Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise, Bus Tour & Dolmabahce

🏰 Full-Day Istanbul Tour: Palaces, Bosphorus & Breathtaking Views
A Journey Through Ottoman Opulence, Scenic Cruises & Panoramic Vistas
Experience the grandeur of Istanbul on this full-day tour, blending history, culture, and stunning landscapes. From the luxurious halls of Dolmabahce Palace to a serene Bosphorus cruise, followed by breathtaking views from Pierre Loti Hill, this tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of the city.

📌 Tour Highlights & Itinerary
🏛️ Dolmabahce Palace – The Last Grand Residence of the Ottoman Sultans
Your journey begins at Dolmabahce Palace, one of the most magnificent palaces in Turkey, built in 1856 by Sultan Abdülmecid I.
This European-inspired palace replaced Topkapı Palace as the official residence of Ottoman sultans.
Marvel at opulent chandeliers, grand staircases, and lavish ballrooms, showcasing Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical influences.
Visit the Ceremonial Hall, where Sultan Mustafa Kemal Ataturk spent his final days.

📸 Perfect for photography lovers! Capture the palace’s stunning waterfront setting along the Bosphorus.
📅 Note: Dolmabahçe Palace is closed on Mondays.

🚢 Bosphorus Cruise – Sailing Between Two Continents
🌊 Board a scenic boat for an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus
Glide between Europe and Asia, passing historical palaces, Ottoman mansions, and waterfront fortresses.

Enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline, including:
✅ Ortakoy Mosque – A picturesque mosque at the foot of the Bosphorus Bridge.
✅ Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisarı) – A 15th-century stronghold, built by Sultan Mehmed II before the conquest of Constantinople.
✅ Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) – A legendary islet tower, with stories dating back to Byzantine times.
📍 Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
📸 Must-Do: Capture a panoramic shot of the Bosphorus Bridge, which connects Europe & Asia.

🚍 Golden Horn Sightseeing – A Journey Through History
🚌 Return to the Old City & Drive Along the Golden Horn
Enjoy a comfortable bus ride, passing by historic waterfront neighborhoods along the Golden Horn, a natural harbor that played a vital role in Byzantine and Ottoman trade.
Pass through:
✅ Fener & Balat – Former Greek and Jewish quarters, known for their colorful houses & historic churches.
✅ Eyup Mosque & Complex – One of Turkey’s most sacred Islamic sites, built in honor of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of Prophet Muhammad.

🌄 Pierre Loti Hill – Breathtaking Views Over Istanbul

🚠 Cable Car Ride to Pierre Loti Hill (Optional)
Take a cable car up Pierre Loti Hill for spectacular views of the Golden Horn.
Named after French novelist Pierre Loti, who was enchanted by Istanbul’s beauty, this hill is a local favorite for sunset views.
Enjoy free time at a traditional Turkish café, where you can sip Turkish tea or coffee, while admiring the cityscape below.
📸 One of the best photo spots in Istanbul!

🚗 Important Notes & Pickup Information
📅 Closures & Entry Restrictions
Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays.
Bosphorus cruises may be rescheduled in case of weather changes.

🚐 Hotel Pickup Information
✅ Complimentary hotel pickup is available from central locations:
Sultanahmet
Sirkeci
Laleli
Aksaray
Taksim
📍 Pickups outside these areas may require an additional charge. Please speak to our crew for further details.

📌 Book Your Full-Day Istanbul Adventure Today!
📅 Want to extend your tour? We also offer:
✅ Private Yacht Cruises on the Bosphorus.
✅ Guided Food & Culture Tours in Kadıkoy (Asian Side).
✅ Day trips to Princes’ Islands or Bursa.
🌟 Contact us now and let us plan your perfect Istanbul experience!

Day 1 :

🚢 Istanbul Full Day Bosphorus Cruise and Two Continents Tour

🚢 Bosphorus Day Tour: A Journey Between Continents

Explore Istanbul’s Breathtaking Waterways & Iconic Landmarks
Istanbul’s unique geography straddles two continents, offering some of the most stunning waterfront views in the world. This full-day Bosphorus tour combines palace visits, a scenic ferry cruise, panoramic hilltop views, and a comfortable bus ride along Istanbul’s historic heart.

