06 Oct 2026
Kuiertyd takes viewers on an unforgettable Turkish adventure
What started as a competition prize became an unforgettable journey for a group of lucky Kuiertyd viewers, who swapped their screens for the streets of Istanbul in September 2026.
The trip was the culmination of a series of exciting competitions designed to bring audiences closer to the world of Kuiertyd. In February 2025, a competition with Heart FM selected five winners for an exclusive screening of the Elif finale, with two lucky winners later selected for the ultimate prize - a trip to Türkiye in 2026.
The excitement soared in August 2026, when a Snap-e competition over four weeks selected eight additional winners to join the experience.
Together, the winners travelled to Istanbul from 18 to 22 September 2026 for a five-day hosted experience with travel partner Unravel Travel. Based at the DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul – Old Town, the group discovered a city where centuries of history, vibrant culture and modern energy come together. And from the moment the group arrived, the trip was about more than sightseeing — it was about experiencing Istanbul together.
The journey began with a warm welcome dinner at Ali Ocakbaşı, setting the tone for days filled with Turkish flavours, new discoveries and plenty of memorable moments. The group then travelled by ferry to the Princes’ Islands before exploring the colourful Balat neighbourhood, including the character-filled Çukur Street. With its vibrant streets and distinctive architecture, Balat offered a glimpse into the everyday charm of Istanbul beyond its famous landmarks.
The historic heart of the city followed, with visits to some of Istanbul’s most iconic attractions, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome. The group also explored the bustling Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, where the sights, sounds, aromas and flavours of Türkiye brought the city to life.
One of the standout moments of the trip was an evening dinner cruise along the Bosphorus. With Istanbul illuminated against the night sky, the group experienced the city from a completely different perspective — a fitting highlight for a journey that brought together so many sides of this remarkable destination.
Whether shopping for local treasures, sampling Turkish cuisine, enjoying tea and coffee, wandering through the streets or simply taking in the views, the trip gave the winners the freedom to create their own Istanbul memories. The Kuiertyd Istanbul experience brought the brand's love of storytelling, culture and connection to life beyond the television screen.
This was the perfect celebration of the Kuiertyd community — proving that sometimes, the best stories aren't just the ones we watch on screen, but the ones we get to live ourselves.