See Istanbul with Free Sightseeing and Stopover Tours

We really appreciate what Turkish Airlines has done to make families feel welcome, by offering free sightseeing and stopover tours in addition to in-flight toys, family entertainment and healthy dining and drink options on their Trans-Atlantic flights.

Yes! A few well-guided Istanbul city tours are available, absolutely free, for passengers in transit with a minimum six-hour layover. With so many sophisticated Istanbul family attractions we think you’ll appreciate the sightseeing time, even if you’re enduring a long layover after a very long trans-Atlantic flight.

And despite the current political problems (please check the travel information pages of the U.S. Department of State before booking), Istanbul continues to enjoy a relative tourism boom.

Leave the Airport for a City Sightseeing Tour

So here’s the deal: Turkish Airlines is making your layover at Istanbul Ataturk Airport even more productive by offering Touristanbul free tours of 6-9 hours in length, focused on the most significant historical places,  for guests transiting Turkey who’ve purchased tickets on Turkish Airlines. Join it at the Airport’s Hotel Desk at the international terminal; passengers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. There’s no need for an advance reservation (ask questions at touristanbul@thy.com), making this a great wait-busting option for those whose flights are unexpectedly delayed.

After you book the tour (and they’re given several times daily in English most weekdays), you and your family will be picked up by a private tour guide.  Whatever luggage is not checked can be stored at the airport for a nominal fee. Unfortunately, there is no special service for the mobility impaired.

All expenses for transportation, meals (and they have vegetarian options) and museum fees will be taken care of by Turkish Airlines.

Make an Overnight Stopover to Enjoy Istanbul

Since it began in 2018, the Stopover service has served transfer passengers departing from US gateways and flying onward, internationally, from Istanbul. The airline also offers complimentary overnight accommodation to certain passengers on routes where no connecting flights are available within 12 hours of arrival in Istanbul.

If you have more than 20 hours of connection time in Istanbul, your family will receive complimentary accommodations in centrally located neighborhoods and the opportunity to explore more of Istanbul. Economy class passengers will receive a one night stay at a 4-star hotel in Sultanahmet, while those flying in business class will enjoy two nights at a 5-star hotel in Taksim. Travelers will receive accommodation vouchers from Turkish Airlines’ authorized staff after completing the flight booking process.

For more information about arranging the Stopover, please visit Turkish Airlines site or email freehotelusa@thy.com and let us know what you saw.