Full Day Istanbul Tour and Bosphorus Cruise

About Istanbul

Istanbul is a city of immense historical and scenic significance, serving as a vital connection between the continents of Asia and Europe. It boasts a rich heritage that can be traced back to the Pagan Culture, with many layers of cultural and religious significance. Several sacred places, such as Hagia Sophia, have been sought after by great empires throughout history, leaving their distinct marks on the city. If you’re looking to unlock the secrets of this beautiful landmark, now is your chance. Once known as Constantinople, Istanbul was the heart and capital of the Ottoman Empire, and is home to an array of cultural treasures, including awe-inspiring mosques like Sultan Ahmet Mosque and Suleymaniye Mosque, the beautiful Maiden’s Tower, and countless works of art from the Ottoman era.

Full Day Istanbul Tour Program

• We will pick you up in the morning from your hotel or cruise port at 08:00 – 08:30 (varies). After you meet with your tour guide, full day Istanbul and Bosphorus tour begins.
• During the tour you will visit several famous spots of Istanbul. Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar, Turkish: Misir Carsisi) is the first stop of the tour. This covered place is called Egyptian Bazaar, because it was filled with merchandise from Egypt state during Ottoman rule.
• Designed and built by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, Rustem Pasha Mosque (Rüstem Paşa Camii) is covered with famous Iznik tiles. The Mosque was built in 1563 and it is one of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture.
• Cruising through Bosphorus is a romantic and fascinating experience. Bosphorus is important for it seperates Asia and Europe continents. The Bosphorus Bridge connects the two parts of Istanbul. During the cruise you’ll have a chance to view Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Ciragan Palace and Rumeli Fortress.
• Connecting the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, Bosphorus Bridge was the 4th largest suspension bridge in the world when it was completed in 1973.
• You’ll have a lunch in a traditional Turkish restaurant on top of Camlica Hill.
• Known as the highest point in Istanbul, Camlica Hill is located in Uskudar. The place has inspired many poems and song-writers thanks to nature and beauty surrounding it.
• Located in the middle of the European bank of Bosphorus, Ortakoy features some of the most reputable seaside night clubs in Istanbul. One of the oldest and most beautiful Turkish Baths is located in Ortakoy (built in 1556 by Mimar Sinan).
• Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayı) was the main and the last administrative center of the Ottoman Empire between 1856 – 1922. It is the largest palace in Turkey and the place where the founder of Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk spend his last days and died. The palace is built in European style, has 365 rooms and 22 salons.

* Please be aware that Dolmabahce Palace is closed to visitors on Mondays and Thursdays. In the event that we are unable to visit the palace, we will instead make a trip to Galata Tower, which is a highly significant and iconic landmark in the city.