FROM ISTANBUL HARBOUR
Going on a cruise? We plan many custom day excursions and promise to get you back to your ship on time! Rather than spending the day with a large group on a full-day bus tour, you can spend the day with one of our guides, in your own private vehicle, chatting and learning about the port of call. What better way to make every minute count?
Our itineraries are flexible and can be adjusted according to your preferences and the time available.
This itinerary can be divided into half days , please CONTACT US for more information and a quote.
CLASSICAL ISTANBUL
We'll start off at the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet, famous for its beautiful blue tiles. We'll then visit the 6th century Haghia Sophia * museum, built during the reign of the emperor Justinian. The hippodrome then awaits us with obelisks from Delphi in Greece and from Egypt after which we'll head on to the Basilica Cistern with its many columns, beautifully restored.
After lunch, we'll explore the pearl of Istanbul`s treasures – the Topkapi Palace **, palace of Ottoman sultans with its incredible treasures.
OTTOMAN PALACES ON THE BOSPHORUS
We'll wander around the Spice Market before boarding a regular ferry to cruise for 1:30 hours along the Bosphorus in front of the sumptuous palaces of the sultans till the north of the Bosphorus at Sariyer. A minibus will pick us up to take us to visit the palace of Dolmabahçe*, with its sumptuous architecture and decoration.
If time, we`ll stroll around the lively neighbourhood of Ortaköy and visit its unusual baroque style mosque.
COSMOPOLITAN ISTANBUL
Walking along the long main road of the neighbourhood of Beyoglu, the old Pera, you`ll get an idea of the glory of Istanbul of the 19th century. At that time, embassies of many countries took residence in magnificent palaces. Now the lively center of the modern city, full of shops, restaurants and nightclubs, this is where you will get a real idea of what Istanbul is about today.
Let us explore : the Galata Bridge, the Galata tower (optional), Saint Peter and Paul churches, the Russian, Italian, French and Swedish Palaces, the Pera Palace Hotel, the Flower Passage, the fish market, Istiklâl Avenue amongst others.. We'll finish in Tophane amongst the popular narghila cafés and why not with the visit of the superb Modern Art museum, built on the docks.
CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE