ITINERARY
Note: This tour is not operated on Monday
Our tour guide will pick you up from the hotel at around 08:00 and drop you off at your hotel at the end of the tour. You will visit Dolmabahçe Palace, one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, Bezmi Alem Valide Sultan Mosque with its exquisite architecture, and Pierre Loti Hill. We will finish our tour with a relaxing boat tour along the Bosphorus Strait.
Dolmabahçe Palace: Built by the 31st Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Abdülmecid I, between 1843 and 1856, Dolmabahçe palace differs from the traditional Ottoman style palaces, offering a richness of style and splendor that cannot be found in other Ottoman palaces. The architecture of the palace contains elements from French baroque, German rococo, and English neoclassical and Italian Renaissance styles. It has 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 Ottoman Hamams, and 68 toilets in an area of 250,000 square meters. Five million Ottoman gold coins were spent on its construction leaving the palace in financial trouble for many years. It is known that the palace could not even pay the salaries of its servants afterward. One of the most magnificent works of art in the palace is the 4.5-ton crystal chandelier made in England.
Bezm-i Alem Valide Sultan Mosque: Located near the Dolmabahçe Palace and often called the Dolmabahçe Mosque, construction of the Bezm-i Alem Valide Sultan Mosque began with the order of Bezm-i Alem Valide Sultan. However, when the Sultan died before it was built, her son Abdülmecid took over and had it completed in 1851.
Shopping: Turkey is one of the best leather-producing centers, in the world. You have the opportunity to watch a fashion show in an outlet center which produces different various great quality leatherware. You can have a look at the reasonably priced good quality leather accessories.
( Shopping is optional because there is crowded traffic in Istanbul to arrive at Dolmabahçe Palace)
Lunch : ( Beverages are extra)
1 - Egyptian Bazaar ( Spice Bazaar ): You can find all kinds of spices, Turkish delights, local sweets, and small souvenirs in the authentic Bazaar, which is one of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman grand bazaar architecture. Between Wander through the colorful shops under high vaulted ceilings, amid the delicious scents of spices and coffee.
2 - Pierre Loti Hill: Named after the famous French writer, Pierre Loti, this hill is located on the Golden Horn, behind the Eyüp Sultan Mosque. Since it is very hard to reach on foot, we will take the cable car up and enjoy some time here with a relaxing cup of coffee, watching the magnificent view of the Golden Horn and the city.
Note: According to the tour program, only one of the (1) Egyptian Bazaar or (2) Pierre Loti Hill can be visited.
Bosphorus Cruise: The best way to get to know Istanbul is by taking a boat tour along the Bosphorus Strait which separates European and Asian continents. The Bosphorus offers different colors in every season of the year. Some of the important landmarks you’ll see on this trip are the Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Yıldız Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Kuleli Military School, Beylerbeyi Palace, Rumeli Fortress, beautiful historic wooden mansions as well as the Bosphorus Bridge and the Maiden Tower situated on a small island off the Asian coast. Experience the pleasure of traveling between the natural border that separates the European and Asian continents.
Rumeli Fortress: Built by Mehmed the Conqueror in 1452, before his conquest of Istanbul in 3 months to prevent attacks from the north in the narrowest part of the Bosphorus, the Rumeli Fortress has the world's largest castle bastions. (Viewing only from the boat no interior.)
City Walls: The high and strong city walls surrounding Istanbul protected the city from invasions for many years. The city walls were breached for the first time during the Fourth Crusade in 1204. The second breach occurred during the conquest of Mehmed the Conqueror when the Golden Horn was invaded by the Ottoman navy in 1453.
Maiden Tower: Situated on a small island off the coast of the Üsküdar district, the Maiden Tower is one of the best-known symbols of Istanbul. It was used as a watchtower and lighthouse for many years and serves as a restaurant and historical landmark open for private visits today. (Viewing only from the boat)
