Bosphorus Cruise & Cable Car - Afternoon

Highlights / General details

Upon our pick up from the hotel, firstly we drive along the Golden Horn, which is the arm of the Bosphorus and a natural harbor of the historical peninsula separating the old and new parts of Istanbul. Here was the residential area for Byzantine Jews, Italian traders and other non-Muslim minorities during the Byzantine Empire. Drive along the traces of history at Balat viewing Metal Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian, Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim), Fener Orthodox Patriarchate and the 22 kms long Old City Walls of Costantinapolis. Built by Constantine the Great and expanded by Emperor Theodosios in the 4th century AD, these stone walls protected the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire for 900 years and was the strongest fortification of the middle age.

Eyup Square, being the house of Ayyub Al Ansari Mausoleum (Prophet Muhammed's companion), is Istanbul's spiritual center for the Muslim Turks but also is for anyone who would like to enjoy the beautiful panoramic view from its heights. We take the cable car (teleferique) up to Pierre Loti Coffee House and have some free time to enjoy the view of the Golden Horn estuary below.

Then have a guided visit at the colorful Spice Market from the 17th century where we can smell and taste various kinds of herbs and Turkish delights.

A short drive from here brings us to the Eminonu Pier where we embark on a Bosphorus ferry for a 1, 5 hours long breathtaking cruise along the Bosphorus strait which runs right through Istanbul city and also between Asia and Europe continents. Our expert local guide explains us about several Ottoman palaces, ancient fortresses, suspension continental bridges and wealthy shore villages with typical Ottoman architecture that we view along the shore.If time permits, we have a short stop at an Istanbul leather wholesaler firm. After the tour transfer back to the hotel.

Also vision during the tour: IMPERIAL GARDENS OF ROYAL YILDIZ PALACE; BOSPHORUS BRIDGE connecting EUROPE & ASIA continents; BEYLERBEYI PALACE from the boat.

Inclusion

Pickup from and drop off to in-city hotels; Licensed local tour guide; Guiding language: English, Arabic, Persian, Spanish, Portuguese; Land transportation by air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle; Admission fees for Bosphorus Ferry & Cable Car; Parking fees.

Exclusion

Meals/ beverage; Tip to the guide & driver (optional/customary).

Hours of operation

Available: Daily; Pick up time 12:30pm - 1:30pm. If you like to learn your exact pickup time please call local operator from the telephone numbers at the bottom of your voucher.

Duration

Approximately 4 hours.

Location Tour departs from centrally located hotels.

Location

Tour departs from centrally located hotels.

Policies Be ready at your departure point 15 minutes prior. Drivers may be instructed not to wait. 2 passenger minimum required to operate tour. In the rare event of lack of availability due to special events, an alternative day or a service may be advised. Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation