Best of Istanbul & Bosphorus Cruise

After breakfast, begin a full-day guided exploration of Istanbul’s historical heart, starting in the Sultanahmet area. Visit the former church of Saint Sophia, known for its grand dome and remarkable Byzantine mosaics. Continue to the Blue Mosque, distinguished by its interior tiles and six minarets. Stop at the Hippodrome of ancient Byzantium, where key imperial monuments such as the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpentine Column are still preserved.

In the afternoon, proceed to Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Explore its Imperial Treasury, Baghdad Kiosk, courtyards, and collections including jewellery, ceramics, Ottoman costumes, and the Imperial Armory. The final stop is the Grand Bazaar, a historic market with thousands of shops offering carpets, textiles, jewellery, ceramics, and leather goods. Return to the hotel after the tour.

Approx. pickup time: 10:00
Duration: 8 hours

After breakfast, begin a full-day guided excursion with pick-up from your hotel and drive to the Eminönü district. Visit the Spice Market, one of Istanbul’s oldest covered bazaars, offering spices, dried fruits, nuts, tea, sweets, and caviar. Continue to the port and board a regular ferry for a Bosphorus cruise of approximately 1.5 hours, passing between Europe and Asia. Along the route, view key landmarks including Topkapi Palace, Maiden’s Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Yildiz Park and Palace, Ortakoy district, Mecidiye Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, Beylerbeyi Palace, Cengelkoy village, Kuleli Naval Academy, Arnavutkoy, Rumeli Fortress, Bebek bay, Bosphorus University, and Anadolu Fortress.

In the afternoon, cross the Bosphorus Bridge to the Asian side and visit Beylerbeyi Palace, known for its Ottoman architecture, decorative interiors, and historical collections. Continue to Camlica Hill, a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the city and the Bosphorus, before returning to the European side and transfer back to the hotel.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and prepare for your departure. A scheduled transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flight, bringing your stay in Istanbul to a close.