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Istanbul Tours |
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Is it the first time you are traveling to Istanbul?
It probably is, but surely it is difficult to decide what to do in this fascinating city with so many attractions and places to visit.
We offer the 1st personalized service providing experienced tourist guides that skillfully will show you around the most important places and facilities that the city of Istanbul offers, and even let you choose the one you like best to tailor make your own tour. Moreover, we count on the assistance of a local guide who will take you to discover one of the most fascinating cities in the world, its people, customs, cuisine and nightlife in Istanbul.
Our services
Our agency offers you the possibility to choose our bus tours, where you will share this experience with other passengers or our private tours that are exclusively for visitors who belong to a group of acquaintances such as workmates, friends, a family, etc. This homogeneous ingredient will easily allow you to adjust the tour to your own special preferences.
Sightseeings may last from 3 up to 9 hrs. approximately depending on the sort of excursion you choose to go on. They are carried out throughout a range of the best known sights in the city. They may either be programmed beforehand or chosen by the tourist himself.
The meeting-place is usually at hotels in downtown or next to or at the sights to be visited. If it is a private tour, it can be arranged at the hotel or lodging place where the tourist is staying at.
Our tours are guided in English for the regular tours but guides in other languages are also available for private tours
5 JOLLY GOOD REASONS TO BOOK WITH US...
1) QUALITY: high standard of tours, expert guides and luxury vehicles.
2) VARIETY: over 50 tour combinations - more choice than any Turkey tour agent.
3) VALUE: the best price direct to you - avoiding agency fees and concierge commissions.
4) SERVICE: professionally trained qualified staff. Dont risk tours with amateur operators.
5) REPUTE: recommended by Tripadvisor & our customers.
Just let us know what places are in your interest and we will make the best customized private tour itinerary |
Please visit to view all Istanbul tours on www.sightseeingtoursistanbul.net
ISTANBUL TOURS
ST.01 Istanbul Outstandings
Half day morning tour with entrance fee included
■ Haghia Sophia
Also called the Church of Divine Wisdom, it Is a masterpiece of grandeur and proportion. Coveted by the Islamic East and Christian West, the Hagia Sophia is one of mankinds greatest treasures.
■ Blue Mosque
No one who has been to Istanbul at least once can ever forget the feeling of awe and wonder at seeing the Blue Mosque for the first time.
■ Hippodrome and Obelisks
The vast Hippodrome, known as At Meydani or "plaza of the horses", stretches between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
■ Grand Covered Bazaar
The oldest and the largest covered market place in the world is situated in the center of the city.
After visiting the Grand Bazaar, there will be optional shopping opportunity before finishing the tour.
ST-02 Ottoman Heritage
Half day afternoon tour with entrance fee included
■ Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace was the main residence of the sultan and his court. It was initially the seat of government as well as the imperial residence. Even though access was strictly regulated, inhabitants of the palace rarely had to venture out since the palace functioned almost as an autonomous entity, a city within a city. Audience and consultation chmabers and areas served for the political workings of the empire.
■ Little Hagia Sophia Mosque
Little Hagia Sophia (Küçuk Ayasofya Camii), formerly the Church of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus, is a former Eastern Orthodox church dedicated to Saints Sergius and Bacchus in Constantinople, later converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. Today the environment is a worth seeing natural culture center of the lost Ottoman Arts.
ST-03
Byzantine & Ottoman Traces
Full day city tour with unch and entrance fees included
■ Haghia Sophia
From the Golden Age of Byzantine, this once Christian church is one of the the most extraordinary buildings in the history of architecture. It played a very important role in the Byzantine Empire and later as a mosque in the Ottoman Empire.The word "Haqia" in Greek means "Divine" and "Sophia" means "Wisdom". "Divine Wisdom is one of the attributes of Jesus Christ and this church is devoted to his divine wisdom.
■ Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is one of the most prominent landmarks of Istanbul, especially when viewed from the First Hill or from the Asian shore of the Sea of Marmara. It is very impressive with its beautiful domes and semidomes, nice courtyards and six slender minarets,
■ Hippodrome and Obelisks
The square in front of the Blue Mosque covers the site of the ancient Hippodrome", one of the most famous areas in Byzantine.
■ Grand Covered Bazaar
The oldest and the largest covered market place in the world is situated in the center of the city. After visiting the Grand Bazaar, there will be optional shopping opportunity before having lunch at our restaurant.
■ Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace was more than just the private residence of the Sultan and his court, It was the seat of the supreme executive and judiciary council, the Divan and the training school. Dormitories, gardens, libraries, schools, even mosques were at the service of the court. Attached to the palace were diverse imperial societies of artists and craftsmen which produced some of the finest work in the whole empire.
■ Little Hagia Sophia Mosque
Little Hagia Sophia (Küçuk Ayasofya Camii), formerly the Church of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus, is a former Eastern Orthodox church dedicated to Saints Sergius and Bacchus in Constantinople, later converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. Today the environment is a worth seeing natural culture center of the lost Ottoman Arts.
ST-4
Bosphorus Cruise with Golden Horn
Half day morning tour with cable car and cruise included
■ Cruise on the Golden Horn
As the sun sets in Istanbul, its yellow light blazes on the waters of the Golden Horn, giving this freshwater estuary its romantic name.
■ Cruise on the Bosphorus
This magical journey which covers both European and Asian shores by our private boat will let you see the marvelous monuments and districts.
■ Rumeli Fortress (From the sea)
The biggest fortification of Istanbul can be seen dearly during our Bosphorus Cruise.
■ Cable Car to Pierre Loti
Enjoy the beautiful view from the cable car as you climb the hill to the cafe named after the famous French writer Pierre Loti.
■ City Walls
Constantinoples great city walls were breached only twice in 1600 years. The first breach occured in 1204 during the fourth Crusade; the second breach was led by "Sultan Mehmetthe Conqueror" in 1453 with cannons and troops. Optional shopping possibility is available on the way back to the old city. 4V Check out ST-08 for the Afternoon Cruise
ST-5 Dolmabahçe Palace and Asia Side
Half day afternoon tour with entrance fee included
■ Dolmabahce Palace and Harem Section
About three centuries ago there was a broad bay whose waters sheltered many ships in the place now occupied by Dolmabahce Palace. Halfway between a Moorish castle, a Baroque Italian palazzo and a Hindu temple, the Dolmabahce Palace was built from marble.
■ Bosphorus Bridge
Unique chance to drive from Europe to Asia with a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus.
■ Çamlıca Hill
Highest point of Istanbul with an absolutely magnificent view, which makes it well worm to climb. It gives you a unique chance to view entire city in a single picture.
ST-06 Bosphorus & Dolmabahçe Palace
Full day city tour with unch and entrance fee included
■ Cruise on the Golden Horn
Cruise along the Golden Horn and see the historical heart of the city and principal harhor of Byzantium, Constantinople and Istanbul for over 2,000 Ears.
■ Cruise on the Bosphorus
The Cruise on the Bosphorus which will give you the best chance to view the finest palaces and pavilions along the shores.
■ Rumeli Fortress (From the sea)
The biggest fortification of Istanbul can be seen dearly during our Bosphorus Cruise.
■ Cable Car to Pierre Loti
Enjoy the beautiful view from the cable car as you climb the hill to the cafe named after the famous French writer Pierre Loti, birth name Louis Marie Julien Viaud (1850-1923).
■ City Walls
Constantinoples great city walls were breached only twice in 1600 years. The first breach occured in 1204 during the fourth Crusade; the second breach was led by "Sultan Mehmetthe Conqueror in 1453 with cannons and troops. Before having lunch at our restaurant there will be an optional shopping opportunity.
■ Dolmabahçe Palace & Harem
The main palace was built by the leading Ottoman architects of the era, Karabet and Nikoğos Balyan, and consists of three parts: the Imperial Mabeyn (State Apartments), Muayede Salon (Ceremonial Hall) and the Imperial Harem.
■ Bosphorus Bridge
Overshadowing Istanbuls traditional architecture is one of the worlds largest suspension bridges, the Bosphorus Bridge, linking Europe and Asia.
■ Çamlıca Hill
The highest peak in the Istanbul vicinity is the 288m Çamlıca Hill. It commands a magnificent view that embraces the mouth of the Bosphorus, old Istanbul,Galata, BeyogTu and lets you
understand the magnificence and beauty of the city.
Dolmabahçe Palace is closed on Monday and Thursday. It will be replaced by a visit to Chora Museum (Church) on those days.
ST-07 Beylerbeyi Palace and Asia Side
Half day morning tour with entrance fee included
■ Bosphorus Bridge
Unique chance to drive from Europe to Asia along the breathtaking view of the Bosphorus.
