Package Details

MORNING, The tour starts with the Dolmabahce Palace which in the 19th century was the principal residence and the administrative center of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. With its splendor baroque exterior and mixture of traditional and European interior decorations, it is a reminder of the formidable Ottoman Empire. After driving to Pierre Loti Hill, you will have some free time to enjoy the view of the Golden Horn estuary below. Afterward, you will visit Eyup Mosque, along the Old City Walls of Constantinopolis to Eyup square, by cable car. In the 4th century AD, the walls protected the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire for 900 years. Eyup being the house of Ayyub Al Ansari Mausoleum is Istanbul's spiritual center for the Muslim Turks but also is for anyone who would like to enjoy the beautiful panoramic view from its heights. Our expert local guide will explain to us about several Ottoman palaces, ancient fortresses suspension continental bridges and wealthy shore villages with typical Ottoman architecture that we view along the shore. AFTERNOON, A poet once described the Bosphorus as “God’s beautiful calligraphy written by an ink made of sapphires.”. This strait, separating (and connecting) two continents that form the city, takes its name from a mythological legend. Ever since those ancient times, it has been marveling at people with its beauty. The cruise of the Bosphorus will start at the pier, and while cruising along the Asian and European shores, you will be surprised to see the harmony of Ottoman and modern architecture, as well as having an opportunity to see the major highlights of the city’s fairytale-like skyline from the sea. In addition, a short visit to the Spice Bazaar is the surprise of the tour. In this oriental bazaar, where you experience the vibrant pulse of Istanbul at its best, rare spices, herbs, vegetables, fruits, flowers, and more are available. Along the cruise, you will pass by; - The Rumeli Fortress, Built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. - Ortaköy, A very famous district for handicrafts and nightlife. - Bebek, Bebek was a famous, wealthy residential district under Ottoman rule and continues to be so today. - Beşiktaş, The commercial district of the new city. - Dolmabahçe Palace, Magnificent 19th-century palace, which had been the palace of the Ottoman Dynasty in the last century of the Empire. - Çıragan Palace, This magnificent marble palace, built in the Sultan Abdulaziz era, was designed and constructed by the Balyan family between 1863 and 1867. Today, it serves as luxury suites for the five-star Kempinski hotel. - Kızkulesi (Maiden’s Tower), An ancient lighthouse, which has inspired many legends. - Yalı / Wooden Houses of the Wealthy, Houses constructed immediately on the waterside in Istanbul and usually built with an architectural concept regarding the coastal location’s characteristics, mostly dating from the 19th century. - Beylerbeyi Palace, One of the largest, most lavishly furnished 19th-century summer residences of the Ottoman Sultans.