Istanbul, Turkey - Mediterranean Cruises

This tour offers a spectacular view of Istanbul as you cross the Bosphorous Bridge between the two continents.

The beautiful Beylerbeyi Summer Palace has attracted such guests as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and Empress Eugenie of France. Built between 1860 and 1865 by Sultan Abdul Aziz, the Palace is designed in ornate Baroque style and has two bathing pavilions - one for the harem and the other for the men.

Your guide will give you an insight into the Palace and recount events, including the time the Sultan's mother slapped the face of Empress Eugenie for daring to enter the Palace on the arm of Abdul Aziz. As you tour this magnificent building, you will see all its attractive features; such as the reception hall with its pool and fountain; the large Bohemian crystal chandeliers and the beautiful Turkish carpets.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There are approximately 52 steps inside the Palace. Photography is prohibited inside the Beylerbeyi Summer Palace. Protective over-shoes will be provided at the Palace entrance for use inside. Heavy traffic may be experienced.

Join your photographer/guide on a walking tour to Galata Tower, to experience wonderful panoramic views of the city.

Tunel is an underground funicular with two stations connecting the quarters of Karakoy and Beyoglu. Inaugurated in 1875, Tunel is the second-oldest subterranean urban rail line in the world after the London Underground (1863). Your journey on the underground funicular will take you from Karakoy to Tunel.

Your guided walking tour continues along the Galata Bridge. Take a brief drive to Eminonu Square, a beautiful waterside city centre attraction.

Prepare to take great photographs of Hagia Sophia. Built in the 6th century, at the time, Haiga Sophia's dome was the largest in the world. Afterwards enjoy some free time to purchase luncheon on your own.

After meeting back up with your guide, your next photograph stop will be the Hippodrome and Blue Mosque, which is also known as ‘The Sultan Ahmed Mosque’.

Journey to Beyazid Square, and walk to the Grand Bazaar to enjoy some free time exploring this impressive covered market.


This excursion will operate by coach, tram and on foot. This tour involves 5½ hours of walking over some cobblestoned streets. There are 69 steps to negotiate to reach the balcony at Galata Tower. Guests should know how to use their cameras; your guide will provide advice on ideal photograph opportunities but not give assistance on using your camera. On Sundays the covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed; shopping will be outside and around the Grand Bazaar area instead. Professional and flash photography are not permitted within the Haiga Sophia.

Travel a short distance by coach to board a motorboat to view the beautiful shores of the Bosphorus strait where the monuments and skyline are illuminated. Your local guide will explain about the history of the Bosphorus, the palaces, fortress and the old pavillions from Ottoman times whilst you enjoy your dinner.

Take the opportunity to view both sides of this marvellous city, on the Asian side, view the many palaces, old mansions, and modern villas. Watch for the first intercontinental bridge that connects Europe and Asia. On this side view the stunning Beylerbeyi Palace, one of the finest summer palaces of the Sultans.

The boat will turn around at Tarabya fishing village to cruise back along the European side. Pass by Dolmabahce Palace, formerly an opulent 19th-century Rococo palace, and now a museum.


This excursion will operate by coach and boat. There are approximately 12 steps to negotiate to embark and disembark the boat. Evening meal includes two glasses of wine, alternative beverages can be purchased.

A short scenic drive will take you to your boat, to sail on the famous Bosphorus waterway, from where there are excellent views of the Asiatic and European shore. Magnificent 19th century palaces are dotted along both banks and, as you cruise along, enjoy views of the Dolmabahçe Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace and the few remaining towers of the Anadolu Hisar.

Passing beneath the great Bosphorus Bridge, you are rewarded with the sight of curving domes and rising minarets, wrapped in a hazy veil. Istanbul has one of the loveliest skylines in the world and is without doubt a city built to be appreciated from the water.

Refreshments of coffee, tea or a local soft drink will be served during your cruise.


This excursion will operate by coach and boat. There are approximately 12 steps steps to negotiate to embark and disembark the boat.

