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ISTANBUL – THE PLACE WHERE THE UNIQUE MEETING OF EUROPE AND ASIA LEAVES A LASTING IMPRESSION ON TRAVELERS
Why should you visit Istanbul?
First of all, friends, we simply cannot ignore the fact that Istanbul is a landmark city in world history, with a rich and incredibly interesting culture. After all, this is the place where the unique crossing of Europe and Asia happens, creating an unforgettable impression on everyone who visits.
Who is this destination ideal for?
Istanbul is multifaceted, which is why it suits absolutely every category of traveler. Everyone finds here exactly what their soul is looking for – lovers of history, admirers of architecture, and those who are passionate about the cultures of faraway lands.
And of course, Istanbul is a wonderful destination for a family holiday with children – especially during the autumn school break. Teenagers get a great opportunity to connect with world cultural heritage and discover a lot of new and interesting things. We have noticed that tours to Istanbul are in particularly high demand for the month of October.
If you are dreaming of a romantic weekend but have not yet decided on the destination, a trip to Istanbul will be a truly perfect choice! Many couples in love book these tours, and they are, we must say, incredibly popular!
A group of young people, tired of the dust and greyness of even their beloved home city, can also choose Istanbul – and this will, without doubt, be an excellent decision.
A city between two continents
Istanbul is a true icon of world history, where Europe and Asia meet in one city and create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
Perfect for every travel style
Romantic city breaks, family holidays with kids, cultural discovery trips or fun escapes with friends – in Istanbul everyone finds their own rhythm.
Easy flights from Chisinau
Daily direct flights operated by reliable airlines and attractive prices – especially if you book your Admiral Tur package in advance.
Staying in the historic heart
Recommended accommodation around Sultanahmet Square puts Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and other icons of Istanbul within an easy walk.
Ice cream, sweets & foodie shows
Ali Usta ice cream, the historic Haviz Mustafa patisserie, show-style serving and the scents of local spices turn Istanbul into a delight for every sweet tooth.
How to get to Istanbul from Chisinau
From Chisinau to Istanbul there are daily flights – direct services operated by several airlines, including the well-known and reliable Air Moldova, Turkish Airlines and Fly One. And yes, the prices are truly affordable!
And now, an important tip from Admiral Tur: the earlier you purchase your tour, the cheaper your airfare will be. Definitely worth remembering!
Where we recommend staying in Istanbul
The Sultanahmet Square area
We usually recommend that our travelers stay in the historic part of Istanbul, namely around Sultanahmet Square. Here you will find lovely hotels located within easy walking distance of the city’s main attractions.
Historic masterpieces just steps away
It is absolutely true that all the most important places are right next to you if you stay by Sultanahmet Square. The historic masterpieces are literally in front of you – for example, Hagia Sophia, the former Orthodox cathedral and world-famous architectural monument that now serves as a mosque. This is one of the wonders of the world, built in the 6th century AD. It remained the largest cathedral in the world until St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome was built, and it is definitely something you should see with your own eyes!
Also in Sultanahmet we strongly recommend visiting the Blue Mosque, the symbol of Istanbul and one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Another must-see is Topkapi Palace – the main palace of the Ottoman Empire. This is where all the sultans lived, in case anyone did not know.
And we want to remind you once again that all these sights (and not only these, to be honest!) that you should see at least once in your lifetime are literally a few steps away from you.
Other must-see sights in Istanbul
And of course, you may want us to tell you about other highlights of this unusual place on the map. We would like to mention the Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern, Roxelana’s Baths and the Galata Tower, which is hard not to notice as it is the tallest tower in Istanbul’s historic area.
Istanbul’s “delicious” places
There is also a special category of Istanbul sights – its foodie spots. For example, the famous Ali Usta café, which offers more than forty kinds of ice cream. The ice cream is unusual, refined and made according to a traditional recipe. It is very tasty, and we strongly recommend that tourists try it! And it is not just about the taste – the whole thing is presented as a small show where the ice cream is juggled and handled with all sorts of fun tricks.
And of course, we cannot skip Turkish sweets, which you simply must taste. In Istanbul there is a very old confectionery called Haviz Mustafa, founded in 1864 – everything there is prepared according to traditional recipes, and the variety of sweets, Turkish coffee and spices is truly impressive.
What to do in Istanbul during your trip
Start your morning with a stroll through Sultanahmet Square, then step inside Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to fully feel the scale and depth of the city’s history. Continue to Topkapi Palace to picture the lives of the Ottoman sultans and admire the opulent interiors.
During the day, walk around the ancient Hippodrome, descend into the mysterious Basilica Cistern and pause for photos by the imposing Galata Tower, which offers wonderful views over the city. Along the way, you will be accompanied by cozy streets, friendly street cats and the aroma of Turkish coffee.
In the evening, treat yourself to a foodie adventure: try ice cream at Ali Usta with its little juggling show, visit Haviz Mustafa for legendary oriental sweets and then end the day with a walk along the Bosphorus or a mini cruise to admire Istanbul sparkling with night lights.
And how much does it cost?
