London Diaries Christmas Markets Tour - THY - 26 November 2026 - 3 Nights 4 Days
1. DAY: ISTANBUL - LONDON (SOHO & CHINATOWN EVENING TOUR)
On the first day of our tour, we depart from Istanbul Airport in the morning on Turkish Airlines’ scheduled flight departing at 08:05. After approximately 4 hours of travel, we land at London Gatwick Airport at 09:10 local time. Following passport and baggage procedures, we begin exploring London directly.
During our panoramic city tour, we see many important landmarks from the outside, including Buckingham Palace, one of England’s most iconic buildings, Hyde Park, famous for its lush greenery, and Big Ben, one of the country’s symbolic structures. Accompanied by our guide’s explanations, we gain our first impressions of the city. We take a short break at Trafalgar Square to rest and have a meal. After the city tour, we transfer to our hotel and have free time.
An optional Soho & Chinatown Evening Tour will be organized in the evening for our guests. (45£)
On this tour, you will experience London’s liveliest, most colorful and most delicious evening experience. Departing from our hotel in the late afternoon, we head towards the Soho & Chinatown area, the heart of London’s nightlife. After a short and comfortable journey by public transport, we begin exploring this special area, which takes on a completely different atmosphere from that of the daytime.
Soho, one of London’s most energetic areas, comes alive in the evening. Lights, crowds, music and activity… As soon as you arrive here, you will feel much more clearly why London is one of the world’s most important cities.
We begin our walk through Soho’s characteristic streets. In this area filled with small theaters, live music venues, boutique bars and restaurants, you encounter a different atmosphere at every step. While listening to the story of the area accompanied by our guide, we also witness London’s real life beyond its classic tourist facade. Continuing our walk, we move on to Chinatown, one of London’s most remarkable areas. Streets decorated with red lanterns, restaurants offering the finest examples of Asian cuisine and a completely different cultural atmosphere… As soon as you step here, you may feel as though you have left London. At the end of our tour, we transfer to our hotel and spend the night there.
2. DAY: LONDON (GREATER LONDON CITY TOUR & WINTER WONDERLAND TOUR)
After breakfast, a full-day optional Greater London City Tour & Winter Wonderland Tour will be available for our guests. (150 £)
We begin the day at Green Park, one of London’s most pleasant spots. As we proceed along the royal route, we see Buckingham Palace and the Victoria Memorial from the outside and take a short break in the heart of the British monarchy. We then reach St. James’s Palace with a pleasant walk through St. James’s Park, and from there connect to the Whitehall route via Admiralty Building and Horse Guards.
Along the way, with our guide’s explanations, we have the opportunity to learn more closely not only about the buildings we see but also about England’s political and historical past. As we proceed along Whitehall, we see Downing Street and The Cenotaph before reaching the Westminster area. Here, we experience unforgettable moments at some of London’s most iconic sites by seeing Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben up close.
Continuing our program, we proceed to Trafalgar Square and take a photo break accompanied by Nelson’s Column, the National Gallery and the monument to Charles I. At this point, while gaining important insights into London’s art and cultural world, we feel the energy of the square.
Continuing our tour, we reach Covent Garden, one of the city’s liveliest areas, by walking and making short transfers. We have free time in one of London’s most enjoyable areas, with its street performers, Apple Market and lively atmosphere. Our guests may shop, spend time in cafés or experience the energy of the area.
At 16:00, we proceed to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, one of London’s most enchanting winter events. In this special area, where you can best experience the Christmas spirit, we have free time among illuminations, Christmas markets, entertainment areas and food and beverage stalls. Our guests can spend their time as they wish and fully enjoy London’s New Year atmosphere.
At the appointed time, we begin our return journey to the hotel.
After this special day, during which we experience London with both its historical texture and enchanting Christmas atmosphere, we spend the night at our hotel.
3. DAY: OXFORD & BICESTER VILLAGE OUTLET & CHRISTMAS MARKETS TOUR
After breakfast, a full-day Oxford & Bicester Village & Christmas Markets Tour will be available for our guests. (150 £) After leaving London, our first stop is Oxford, one of England’s oldest and most prestigious university cities.
