Condensed tour of a few highlights - This was a great way to see a few highlights of the city during an extended layover. We had a fantastic driver who picked us up at our hotel (near the airport) and took us into Istanbul proper where we met our guide - Serhan. He was very knowledgeable and shared so much with us that we’d have missed trying to do it on our own. Them our same driver delivered us back to the airport in plenty of time for our flight. We were able to see Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar. We saw a Turkish rug making demonstration, and Serhan even went and brought us a carry-out kebab lunch to enjoy on the drive back to the airport (delicious!!). Highly recommend!

Get out of the airport and tour the city! You won't regret it. - What an experience! I had one eight hour and one ten hour layover in Istanbul on my trip to and from Sri Lanka. I arranged a city tour for both layovers and had a wonderful experience. The company was accommodating and they allowed me to map out my visit. My tour guide Ece was exceptional and quite the historian; I learned so much. She was funny, kind and extremely professional. Most importantly, Ece knows the city like the back of her hand. It’s amazing how she can navigate the city, the side streets and the markets! I could not have asked for a better tour guide. In 6 hours I visited a Turkish Bath, visited a mosque, strolled through the Bazaar and Spice Market and sat for cups of Turkish coffee. Being that I was traveling solo on both layovers it was also nice to have a female tour guide. It was definitely a memorable visit, one that I will remember for a lifetime! Why stay in the boring airport when you can explore the beautiful city of Istanbul? Turkish airlines provides free tours, but this tour is worth paying for. I promise!