Private Istanbul 3-Day Package with Ritz-Carlton Stay

Private 3-day Istanbul stay at the Ritz-Carlton: the key facts

This is a 3-day, 2-night private package built around a hotel stay rather than a fixed tour. You are met at the airport by a driver and taken to the Ritz-Carlton Istanbul, where you spend two nights with breakfast. Day 2 is free to explore at your own pace, and on Day 3 a driver takes you back to the airport. Guided visits, a Bosphorus cruise, a Turkish bath or a food tour can be added in the booking form.

It suits couples and families who want a comfortable base, simple arrivals and departures, and the freedom to choose how much sightseeing they do. The package lists 2 nights at the Ritz-Carlton with breakfast, a private English-speaking guide, luxury VIP transport and VIP entrance fees through the booking form. The price is from $1,070 per person.

What exactly is included beyond the hotel?

This needs to be clear before you pay, because the page is not consistent. The inclusions list a private English-speaking guide and luxury VIP transport, but the day plans show only airport transfers, with Day 2 as a free day and guided tours offered as optional extras. Entrance fees are listed as included "via the booking form", yet tickets for Topkapı, Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern are priced separately as extras. Ask us to confirm in writing how many hours of guiding and driving are in the price, and which tickets are covered.

How do the airport transfers work?

A professional driver meets you at the airport on arrival and drives you to the hotel, and on Day 3 collects you from the hotel for your departure. Send us your flight numbers and times when you book so the driver is there when you land. The page does not say which of Istanbul's airports is covered, so tell us where you arrive and leave from. If you only need a car, see our Istanbul airport private transfer page.

Where is the hotel, and what does it cost to stay longer?

The stay is at the Ritz-Carlton Istanbul with breakfast for both nights. The page describes it as in the heart of the city but does not give the room type, so ask which room is booked for your dates. Extra nights can be added if you want more time, but no price is shown on the page, so ask for a quote. If you are comparing areas, our where to stay in Istanbul and Bosphorus view hotels pages explain the options.

Which sights can we add, and on which days?

The booking form lists add-ons such as a guided visit to the Blue Mosque, a sunset Bosphorus cruise, a Turkish bath, a private tour of lesser-known corners and a street food tasting. Priced tickets on the page are Topkapı Palace for $85, Hagia Sophia for $40 and the Basilica Cistern for $45. Topkapı is closed on Tuesdays, so if your free day falls on a Tuesday, plan the palace for another day. Day 2 is the best day for a full guided tour; Days 1 and 3 depend on your flight times.

What should we wear for mosques and Turkish baths?

For the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, cover shoulders and knees, and women should bring a scarf for their hair. Shoes come off at the entrance, so slip-on shoes help. The Blue Mosque closes to visitors during prayer times, which your guide plans around. For a Turkish bath, ask us what the chosen bath provides and whether to bring swimwear. Our what to wear in Istanbul page covers each season.

Is this a good choice for a first visit?

It depends on how you like to travel. If you want a plan with a guide every day, a fixed tour package may suit you better, such as the Istanbul 3-day tour package with hotel, old city tour and transfers from $435 per person. If you want a higher-end guided day, the luxury Istanbul private tour is from $1,500 per person. This package suits people who want a top hotel and prefer to pick a few activities themselves. You can see more options in our Istanbul packages.

Can we add a food tour or evening out?

Yes. The page mentions a tasting tour of Istanbul street food as an add-on, along with other activities in the booking form. For a sense of what a food tour covers, see our Istanbul street food tour from $90 per person or the private Istanbul food tour page; add-on prices on this package may differ. Lunches and dinners are not included in the package, so budget for meals outside breakfast.

How do we book this package?

Choose your dates and number of guests in the booking form on this page and pick any add-ons there, or message us on WhatsApp at +90 545 307 67 88. Send your flight details and tell us which sights and activities you want. We confirm the room, the transfers, how much guiding and transport is in the price, the tickets covered and the cost of any extras, and send the full plan in writing before you make any payment. Get Turkey Tours is a TÜRSAB-licensed agency (A-15751).