Routes World 2023

Bringing together the global route development community

Istanbul, Türkiye
15 – 17 October 2023

Complimentary Tours

Our hosts have curated a selection of fantastic tours so you can explore the city of Istanbul. The tours are designed to highlight the city and region's unique features and hidden gems. Their expert guides will share their knowledge and love of their homeland with you.

All tours will be taking place on Saturday 14th October. All tours are now fully booked.

option 5

Fully Booked: Discover the Karaköy Tour

Discover the wonderful back alleys of Karaköy and find yourself at the newly renovated shoreline of Galata. Karakoy was the harbor district of Istanbul during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. It was a hub port where goods from the Silk Road were exported to Europe. Nowadays, the Karaköy neighborhood is one of the fastest-growing places in Istanbul. Decorated with boutique hotels, cafes, and restaurants, Karakoy is also home to Istanbul Cruise Port. During the walking tour, we stroll in the colorful streets between Tophane Square and Karakoy take photos, and see the Kılıç Ali Paşa Mosque and the Karaköy Clock Tower. 

Our beginning and meeting point is in front of the Kılıç Ali Paşa Mosque. This tour will end close to the Istanbul Modern - Welcome Reception venue.

Times: 09:00 - 11:00 or 13:00 - 15:00
Tour fully booked

 Meeting Point

option 2

Fully Booked: Anatolian Prince Island's Boat Tour

Take a journey to the Anatolian side of Istanbul and experience the Prince's Islands and the Maiden's Tower.

The Princes’ Islands is one of the best preserved natural areas and sights in Istanbul. The islands have taken the name from the exiled Princes during the Byzantium era. The islands are one of the best attractions, weekend breaks, and Istanbul escape both for Istanbullites and tourists. See along our Cruise the historical Peninsula with its Palaces Mosques and city walls. 

Our beginning and meeting point is in front of the Karaköy public ferry peer. 

Time: 09:00 - 13:00
Tour fully booked

Meeting Point

iGA Airport

Fully Booked: iGA Istanbul Airport Tour

'iGA Istanbul Airport, the rising star of the world aviation scene with its unique architecture, strong substructure, superior technology, and premium traveling experience offering... We would like to show you how iGA runs the show in İstanbul.

Times: 09:00 - 11:00 or 12:00 - 14:30
Tour fully booked

option 4

Fully Booked: Hidden Gem Fener - Balat Tour

Take the hidden gem tour to discover the colourful streets of the multi-cultural Fener - Balat District with Red School and St.Stefan Iron Church.

Right after meeting in front of the Bulgarian Iron Church, we will visit the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. Afterward, head to the historic neighborhoods of Balat & Fener. Here, the houses are painted in bright colors, laundry is still hanging across the narrow lanes, kids play in the streets and many different cultures and religions live next to each other. View the Greek Orthodox College surrounded by this scenic area. Have a coffee break at one of the countless cozy cafes. 

Our beginning and meeting point is in front of the Bulgarian Iron Church 

Times: 13:00 - 15:00
Tour Fully Booked

 Meeting Point

option 1

Fully Booked: Magical Bosphorus Boat Tour

Our guests will have the chance to experience the Bosphorus truly by the sea. Take a tour around the two sides of Istanbul and travel between continents by sea.

Cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding straits separating Europe and Asia. Istanbul is the only city that straddles two continents. View humble fishing villages and suspension bridges set against the dramatic outline of the Strait. See Palaces, Fortresses, and historical mansions along the way. 

Our beginning and meeting point is in front of the Karaköy public ferry peer. 

Time: 09:00 - 13:00
Tour Fully Booked

Meeting Point

option 3

Fully Booked: Historical Peninsula Tour

On the Ultimate Old Town Istanbul Tour, you'll have the chance the see the historical peninsula with our expert guides and learn the history of the capital of time

See the newly renovated Blue Mosque, showcasing an impressive combination of blue Iznik tiles and intricate stonework. Afterward head to Hippodrome, the place where chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period. See the Egyptian Obelisk and the German Fountain. Then, visit St. Sophia, the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century, which was later converted into a mosque. We are finishing our tour at the beginning point after walking along the gates of the Topkapı Palace. 

Our beginning and meeting point is at the eastern end of the Arasta Bazaar 

Times: 9:00 - 11:00 or 13:00 - 15:00
Tour Fully Booked

Meeting Point