2-day Istanbul Tour with Yacht Cruise

Spend two days at beautiful old Istanbul and enjoy its Ottoman heritage with visiting famous Topkapi Palace. Proceed with the fantastic Bosphorus cruise by а luxury yacht and have a look at the city from the sea.

Itinerary:

Day 1. 12-30/16-30 Ottoman Heritage and Topkapi Palace Tour.

Pick-up from your hotel.

On the half-day tour, you will walk around the pair of distinctive Ottoman sites, Topkapı Palace and Little Hagia Sophia Mosque, learning about the former royal residence of the Ottoman Empire, as well as the local history, architecture and art. You will begin the tour at Topkapı Palace that used to be the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. Back in the days, inhabitants of the palace rarely had to venture out, and the palace functioned as an autonomous entity, as a city within a city. Built in the 15th century, Topkapı has been an important part of the Historic Areas of Istanbul and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. The complex consists of 4 main courtyards, many smaller buildings and hundreds of rooms and chambers, but only several are accessible to the public, including the Ottoman Imperial Harem and the treasury, also known as hazine. There, the Spoonmaker's Diamond and the Topkapı Dagger lie on display. You will see the museum collection that features Ottoman clothing, weapons, armor, miniatures, religious relics and illuminated manuscripts, including the Topkapı manuscript.

Then, your guide will take you to Little Hagia Sophia Mosque, an early Byzantine building that dates back to 527 AD. Also known as Küçük Ayasofya Camii, it used to be an Eastern Orthodox religious site in the times of Constantinople, bearing the name the Church of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus. Later, in the early 16th century, it was converted into a mosque during the period of Ottoman rule, and a madrasa, ornate portico and minaret were added to it. Since it was the first domed church, just preceding Hagia Sophia, you will learn why it is regarded as one of the most important buildings in the development of Byzantine architecture in Istanbul and visit its lovely courtyard that serves today as a shady tea garden. Drop-off at your hotel.

Highlights: Ottoman Palace, Topkapı Palace, Little Hagia Sophia Mosque.

Optional: Evening cruise with dinner and Turkish night show onboard from 25 EUR per person.

Day 2. 10-30/13-00 Morning Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise by a luxury yacht.

Pick-up and drop-off from hotels in Fatih and Beyoglu districts.

A luxury yacht wandering between Europe and Asia, observing the wonders and renowned sights of Istanbul, is calling you. Take a good look at Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Leander Tower, medieval Rumelian Castle and the posh areas of Ortakoy and Bebek from the waters of Bosphorus Strait while you cross under two suspended Bosphorus bridges.

Accompanied by a multilingual guide, make a stopover on the Asian side and walk around Kanlica. As one of the rare seaside attractions of the Bosphorus, Kanlica offers its view of historic wooden waterfront mansions and a specialty, “Kanlıca Yogurt” topped with caster sugar.

Highlights: Bosphorus cruise, the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, Leander Tower, Rumelian Castle, Ortaköy, Bebek, Kanlıca, Kanlıca yogurt.

Departure: daily. Includes: hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation according to the program, entrance fees, a local guide, yacht cruise.

Please note: free of charge for children aged 0-3; 30% discount for children aged 4-7; regular price for children 8 years old or older.