1 Day
Daily Tour
Unlimited
English
Embark on an unforgettable half-day adventure that takes you from the vibrant shores of Europe to Asia, cruising the iconic Bosphorus Strait. Marvel at breathtaking views of Istanbul’s landmarks, including Dolmabahçe Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and the elegant Ortaköy Mosque, as your boat glides between continents. Stroll through the enchanting Spice Market, where the aromas of exotic spices evoke centuries of history, and visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque, adorned with exquisite İznik tiles.
Complete your journey with a Turkish coffee tasting at the beautifully restored Beta Yeni Han, a perfect blend of Ottoman heritage and modern charm.
For a deeper cultural dive, extend your tour to include a visit to the stunning Mihrimah Sultan Mosque or unleash your creativity with an authentic Ebru art workshop. This unique experience promises to immerse you in the timeless beauty and traditions of Istanbul.
Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 08:30 or 09:00 AM. You'll then take public transportation to the port for a 10:00 AM. tour boat, sailing the Bosphorus for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, passing the second bridge and connecting Europe and Asia. Experience an unforgettable cruise alongside the Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi Palaces, wooden villas, and the Rumeli Fortress (no interior visit). Istanbul, besieged many times before 1453, defended its Roman walls successfully.
The tour also includes views of Çırağan Palace, Hotel Kempinski, Ortaköy Mosque, Military High School, Bosphorus Bridge, and Dolmabahçe Palace from the sea.
SPICE MARKET: Initially called "New Bazaar" and "Valide Bazaar" in the 17th century, it became the "Egyptian Bazaar" by the mid-18th century, famous for spices from Egypt. Travel books reference its vibrant atmosphere, described by Edmondo de Amicis in 1874, as a sensory overload with lingering odors that vividly recall the East.
RUSTEM PASHA MOSQUE:Built by Mimar Sinan for Grand Vizier Rustem Pasha, this mosque is renowned for stunning İznik tilework featuring floral and geometric designs, exemplifying 16th-century ceramic art.
BETA HAN (TURKISH COFFEE TASTING): Known by various names in history, this Ottoman-era structure has been carefully renovated as "Beta Yeni Han,” showcasing Istanbul Eminönü's architectural beauty blended with modern influences.
**Drinks are at your own expense.**
This half-day tour can be combined with other options for a full-day experience, including:
**MIHRİMAH SULTAN MOSQUE:** Famous for its distinguished architecture, built for Mihrimah Sultan by Mimar Sinan between 1546 and 1548, the mosque features a high-vaulted basement, slender minarets, and a signature dome. It’s positioned next to the ferry landing, reflecting Sinan's mature style.
**EBRU ART EXPERIENCE:** Participate in a workshop to learn 'Ebru,' or Turkish paper marbling. In this two-hour session, you will explore ancient techniques with a local artist in a small group of eight.
As this is a private walking tour, there is no specific date. You can begin at any time throughout the year.
This is a private tour. While there are standard group tours in İstanbul, we exclusively offer this as a private option.
No, this is a walking tour. Based on your location in Istanbul (Galataport, Taksim, Karaköy, Cihangir, Sultanahmet Area), we can meet you in front of your Airbnb, the exit of Galataport, or the hotel lobby. Subsequently, we will utilize public transportation, either the tram or metro, to reach the historical district of Istanbul. In the event that you are already situated within the old city area, we will commence immediately. Additionally, apart from the aforementioned locations, our guide will meet you in front of the German Fountain located in the Hippodrome of Istanbul.
No, the price covers the guiding service fee and is not charged per person. This amount includes the guiding fee, but does not cover entrance fees, lunch, transportation, or tips.
Member Since 2024
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