Tour 02 - The Eclectic Istanbul Tour 

Dolmabahce Palace

Located on the waterfront of the Bosphorus, Dolmabahce Palace was built with the baroque, rococo and neoclassical infulences of western art, on the order of Sultan Abdulmecit I and completed between 1843 and 1856. Desgined by Garabet Balyan and his son Nikoghayos members of the great family of Armenian architects (The Balyan Family), the palace hosts the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier. Another importance of this palace is, its the place where the founder of modern Turkish Republic; Ataturk passed away.

Galata Tower (Christea Turris)

It was the Byzantine Emperor Justinian the Great who first erected a wooden tower on this site in 528. One of the oldest towers in the world, the Galata Tower we see today, was constructed by the Genoese in 1348-1349 as a watch tower for their colony. As the Ottoman travel writer Evliya Celebi notes; in 1638 Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi managed to fly from the top of the Galata Tower to Uskudar (in Asian side). Today 61 meter-tall tower provides maginficient 360* views of Istanbul. This is another must-see in Istanbul!

Walk over the Galata Bridge and Discover Around

We will walk down to Karakoy from Galata Tower. When in Karakoy we will discover the interesting neighbourhoods around the bridge. After a short walk over the Galata Bridge, we will reach Eminonu Square.

Rustem Pasha Mosque

Raised above the busy shops and warehouses around the Spice Bazaar, this mosque was built by the legendary architect Sinan for Rustem Pasha who was one of the grand viziers of and son-in-law to Sultan Suleiman the Magnificient. The mosque is famous for its interior decoration with Iznik tiles.

Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)

Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar (Misir Carsisi in Turkish) as many spices were imported via Egypt during the Ottoman period was built with the money paid as duty on Egyptian imports, this cavernous market is the second largest covered bazaar in the city of Istanbul. Stalls in the bazaar stock from various spices, herbs to exotic aphrodisiacs, household goods, toys and clothes.

Bosphorus Cruise Tour (2 hours)

See the glory of Istanbul from the boat along the Bosphorus seperating Europe and Asia. An enjoyable possibility to take pictures of marble palaces of Dolmabahce, Beylerbeyi, Kucuksu, Ciragan Palace, wooden waterside residences of Ottoman architecture besides modern residentials and luxurious apartments. A great opportunity to see the old neighborhoods of the Bosphorus.

From guests' hotel, port or airport.

To guests' hotel, port or airport.

• Sun protection (or umbrella depending on the season/weather)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Camera
• Cash/credit cards
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sea Pass card and photo identification (for cruise ship passengers)

• Pick up and drop off from/to hotels
• Services of licensed, English speaking, "expert" Istanbul tour guide

• Lunch
• Admission fees for the mentioned museums
• Tips of gratitude

Please Note the Admission Fees:

Dolmabahce Palace (Administration Section)- 30TL per person
Dolmabahce Palace (Harem Section) - 20TL per person
Dolmabahce Palace (Administration + Harem together) - 40TL per person

2 hours Bosphorus Cruise Tour with public boat - 12TL per person

If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.

If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.

If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.