During the walking tour accompanied by our guide, Radcliffe Camera, one of the city’s iconic landmarks, the Bodleian Library, one of the world’s oldest libraries, the elegantly designed Church of St. Mary the Virgin and Christ Church College, which also hosted the filming of the Harry Potter movies, will be seen from the outside. A walk through this historical atmosphere allows us to feel Oxford’s fascinating character up close.
Especially during the Christmas season, we also have the opportunity to visit the Oxford Christmas Market set up in the city center during this part of our tour. With streets decorated with lights, handmade souvenirs sold at wooden stalls, hot drinks and festive delicacies, this market offers one of England’s most enjoyable winter experiences. During the free time provided here, our guests can both shop and fully enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.
After our visit to Oxford, we travel approximately 30 minutes to Bicester Village Outlet, one of England’s most popular shopping destinations. This open-air shopping area, home to world-famous brands, offers highly advantageous shopping opportunities thanks to seasonal discounts and special promotions. You can spend time in elegant boutiques and enjoy a pleasant break while shopping.
At the end of the day, following this special tour where we experience the Christmas spirit and the pleasure of shopping together, we begin our return journey to London. Overnight at our hotel.
4. DAY: LONDON (WINDSOR TOUR) - ISTANBUL
After breakfast at the hotel, we complete our check-out procedures. An optional Windsor Tour will be organized in the morning for our guests. ( 35£ ) After breakfast at the hotel, we vacate our rooms and begin our final day in London. On this special day, we head towards Windsor, one of England’s most elegant and historic towns, in contrast to central London.
After a short journey of approximately a short duration, we arrive in Windsor and begin our walking tour. Located on the banks of the River Thames, this charming town is one of England’s most impressive destinations, both for its natural beauty and its historical character.
During our tour, we see Windsor Castle panoramically, one of the largest royal palaces in the world still in active use. This magnificent building, one of the official residences of the British Royal Family, is one of the most important symbols of English history.
As we walk along the town’s cobblestone streets, we enjoy pleasant moments among small boutique shops, cafés and the traditional English atmosphere. During the free time provided, our guests may shop, take a walk along the river or spend time in elegant cafés.
This peaceful and elegant atmosphere will be one of the most enjoyable and relaxing moments of the tour after the busy pace of London. After meeting at the appointed time, we depart for the airport.
We return to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines’ flight departing at 17:25. Our tour ends with our arrival at Istanbul Airport at 00:15. We hope to see you on your next journey!
WHY IS LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PREFERRED IN LONDON?
Using public transportation in a large and historic city like London helps you visit more places in a shorter time by avoiding inner-city traffic and loss of time. Tours by underground, train and bus also allow you to experience London’s dynamic life firsthand.
Thanks to these tours, you not only see the tourist attractions but also experience the city not as a tourist but as a “traveler” by traveling on the routes used by Londoners in their daily lives. In other words, this is not merely a transportation preference, but the most natural way to experience London.
Also;
The hotel where accommodation will be provided will be located in the Heathrow area, and public transportation must be used to reach the city center.
Breakfast served at the hotel is included in the accommodation. The breakfast content may vary regionally depending on the hotel’s practices; according to European standards, it is generally served in a continental style.
A minimum participation of 15 people is required for the optional tours included in the program to take place. Please note that the relevant tour may not be operated if the number of participants falls below this minimum.
The content and dates of the extra programs may be changed by the guide and operator.
Local transportation such as the underground, train, bus and ferry may be used on the optional tours. This both prevents time loss caused by traffic and provides the opportunity to witness the city’s real life more closely.
What's Included
SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE PRICE :
Round-trip flight ticket between Istanbul (IST) – London (LGW) – Istanbul (IST) with Turkish Airlines
3-night bed and breakfast accommodation at the specified 3* hotels (or similar)
Transfer and guiding services
Panoramic city tour on the first day
Tursab Professional Liability Insurance
Not Included
Services Not Included in the Price:
International Departure Fee
Travel Health Insurance
UK Visa
All Hotel Extras and Personal Expenses
Optional Tours
Ticketed Activities
Museum Entrance Fees
City and Accommodation Taxes
Driver and Guide Tips (£10 per person)