Istanbul, Turkey - Mediterranean Cruises

Do not miss this opportunity to visit the largest and most elegant Ottoman Palace on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus.

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.

Note: This tour involves numerous steps. Professional and flash photography are not permitted within the Beylerbeyi Palace. Protective over-shoes will be provided at the Palace entrance for use inside. Heavy traffic may be experienced.

A private tour is the perfect solution for guests who wish to tour together and discover Istanbul.

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide and local driver are offered on tours shown below. No deviations to duration, venues if included, departure or return time can be made. 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. These are selected tour itineraries.

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 onboard account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you will 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.

Entrance fees, meals, refreshments and gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.

Minibuses will take up to 8 guests.

 

Note: Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and number of guests in your party. Request only one ticket per group and not the number in your party. 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.

The Best of Istanbul - 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 may be on temporary loan to other museums. The sequence of the excursion highlights may vary and heavy traffic may be experienced. Please refer to IST011 for a full description of this tour.
 

 

This relaxing tour features a boat cruise along the Bosphorus, during which you can discover the history of this fascinating city.

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.

Note: There are steps to negotiate to embark and disembark the boat.

This effortless option offers the opportunity to take in the highlights of this amazing city including the Grand Bazaar.

Your scenic drive takes you through the modern area of Istanbul, travelling to the heart of the new city passing Taksim Square, where the city life is alive and bustling 24 hours a day. View the Dolmabahçe Palace and the famous 5 star hotels as you drive through modern Istanbul. Continue your journey to the old city where you will view the Suleymaniye Mosque, Roman Aquaducts and the old city walls.

A photo stop will be made to take in the magnificence of The Blue Mosque, also known as the ‘Sultan Ahmet Mosque’ as it was built over a 7 year period by Sultan Ahmet in 1609. 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. Relax and watch the world go by with a soft drink, coffee or tea in the old city at a local café.

Round off the tour with a visit to the Grand Bazaar to experience one of the world’s most vibrant marketplaces. Explore the narrow alleys filled with shops offering carpets, jewellery, leather and much more. If you wish, prior to independent shopping, you may join your guide for a carpet demonstration.

Note: This tour involves walking at your own pace at the Bazaar and a ten minute walk from the coach. Due to the size and nature of the Bazaar you will not be accompanied by your guide inside The sequence of the excursion highlights may vary and heavy traffic may be experienced.

Have your camera at the ready as you are guided around the fabulous sights of this bustling city.

Your scenic drive travels across the Galata Bridge, the oldest recorded bridge in Istanbul and situated in the heart of the old city. It is here your knowledgeable guide will take you through the historic streets to the Blue Mosque and St Sophia.

The Blue Mosque is one of the city’s most recognised landmarks and more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles highlight the superb interior. You cannot fail to be impressed at the six graceful minarets that adorn the elegant mosque.

St Sophia was built by the Emperor Justinian in the time of Constantinople. This magnificent example of Byzantine architecture boasts a massive dome and an interior decorated with marble, precious stones, and pillars from Ephesus.

A short coach transfer will take you to the Grand Bazaar to enjoy an optional carpet-weaving demonstration and explore the shops that are organised by the wares they sell. The narrow alleys are filled with shops offering jewellery, carpets, leather ware, copper goods and much more. Bargaining is expected and half the fun of this bazaar experience.

Note: Total walking time is two hours and there are steps to negotiate throughout. Shoulders and knees must be covered in the mosque and shoes must be removed. Professional and flash photography are not permitted within the St Sophia Museum. Due to the size and nature of the Bazaar you will not be accompanied by your guide inside. The order of highlights may vary due to local traffic conditions.

This narrated city drive surveys Istanbul's principle landmarks and gives you the opportunity to travel in both Europe and Asia.

Europe and Asia meet in the city of Istanbul, see the best of both continents by coach on this low activity tour.

Your scenic drive will start by passing by Dolmabahce Palace, the last Palace of the Ottoman Sultans, before driving over the first Bosphorus Bridge to the Asian side of Istanbul. In Asia, your guide will point out places of interest such as Beylerbeyi Palace and the old Ottoman Mansions. Stop for photographs and refreshments at Adile Sultan Palace for views of the Bosphorus strait, fortresses and the European side of Istanbul.

Returning to the European side of the city you will drive by the second Fatih (conquerer) Sultan Mehmet Bridge, before heading back to the southern Bosphorus shore-line.

Pass by the Emirgan village and the Rumelihisarı village where the biggest fortresses were built before Constantinople was conquered by Sultan Mehmet.

Note: This tour would suit those guests who prefer limited walking. Heavy traffic may be experienced.

A private tour is the perfect solution for guests who wish to tour together and discover Istanbul.

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide and local driver are offered on tours shown below. No deviations to duration, venues if included, departure or return time can be made. 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. These are selected tour itineraries.

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 onboard account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you will 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.

Entrance fees, meals, refreshments and gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.

People Carriers will take up to 4 guests.

Note: Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and number of guests in your party. Request only one ticket per group and not the number in your party. 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.

Imperial Istanbul - 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 inside the mosques. Heavy traffic may be experienced. Please refer to IST002 for a full description of this tour.

A private tour is the perfect solution for guests who wish to tour together and discover Istanbul.

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide and local driver are offered on tours shown below. No deviations to duration, venues if included, departure or return time can be made. 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. These are selected tour itineraries.

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 onboard account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you will 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.

Entrance fees, meals, refreshments and gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.

People Carriers will take up to 4 guests.

Note: Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and number of guests in your party. Request only one ticket per group and not the number in your party. 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.

The Best of Istanbul - 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 may be on temporary loan to other museums. The sequence of the excursion highlights may vary and heavy traffic may be experienced. Please refer to IST011 for a full description of this tour.

Explore Istanbul’s monuments on a walking tour, from the Hippodrome to the Blue Mosque, and from St Sophia to Topkapi.

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.

Note: There are several steps to negotiate throughout the tour and 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.

Experience the mesmerising Whirling Dervish Show at the Suleymaniye Mosque Complex.

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.

Note: It is recommended that guests have dinner before this tour.

Explore the highlights of the 2010 European Capital of Culture with this magnificent tour including luncheon at the Four Seasons.

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 the Four Seasons 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.

Note: 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 may be 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.

Enjoy an evening dining out on the shores of the Bosphorus, viewing the magnificent city of Istanbul by night.

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.

Note: 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.

Marvel at the glittering collections of jewels and treasures at Topkapi and then go shopping at the Grand Bazaar.

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. Take 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.

Note: This tour involves approximately three hours’ 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.

A great opportunity to visit the most famous and unique bazaars of Istanbul.

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.

Note: Please be advised that the surfaces are cobblestoned and uneven in places at both Bazaars.

A private tour is the perfect solution for guests who wish to tour together and discover Istanbul.

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide and local driver are offered on tours shown below. No deviations to duration, venues if included, departure or return time can be made. 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. These are selected tour itineraries.

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 onboard account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you will 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.

Entrance fees, meals, refreshments and gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.

Minibuses will take up to 8 guests.

Note: Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and number of guests in your party. Request only one ticket per group and not the number in your party. 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.

Imperial Istanbul - 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 inside the mosques. Heavy traffic may be experienced.  Please refer to IST002 for a full description of this tour.