Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Palace w/ Cable Car

Highlights / General details

Upon our pick up from the hotel, we visit the Dolmabahce Palace which in the 19th century was the principle residence and the administration center of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. With its splendor baroque exterior and mixture of traditional and European interior decorations, it is a reminder of the formidable Ottoman Empire. Then we have a brief stroll in the Yildiz Royal Gardens, which is one of the oxygen breaks in the middle of the city.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we drive along the Old City Walls of Costantinapolis to Eyup square. Built by Constantine the Great and expanded by Emperor Theodosius in the 4th century AD, the walls protected the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire for 900 years. Eyup, 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 up to Pierre Loti Hill and have some free time to enjoy the view of the Golden Horn estuary below.

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 will visit a leather fashion outlet center. After the tour transfer back to the hotel.

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 Dolmabahce Palace, Cable Car and Bosphorus Ferry; Parking fees.

Exclusion

Beverage with meal; Tip to the guide & driver (optional).

Hours of operation

Available: Daily, except Monday and Thursday; Pick up time 7:30am and 8:45am. 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 8 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 to 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