Istanbul skyline at sunset with Bosphorus and historic mosques

About HolidayIstan

We are a UK-registered travel company with deep roots in Istanbul. Our goal is simple: help you experience the city with confidence, comfort, and genuine local insight.

Our story

Built by people who know Istanbul inside out

HolidayIstan is a trading name of Thermal Holidays Ltd., a company registered in the United Kingdom, operating in partnership with TSA Travel for on-the-ground services in Türkiye. We operate under a TURSAB licence — the official Turkish travel agency association — which means we meet strict local standards for quality, insurance, and financial protection.

Our team splits its time between our London office and our Istanbul operations centre in Beyoğlu. This dual presence lets us combine European customer-service standards with on-the-ground local expertise. When you book with us, you are not dealing with a distant intermediary. You are talking to people who live and work in the city.

We started with a straightforward idea: travellers deserve clear information, fair prices, and real support if something does not go to plan. No hidden fees, no inflated promises — just well-organised experiences delivered by vetted local partners.

Colourful Turkish lamps lighting the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
Bosphorus bridge at night with a ferry crossing
Maiden's Tower on the Bosphorus

UK Registered

Thermal Holidays Ltd.

TURSAB Licensed

Official Turkish travel agency

Local Office

Beyoğlu, Istanbul

24/7 Support

Phone, WhatsApp & email

Our group

A trusted partnership across the UK and Türkiye

HolidayIstan is delivered through a small group of specialised brands — combining UK corporate standards with Istanbul-based travel operations.

Thermal Holidays Ltd. logo

UK-registered parent company

HolidayIstan logo

Consumer travel brand

TSA Travel logo

TURSAB-licensed local operator

What we offer

Services designed around real travellers

We focus on the experiences visitors actually want — tours, cruises, wellness, shopping guidance, and practical support like transfers and visa assistance.

Curated Tours

Guided visits to Hagia Sophia, Topkapı, the Grand Bazaar, and lesser-known neighbourhoods. Small groups or private options.

Bosphorus Cruises

Sunset and dinner cruises along the strait that divides two continents. Clear itineraries with no surprise stops at overpriced shops.

Turkish Hammam & Spa

Authentic bath experiences in historic or modern venues. We explain the etiquette in advance so you feel comfortable from the moment you arrive.

Shopping & Personal Guiding

Guided shopping trips with English-speaking assistants who know the markets, prices, and quality markers — without pushy commission-based tactics.

Fair & Business Travel

Airport transfers, hotel bookings, and dedicated support for trade-fair visitors. We handle the logistics so you can focus on business.

VIP & Family Packages

Private vehicles, flexible schedules, and child-friendly itineraries. We plan around your pace, not a fixed group timetable.

Why book with us

Straightforward service, no surprises

Transparent pricing

The price you see is the price you pay. We include taxes and fees upfront. If a service requires an extra charge — such as museum entrance tickets not covered by a tour — we tell you before you book, not after.

Free cancellation on most experiences

Cancel up to 24 hours before most bookings for a full refund. We know travel plans change — especially when flights are involved — so we keep our cancellation terms as flexible as possible.

Local, English-speaking support

Our Istanbul team speaks fluent English and understands the expectations of European travellers. If your guide is late, your transfer goes wrong, or you simply need restaurant advice, you can reach us by phone, WhatsApp, or email at any hour.

Data protection you can trust

As a UK-registered company, we handle your personal data in line with GDPR standards. We do not sell your information to third parties, and we only share the details necessary to confirm your booking with our local partners.

Ready to plan your Istanbul trip?

Browse our services, send us a message, or call us directly. We are happy to answer questions and build an itinerary that suits your schedule and interests.

Support