Istanbul Tour Along the Bosphorus
A Full Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
If you visit Istanbul, you should really take the time to join a private guided Bosphorus tour and discover the treasures of impressive sights along the shores of the Bosphorus, Istanbul's world-famous waterway dividing the European and Asian continents.
Dolmabahçe Palace, the graceful palace of the Bosphorus, is one of the most admirable symbolic structures of the Ottoman Empire. We will visit the interior of the opulently decorated palace, which was the 19th century residence of Ottoman sultans in Istanbul.
No visit to Istanbul is complete without visiting the colorful Spice Bazaar. We will roam around the stalls piled with colorful spices, nuts, and fruits and breathe in all the spice fragrances of the Spice Market.
A must do in Istanbul: Walk across the Galata Bridge at sunset.
A poet writing 14 centuries ago described this city as being surrounded by a garlend of waters. Much has changed since then, but modern Istanbul still owes much of its sprit and beauty to the waters which bound and divide it. There is perhaps nowhere else in this city where one can appreciate this more than from the Galata Bridge...
- Strolling Throught Istanbul, John Freely
Private Guided Istanbul Tour - Bosphorus Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace, Spice Market
Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul
Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul
A cruise on the Bosphorus is one of the best tourist attractions for all who visit Istanbul. Every visitor should take a Bosphorus cruise on the 32km long strait that joins two continents and two seas: the Sea of Marmara to the south with the Black Sea to the north of Istanbul. A 1.5-hour tour offered by modern boats is enough to provide a taste of the Bosphorus that will remain with you for a long time to come.
Guided Dolmabahçe Palace Tour
Dolmabahçe Palace Museum
After the Bosphorus cruise, we will visit the Dolmabahçe Palace. By far the largest and grandest of the imperial palaces on the Bosphorus, it was built in the 19th century. After Topkapı Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace became the Sultan's new residence and the administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire. Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, resided at the palace, which was turned into a museum following his death in 1938.
Spice Bazaar Walking Tour
Spice Bazaar Walking Tour
Next on our guided Istanbul tour is the Spice Bazaar. It was built in the 17th century with taxes collected from Cairo. It acquired its name, Egyptian Bazaar, due to the arrival of goods, especially herbs and spices, via Egypt. The bazaar is vibrant with rich aromas and colors at all hours of the day. The narrow streets around the bazaar, with countless fish markets, grocery stores, and flower shops, present an unforgettable atmosphere to the visitor.
Rüstem Pasha Mosque; an Istanbul hidden gem close to Spice Market
Rüstem Pasha Mosque
We visit the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, tucked away like a little oasis in the middle of a busy area close to the Spice Market in Istanbul. The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is famous for its colorful tile decorations. There is no other building in Istanbul where you can see such beautiful and unique tiles from the Ottoman period.
A must do in Istanbul, walk across Galata Bridge
Galata Bridge
Every time I lead an Istanbul tour, I prefer to walk across the Galata Bridge to experience Istanbul at its most beautiful panorama. Galata Bridge is the heart of Istanbul. It is built at the entrance of the Golden Horn, connecting Galata on the north to the Old City of Istanbul on the south. You will see people walking on the bridge, rows of fishermen on each side, shoulder to shoulder catching fish, and tourists taking beautiful panoramic pictures. This is a great way to experience Istanbul.
After walking on Galata Bridge, we will finish our tour and I will drop you back at your hotel.
Please feel free to contact me.
