Meet your guide at your hotel in Istanbul’s central Sultanahmet or Taksim districts, and travel through the bustling streets by private, air-conditioned vehicle.
Listen as your guide tells tales of Istanbul, charting its history from ancient to modern times, and let them know if there’s anything you want to see more of: your tour itinerary can be adjusted to your wishes.
Stop first at the Dolmabahçe Palace, the last home of the Ottoman sultans. This 19th-century waterfront residence blends Ottoman- and European-style architecture, and is filled with grand furnishings, art, chandeliers, gold, and fabrics in the two styles.
Absorb the splendid views of the Bosphorus Strait from the grounds, and go inside (own expense) to view the opulent rooms as you hear about the rulers who lived here.
After a stop for lunch (own expense), board your private boat for your Bosphorus cruise. Take a seat on deck and, as you sail between Europe and Asia, admire the city’s waterfronts and skylines.
Cruise under the Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges, and take photos of sights including the Topkapi Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Anatolian Fortress, Maiden’s Tower, Galata Tower, and wooden Ottoman yali mansions lining the Asian waterside.
Disembark and dive into the colorful Spice Market as your guide points out great shops and cultural places of interest.
Your tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel.