The Ottoman sultans lived in the rambling Topkapi Palace and Treasury for nearly 400 years amidst luxury and splendour. The Treasury is filled with priceless jewels. (Due to the size and nature of the Treasury rooms, your guide will not provide commentary inside).

Visit St Sophia Church, formerly a basilica, then a mosque and now a museum. (Some internal restoration work is currently underway).

The Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmet houses 20,000 blue-glazed tiles, which shine as the daylight streams through beautiful stained-glass windows.

The inspiration for the Hippodrome Square was the great Circus in Rome and was the scene of exciting chariot races and contests. Statues from every corner of the Roman Empire decorated the Hippodrome and you can still view the two obelisks, the Serpentine Column and the Ottoman Fountain.

Your last stop is the famous Grand Bazaar. Your guide will escort you to a store just outside the Grand Bazaar, your rendezvous point after experiencing the marketplace. Enjoy an optional carpet-weaving demonstration and then explore the Grand Bazaar.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves approximately 4½ hours of walking and several steps. Due to the popularity of the venues, they can become crowded. Shoulders and knees must be covered in the mosques and shoes removed. Professional and flash photography are not permitted inside the mosques. There is ongoing restoration of the Topkapi Palace, which may result in some exhibits being closed. On Sundays the covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed; shopping will take place outside and around the Grand Bazaar instead.

A short drive through the electric and atmospheric Istanbul city by night will whisk you to the Suleymaniye Mosque Complex for a Whirling Dervish Show. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show whilst sipping a refreshment of Turkish tea or traditional sherbet.

The whirling dance, which is performed by Semazens, is proverbially associated with dervishes, the practice of the Mevlevi order in Turkey, and is part of a formal ceremony known as Sema, a means for man to reach actual existance. The Mevlevi ritual symbolises the mystical meaning of divine love, passion and spiritual maturity. The ritual whirling of the Semazens is an act of love and a drama of faith.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot.It is recommended that guests have dinner before this tour.

An air-conditioned minibus with an English-speaking guide and local driver is offered on this tour. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of guests to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. No deviations to duration, venues if included or departure and return times can be made.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only one person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that person’s credit card. Once on board, you’ll receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour.

Minibuses will take up to eight guests.

The Ottoman sultans lived in the rambling Topkapi Palace and Treasury for nearly 400 years amidst enviable luxury and splendour. The Treasury is filled with priceless diamonds, emeralds and gold. (Please be advised that due to the size and nature of the Treasury rooms, your guide will not give a commentary inside).

Visit St Sophia Church, formerly a basilica, then a mosque and now a museum. (Some internal restoration work is currently underway).

The Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmet houses 20,000 blue-glazed tiles, which shine as the daylight streams through beautiful stained-glass windows.

The inspiration for the Hippodrome Square was the great Circus in Rome and was the scene of exciting chariot races and contests. Statues from every corner of the Roman Empire decorated the Hippodrome and you can still view the two obelisks, the Serpentine Column and the Ottoman Fountain.

Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar. Your guide will escort you to a store just outside the Grand Bazaar, your rendezvous point after experiencing the marketplace. Take in a carpet-weaving demonstration and explore the Grand Bazaar.



This excursion will operate by private minibus and on foot. Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and the number of guests in your party. Only one person in the party is required to book a ticket. Vehicles are air-conditioned and come with an English-speaking guide and local driver. No deviations to tour content, duration, departure or return time can be made.

There is approximately 4½ hours of walking and several steps to negotiate on this tour. Due to the popularity of the venues, they can become crowded. Shoulders and knees must be covered in the mosques and shoes must be removed. Professional and flash photography are not permitted inside the mosques. Please be aware of the ongoing restoration of the Topkapi Palace, which may result in some exhibits being closed. The order of highlights may vary due to local traffic conditions. On Sundays the covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed; shopping will take place outside the Grand Bazaar and surrounding areas instead.

