Few cities give an incentive or a meeting a stronger sense of place than Istanbul. Two continents, the Bosphorus, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments and a lively food scene, all within reach of one of the best-connected airports in the world. This guide is for agencies and companies planning a reward trip, a sales meeting or a company event in the city.
Getting there and getting around
Istanbul Airport, on the European side, has direct flights from almost every European city, and Sabiha Gökçen serves the Asian side. Traffic is the main constraint on the ground: we plan every transfer with time buffers, use boats on the Bosphorus where they are faster than the road, and keep the group in one area per day wherever possible.
Where to stay and meet
Hotels on the Bosphorus give the views and the waterfront that make a reward trip feel special, and many have their own jetty for boat transfers.
Hotels in the old city and Galata put the monuments, the bazaars and the restaurants within walking distance.
Congress centres such as the Istanbul Congress Center and the Haliç Congress Center on the Golden Horn handle larger plenaries.
Historic venues such as waterfront mansions and restored Ottoman buildings can be booked for dinners and launches.
Gala dinners and evenings
The classic Istanbul evening is a private dinner cruise on the Bosphorus, passing palaces and the illuminated bridges. Other formats include an exclusive dinner in a waterfront mansion, a rooftop reception facing the old city, or a meyhane evening with live music in Galata. We plan the format around the size of the group, the message of the event and the season, since outdoor terraces work from May to October.
Experiences that work for groups
A guided morning at Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern, timed to avoid the busiest hours.
A team challenge in the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar.
A Turkish cooking workshop, a coffee tasting or a visit to a traditional hammam.
A ferry crossing to the Asian side for lunch in Kadıköy or on the Bosphorus shore.
An extension to Cappadocia for a balloon flight at dawn, one hour away by plane.
When to go
April to June and September to November are the best months: mild weather, long evenings and outdoor venues. Summer is hot and busy; winter is quieter and good value for meetings held indoors. Check the dates of Ramadan and public holidays when you plan, as they affect opening hours and some venues.
Practical points for planners
Mosques: visits pause at prayer times and need modest dress; we build this into the timing.
Branding and permits: some venues and public places need permits for filming, drones or branding; we handle the applications.
Under your brand: we can work invisibly under your agency's name, with your materials and your signage.
Planning with KAMPA
We are based in Istanbul and have organised incentives, meetings and events in Türkiye since 1996. We source the hotel and venues, design the evenings and experiences, and run the programme on site. Read our incentive planning guide for Türkiye, see our incentives and meetings page, or send your brief through the form below.