The Best Day Trips From Istanbul

Explore the legend of Troy, the tranquil Princes’ Islands and the natural wonder of Pamukkale on these day trips from Istanbul.

Istanbul is the gateway to a whole host of fantastic destinations that can be comfortably visited on a day trip. Whether you want a scenic getaway, a leisurely cruise or simply to understand more about this fascinating Turkish region, there’s the perfect day trip awaiting you.

1. Princes’ Islands

Natural Feature

The picturesque Princes’ Islands are an archipelago of nine islands off the Istanbul coast, in the Marmara Sea. So named because princes and other royalty were banished to them in Byzantine times, they are especially tranquil as cars are banned. Each rewards you with beautiful scenery, and a tour of three of the four islands open to the public, Kınalıada, Heybeliada and Büyükada, is a relaxing break from Istanbul city. Sail across gleaming coastal waters, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch of Turkish delicacies and learn about the history of the islands from your guide. This nine-hour tour finishes with a horse-drawn carriage ride on Büyükada – the perfect end to an exhilarating day. You can start this tour from Bosporus Tour Pier or Taksim Square.

2. Pamukkale and Hierapolis

Historical Landmark, Archaeological site, Ruins, Natural Feature

Just a short flight from Istanbul, Pamukkale-Hierapolis lies in southwestern Anatolia and can be visited in one day. This UNESCO World Heritage site comprises the well-preserved ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis and the geographical phenomenon Pamukkale (‘cotton castle’ in Turkish), a succession of stunning white terraces of travertine rock formed by calcium-rich thermal springs, garnished by waterfalls and stalactites. Do as the Romans did and take a soak in the thermal hot springs used as a spa since the second century BC on this unforgettable day trip from Istanbul. Hotel pickup, return flights from Istanbul to Denizli, private transport, a guide and an appetising lunch are included.

4. Ephesus

Historical Landmark, Archaeological site, Ruins

The extensive ruins of the Ancient Greek city of Ephesus are a must-see for history lovers, and this 12-hour tour with return flights from Istanbul to İzmir makes it possible to visit in a day. Immerse yourself in an array of stunning monuments – souvenirs left behind by the Byzantine, Ottoman, Persian, Roman and Greek empires that once ruled Ephesus. Visit striking sites such as the Temple of Artemis and the Celsus Library, as you walk the ancient streets of Ephesus in the footsteps of inhabitants from centuries ago. This tour includes round-trip, same-day flights from Istanbul to İzmir and pickup from your city centre hotel.

5. Lake Sapanca and Masukiye

Natural Feature, Hiking Trail

Escape the bustle of Istanbul to the tranquillity of Lake Sapanca and Masukiye in the Gulf of İzmit. This 14-hour trip to the pretty freshwater lake and picturesque village of Masukiye includes a relaxing lunch under a canopy of trees and a hike up Kartepe Mountain, with the option of a ski-lift ride for non-hikers. You will be picked up from your Istanbul hotel for this tour.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.