■ Çamlıca Hill
Highest point of Istanbul with an absolutely magnificent view, which makes it well worth to climb. It gives you a unique chance to take entire city in a single picture.
■ Beylerbeyi Palace
The Palace was mainly used as a summer residence by the Ottomans and serves as a museum today. ^^ Beylerbeyi Palace is closed on Monday and Thursday. It will be replaced by a visit to Chora Museum
ST-08 XL Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise
Half day afternoon with Maiden’s Tower and ASIA stop over
■ Cruise on the Golden Horn
Enjoy a boat cruise from Eyüp all the way to Eminönü, while your guide tells you about Jewish and Orthodox Heritage.
■ The Legendary Maiden’s Tower (Entrance Fee Included)
Maidens Tower is the symbol of Istanbul due to its unique location at the intersection point of the two continents Europe and Asia. We give a break on the tower for a while and keep cruising along the Bosphorus afterwards.
■ Cruise on the Bosphorus
The cruise continues on the Bosphorus to see fabulous examples of Ottoman architecture on both Asia and Europe shores.
■ Rumeli Fortress (From the sea)
The biggest fortification of Istanbul can be sen clearly during our Bosphorus
■ Kanlıca Village (Stop Over in Asia)
Famous throughout Turkey for its yogurt,However, there is more to Kanlıca than merely yogurt. Situated on the shores of the Bosporus at its narrowest point, Kanlıca is more like a sleepy fishing village than a suburb of bustling İstanbul.
Optinal shopping possibility on the way back to the hotels.
ST-09 Bosphorus and Beylerbeyi Palace
Full day city tour with lunch and entrance fees included
■ Bosphorus Bridge
Unique chance to drive from Europe to Asia along the breathtaking view of the Bosphorus.
■ Çamlıca Hill
Highest point of Istanbul with an absolutely magnificent view, which makes it well worth to climb. It gives you a unique chance to take entire city in a single picture.
■ Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi Palace is the largest and most elegant Ottoman Palace on the Asian Shore of the Bosphorus. It was built for the “lord of the lords, Governer of Rumelia Mehmet Pasha. It was constructed in 1861 by Sarkis Balyan, a famous Armenian architect. 5000 people from all over Anatolia, including the best masters, worked for the Construction.
There will be optional shopping opportunity before having lunch.
■ Cruise on the Golden Horn
Enjoy a boat cruise from Eyüp all the way to Eminönü, while your guide tells you about Jewish and Orthodox Heritage.
■ The Legendary Maiden’s Tower
Maidens Tower is the symbol of Istanbul due to its unique location at the intersection point of the two continents Europe and Asia. We give a break on the tower for a while and keep cruising along the Bosphorus afterwards.
■ Cruise on the Bosphorus
The cruise continues on the Bosphorus to see fabulous examples of Ottoman architecture on both Asia and Europe shores.
■ Rumeli Fortress (From the sea)
The biggest fortification of Istanbul can be sen clearly during our Bosphorus Cruise.
■ Kanlıca Village
Famous throughout Turkey for its yogurt,However, there is more to Kanlıca than merely yogurt. Situated on the shores of the Bosporus at its narrowest point, Kanlıca is more like a sleepy fishing village than a suburb of bustling İstanbul.
Beylerbeyi Palace is closed on Monday and Thursday. It will be replaced by a visit to Chora Museum (Church) on those days.
ST-10 Chora Museum and Asia Side with Pera
Half day afternoon tour with entrance fee included
■ Church of Chora (Museum)
The Chora Church is not as large as some of the other Byzantine churches of Istanbul (it covers 742.5 m2), but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in the beauty of its interior.
■ Pera
So many old and handsome mansions, churches, old consulate buildings, shops, cafes and passages can also be seen during the short walk. Also Cicek Pasaji (opened at 1876) which can be described as a miniature version of the famous Galleria in Milan whith historic pubs, winehouses and restaurants will be visited. The biggest Catholic Church of Istanbul, St. Antoine may be visited too.
■ Camlica Hill
The highest peak in the istanbul vicinity is the 288m Camlica Hill. It commands a magnificent view that embraces the Bosphorus and old istanbul.
ST-10 and ST-11 are available on Monday and Thursday. Please check the availability for other days.