The price of a tour to Istanbul depends on the time of year you plan to travel. Towards the end of August, when national holidays are celebrated in Moldova, these tours are particularly popular and often booked well in advance.
For example, we offer 3-night / 4-day tours with accommodation in a 4-star hotel located in the historic area we mentioned earlier – Sultanahmet Square. The package includes breakfast, and such tours with Admiral Tur cost about 250 euro per person. The price covers the flight, meet-and-greet at the airport (a car picks you up individually and takes you to the hotel) and, of course, a little surprise – for clients who purchase a full package, we include a guided tour with a licensed guide as a gift from our agency.
If you prefer to travel in October, during the velvet season, when the weather in Turkey is mild and students enjoy their autumn holidays, you can choose a similar tour and travel with your children. The great news is that it will be cheaper – around 190 euro. This amount includes the flight, meet-and-greet at the airport, transfers, the guided tour and comfortable accommodation in a 4-star hotel with breakfast.
Sample 1-day itinerary in Istanbul
Spend the first half of the day in Sultanahmet: enjoy a relaxed breakfast with a view of the minarets and then visit Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. These two landmarks immediately give you the feeling of being at the crossroads of civilizations and cultures.
Around midday, stroll around the Hippodrome and go down into the Basilica Cistern. In the afternoon, head to Topkapi Palace, where you can spend several hours exploring the treasury, inner courtyards and panoramic views of the Bosphorus.
In the evening, make your way up to the Galata Tower to capture sunset photos over Istanbul and then finish the day with dinner and desserts at a nearby café, trying ice cream in Ali Usta style or oriental sweets inspired by Haviz Mustafa.
Sample 2-day itinerary in Istanbul
On day one, focus on the historic centre: Sultanahmet Square, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome and the Basilica Cistern. Between visits, take breaks for Turkish tea, coffee and local sweets to enjoy the experience at a relaxed pace.
On day two, dedicate more time to the European and Asian sides of the city. In the morning, wander through the Galata district and along the Golden Horn, climb the Galata Tower again if you wish, and then take a mini cruise on the Bosphorus to see palaces and neighbourhoods from the water.
Towards evening, cross over to the Asian side, stroll around its cozy quarters, stop by atmospheric cafés, enjoy the sunset over the Bosphorus and finish the day with dinner overlooking the lights of Istanbul by night. This kind of itinerary pairs perfectly with Admiral Tur packages that include flights, transfers and guided tours.
Our hand-picked hotels for Istanbul
Friends! We have prepared a special selection of hotels we truly recommend – these are the very hotels our travelers have been most happy with!
Frequently asked questions about trips to Istanbul from Chisinau
What type of holiday is Istanbul best for?
Istanbul is extremely versatile: it is ideal for romantic weekends, family holidays, culture-focused trips for history and architecture lovers, as well as fun getaways with friends in search of vivid impressions.
When is the best time of year to visit Istanbul?
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. The velvet season in October is especially popular, with mild weather and school autumn holidays that many families combine with a trip.
How long does a typical Istanbul tour last?
One of the most popular options is a 3-night / 4-day tour, which allows you to see the main sights and feel the city’s atmosphere without an overloaded schedule.
Why is the Sultanahmet area such a good place to stay?
Sultanahmet is the historic heart of Istanbul. Hotels here are within walking distance of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and many other key sights, saving you both time and energy on transport.
Which airlines fly from Chisinau to Istanbul?
There are daily direct flights from Chisinau to Istanbul operated by several airlines, including Air Moldova, Turkish Airlines and Fly One.
What is usually included in an Admiral Tur package?
Packages typically include flights, meet-and-greet at the airport, a private transfer to your hotel, accommodation in a 4-star hotel with breakfast and a guided tour with a licensed guide as a gift when you purchase a full package.
What are the approximate prices for a tour to Istanbul?
Prices depend on the season. There are options around 250 euro per person for 3 nights in a 4-star hotel in the Sultanahmet area, and during the October velvet season you can often find packages around 190 euro if you book early.
Is Istanbul suitable for holidays with children?
Yes, it is an excellent destination for families. Children and teenagers can see world-famous landmarks in real life and broaden their horizons, while the itinerary can easily be adjusted to a gentler pace.
Is Istanbul a good choice for a romantic trip?
Absolutely. Many couples choose Istanbul for a romantic weekend: walks along the Bosphorus, views from the Galata Tower, dinners with city panoramas and charming historic streets.
Which “tasty” places should I not miss in Istanbul?
Be sure to try the ice cream at Ali Usta, where the serving turns into a fun little show, and do not miss the traditional sweets and Turkish coffee at the historic Haviz Mustafa confectionery.
How can I save on flights and the tour package?
The golden rule is to book early. In this case, both airfares and hotel prices are lower and you have a wider choice of dates and properties. Admiral Tur can help you choose the best option for your budget.
Will I need public transport if I stay in the centre?
If you stay in the Sultanahmet area, most key attractions are within walking distance, so for your main sightseeing days walking will be enough – you will only need public transport for more remote districts.
