Tour Detail
Highlights:
– Ancient Hippodrome
– Blue Mosque
– Topkapi Palace
– Hagia Sophia
– Grand Bazaar
– Drive along the Golden Horn
– Spice ( Egyptian) Market
– Cruise on Bosphorus
- Cruise Between Asia to Europe Continents
- City Walls (Byzantine City Walls)
- The Rumeli Fortress
- Ciragan Palace
- Dolmabahce Palace
- Ortakoy Mosque
- Beylerbeyi Palace
- Much more
Description:
Day 1: Full day Istanbul Tour
Your private guide will meet you at Istanbul ( Galata ) port or your hotel with a sign that reads "Your Name" at any time you prefer. Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents and has been the capital of three great empires - Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman - for more than 2,000 years.
Our tour will begin at Hippodrome Square, where chariot races and Byzantine riots took place during the Roman and Byzantine periods. A short walk away, we will reach Hagia Sophia, which was built in 532 AD by Roman Emperor Justinian I, and the Blue Mosque, famous for its beautiful blue Iznik tiles. We will continue our walk to Topkapi Palace, which served not only as the residence of the Ottoman sultans but also as the administrative and educational center of the state. It was constructed between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople. We will visit the Topkapi Palace, including the weapons section.
Afterwards, we will visit the Grand Bazaar, which is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 58 covered streets and over 1,200 shops that attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. It was opened in 1461 and is well-known for its jewelry, pottery, spice, and carpet shops.
We will then drive back to the port/hotel, where our services will come to an end.
Day 2: Half-Day Morning Spice Bazaar and Bosphorus Tour
Your personal guide will welcome you at Istanbul's Galata port or your hotel, ready to embark on a thrilling journey of discovery through the city's rich heritage and traditions.
Your first stop will be the magnificent City Walls, an architectural feat that dates back to the fifth century. The walls once protected the ancient city of Constantinople and still stand tall today, bearing witness to Istanbul's impressive history.
Next, you will travel by your tour vehicle to the breathtaking Golden Horn, a natural harbor that has played a vital role in Istanbul's growth and prosperity over the centuries. Your guide will lead you to a scenic viewpoint where you can soak in the panoramic views of the city, while regaling you with fascinating facts and stories about the Golden Horn's historical significance.
Afterward, you will head to the iconic Spice Bazaar, a bustling marketplace where you can immerse yourself in the colors, scents, and sounds of Istanbul. Here, you will have the opportunity to peruse and purchase a vast array of exotic spices, teas, and other local goods. Your guide will be on hand to offer insider tips and assist with any bargaining, so you can enjoy a truly authentic shopping experience.
Following your visit to the Spice Bazaar, you will embark on a delightful cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait that divides Europe and Asia. From the water, you will enjoy breathtaking views of some of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Ciragan Palace, Belerbeyi Palace , the ornate Ortakoy Mosque, the impressive Military High School, and the historic Rumeli Fortress.
As the tour draws to a close, you will be driven back to your hotel or the port, where your guide's services will end. This unforgettable experience will leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation for Istanbul's fascinating history and rich cultural traditions.
: We were more than satisfied with the care and time our tour guides provided in both Istanbul and Ephesus. They took us to all of the places we requested prior to our trip, even though our tour in Istanbul was longer than scheduled, our guide, Neri wanted to make sure we saw everything we had asked for. Neri (Istanbul) and Bartuk (Ephesus) were exceptional. Not only were they knowledgeable, but so friendly and accommodating. They took care in making sure we were comfortable and made sure we spent the time desired in each place we visited. -Overall, I would recommend TourofIstanbul to anyone who wants to truly spend time in each of these amazing places. Thank you for making our trip one of the most enjoyable of a lifetime. — Clarkieo T, USA