Full Day Bosphorus Tour
MT-06 - Full Day Bosphorus Tour
Full day - Possible on regular and private basis
Combination of MT-4 and MT-5 including lunch.
AM : We begin with a brief visit to the 17th century Spice Bazaar*, one of Istanbul’s most colorful and bustling attractions. Next, we cruise along the Golden Horn on our way to an unforgettable cruise on the Bosphorus, the majestic strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. From our cruise, we take in the spectacular sights lining the tree-lined banks of the Bosphorus: mosques, a bridge that was once the longest in the world, and Rumeli Hisar‘, a massive fortress built by Mehmet the Conqueror in just three months as he prepared to take Istanbul. Also of note on this tour are the 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the extravagant gingerbread palaces and hunting pavilions of the sultans.
PM : We start by crossing the Bosphorus Bridge, for a time the longest suspension bridge in the world, and head to the top of Çamlıca Hill and its panoramic views of Istanbul, the Sea of Marmara and the Princes’ Islands. Our next stop is the Çamlıca Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Turkey, opened in 2019 and designed by two architects, Bahar Mızrak and Hayriye Gül Totu. A short drive brings us to Beylerbeyi Palace, on the banks of the Bosphorus. Perhaps the most elegant late Ottoman palace, Beylerbeyi has six reception rooms sumptuously furnished with Bohemian crystal chandeliers and Sèvres and Chinese vases, including a main hall with an indoor fountain. Among the sultans’ guests at the palace were Empress Eugénie of France, Shah Nasruddin of Persia and Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia.
Special Terms for This Tour:
- The Spice Bazaar may be visited prior to the Bosphorus Cruise, depending on the number of tour participants.
- This tour is not operated on Mondays as Beylerbeyi Palace is closed.