Start your day with a pickup from your European-side Istanbul hotel, and travel to the port where your ferry awaits. Cruise south across the Sea of Marmara to Yalova, and then continue your journey by air-conditioned minivan. After just over two hours of traveling, arrive into Bursa, the first capital city of the Ottoman Empire.
Get to know Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, on a day trip from Istanbul! With a private guide at your side, travel by minivan and ferry to the city and then visit some of its landmark monuments. Gaze in awe at the colorful grandeur of the Green Mosque, and then learn of the city as an Ottoman-era silk powerhouse on a trip to Bursa Silk Market and the Koza Han building. After lunch, ride to the top of Mt Olympus (Snow Hill) by cable car and some impressive city views.
Ottoman Empire was one of the largest empires in the history. Bursa was its first capital. The city that is settled on the northwestern slopes of Mount Uludag is known as "Yesil Bursa" (meaning "Green Bursa") from its beautiful parks and gardens located throughout the city. This fourth largest city of Turkey is also known for its peaches, chestnuts, and silk industry.
Departure by ferry-boat via Yalova, enjoying the lovely countryside view. Drive to Bursa, former Ottoman Capital and lunch of famous "Kebap of Alexander The Great". Climb to Uludag, the legendary Mount Olympos, by Teleferik (Cable Car), visit to Ulucami (Grand Mosque), the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum, the old Silk Market in the Covered Bazaar. Late evening return to Istanbul and transfer to hotels.
The city is frequently cited as "Green Bursa" in a reference to the beautiful parks and gardens located across its urban tissue, as well as to the vast forests in rich variety that extend in its surrounding region. The city is synonymous with the mountain Uludağ which towers behind the city core and which is also a famous ski resort. The mausoleums of early Ottoman sultans are located in Bursa and the numerous edifices built throughout the Ottoman period constitute the city's main landmarks. The surrounding fertile plain, its thermal baths, several interesting museums, notably a rich museum of archaeology, and a rather orderly urban growth are further principal elements that complete Bursa's overall picture.
Explore Büyükada, the largest of Turkey’s Princes’ Islands, on this full-day trip from Istanbul! Cruise across the Sea of Marmara, watching the sights of Istanbul slip from view, and then explore the pedestrianized island in the best possible way – by horse-drawn carriage! Hear the history of this laid-back island from your expert local guide and then spend time at leisure, perhaps relaxing on its beaches, before returning to Istanbul.
PHAETON RIDE, SPLENDID HOTEL, WOODEN HOUSES Büyükada, literally “Big Island” in Turkish, is the original Princes' Island, and the largest and most populated of the Princes’ Islands. Büyükada was used as an exile destination and as a monastery region during the Byzantine Christian period. During the Byzantium history the island was also used as a prison for those who were opposing the Emperor. It was Büyükada where the Byzantine empresses Irene and Zoe and Anna Dalassena were sent on....
Take the ferry to one of the Princes' Islands, Buyukada (Big Island) which is a quiet sea front town and summer holiday escape from the city. Leaving the Golden Horn by ferry, you will round Sarayburnu (Seraglio Point), the headland on which the domes and minarets of Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque can be seen. We will pass four islands with their charming old Ottoman houses and finally reach Buyukada, the largest of the islands. Upon arrival to the island, you will see the lavish Ottoman mansions and other beautiful Victorian summer villas around the island .
We will take a tour of the island by Phaeton (horse and cart) and will pass elegant old wooden mansions and beautiful natural scenery. you can enjoy a delicious lunch in a cozy sea-side fish restaurant and relax looking back at the domes and minarets among skyscrapers of modern Istanbul's skyline. This a perfect day for relaxing and enjoying one of Istanbul's residents' favorite summer retreats. Return by ferry and drop off to hotel or port.
We hired our guide for a full day of private touring the next day. The boat trip itself was awesome! His knowledge of Turkey's Ottoman history and storytelling was incredible! He added interesting details, dates, and anecdotal information and answered my husband's thousands of questions! As a private tour guide, he was amazing as well- our tour was highly personal, well planned, and comprised a full day including lunch and tea. He expertly navigated all the places we wanted to see and pointed out details, large and small! We highly recommend this travel operator!
City sightseeingCruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The heart of Istanbul remains its fascinating Old City, home to some of the most historic sites of this vibrant megapolis. Dramatically located on a peninsula pointing across the Bosphorus Strait to Asia, Sultanahmet was formerly the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. In this 8-hour tour of Istanbul, you will get to admire the former church and mosque of the Hagia Sophia, see the site of Byzantine sports at the Roman Hippodrome, explore the alleys of the Grand Bazaar, and much more. You will be accompanied by our knowledgeable and passionate tour guides who have dedicated their lives to both learn and share history.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Top highlights of Istanbul in 4 hours is a half-day tour that takes you to the main tourist attractions in Istanbul. This tour includes visit to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, The Hippodrome, and the worlds-famous Grand Bazaar. Accompanied by a professional guide, you can experience the historical center of Istanbul, learn about the city and explore Sultanahmet neighborhood. Get skip-the-queue access to famous tourist destinations like Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, and more. We also offer pick up from centrally located hotels.