Drive across the Galata Bridge, viewing the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Galata Tower in the distance. Take the opportunity to see the old Orient Express Train Station as you drive through the city. Istanbul is a magical city, never failing to enchant its visitors with numerous treasures, ancient and modern alike.

Once the residence of the Ottoman Sultans and their harems, the Topkapi Palace now houses an incredible collection of Ottoman Costumes, the Topkapi Dagger and lavishly decorated rooms. The Treasury is filled with priceless diamonds, emeralds and gold. (Please be advised that due to the size and nature of the Treasury rooms, your guide will not give a commentary inside).

With 4,000 shops, a mosque, a school and even its own post office, banks and police station, the Grand Bazaar is the largest covered market in the world. Walk along the maze of alleys filled with jewellery, leather goods, carpets and more. You’ll have time to browse at leisure and practise your bargaining skills – it’s not only expected, it’s half the fun.

If you wish, prior to independent shopping, you may join your guide for an optional carpet demonstration.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves approximately three hours of walking over some cobbled streets and there are steps at Topkapi Palace. Please be aware of the ongoing restoration of the Topkapi Palace, which may result in some exhibits being closed. Due to the size and nature of the Bazaar you will not be accompanied by your guide inside. Heavy traffic may be experienced. On Sundays the covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed; shopping will take place outside the Grand Bazaar and surrounding areas instead.

An air-conditioned people carrier with an English-speaking guide and local driver is offered on this tour. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of guests to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. No deviations to duration, venues if included or departure and return times can be made.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only one person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that person’s credit card. Once on board, you’ll receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour.

People Carriers will take up to four guests.

The Ottoman sultans lived in the rambling Topkapi Palace and Treasury for nearly 400 years amidst enviable luxury and splendour. The Treasury is filled with priceless diamonds, emeralds and gold. (Please be advised that due to the size and nature of the Treasury rooms, your guide will not give a commentary inside).

Visit St Sophia Church, formerly a basilica, then a mosque and now a museum. (Some internal restoration work is currently underway).

The Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmet houses 20,000 blue-glazed tiles, which shine as the daylight streams through beautiful stained-glass windows.

The inspiration for the Hippodrome Square was the great Circus in Rome and was the scene of exciting chariot races and contests. Statues from every corner of the Roman Empire decorated the Hippodrome and you can still view the two obelisks, the Serpentine Column and the Ottoman Fountain.

Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar. Your guide will escort you to a store just outside the Grand Bazaar, your rendezvous point after experiencing the marketplace. Take in a carpet-weaving demonstration and then explore the Grand Bazaar.


This excursion will operate by people carrier and on foot. Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and the number of guests in your party. Only one person in the party is required to book a ticket. Vehicles are air-conditioned and come with an English-speaking guide and local driver. No deviations to tour content, duration, departure or return time can be made.

There is approximately 4½ hours of walking and several steps to negotiate on this tour. Due to the popularity of the venues, they can become crowded. Shoulders and knees must be covered in the mosques and shoes must be removed. Professional and flash photography are not permitted inside the mosques. Please be aware of the ongoing restoration of the Topkapi Palace, which may result in some exhibits being closed. The order of highlights may vary due to local traffic conditions. On Sundays the covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed; shopping will take place outside the Grand Bazaar and surrounding areas instead.

An air-conditioned people carrier with an English-speaking guide and local driver is offered on this tour. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of guests to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. No deviations to duration, venues if included or departure and return times can be made.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only one person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that person’s credit card. Once on board, you’ll receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour.

People Carriers will take up to four guests.

Your scenic drive takes you across the Galata Bridge to the heart of the old city arriving at the ancient Hippodrome. This large, open square was once the site of a Roman circus that rivalled the Colosseum in size and held a quarter of a million spectators. The next stop is the world famous Blue Mosque, where you can marvel at the 20,000 blue-glazed tiles that decorate the interior and the six graceful minarets that reach skyward.