📌 Tour Highlights & Itinerary

🌅 Morning Pickup & Dolmabahce Palace Tour
🚐 Hotel Pickup: Between 7:30 – 8:30 AM (Complimentary from Old City Hotels)
Your adventure begins with a guided tour of Dolmabahçe Palace, one of the most opulent residences of the Ottoman Empire.
Built between 1842–1853 by Sultan Abdülmecid, this palace served as the official home of the last six Ottoman sultans and later became the summer residence of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey.

🏰 Inside Dolmabahce Palace, Discover:
✅ 46 grand halls & 85 rooms, each adorned with European-style opulence.
✅ Crystal chandeliers, gold-gilded ceilings, and intricate Ottoman carpets.
✅ Beautiful gardens overlooking the Bosphorus, offering stunning panoramic views.
📅 Important Note: 🏛️ Dolmabahçe Palace is closed on Mondays. On these days, the tour will start two hours later.

🚢 Bosphorus Cruise – A Scenic Journey Between Europe & Asia
🌊 Set sail on a relaxing cruise along the legendary Bosphorus Strait
Enjoy panoramic views of two continents, with historical commentary on Istanbul’s storied past.
Learn the Greek myth of Io, the origins of the Bosphorus name, meaning “Ox-ford”.

📍 Notable Landmarks You’ll See from the Water:
✅ Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) – A legendary islet tower with a fascinating history.
✅ The Old Constantinople Walls – 1,600 years old and breached only twice in history.
✅ Cıragan Palace – Once an Ottoman palace, now a luxurious 5-star hotel.

✅ Ortakoy Mosque – Famous for its pink mosaics and waterfront setting.
✅ Beylerbeyi Palace – The lavish summer retreat of Ottoman sultans.
✅ Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge – The second bridge connecting Europe & Asia.
✅ Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisarı) – Built in 1452 by Mehmed the Conqueror as part of his strategy to conquer Constantinople.

📍 Cruise Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
📸 Perfect for photography lovers! Capture panoramic shots of the Bosphorus Bridge and Istanbul’s skyline.

🏰 Stop at Kucuksu Palace – A Hidden Bosphorus Gem
🚤 Disembark for a guided tour of Küçüksu Palace (Small Water Palace)
Built by Sultan Abdulmecid, Kucuksu is a beautifully decorated imperial retreat.
Though smaller than Dolmabahce, its intricate Baroque-style architecture makes it a hidden treasure of the Bosphorus.
Wander through its ornate halls, delicate frescoes, and stunning gardens.
📍 Tour Duration: 1 hour

🚌 Bus Tour & Pierre Loti Hill – The Best Views of Istanbul
🚍 Enjoy a comfortable ride along the Old City & Golden Horn
Drive past historic waterfront neighborhoods, including:
✅ Fener & Balat – The colorful former Greek & Jewish quarters.
✅ Eyup Mosque & Complex – The most sacred Islamic site in Turkey, home to the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari.

🚠 Cable Car Ride to Pierre Loti Hill (Optional)
Named after French novelist Pierre Loti, this scenic hill offers panoramic views of the Golden Horn.
Relax at a charming café, where you can sip traditional Turkish coffee while admiring Istanbul from above.
Enjoy a scenic cable car descent, capturing aerial views of Istanbul’s historic skyline.
📸 One of the best photo spots in Istanbul!

🚗 Return to Your Hotel
🚌 Drive along the Old City Walls before your hotel drop-off at approximately 5:00–6:00 PM.
📍 Sights from the Bus Tour:
✅ Ancient Theodosian Walls – The once impenetrable fortress of Constantinople.
✅ Suleymaniye Mosque – One of Istanbul’s grandest Ottoman mosques, designed by Mimar Sinan.

🚗 Important Notes & Pickup Information
📅 Closures & Entry Restrictions
Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays (On these days, the tour starts two hours later).
Kucuksu Palace may be replaced with Rumeli Fortress, depending on seasonal access.

📌 Book Your Bosphorus Day Tour Today!
📅 Want to extend your tour? We also offer:
✅ Bosphorus Sunset Yacht Cruises with Dinner.
✅ Private Guided Tours to Dolmabahce & Beylerbeyi Palaces.
✅ Day Trips to Princes’ Islands & Bursa.
🌟 Contact us now and let us plan your perfect Istanbul experience!