The next morning you will fild yourselves in the unique city of Istanbul. A city full of colours and delicious Turkish dishes Istanbul is a melting pot of cultures and is full of religious sites, from the famous Hagia Sophia to the Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. Be sure to spend some time shopping and enjoy the beautiful architecture!
With the Bosphorus Strait dividing two continents, Europe and Asia, this is one cruise that’s truly unique. You’ll set sail by private tender boat to glide over the jet blue waters of the Bosphorus so that you can take in the city and its iconic skyline from both angles. As you weave your way between traditional fishing boats and ferries, you’ll soon see the Orient and Occident emerging. Keep a lookout for the glamorous 19th century Dolmabahçe Palace and the former Ottoman palace of Çırağan, now a luxury hotel, on the European riverbank. And on the Asian side, the summer residence of the sultans, Beylerbeyi Palace, as well as the Anatolian Castle medieval fortress and magnificent Kanlica Villa all soon come into view. Then, back on dry land, you can stretch your legs with a stroll around the labyrinthine Spice Market. Try haggling for souvenirs, or simply browse the myriad of goods on offer.
Dig a bit deeper into the history and legacy behind three of Istanbul’s most fascinating sites on this half-day excursion. First up is the Mosque of Sultan Ahmed, or Blue Mosque, and one of the most characteristic sights in the city skyline. Its needle-like minarets are something to behold, and inside you’ll see the grave of Sultan Ahmed I who ordered the construction of the mosque. Next it’s over to the Hagia Sophia, first built as the Orthodox cathedral of Constantinople to later become an imperial mosque and now a museum; the interior and domed ceilings are as captivating as its history. Afterwards, the tour heads to the Cistern of Philoxenos, or the Sunken Palace, to visit this incredible subterranean reservoir. It features 336 marble columns towering 14 metres high that all add to its special atmosphere. At the end of the chamber you’ll be able to spot two column bases displaying the mythological Medusa head.
Over the course of approximately nine hours, this tour will bring Istanbul’s rich picking of landmarks and legacies to life. Step into the Old City to the Hippodrome of Constantinople – a once popular meeting place to watch chariot racing – to see the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, Walled Obelisk and German Fountain. Then, you’ll pick up the pace and head to the Blue Mosque, the most beautiful in all the city, and the exquisite Hagia Sophia, symbol of Istanbul. After lunch in a local restaurant, you’ll spend the first part of the afternoon exploring the rooms, courtyards and collections in Topkapi Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and lavish residence of Ottoman sultans. To end the tour, you’ll have plenty of free time to get lost in amongst the maze of lanes and stalls of the Grand Bazaar. Try haggling for souvenirs, or simply browse the myriad of goods on offer.