9am - your lecturer and guide will meet you at the pier where your ship is docked and you will board your Mercedes minivan to start your tour in this fascinating city where two continents meet.
Turkish culture and history take special pride in their most prestigious monument - Dolmabahce Palace - built in the late Ottoman Era (1850s). This breathtaking edifice maintains its authentic interior décor composed of French Baccarat and Cwech Bohemian Crystal, Hereke Rugs and European furniture.
After your tour of the Palace, you'll head to Kabatas pier to board your private luxury boat. Enjoy a cruise on the waters of the Bosphorus, which separates Europe from Asia. You'll see gorgeous historical mansions and palaces and will be overwhelmed by the domes and minarets of the Istanbul skyline.
After the cruise, you can choose to partake in lunch at the historic Pandeli Restaurant in the Spice Market or try Turkish kebabs and desserts at Hamdi Restaurant, which is famous for Ottoman cuisine with fine meats and vegetables.
After lunch, you will visit Rustem Pasha Mosque, which dates back to the 16th century. This small mosque is the best example of mural ceramic wares that Ottoman artisans created during the Renaissance period.
Afterwards, you'll have time to wander through the Grand Bazaar and Nuru Osmaniye district, where you can buy rugs, jewelry, leather products and handcrafted souvenirs.
By late afternoon, your guide will take you back to the pier in time for embarkation.
Duration - 6 hours
Pricing - USD 1715 per person (2-3 pax) and USD 870 per person (4-5 pax)
Includes - Professional lecturer/guide, luxury non-smoking minivan with A/C, all entrance and parking fees, private luxury boat cruise on the Bosphorus, guide books, maps, bookmarks and stamped postcards, complimentary refreshments in vehicle. Lunch and guide tips are extra.
Tour Code - TU-VSTbosp