BOSPHORUS DAY TOUR
One of the most unique things about the city of Istanbul is that it is located right along two mighty waterways: The Bosphorus Strait and the Golden Horn, so why not take a ferry tour to view some of the city’s most famous sights?

IMPORTANT NOTE
-Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Monday. On this day you will begin the tour two hours later.

Begin your day with a free hotel transfer service, available for those guests staying in hotels near the Old City. Pickup time is between 7:30-8:30 in the morning.
Before you set off on the water, take a tour of the inside of Dolmabahce Palace, a grand structure that was constructed between 1842 and 1853. Built by Sultan Abdülmecid, the final six Sultans of the Ottoman Empire resided in the palace before the empire fell and the Republic of Turkey was established in 1923. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the republic took over the palace and resided here in the summers until his death in 1938. Nowadays this grand palace built in a unique blend of Neoclassical and Baroque Rococo style is open for visitors to marvel at. Wander through its gardens, 46 grand halls, and 85 rooms where you’ll see exquisite crystal chandeliers, classic Ottoman carpets, and many more artefacts of the Ottoman days.

BOSPHORUS CRUISE
Next, you will board your boat to begin a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, the waterway that leads from the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, eventually connecting to the Mediterranean. This strategic, natural strait has been heavily used for trading and transportation for many centuries. The term Bosphorus derives from the Greek phrase “Ox-ford”. Legend has it that Io, one of Zeus’s lovers was discovered by his wife, Hera. In order to protect Io from Hera’s wrath, Zeus transformed her into a cow, but Hera caught on and had her chased across the Bosphorus.

As you cruise up the Bosphorus, one of the first famous sites you will be able to see from the boat is the Maidens Tower. This tower has served a variety of purposes including a lighthouse, a radio tower, a hospital, and nowadays it serves as a restaurant and museum. You will also get a panoramic view from the boat of the Old Constantinople Walls, which were meant to protect Topkapi Palace from invaders. In its 1600 year history, these strong walls were only breached two times, saving the city from being overtaken on many different occasions.

Stop for one hour at the Kucuksu Palace, which literally translates to “small water”. This small, but important palace built by Sultan Abdülmecid is nothing short of grand with intricate designs on the floors and facades, which were added by the Sultan’s brother in a later reign.

After your first stop, you will return to the boat and pass by the Ciragan Palace, the magnificent former Sultan palace turned hotel. Although the main building burnt down in 1910, the exterior structure stayed intact and was rebuilt in the early 1990s. Float by the Ortakoy Mosque, with its pink mosaics and extra-large windows. After you cruise under the Bosphorus Bridge you’ll get a nice view of the Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer home of the Sultans that has 24 rooms including 6 large halls. Continue all the way up to the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, the second of three bridges crossing the Bosphorus. Near here, from the boat, you will get a glimpse of the mighty Rumeli Castle, built by Mehmed II (also known as Mehmet the Conqueror) in 1452.

BUS TOUR
Head back towards the Old City, where you’ll disembark from the boat for the last time to board a bus tour. View the sights of Sultanahmet with our trusted tour guide and then head over to the famous Pierre Loti Hill where you will take a cable car up to the top of this viewpoint overlooking the city and the Golden Horn. Named after a famous French novelist, who had a great passion for Istanbul, this is one of the most romantic spots in Istanbul. Sip on Turkish coffee at one of the cafes, while you watch the world go by. Ride the cable cars back down to the bottom of the hill for even more spectacular aerial views of the city.

Drive around the Old City Walls before being transferred back to your hotel around 17:00-18:00.

IMPORTANT NOTE
-Dolmabahce Palace, Kucuksu Palace, Pierre Loti Hill are the only sights you will tour. The other sights will be seen from the boat or bus.
-We provide pickups from hotels in central areas in the following vicinities: Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Laleli, Aksaray, Taksim area. Pickup from anywhere outside these areas may incur an extra charge. Speak to our crew if you have any questions.