Having limited time in Istanbul and you want to make the most of it, we have planned a perfect day on which you can explore the most important sights such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Ancient Hippodrome, Suleymaniye Mosque in the old town and finish your day with a relaxing Bosphorus sunset cruise on a luxurious yacht.
Experience Istanbul's timeless sights on a full-day tour of the city's stunning historic places. Listen for the ancient echoes of pounding hooves and charioteers at Hippodrome Square and spot the distinctive tiles of the Blue Mosque. See the Byzantine mosaics and minarets of Hagia Sophia, then follow in the footsteps of powerful sultans, courtiers, and generals at Topkapi Palace. Continue your tour in the vibrant Grand Bazaar, browsing bright displays of handicrafts, carpets and souvenirs.
Sail down the Bosphorus passing Dolmabahce Palace, impressive Bosphorus Bridges, and beautifully designed seaside villas along both sides of the Bosphorus, before rounding the spectacular tip of the old city and ultimately cruising only a few feet away from the magnificent Maiden's Tower. Put a classy end to the day with a sunset cruise on a luxury yacht.
08:15 - 09:00
Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the starting point
09:00 - 16:00
Visits to the main historical sights in the old city (with lunch break).
BLUE MOSQUE: The Blue Mosque is one of the most prominent landmarks of Istanbul. It is very impressive with its beautiful semidomes, nice courtyards and six slender minarets.
HAGIA SOPHIA: From the Golden Age of Byzantine, this once Christian church is one of 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.
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 (Kucuk 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.
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 BAZAAR: The oldest and the largest covered market place in the world is situated in the center of the city.
16:00
Trnasfer to the yacht
16:30 - 19:00
Witness the enchantment of Istanbul with a 2.5-Hour evening cruise along the beautiful Bosphorus! Aboard the glass-encased luxury yacht, enjoy the city’s main attractions at dusk with informative commetary of your guide, savor a delicious tradational Turkish drink (demirhindi) and canapés as you cruise the strait and delight in the magic of Istanbul’s urban shoreline as night falls.
A sunset on the water is an amazing way to end your cruise experience and an equally amazing way to start your evening! Whether it's to impress that special someone with a picture-perfect moment or just appreciate a great time with great mates - a sunset cruise is something everyone will remember.
Few places in the world are as mesmerizing as Istanbul in the setting sun. Aboard an elegant yacht, drinking tradational Turkish drink and nibble on canapés and fruits from tastefully arranged platters, you glide by palaces and minarets, while sailing the Bosphorus on this relaxing cruise.
When dusk sets in, soothing breezes arrive from the Sea of Marmara, and the sky over the city puts on a colorful dress-tinted with shades of orange and rose. The muezzin calls from a towering minaret. Majestic palaces and villas stand still along the strait’s banks, as if nothing has changed over a millennium. You breathe in the legacy of ancient Byzantium, Constantinople, and the mighty Ottoman Empire with each breath of fresh, salty air.
Kick back and ride gentle waves in the comfort of a yacht. Watch the city and its iconic landmarks pass by-a perfect way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on your Bosphorus Cruise, please read our terms and conditions:
Terms and Conditions
- Once we receive your tour booking request, we will send you and e-mail regarding availability of the requested Bosphorus cruise or the tour by e-mail within minutes (our reservation department is available 7/24).
- We kindly ask you to reply our e-mail to confirm your tour booking. We will send your tour booking confirmation and all the information you need once you confirm.
- You can book your tour with these two east steps. WE DON'T NEED YOUR CREDIT CARD DETAILS.
- Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
- We kindly request you to be ready 10 minutes before the specified departure time BUT also ask you to please be patient about the pickup delays due to heavy traffic in Istanbul. Even though the traffic in Istanbul can be very unpredictable, we always strive to be punctual!
- Due to weather conditions, itineraries may be changed. No matter what, we will make sure that you have an amazing time and finish your tour with a smile on your face.
- Tour fees include transportation, professional tour guide, entrance fees, and meals as specified in our tour descriptions. Beer and wine are available at an extra charge, except dinner cruises or organised private charters.
- The duration of stops that are shown in our Bosphorus cruise time tables are approximate and may differ according to unseen conditions.
- For the best experience, please pay attention to the instructions of your tour guide and be ready at the appointed places on time.
- Children ages 0-2 are FREE and children between ages 3-7 receive a 30% discount!
