well done ! A truly wonderful Break" Mrs Wilson  - 21 Aug 2025

"A week's trip on Perla del Mar captained by Mustafa, with chef Dohan, and crew Cem, Emre and Meric turned out to be the best family holiday we had ever booked. Akin's recommendation of the boat was spot on. Dohan's menu and cooking was absolutely excellent. The crew went out of their way to assist us at every opportunity and their care and attention to the children on the trip was exemplary. There wasn't a single fault that on the whole trip, the transfers worked perfectly, the crew were there to greet us at Marmaris and led us through the alleys to the waterside where the amazing boat in front of us was to be ours for a week. We were all taken aback and realised that Mum's mad dream was coming to fruition. A holiday found by google, sold to us by Akin who took the trouble to explain everything turned out to be beyond the dreams of all of us. Canoeing in quiet coves, swimming and snorkelling to our hearts content then served with drinks and snacks before amazing meals and enjoying the trips between coves became the order of each day. I can firmly recommend this holiday to anyone. It was simply amazing." Christine - 25 May 2025

" We went to Diamond Star experience because they offer multi-centre holidays and had good ratings. We were in no way disappointed with what was organised. We said that we wanted a few days in Athens and then a week on a relatively quiet island. Akin made a proposal (Athens then Naxos) and then, when we agreed, organised everything. The Athens hotel was central and accessible to the main sites and to restaurants, and was of very good quality. The choice of Naxos for the island was equally good and we stayed in an excellent three star hotel on the edge of the town within easy reach of the beach and restaurants. All transfers were efficiently organised and even when there was a transport hiccup (our fault!) there was a phone call from the Athens back-up team within the hour to find out what had happened.
Thank you very much, Akin and staff, for a really enjoyable holiday and for service which can be easily be recommended.
"  Mr Alan Fraser - 19 May 2025

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