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.
First time in Turkey and this was an incredible way to view the city. The staff was kind, polite, and wanted to ensure every guest was happy. I HIGHLY recommend. Comfortable, drinks/meals provided, and easy to relax as a foreigner.
Tour of "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled.
Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.(entrance ticket is not included)
Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue İznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets,
built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.
Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the
old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are
the monuments decorating the Hippodrome.
Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and the biggest "souk" in the world
with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenir.
(Art demonstration of handmade Turkish carpets upon request)
Dolmabahçe Palace, recent residence for Ottoman Sultans built by two Ottoman architects Karabet and Nikogos Balyan on a 110.000 m² area and served as the main administrative center
of the Ottoman Empire. Famous with great collection of European antiquity, furniture and
4.5 tons chandelier, the palace has 285 rooms and 46 halls.
Bosphorus Bridge, unique chance to step from one continent (Europe) to another (Asia) in 2 minutes.
Çamlıca Hill, famous for its widest bird’s eye panoramic view of İstanbul from Marmara Sea to the Black Sea, gives a chance to see the Bosphorus and Golden Horn from one of the best point of the highest and most appealing places of the city.
An enchanted evening cruise starts while you sip your welcome drink and enjoy the marvelous scenery as the sun sets on the Bosphorus. Chance to view and photograph the precious relics of three world dominating Empires: Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman.
The royal Dolmabahçe Palace, the late residence of the Ottoman Sultans; Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges connecting the two continents Asia and Europe; Rumeli Fortress, the historical armament built by the Conqueror Sultan, marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman style besides modern residentials. These are all things you will see on this tour.
In short, explore Istanbul from the sea, on Bosphorus, a unique link between East and West, Past and Present. Do all this, while enjoying a welcome drink and perhaps a wonderful sunset, if the weather permits.
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
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.
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
Our guide will be ready at your disposal in your hotel on the time you request. As soon as you meet our licenced guide, he/she can make the list of places you may interest rather than follow the program, if that's your preference.
You either can make interior visits to sites or explain from outside
You have 1 to 8 hours to discover Istanbul with our licenced professional tour guide.
Suggestions to visit are (of course it is not possible to visit all sights below, in one day):
- St. Sophia
- Topkapi Palace
- Basilica Cistern
- Grand Bazaar
- Egyptian Bazaar
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Beylerbeyi Palace
- Bosphorus
- Rüstem Paşa Mosque
- Blue Mosque
- Süleymaniye Mosque
- Eyüp Sultan Mosque & Tomb
- Miniatürk
This is a great chance for you to explore Istanbul with a professional guide, where you and the guide can even initially decide to explore the places and attractions that interest you the most.
Topkapı Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics
of Prophet Mohammed, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. Live guide commentary is not allowed in special sections.
(Harem is not included in the program)
Spoonmaker's Diamond
The Hagia Irene located in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace is the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine). It was also the second largest church in İstanbul after Hagia Sophia. It’s a typical Byzantine structure with its materials and architecture, was built on the site of an old temple in 330.
Spend a pleasant afternoon exploring the Bosphorus Strait during this spectacular 4.5-hour lunch cruise. Take in the iconic sights along the way and stop for a visit in the fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi and discover the old fortress remnants on a hill with breathtaking views of Bosphorus and the Black Sea.
Climb aboard a gorgeous boat and forget your worries as you enjoy a relaxing half-day cruise down the Bosphorus Strait. Admire the views of beautiful castles, palaces, old mansions and the minarets of the city mosques. During the cruise you will have plenty of time to relax, sit back and indulge in two course lunch that offers a variety of delicious dishes and fresh seasonal fruits.
The open air observation deck gives you the perfect place to capture photos. Go for a stroll on deck to soak up the sun and see the many famous sights that line both coastlines, such as Galata Tower and the immense Bosphorus Bridge that connects Asia and Europe. Sail towards the Black Sea, and then make your way to the small coastal town of Anadolu Kavagi.
Drop anchor and take a walk in the lush hills of the surrounding area. See the ruins of a medieval fortress and other landmarks before the journey back to Istanbul in the late afternoon.
Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise is a very popular cruise that you can enjoy a memorable evening of food, wine and entertainment. Admire the spectacular views of Istanbul’s beautifully illuminated palaces, mosques and Bosphorus bridges, and enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner with select drinks. Glittering entertainment from belly dancers, whirling dervishes and other artistes is included, along with hotel pickup and drop-off.
Begin your Bosphorus dinner cruise with either a coach pickup from your hotel or join your guide at the port. Then, board your festive boat for a sightseeing cruise of the Bosphorus Strait and see the monument-laden European and Asian coastlines. See the Blue Mosque, the Kiz Kulesi tower and Dolmabahçe Palace glow gold at sunset. As dusk turns to nightfall see the last slivers of light illuminate Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, famously known for connecting the two continents.
Enjoy exciting performance of music and dancing which sheds light on the city’s Anatolian culture. As the show picks up, get ready for classic belly dancing with playful twists and shakes enjoyed by all. Once the show is over, spend the last few minutes admiring the sparkling city as your boat arrives at the port.