Bosphorus, Europe and Asia Tour

Breathe in the heady mix of spices and herbs in the Egyptian Bazaar, then take an invigorating cruise on the Bosphorus for superb views of the magical city of Istanbul.You will cruise past the famous Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi palaces, and see the historic European and Asian shores.

You begin your adventure with drive around the city walls, Golden Horn and a visit to the 17th-century Spice Bazaar one of Istanbuls most colorful and bustling attractions. Breathe in the heady mix of spices and herbs in the Egyptian Bazaar, Next you will take an invigorating Bosphorus cruise on the Bosphorus for superb views of the magical city of Istanbul.

Spice Bazaar:Built in 1660 with the taxes collected from the trade of Egyptian herbs and spices, the exotically domed bazaar is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint and thyme. Browse the stalls and compare the prices!

You will cruise past the famous Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi palaces, and see the historic European and Asian shores, you can also admire the mosques, fortresses, 19th-century masions and Sultans fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges.

Rumelihisar Fortress:Built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452, the castle was built at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus in order to isolate the city of Istanbul, prior to its invasion in 1453. Following the fall of Istanbul, the north tower was used as a prison.

After lunch your tour of Istanbul goes on with a visit to either Dolmabahce Palace OR Beylerbeyi Palace.

Beylerbeyi Palace was constructed in 1861 by Sarkis Balyan, a famous Armenian architect. Beylerbeyi is the largest and most elegant Ottoman palace, located right by the Bosphorus Bridge and the waterfront.

Dolmabahce Palace was the last residence of the Ottoman sultans, and is famous for its impressive collection of European antiques, furniture and a massive chandelier given to the sultan by Queen Victoria. The enormous palace has 365 rooms, one for every day of the year, and 22 saloons.

After touring the palace, you will then cross the Bosphorus Bridge for a unique chance to travel from one continent (Europe) to another (Asia) in only two minutes!

Once on the Asian side, you will enjoy magnificent views of Istanbul from Camlica Hill, the highest point in the city. The picture-postcard panorama of Istanbul is spread before you from a viewpoint of beautiful gardens landscaped in the traditional Ottoman style.


Departure Point:Tour departs from centrally located Istanbul Hotels
Port / Airport / Bus Terminal Pickup:For passengers arriving / departing Istanbul by cruise ship / plane / bus, a pick up is available.If you wish to be picked up, you must advise the line, name, and departure time, at time of booking.
Please allow 30 minutes from arrival time to meet the tour.
Please note, you may be picked up from the points and dropped off at a city hotel or vice versa.

Inclusions:

Cruise Sightseeing
Lunch
Entrance fees
Professional Guide
Hotel pickup and drop off
Transport by air-conditioned coach

Exclusions:

Personal expense
Food and drinks, unless specified

Additional Info:

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Children 16 years and under must be accompanied by an adult
In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited