Istanbul & Antalya 2-Day Tour: Old City and Roman Sites by Air

Istanbul and Antalya 2-day tour by air: the key facts

This is a 2-day, 1-night group tour that combines Istanbul's Old City with the Roman sites around Antalya. On Day 1 your guide picks you up from your Istanbul hotel at 09:00 for a full walking day at the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, with Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia as optional visits, and an evening flight then takes you to Antalya. On Day 2 you visit Perge, the Aspendos Theatre, Kursunlu Waterfall, the old town of Kaleici and Hadrian's Gate before flying back to Istanbul.

It suits travellers who want a first taste of the Mediterranean coast and its ruins while keeping Istanbul as their base. There is no beach time in the plan. The price is from $845 per person.

How do the flights work?

Both domestic flights are included. After the Istanbul walking tour you are taken to the airport for the evening flight to Antalya, and a driver takes you to your hotel on arrival. On Day 2, after the sightseeing, you fly from Antalya Airport back to Istanbul, where our team arranges your transfer to your hotel or to your flight home. The page does not give exact flight times or the baggage allowance, so ask us for both. If you plan to fly home on Day 2, tell us your flight time before booking so we can check the gap.

What do we see in Istanbul on Day 1?

The walk covers the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, with Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia as optional entries. The Hagia Sophia ticket is listed at $40; no price is given for Topkapi, so ask us to add it to your plan if you want it. Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. For the Blue Mosque, cover shoulders and knees, women cover their hair, and shoes come off at the door. See our things to do in Sultanahmet page for the area.

What do we see around Antalya on Day 2?

You walk among the ruins of the Roman city of Perge, then visit the Aspendos Theatre, one of the best-preserved Roman theatres anywhere. Kursunlu Waterfall is a short stop in a calm, green setting. The day ends in Kaleici, Antalya's old town of cobbled lanes and Ottoman houses, entered through Hadrian's Gate. Entry to these sights is included, as the page marks none of them optional. More is in our Antalya guide.

How hard are the two days?

Day 1 is a full day on foot in Istanbul followed by an evening flight, so you reach the Antalya hotel late and tired. Day 2 involves walking on uneven ancient paving at Perge and steps at Aspendos, with drives between the sites, before another flight. Most people with normal fitness manage it. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water and keep your luggage small, since you carry it through the Istanbul day and check out of the Antalya hotel the next morning.

Which hotel is used?

The one included night is in Antalya, with breakfast. The page does not name the hotel or its category, so ask us to state both in your written plan. If you have a preference, such as a hotel close to Kaleici, tell us when you enquire. Your Istanbul hotel before and after the trip is not included, but the page says extra Istanbul nights can be added if you want to stay longer.

When is the best time of year for this route?

Spring and autumn are usually the most comfortable seasons for walking Perge and Aspendos, which are open sites with little shade. Midsummer in Antalya is hot, so carry water and a hat. The Istanbul day works in any season, though winter brings rain and shorter daylight. Whatever the month, bring a hat and water for Day 2. Our best time to visit Turkey guide covers the months in more detail.

Can we add a day or carry on along the coast?

Yes. The page lists an extra day for $115 and a transfer to Fethiye for $165, if you want to continue west along the coast instead of flying back. We also sell a package with the same route, sights and price, the Istanbul and Antalya in 48 hours tour; if you are comparing the two, ask us which departure suits your date. For a longer stay, see the 4-day Istanbul and Antalya tour from $1,455 per person, or our Antalya tours.

How do we book this tour?

Choose your date and number of guests in the booking form on this page, and tell us your Istanbul hotel for the 09:00 pick-up. You can also message us on WhatsApp at +90 545 307 67 88. We check both flights and the Antalya hotel for your date and send the full plan in writing, with flight times, the hotel and the cost of any optional tickets, before you make any payment. Cancellation terms are on our cancellation policy page. Get Turkey Tours is operated by Viracocha Travel Turizm, TÜRSAB licence A-15751.