Your private tour begins in the morning with pickup at your centrally located Istanbul hotel. Travel in comfort by private vehicle with your guide, who shares the long history of the Turkish capital, which was once the center of the Byzantine Empire and Ottoman Empire.
Head to Dolmabahçe Palace for a guided tour of the large, lavishly furnished European-style palace that was the final official residence of the Ottoman Sultans. The opulent building contains 365 rooms, 22 halls, and the world's largest chandelier, a gift from Queen Victoria.
After taking in the palace, drive across the Bosporus Bridge, which connects the European and the Asian sides of Istanbul. From the 195-foot (60-meter) high bridge, you can get a good perspective on the city’s modern and ancient features.
Your driver takes you to the waterfront for your cruise on the Bosphorus River. Board your own private luxury yacht at Sariyer or Kabataş piers, then see the ancient and modern sites along the Asian and European shores. Pass by landmarks such as the luxurious wooden houses of Yenikoy; the Rumeli Fortress, built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1452; Kız Kulesi (Maiden’s Tower), an ancient lighthouse; and districts including Ortaköy, Besiktaş and Tarabya.
When you disembark from your yacht, your vehicle takes you to the Grand Bazaar. With your guide, explore some of the many domed alleys or streets in this sprawling covered market, which holds thousands of vendors selling an array of jewelry, perfumes, carpets, clothing, food and home goods.
After eight hours, your guide returns you to your hotel to end your tour.
