Bosphorus Cruise and Two Continents Tours in Istanbul

This tour gives you the opportunity to see the sights around the Golden Horn Peninsular which divides the old and the new sides of Istanbul where the first Byzantine people settled. Home to Byzantine Jews, Italian traders and other minorities, you will hear how the Ottomans conquered the Golden Horn. In Balat, you will see the Metal Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian, the Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim), and the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate. You can traverse the 22 kilometres of the strongest Byzantine fortified city walls of the Middle Ages. The Spice Bazaar or Egyptian Bazaar is the place to absorb the atmosphere, the aromas of different spices and herbs, taste fresh fruit and smell the flowers and fresh produce sold here. This is also an opportunity to buy traditional Turkish items such as teas and coffee and souvenirs. Then you will take a Bosphorus cruise through the water dividing Europe from Asia and photograph the stunning marble palaces, the ancient architecture of wooden Ottoman Villas as well as modern apartments and villas. The Rumeli Fortress can only be seen from the boat and is a unique example of a military architectural fortress for the protection and control of the Bosphorus. As you glide along the water, you will also be able to see the Imperial Gardens of the Royal Yildiz Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge that connects the continents of Europe and Asia, the Beylerbeyi Palace, the Maiden’s Tower (also known as Leander’s Tower), and Üsküdar District. Private boat service is only offered for Private Tours. Take a Bosphorus Cruise through the water between Europe and Asia while photographing ancient marble palaces, wooden Ottoman villas as well as modern villas and residences. The Rumeli Fortress which can only be seen from the boat was built to control and protect the Bosphorus and is a remarkable example of a historic military armament. You will also be able to see the Imperial Gardens of the Royal Yildiz Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge that connects the continents of Europe and Asia, the Beylerbeyi Palace, the Maiden’s Tower (also known as Leander’s Tower), and Üsküdar District. A traditional Turkish lunch will be provided before visiting Dolmabahce Palace. Dolmabahce Palace was built by the Ottoman architects Garabet and Nikogos Balyan as a 45 thousand square metre residence. It was the main administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire until 1922. It is well known for its large collection of European antiques, and furniture and also the largest Bohemian crystal chandelier in the world, weighing in at 4.5 tons. The palace has 285 rooms and 46 halls and interestingly, 68 toilets. As you cross the Bosphorus Bridge, provides the unique ability to cross from one continent to another in only 2 minutes. Camlica Hill is 268 metres above sea level and has stunning views of Istanbul from the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea and is famous for its beautiful sunsets and you can see the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn from a great vantage point.

IMPERIAL GARDENS OF ROYAL YILDIZ PALACE, BOSPHORUS BRIDGE connecting EUROPE & ASIA continents • BEYLERBEYI PALACE will be observed in distance from the boat.

Closures and Alterations:

Beylerbeyi and Dolmabahçe Palaces are both closed on Mondays
Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia visited from outside on Friday mornings because of the noon prayer.
Grand Covered Bazaar on Sunday replaced by authentic shops
Topkapı Palace on Tuesday replaced by PLNTTB Tour to Byzantium
Dolmabahçe Palace  on Monday replaced by PLNGH Eyüp + Pierre Loti Coffee House + Miniatürk Program

Please read the T&Cs before you make any reservations.

Tour Code: PLN006