Private Tour: Bosphorus Cruise and Istanbul's Egyptian Bazaar
4 Hours
Mobile Ticket
Hotel Pickup Offered
No
Language Offered
×Offered in
Overview
Experience the Spice Bazaar and a Bosphorus cruise during this private guided tour in Istanbul. Explore the lively bazaars of Istanbul and discover their fascinating history with the full attention of your private guide. Plus, you will cruise the famous Bosphorus Straight to see stunning mosques and bridges spanning two continents along the historic waters.
Choice of two departure times
Private sightseeing tour of Istanbul
Cruise down the Bosphorus, admiring the sights along the shore
Explore the Egyptian Bazaar
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
Hotel pickup and drop off
River cruise
Entrance fees
Local guide
Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions
Gratuities (optional)
Food and drinks, unless specified
Departure & Return
Departure point
Pick up from centrally located hotels in Istanbul (European only)
Departure Time
9am or 1pm (depending on option selected)Please note: You must contact your local service provider 24 hours prior to the tour to reconfirm your departure point and time
Return Details
Returns to original departure point at approximately 1:00pm
What To Expect
Start your Bosphorus cruise and Egyptian Bazaar tour by meeting your private guide for a pickup at your Istanbul hotel (European side only). Then, set off in your vehicle to the Spice Bazaar and witness this 17th century lively marketplace chalked full of colorful shops. Next, coast to the beautiful Bosphorus River for a serene cruise along the famous strait that connects Europe to Asia. During your ride, admire majestic mosques, expansive bridges and other monuments spotting the verdant coastline. See the grandeur of Rumeli Hisari, a fortification erected by Fatih the Conqueror in a mere three months. Learn how Faith had hoped to crush Istanbul's Ottoman aristocrats and their 19th century mansions, hunting lodges as well as the Sultan's fanciful gingerbread palaces. Continue on to the Egyptian Bazaar and wander with your guide past stalls experiencing alluring aromas of caraway, cinnamon, mint, saffron and thyme. Learn how this astounding dome structure was constructed in 1660 using taxes raised from the spice trade with Egypt. Finally, visit Rumelihisar Fortress, a castle nestled along the narrowest juncture of the Bosphorus, built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452. Listen as you guide explains how the castle's location was strategically placed here to isolate Istanbul from invaders until 1453 when Istanbul fell and the north tower was converted to a prison.Â
Hotel Pickup
Hotel pick-up is offered for this tour. Note: if you are booking within 24 hours of the tour or activity departure time, we cannot guarantee hotel pick-up. Once your purchase is complete, we will send you complete contact information (phone number, email address, etc.) for our local operator to organize pick-up arrangements
Additional Info
Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 2 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited
Not recommended for children aged 4 and under
Children 18 years and under must be accompanied by an adult
Adult pricing applies to all travelers
During religious holidays July 28, 29 and 30 and October 4, 5, 6 and 7, 2014 the Spice market and Grand Bazaar will be closed.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel At least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.