BOSPHOROUS CRUISE and DOLMABAHCE PALACE
Duration: Full day (08:30 to 17:30)
Price: 70 Euro (per person)
Run: Everyday
After pick up from hotel or Istanbul cruise port, we will start
the full day guided tour of Istanbul, for the visits to:
Golden Horn: The arm of the Bosphorus and a natural harbour
of the historical peninsula seperating the old and new parts
of Istanbul where the first colonies settled during Byzantine.
The residential area of Byzantines Jews, Italian traders and
other non-muslim minoririties. Drive along the traces of history
at balat viewing Fener Orthodox Patriarchate, Metal Church of
St Stephen the Bulgarian, Ahrida Synagouge, Eyup Sultan Moswue,
named after the flagbearer of Prophet Muhammd, a place to worship
and pilgrimage for religious visitors. 21kms lonng City Walls
of Istanbul will be also seen on this drive.
Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market): This covered market is an attractive
L-shaped building, famous for selling the best spices in Istanbul
and Turkey. In the Bazaar you will find an immense selection
of spices like saffron, oreganon, mint, cinnamon, henna for the
hair, special Turkish spices for meat, different kind of pepper...
There are typical Turkish sweets such as "baklava" (a
sweet cake made out of honey and milfoil and filled with nuts
- pistachios, chestnuts, almonds...), "lokum" (a sweet
made out of sugar, flour and again delicious nuts, pistachios,
almonds and cut into small square pieces).
Boat Cruise on Bosphorus: The Bosphorus is a narrow, navigable
strait between Europe and Asia connecting the Black Sea to the
Marmara Sea. It is about 31 km/20 miles long and varies between
1 and 2.5 km/ 0.5 and 1.5 miles in width. The Bosphorus ferry
will take us to both European and Asian shores of the city. Alongside
million dollar mansions we will see the two bridges linking Europe
and Asia by road, as well as the seaside summer palaces and unique
wooden houses not to mention the natural beauty of the forests
above.
Rumeli Fortress (From the Sea): Built by Mehmet the Conqueror
in 1452 prior to the conquest of Istanbul, was completed in only
four months to control and protect Bosphorus. It is one of the
most beautiful works of military architecture anywhere in the
world.
Dolmabahce Palace: Built in the reign of Sultan I Abdulmecit
during the 19th century, this over-ornate palace lies along the
European coast of the Bosphorus. Dolmabahce Palace was constructed
in between 1843 and 1856, mixing different European artistic
influences and built by Abdulmecit’s architect, Karabet
Balya. It was built over three levels, and symmetrically planned,
with 285 chambers and 43 halls. It has a 600m long pier along
the river, with two huge monumental gates. The palace is surrounded
by well-maintained and immaculate gardens, with an immense 56-columned
greeting hall, with 750 lights illuminated from 4.5 tones of
crystal chandelier. The entrance was used for meeting and greeting
Sultans, and opposite the ceremonial hall was the harem. The
interior decoration, furniture, silk carpets and curtains all
remain with little defect. The palace has a level of luxury with
walls and ceilings decorated with gold, and European art from
the period.
Bosphorus Bridge: Unique chance to step from one continent (Europe)
to another (Asia) in 2 minutes.
Camlica Hill: Exposing a panoramic view of Istanbul and Bosphorus
from the best point of view.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to the hotel or
Istanbul cruise port.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please take note of the following:
* 30% discount for children below the age 7, free for the ages
0-2
* Spice(Egyptian) Bazaar is closed on Sunday
* Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Monday and Thursday, replaced
with Kariye (St. Savior in Chora) Museum
* The order of visiting sights, may vary slightly from time to
time
* You are kindly requested to present your self at the pick up
point 15 minutes prior the pre advised pick up time
* Smoking is not permitted but all tours make frequent stops
What's Included:
* Pick up and drop off at your Hotel or Cruise Port
* Transportation by air-conditioned non-smoking tour coaches
* Professional Guide licensed by the Ministry of Tourism
* All entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museums,
parking and road tolls
* Lunch at local restaurant (drinks extra)
* Local taxes
