Old and New Istanbul

Tour Summary-
Type: Culture, Food, History, Shopping
Length: 8 Hours
Walking: Difficult - uneven surfaces
Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)
Guide: Licensed Guide
Languages: English

Tour Initetary/Details :
Your driver and licensed guide will meet you in front of Istanbul's port Passenger Terminal. You drive over the Galata Bridge to the heart of the old city. Your first stop is the Topkapi Palace Museum. The Palace was the seat of the Ottoman Empire for almost four centuries. Walk thru the courtyards of the Palace, view the Chimneys of the Royal kitchens, the Ceremonial Halls, Throne Room, see the Costumes of the Sultans, the Treasury of the Ottoman Empire, the Library, Pavilions and more.

After lunch proceed to the Grand Bazaar, where handicrafts from all over Turkey is displayed in 4.000 shops and stores. Enjoy shopping within this bustling maze of glittering jewels, sweet scents, radiant carpets and shining brass and copper.

Later today you drive to Taksim, a modern area of Istanbul. You'll walk the main pedestrian street of Istiklal Caddesi and see the 19th century buildings, consulates, Designer Shops, restaurants, small snack bars, cinemas and even Starbucks. End your tour at Pera Palas Hotel, a late 19th century hotel built for the use of Orient Express passengers. Pera Palas is legendary and has been frequented by well-known highly placed figures of the world such as: Agatha Christie, Edward VIII of England, Ataturk, Yehudi Menuhin, Marie Bell, Jacqueline Kennedy, Mata Hari, Cicero,...

Tour Breakdown:
1- Depart pier and drive to Topkapi Palace - 30 Minutes
2- Tour the Topkapi Palace - 1.5 Hours
3- Lunch Break - 1.5 Hours
4- Drive to Grand Bazaar - 10 Minutes
5- Enjoy Shopping - 1.5 Hours
6- Drive to Taksim Square - 20 Minutes
7- Walk on Istiklal Street - 2 Hours
6- Return to pier - 20 Minutes

Tuesday Notes: The Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. If your tour is on Tuesday you will instead be taken to the Ottoman Dolmabahce Palace decorated with priceless carpets, chandeliers and paintings.

Note- If additional time is available during your tour, many guides will ask if you are interested in seeing how Turkish carpets are made. These free demonstrations are very interesting and quite informative, but they are also a selling opportunity. Decide on your interest and tell your tour guide clearly whether it interests you or not. You should never feel obligated to make a purchase on any tour.

Turkish VISA note: The Turkish government requires overnight visitors to obtain an entry VISA. However visitors who are visiting the country by cruise ship are exempt from this entry requirement. No entry Visa is required for a shore excursion however an entry Visa is required if your cruise starts in Istanbul. Entry Visas for Americans can be obtained at the airport in Istanbul upon your arrival. The cost is about $25 USD.

What's Included

HOTELS

PRICES

Recommend

BOOK/ENQUIRY

Istanbul Port

Private Guided City Tour of Istanbul - Private Car & Private Guide

Highlights of Istanbul Old City

Private Shore Excursions from Istanbul Port