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Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > Aviation > Airlines > Layover or Discover? Exploring Istanbul with Turkish Airlines’ Touristanbul Service
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Layover or Discover? Exploring Istanbul with Turkish Airlines’ Touristanbul Service

Defne Kutay
Last updated: 19 June 2025 11:20
By Defne Kutay
4 Min Read
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View of the Galata Tower from the Bosphorus
Galata Tower, Istanbul © Ibrahim Uzun
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Layovers can often feel tedious and inconvenient, especially as the wait times become longer. Hoping to provide an exciting solution to this issue, Turkish Airlines has introduced a free layover service called Touristanbul.

As a part of this service, all international transfer passengers who have a 6 to 24-hour layover at Istanbul Airport get the chance to discover the historical, cultural, and natural beauties of Istanbul to make the most out of their wait time.

Person waiting at the airport
Airport layovers © Artur Tumasjan

How does Touristanbul work?

Spanning Europe and Asia, Istanbul is home to countless prominent sites and monuments. While it is possible to spend endless hours exploring, from getting a taste of the renowned Turkish cuisine to taking in the breathtaking Bosphorus views, there’s a lot to do and never enough time.

Providing an intriguing opportunity for passengers to utilise their lengthy layovers to discover Istanbul, Turkish Airlines’ Touristanbul service offers six unique tour programs on a daily basis. All of the programs include English-speaking guide service, transportation, museum entrance fees, and meals. Best part? All eligible passengers are able to join, free of charge.

Tails of Turkish Airlines airplanes
Turkish Airlines © Alireza Akhlaghi

What are the tour options?

  • Sightseeing Tour

This tour takes place between 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and is the most suitable option for visitors wishing to see the most of Istanbul in the shortest amount of time.

  • Half-Day Tour

This tour starts at 8:30 a.m. and finishes at 3 p.m., guiding visitors through a few of the most prominent monuments of Istanbul, including the Blue Mosque and the Ayasofya Mosque.

  • Full-Day Tour

With an early start at 8:30 a.m. and a late finish at 6 p.m., this tour covers numerous must-see gems of Istanbul from the Topkapı Palace to the Grand Bazaar.

  • Turkish History TV Series Tour

Packed with unique activities, including a traditional glass art workshop and archery activities, this tour provides an immersive experience of Turkish history from noon to 6 p.m.

  • Evening Tour

This tour, taking place between 4 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., gives visitors the opportunity to experience sunset at the enchanting historic monuments of Istanbul.

  • Bosphorus Tour

This tour only operates between the 1st of April and the 30th of November, from 6.30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Taking visitors on a cruise tour of the Bosphorus is ideal for those wishing to enjoy the breathtaking views of Istanbul from the strait.

  • Historical Peninsula Tour

Running from the 1st of December until the 31st of March, between 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., this tour takes visitors through the landmarks of the Historical Peninsula, which is surrounded by the Golden Horn, the Sea of Marmara, and the Bosphorus.

View of the Maiden Tower from the Bosphorus
The Maiden Tower © Ibrahim Uzun

With Touristanbul, Turkish Airlines turns lengthy layovers into exciting journeys, offering passengers a unique glimpse of Istanbul at no extra cost.

Which of these tours interests you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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