Excursion Beylerbeyi palace & asian istanbul tour at Istanbul

Experience an Ottoman Summer Palace, a cruise on the Bosphorus and the best of Asian Istanbul during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Bosphorus Boat-Cruise, Castles, Minarets, Landmarks, Luxury Hotels, Villas, Palaces, Fortresses

Depart the pier and drive a short distance to embark a private boat for a picturesque cruise on the Bosphorus. Mark Twain, once a steamship captain on the Mississippi, waxed lyrically about the Bosphorus. During your cruise, take in panoramic views of a delightful mixture of past-and-present, giant tankers and little fishing boats, unforgettable castles, towering minarets, and world-famous landmarks. In addition, see modern luxury hotels standing next to Ottoman wooden villas, marble palaces and rustic fortresses. A refreshment of coffee, tea or local soft drink will be served during your cruise.

Istanbul, Beylerbeyi Palace

Following your cruise, debark the boat and walk a short distance to nearby Beylerbeyi Palace, an Ottoman gem built as a summer retreat for Sultan Abdul Aziz in the mid-19th century. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the entire palace. The Beylerbeyi Palace has 26 rooms and several large halls, beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the complex and splendid panoramic views overlooking the Bosphorus. The Sultan spent much of his time in this idyllic location, entertaining other monarchs and royal guests, including Princess Eugenie of France, Nasruddin, the Shah of Persia and Nicholas, Grand Duke of Russia, and others.

Kuzguncuk, Colourful Houses, Art Galleries, Café, Synagogues, Churches, Mosques

Following your palace tour, re-board your coach and continue on to nearby Kuzguncuk, which happens to be one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Istanbul on the Asian side. Upon arrival, take a guided stroll around the tiny neighbourhood streets, which are filled with many colourful old houses, small art galleries and cafes. For centuries, this quaint neighbourhood was home to a mix of Jews, Greeks, Armenians and Turks, as evidenced by the synagogues, churches and mosques that rise side-by-side in the traditional and beautiful Kuzguncuk seen today. Following your walking tour, re-board your coach and drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Istanbul, Beylerbeyi Palace, Kuzguncuk, Colourful Houses, Art Galleries, Café, Religious Sites, Bosphorus Cruise, Castles, Minarets, Villas, Palaces, Fortresses

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 1.5 miles (about 2.4 kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces, with few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and embark/disembark the boat, and at the Beylerbeyi Palace. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, and local currency for purchases. Photography/videography is prohibited at the Beylerbeyi Palace. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. The tour can not be operated on Mondays because Beylerbeyi Palace is closed. There is no elevator in the Beylerbeyi Palace and the stairway to the second floor does not allow guests to touch the handrails for balance. Guests that have trouble navigating stairs without a hand rail should avoid trying to reach the second floor. They can remain on the first floor.