ST-11 Istanbul Cocktail
Full day tour including lunch, entrance fee, cruise and cable car Church of Chora (Museum) Pera
■ Church of Chora Museum
■ Pera
■ Çamlıca Hill
■ City Walls
■ Cable Car to Cafe Pierre Loti
■ Cruise on the Golden Horn
■ Cruise on the Bosphorus
■ Rumeli Fortress (From the sea)
ST-12 Princes Islands and ASIA
Departure from Golden Horn with a Private Boat to the 1st island called Kınalı. After Kınalı, a visit to Heybeliada and finally Büyükada. The lunch will served on the boat (great grill).
Your visit to each island will be accompanied by our professional guide and you will have enough time to discover picturesque scene of the best parts of the islands and their history.
Our tour is the only one which gives you the opportunity of seeing more than one island.
Stop Overs
Kınalı Island, Heybeli Island, Great Island (Büyükada)
Total Duration
9-10 hours
Important Notice
As the route to the islands pass over the open Marmara Sea, seasonal conditions are more effective on ST-12 than our other tours. Accordingly we may use the public ferry instead of our private boat to minimise the effects of the weather conditions. Please take into consideration that only the Büyükada would be visited and lunch would be given in a restaurant if the public ferry is used.
ST-13 The Great Bursa
Full day tour with lunch included
Our journey starts with a ferry down to Yalova, enjoying the lovely conutry-side view.
Drive to Bursa, former Ottoman Capital which was founded by the Bitnynian King Prusias I Cholus "the Lame" (reigned 228-185 BC), and he also gave his name -altered to the Hellenistic "Prusa"- the city. Legend has it that the great Carthaginian general Hannibal helped him to choose the site.
The city is frequently cited as "Yeşil Bursa" (meaning "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 citys 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 Bursas overall picture. After visiting to Ulucamii and Green Mosque-Mausoleum complex, you will have a lunch of famous "Kebap of Alexander The Great". After the lunch, we will climb to Uludağ Mountain (the legendary Mount Olympos) by cable car (first stage) which is a favourite center of the winter sports held and as well as skiing, its richness of flora and fauna has made it into a National Park and summer activities like trekking and camping are also popular, visit to Ulucami (Grand Mosque) the major mosque of Bursa and a landmark of early Ottoman architecture, the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum, the old Silk Market in the Covered Bazaar.
Late evening return to Istanbul and transfer to hotels.
Minimum number of participants is required for ST-13.
ST-14 Black Sea: Şile and Ağva
Full day City Escape witn Lunch
Our excursion to the Black Sea starts with a hotel pick up and drive through Europe to Asia by the second Bosphorus Bridge, all the way to Sue.
■ Şile Fisher Village
Şile has been a fishing village here since 700 BC and a lighthouse since the Ottoman period. Today, Sue is a beach resort, popular with people who want a resort atmosphere without having to go to the expense of travelling to the Mediterranean Sea. The 150 years old Şile lighthouse is the largest one in Turkey and second largest of the world a definite must seen. Once we left Şile back and head to Ağva, we pass through the traditional Black Sea villages where you feel your self far far away from the crowd of Istanbul. The picturesque way along these villages reaches soon to Ağva which means "the land between two rivers".
■ Ağva: The Lost Pradise
Ağva is another important spot of the Black Sea coastline, a world paradise in which nature shows all its talents... Upon arrival we will have a boat ride down the Göksu River while your lunch is going to be prepared on a nice river side restaurant.
After the lunch you may either relax along the river or freshen up on one of the most exciting beach of whole Turkey where the pine trees meet crystal clear water of the Black Sea. Ifs time to forget yourself, ifs time to get lost in nature. You will have a chance to see a real "Şile Bezi" collection on our way back to istanbul before the twilight fell.
ST-15 Istanbul Dream
Dinner Cruise by Bosphorus with Unlimitted Drinks
Out boat is leaving from the Golden Horn at 20:00 for an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus. You will have chance to listen our pianist singer while you taste the dinner which covers: seasonal salad, 6 different hours d’oeuvres (haydari, humus, şakşuka, amerikan salatası, havuç mezesi, pilaki), grilled chicken shish, grilled meatballs, grilled fish and fruits. You will have also unlimited nonalcoholic drinks, beer and wine. The cruise will take you up to Beykoz after second Bosphorus Bridge to reach calmest waters of Bosphorus and you will have an opportunity to taste the romance along the beatifully illuminated shores or enjoy the rhtym of the live music and dance with the belly dancer for a golden memory. We will transfer you back to your hotels around midnight.
