Your day will begin with a private guide and driver picking you up from the Cruise Port. Tour of Sultan Ahmet Square, the heart of the “Old City” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Hagia Sophia, the Church of the Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue İznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating the Hippodrome. Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and the biggest “souk” in the world with nearly 3000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leather ware and souvenir. Topkapı Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. After the tour, transfer back to your Cruise port.
The tour that can fit you any time between 09.00 – 18.00. Bopsphorus tour, through the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residential and luxurious apartments. Rumeli Fortress (from the boat – no interior visit), historical armament built by the Conqueror to control and protect the Bosphorus.
Tour will start & end at your Cruise port.
Your day will begin with a private guide and driver picking you up from the Cruise Port. Our first stop will be the Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans and the oldest and the largest remaining palaces in the world. Today, it is used as a museum to exhibit works of art and many priceless artefacts. After visiting Topkapi Palace, next place to be seen will be Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping centre and the biggest “souk” in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leather ware and souvenir. We will continue with Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), mystical smells of different aromas of various spices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers etc. Bosphorus Cruise, (Public Boat) through the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residential and luxurious apartments. Rumeli Fortress (from the boat – no interior visit), historical armament built by the Conqueror to control and protect the Bosphorus. A unique example of military architecture. Dolmabahçe Palace, recent residence for Ottoman Sultans built by two Ottoman architects Karabet and Nikogos Balyan on a 110.000 m² area and served as the main administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire. Famous with great collection of European antiquity, furniture and 4.5 tons’ chandelier, the palace has 285 rooms and 46 halls. After the tour, back to the hotel. Tour will start & end at your Cruise port.