A short walk takes you on to the church of St Sophia, which is more than 1000 years older than the Blue Mosque. Highlights include a number of glistening mosaics dating from the Byzantine period.

Topkapi Palace Museum is a walled complex that surrounds the Bosphorus. Explore the harem section before enjoying luncheon at a local hotel.

Visit the Grand Bazaar for an optional carpet-weaving demonstration and then explore the narrow alleys filled with shops offering jewellery, carpets and much more.


Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and the number of guests in your party. Only one person in the party is required to book a ticket. Vehicles are air-conditioned and come with an English-speaking guide and local driver. No deviations to tour content, duration, departure or return time can be made.

There is approximately 2½ hours of walking over uneven, slippery and cobblestoned ground, flat comfortable shoes are recommended. The removal of any pieces from the site is strictly forbidden. Entrance fees are included. Refreshments and gratuities are not included. There are several steps to negotiate throughout the tour and due to the popularity of the venues, they can become crowded. Shoulders and knees must be covered in the mosques and shoes must be removed. Professional and flash photography are not permitted. Please be aware of the ongoing restoration of the Topkapi Palace, which may result in some exhibits being closed or some artifacts being on temporary loan to other museums. The order of highlights may vary. Due to the size and nature of the Bazaar you will not be accompanied by your guide inside. On Sundays the covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed; shopping will take place outside the Grand Bazaar and surrounding areas instead.

Cross the Galata Bridge to reach the Byzantine Hippodrome. Ancient entertainment including gladiator fights and chariot races took place here through the history of the Byzantine Empire. Today it is a beautiful elliptical-shaped park.

A short walk will then take you to the remarkable Underground Cistern. Built during the reign of Justinian, this 6th century subterranean water reservoir is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul, and boasts a ceiling supported by 336 marble Corinthian columns. This ’Underground Palace’ with its illuminated interior was used in the 1963 James Bond film ‘From Russia with Love’.

Visit the famous St Sophia Church. After several conquests and pillages, the building was converted into a mosque, but fell into disrepair as the centuries passed. The mosaics were uncovered in the 1900s and the church was then dedicated as a Byzantine-Ottoman museum.

Round off your visit with an optional carpet weaving demonstration and some free time to explore the famous Grand Bazaar.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves approximately 1½ hours of walking over uneven, cobblestoned ground, therefore flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. There are approximately 50 steps to negotiate at the entrance to the underground cistern and a further 50 steps to exit. Professional and flash photography are not permitted. The order of highlights may vary. Due to the size and nature of the Bazaar you will not be accompanied by your guide inside. On Sundays the covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed; shopping will take place outside the Grand Bazaar and surrounding areas instead.

Your scenic drive takes you through the modern area of Istanbul, travelling to the heart of the new city passing Taksim Square. View the Dolmabahçe Palace and the famous five star hotels as you drive through modern Istanbul and on to the old city where you will view the Suleymaniye Mosque, Roman Aquaducts and the old city walls.

Enjoy a photograph stop to take in the magnificence of The Blue Mosque, also known as the ‘Sultan Ahmet Mosque’. View the obelisks in the Byzantine Hippodrome. Once at the heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life, it is now a tranquil city park. St Sophia, built in the 6th century is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. Prior to becoming a museum in the early Republican years it was previously a church and mosque.

On the return drive enjoy a panoramic view of the Marmara Sea. Afterwards relax with a soft drink, coffee or tea in the old city at a local café. Complete your tour with an optional carpet weaving demonstration and then some free time to explore the famous Grand Bazaar.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves walking at your own pace at the Bazaar and a ten minute walk from the coach. You will not be accompanied by your guide inside the Grand Bazaar. The sequence of the excursion highlights may vary and heavy traffic may be experienced. On Sundays the covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed; shopping will take place outside and around the Grand Bazaar instead.

Your panoramic tour begins by passing through the Imperial Gate of Dolmabahçe and the Besiktas/Yildiz District. You will then reach the Bosphorus Bridge and cross over to the Asian side of Istanbul.

