Istanbul Vacations

Serving as the capital of four different empires, Istanbul features places with rich history that you will surely enjoy visiting. It is also famous abroad as one of the top destinations in Turkey because of its great modernization.

The former Ottoman capital is also known for its two majestic mosques: the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, and the Hagia Sophia, which is now a museum. You can feel the rich history from the grandeur of their designs as you walk in their premises. Just book a flight at Orbitz.com to start an enthralling journey to Istanbul, Turkey.

The best time of the year to travel to Istanbul is during autumn and spring, when the temperatures are moderate. Spring, which begins between April and mid-June, is a high season for Istanbul. Temperatures during this time vary from 40 to 70ºF. Autumn, from mid-September through October, is the second best time to visit the city. Temperatures are still moderate, ranging from 40 to 60ºF. Summer is the peak season for traveling, and the area sees a huge increase in tourists every July. Temperatures in summer can rise above 80ºF. Winter, from November to March, is often chilly and rainy, so there are fewer tourists in the city and lower rates at the hotels. You can always book a flight to Istanbul with Orbitz.com for affordable prices no matter what time of the year you plan to go on vacation.

Spice Bazaar

Filled with the fragrance of the exotic East, you can buy a lot of spices, dried fruits, nuts and other goods at this market.

Bosphorus Night Cruise

Riding a Bosphorus ferry is one of the most enjoyable and romantic night-time activities in which you can take part. The best ferry to catch is the one from Karaköy to Kadıköy.

Princes' Islands

Just off the coast of Istanbul, unwind from the city atmosphere in the islands as you ride a horse or a cart while sightseeing.

Dolmabahçe Palace

The palace was once the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. The cheapest and most comfortable way to get to here is by the Bağcılar-Kabataş tram.

Taksim Square

Considered the heart of modern Istanbul, you should not miss out on visiting the major shopping, tourist and leisure district, Taksim Square.

*Savings based on all holiday package bookings with Flight + Hotel on Orbitz.com from January through December 2017, as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages. For Free Flight or 100% Off Flight deals, package savings is greater than or equal to the current cost of one component, when both are priced separately.