This half-day tour is a great choice for those looking to explore Istanbul in a limited time.
Explore the highlights of Istanbul in just one day on this convenient, private guided tour.
Capture the details and feel the atmosphere of the Old City by walking from place to place. All the museums and highlights are relatively close to each other, so the walking will not be extreme.
Begin with a walk through the heart of the city of Constantin to visit the dramatic former basilica of the Hagia Sophia. Move on to the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultanahmet Mosque. Continue to Topkapi Palace, a relic of the glory days of the great Ottoman Empire. You will also visit the Hippodrome, the ancient stadium built in 203 AD by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus. See the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the Constantine Column. You'll also get to check out the gazebo-like German Fountain of Wilhelm II, made from 8 marble columns. During the tour, your local guide will answer all your questions and keep you informed about all the places you see. The best part? With the tickets we already have for you, you will get to skip all the entrance lines!
At the end of the monument and sightseeing, we’ll stop at the Grand Bazaar; one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with hundreds of small handicraft shops selling everything from handmade carpets to Turkish coffee. Pick up a souvenir if you wish!
Experience Istanbul's most famous landmarks in one full-day tour. You'll explore the iconic Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque before discovering the grandeur of Topkapi Palace and its mystical Underground Cistern. Your journey through history concludes with a lively stroll through the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar.
Duration: 9 am to 4 pm.
Visit the most important popular sites of Istanbul in one full day tour.
Start your day at the St. Sophia Museum (Hagia Sophia) to marvel at its rich history and stunning architecture. Just across the way, visit the iconic Blue Mosque before heading to the grand Topkapi Palace, the Harem and its Byzantine gem, Hagia Irene. Explore the ancient Hippodrome and descend into the mysterious Underground Cistern. Conclude your tour with a lively stroll through the Grand Bazaar, immersing yourself in its vibrant marketplace.
Experience Istanbul from its iconic waterway on this half-day tour. You'll begin at the vibrant Spice Bazaar, then visit the elegant Rustempasa Mosque. Next, you'll cross the Bosphorus Bridge to explore the stunning Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side. A cruise along the Bosphorus offers breathtaking views of the city, culminating with a panoramic perspective from Camlica Hill.
Duration: 9 am to 4 pm
One of the most beautiful sights in the world, the Bosphorus, is the strait separating two continents - Europe and Asia.
This tour includes a Bosphorus Cruise and visits the Spice Bazaar, Rustempasa Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace, Bosphorus Bridge and Camlica Hill
Short on time but want to see the highlights of Istanbul? First-time visitor to this fantastic city? This unique full-day tour takes you to the best must-see attractions for any visitor to Istanbul.
Visit Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence from where the Great Ottoman Empire was ruled, which today is a spectacular museum with one of the largest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain and the famous treasury of the Royal Family. In addition, explore the famed Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, and the world-famous Grand Bazaar! Not only is it historically very significant, but the bazaar will tempt even the strictest nonshoppers with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewelry, leather, and souvenirs.
Book today and see the top sites of Istanbul in just one day.
This 1 day tour, starts and ends in Istanbul, Turkey.
Duration: 09:00 to 12.30
Explore the beauties of old town with this short trip.
This tour includes a visits the St Sophia Museum, Byzantine Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and concludes in Sultanahmet.
Our guide takes you from your hotel/seaport with private vehicle to visit most visited places of istanbul.
Discover the extraordinary sights of Istanbul according to your own itinerary with a private guide for 1 to 5 days.
Straddling 2 continents on the Bosphorus Straits, Istanbul was the capital of the Roman Empire and later Ottoman Empire. Today it’s the largest city in Turkey, and one of the most populous cities in the world with about 15 million inhabitants.
Choose the attractions you want to see according to your own schedule, and avoid getting lost in the crowd. Guides can be booked for 1, 2 ,3,4 or 5 days,
Must-see monuments include the iconic Blue Mosque, former mosque of the Hagia Sophia, and stunning subterranean Basilica Cistern. Soak up the exciting atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, and the enticing aromas of the Spice Market. Learn the history of Istanbul at Ottoman palaces, such as Dolmabahce Palace, and the former residence of the sultans at Topkapi Palace.
Go to the imperial Suleymaniye Mosque, or admire the 17th-century Yeni Cami (New Mosque). See the Medieval Galata Tower in the Karaköy quarter, or the Byzantine frescoes of the Chora Museum. Explore some of Istanbul’s fabled neighborhoods, such as Taksim, and wander down busy Istiklal Street. Enjoy picturesque views from Pierre Lottie Hill. Discover the remains of the old city walls, or go to the Archaeology Museum to see ancient Islamic art and Roman artifacts.
These are just a few of the things you can do on your tour. A guide will be provided in the language of your choice, with help pre-booking skip-the-line tickets to the most popular attractions on request for added convenience.
At the end of the tour we drop you back to your hotel/seaport.