While passing under the bridge, your tour guide will point out the Beylerbeyi Palace and other historical sites located on the coast of the Bosphorus. The scenic drive will include the old districts of Istanbul such as Kuzguncuk.

Drive across the Galata Bridge, enjoy views of the Golden Horn, and pass under the imposing ancient Roman aqueducts that remain standing within the city. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or coffee in one of the city’s hotels before continuing onto Old Istanbul, passing by the beautiful Hagia Sophia and impressive Blue Mosque, for a photograph stop.

Marvel at the Hippodrome Square, once a huge stadium. A quarter of a million spectators would cheer on their favourite charioteers as they raced four-horse teams around the track.

Complete your tour with a visit to the Grand Bazaar. Your guide will escort you to a store just outside the Grand Bazaar, your rendezvous after visiting the market. View an optional carpet weaving demonstration and then explore the Grand Bazaar.


This excursion will operate by coach. This tour involves approximately 20 minutes of walking, there is a 10 minute walk from the coach to the Grand Bazaar. On Sundays the covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed; shopping will take place outside the Grand Bazaar and surrounding areas instead.

After a short panoramic drive to the old city, your first visit will be the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. Built in 1663, the Spice Market is still the second-largest covered bazaar in Turkey and it is still the best place to buy Turkish delight, dried fruit, exotic herbs and all the spices of the East including cardamom, turmeric, saffron, rose water and much more.

Continue onto the Grand Bazaar, where your guide will escort you to a store just outside the Grand Bazaar, which will be your rendezvous point after experiencing the marketplace. Take in a carpet-weaving demonstration and explore on your own, where the shops are organised by the wares they sell. The narrow alleys are filled with shops offering jewellery, carpets, leather ware, copper goods and more. Bargaining is expected and half the fun.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Please be advised that the surfaces are cobblestoned and uneven in places at both Bazaars.

An air-conditioned minibus with an English-speaking guide and local driver is offered on this tour. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of guests to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. No deviations to duration, venues if included or departure and return times can be made.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only one person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that person’s credit card. Once on board, you’ll receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour.

Minibuses will take up to eight guests.

Your scenic drive takes you across the Galata Bridge to the heart of the old city arriving at the ancient Hippodrome. This large, open square was once the site of a Roman circus that rivalled the Colosseum in size and held a quarter of a million spectators. The next stop is the world famous Blue Mosque, where you can marvel at the 20,000 blue-glazed tiles that decorate the interior and the six graceful minarets that reach skyward.

A short walk takes you on to the church of St Sophia, which is more than 1000 years older than the Blue Mosque. Highlights include a number of glistening mosaics dating from the Byzantine period.

Topkapi Palace Museum is a walled complex that surrounds the Bosphorus. Explore the harem section before enjoying luncheon at a local hotel.

Visit the Grand Bazaar for an optional carpet-weaving demonstration and to explore the narrow alleys filled with shops offering jewellery, carpets and much more.


Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and the number of guests in your party. Only one person in the party is required to book a ticket. Vehicles are air-conditioned and come with an English-speaking guide and local driver. No deviations to tour content, duration, departure or return time can be made.

There is approximately 2½ hours of walking over uneven, slippery and cobblestoned ground, flat comfortable shoes are recommended. The removal of any pieces from the site is strictly forbidden. Entrance fees are included. Refreshments and gratuities are not included. There are several steps to negotiate throughout the tour and due to the popularity of the venues, they can become crowded. Shoulders and knees must be covered in the mosques and shoes must be removed. Professional and flash photography are not permitted. Please be aware of the ongoing restoration of the Topkapi Palace, which may result in some exhibits being closed or some artifacts being on temporary loan to other museums. The order of highlights may vary. Due to the size and nature of the Bazaar you will not be accompanied by your guide inside. On Sundays the covered section of the Grand Bazaar is closed; shopping will take place outside the Grand Bazaar and surrounding areas instead.