West Turizm Ä°stanbul

DAILY TOURS: City on Two Continents

Tour Code :PER006IST
City :ISTANBUL
Tour Name :City on Two Continents
Tour Dates :DAILY, EXCEPT MONDAY & THURSDAY
Duration :FULL DAY  | 08:30 - 17:30
Available Languages :EN

SPICE MARKET, CITY WALLS, BOSPHORUS BOAT TRIP, BEYLERBEYI PALACE, CAMLICA HILL

The tour starts by picking-up from the hotel and the guests are transported to the tour meeting point.

Istanbul is one, but the most known and enchanting, of the four cities in the world which stand on two continents. It has also been the capital of three of the world’s greatest empires: Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. That legacy means it also has one of the most diverse, rich and celebrated cultural heritages anywhere. And as if all the palaces, mosques, museums, churches and bazaars are not enough, it also just happens to be in one of the most perfect and glorious locations, with the Bosphorus dividing the European and Asian sides of the city.

GOLDEN HORN AND CITY WALLS

We will start our tour by driving along the coast line of the Golden Horn, the arm of the Bosphorus and a natural harbour of the historical peninsula separating the old and the new parts of Istanbul where the first colonies settled during the Byzantines; The residential area for Byzantine Jews, Italian traders and other non-Muslim minorities. Drive along the traces of history at Balat viewing Metal Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian, Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim), Fener Orthodox Patriarchate and 22 km long Byzantine City Walls, strongest fortification of the middle age.

EGYPTIAN BAZAAR OF ISTANBUL

Then, stop for a short visit of the Spice Market, also known as Egyptian Bazaar, built in 1665. Spices, dried fruits, cheeses, sausages, jams, nuts and seeds, locum (Turkish delight) and other edibles fill most of the shops.
The market Turkish name is Mýsýr Çarþýsý (Egyptian Market) and references the fact that the building was initially endowed with taxes levied on goods imported from Egypt. In its heyday, the bazaar was the last stop for the camel caravans that travelled the Silk Routes from China, India and Persia. 

BOSPHORUS BOAT TRIP

Then, walk to the nearest pier to take a touristic ferry boat that will take you for 1hour enjoyable trip on Bosphorus Strait. From your cruise boat, you will view the dramatic sights lining the Bosphorus’ wooded shores: mosques, the Bosphorus Bridge that for a time was the world’s longest and the massive Rumeli Hisari, a fortress built by Fatih the Conqueror in just three months as he did preparations to conquer Istanbul. Also noteworthy are the 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultan’s fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges, most famous of them is Dolmabahce Palace, yet another residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Pass by the Ortakoy area with its restaurants, bars and cafes. It was also an area were, through centuries three religions have peacefully coexisted: there are still active church, mosque & synagogue at the same area. 

After disembarkation you will have lunch at one of the local restaurants

BOSPHORUS BRIDGE

Later, you will drive via the Intercontinental Bosphorus Bridge to the Asian Continent. The First Bosphorus Bridge is one of the two bridges in Istanbul, spanning the Bosphorus strait and thus connecting Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus Bridge had the 4th longest suspension bridge span in the world when it was completed in 1973, and the longest outside the United States. At present, it is the 19th longest suspension bridge span in the world.

CAMLICA HILL

While on the Asia, enjoy an absolutely magnificent site of the whole city from Çamlica Hill, the highest natural point, which dominates the city at about 267 meters. Even though with recently contructed numorous skyscrapers it's lost its primacy, the panorama around is breathtaking embracing the Bosphorus almost as far as the Black Sea, the Marmara Sea with the Princes Islands, and behind that, the great snow covered ridge of  Mt.Uludag, the Bithynian Olympus.

BEYLERBEYI PALACE MUSEUM

Next, visit Beylerbeyi Palace Museum (closed on Monday & Thursday), a famous summer residence of Ottoman Sultans, built on the Asian side in 1861-65 of white marble to host Princess Eugenie (Napoleon III’ wife) on her long visit in Constantinople. In recent years the palace has been splendidly restored, one can admire the elaborate furniture and decoration as Hereke silk carpets, Bohemian crystal chandeliers, French clocks, vases from China and some superb murals.
Return to European Side of the city and to your hotel. 

INCLUDES

- Transportation by full air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle
- Pick-up/Drop-off from the city center hotels
- Professional licensed guide
- Entrance fees to the museums featured on the itinerary
- Tickets to cruise boat on Bosphorus
- Lunch at the local Turkish restaurant

EXCLUDES

- Any personal expenses
- Any kind of drinks unless specified
- Tips & gratuities
- Optional activities cost
- Turkish visa fee
- Travel and Health insurance

NOTES

- Children of age 2,99 and below are free of charge 

- Other languages are available with an extra fee upon request
- For Bosphorus cruise trip a regular public boat is used
- Beylerbeyi Palace Museum is closed on Monday & Thursday

Disclaimer 
- This is a scheduled motor-coach group 
- Group might consist of up to 40 people 
- Group might include the people of different nationalities, cultures, ages and interests 
- The regular tour is of a good value, but may not be the best choice for those who have special interests and/or concerns about keeping up with, or being held back by, a group. 
- Touring is paced to allow the average traveler reasonable time to enjoy each site

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Kaktüs Tourism Travel Agency - Pera Air and Tourism
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