If you happen to have a long layover in Istanbul, Turkey, you now have an amazing opportunity to explore the city thanks to Turkish Airlines’ complimentary Touristanbul service.
This service, which was suspended due to the pandemic, resumed in July 2022 and since then is available for any connecting international flights in Istanbul, with a layover of between six and 24 hours.
Touristanbul offers eight different tours that have been carefully designed to accommodate different schedules and preferences. Whether you are an early bird or a night owl, there’s a tour for everyone. Not only will you get to enjoy the beauty and history of Istanbul, but you’ll also get to experience the amazing Turkish cuisine.
Each tour is filled with a range of activities, including visits to some of Istanbul’s most famous historical landmarks such as the Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia Museum, and the Grand Bazaar. You’ll be immersed in the culture of Turkey as you explore the vibrant streets of Istanbul, discovering hidden gems and taking part in local traditions.
As part of the tour, you’ll be picked up from the airport and transported to various parts of the city. With everything taken care of, you can sit back and relax, enjoying your adventure knowing that you’re in safe hands. The Tourguide will expertly guide you through the bustling streets of Istanbul, making sure that you don’t miss any of the city’s hidden secrets.
At the end of your tour, you’ll be taken back to the airport where you can then continue your journey with Turkish Airlines. Although the tour times are expertly planned out, if for any reason you’re unable to make your flight due to the airline’s responsibility, Turkish Airlines will ensure that you reach your destination smoothly via the next available flight.
How to Book the Turkish Airlines’ Free Istanbul Tour
Your layover must be at least 6 hours at most 24 hours.
Simply sign up at the Hotel Desk in the International Arrivals Terminal to enjoy a complimentary city tour. You can find Hotel Desk after you pass passport and custom control.
The tour is available only for flights operated by Turkish Airlines. Your ticket number must start with the stock number 235.
Are you Eligible for the Tour?
You must be an international transfer passenger of Turkish Airlines. (Who arrives from an international destination and travels to another international destination within 6hrs – 24hrs)
The scheduled tours are every day from 8:00 to 11:30, from 08:30 to 15:00, from 08:30 to 18:00, from 12:00 to 18:00, and from 16:00 to 21:30. Thus, your departure and arrival time of your flight should be compatible with the scheduled tours.
Your arrival time should be enough to be ready at the Hotel Desk half hour before the tour starts. For instance, for the 08:30 tour, you have to be ready in front of the Hotel Desk at 08:00 am. For the 12:00 tour, this is 11:30 am.
Secondly, you need to be ready for boarding and pass the passport and customs control a minimum of 1 hour and 25 minutes before your scheduled departure time. More questions, see Touristanbul FAQ
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a unique and exciting way to explore Istanbul during your layover, Touristanbul is the perfect service for you. It’s a seamless way to experience the beauty, history, and culture of Istanbul in just a few hours, all while enjoying the amazing food and hospitality of the Turkish people. So, make sure to take advantage of this complimentary service the next time you’re in Istanbul!
According to some travelers’ reviews on Tripadvisor, not all tour guides are good enough. If you are afraid of having a bad tour experience, this tour has received top points from thousands of visitors. Most of the travelers commented that the tour is informative and good experience with a knowledgeable guide.
