Private Istanbul Sightseeing

City of the Sultans
Five Days - Combine With your Crystal Cruise or other Mediterranean cruises

If you have only a short time, this is the perfect getaway. Your five days are filled with enough exotic sights, sounds, scenes and scents to make it seem like weeks. We'll even provide you with the Lonely Planet guide to Istanbul so that you can explore the city on your own, as you like, in your free time!

Arrive ANY DAY! This is the perfect add on to your Crystal Cruises or other Mediterranean cruise.
Extensions are available to Cappadocia for 3 nights /4 days disembarking . Land tour start in Istanbul then we bring you back to Kusadasi to board your cruise . Kusadasi Cruise Shore Excursion

DAY 1 - ISTANBUL
You're met at the airport or seaport by our representative, who sees you to your hotel ( this edition/ version is for guests who have booked their own hotel in Istanbul).

Our staff meets your flight , or cruise line ( Oceania Cruises , Princess Cruises , Crystal Cruises or other Mediterranean cruises ), and escorts you to your hotel.

Our local rep will answer any questions you may have about getting to know the city. As you ride into the great metropolis from the airport/or seaport , two thousand years of history are revealed: towering Roman walls, ancient Byzantine churches, slender minarets framing the bulbous domes of graceful mosques. These ancient monuments float on the skyline of a bustling modern metropolis of ten million people.
Please reconfirm locally the time you prefer for tomorrow tour, we suggest to meet around 8:30 AM or 9 AM

DAY 2 - ISTANBUL (L)
The center of ancient Constantinople and Istanbul was on Seraglio Point, framed by the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. We visit the Blue Mosque, built by Sultan Ahmet III to challenge the architectural primacy of neighboring Sancta Sophia. We then walk next door to compare achievements in Justinian's great Sancta Sophia. Right behind Sancta Sophia is our next stop, sumptuous Topkapi Palace, the sultans seraglio for centuries, filled with breathtaking exhibits of priceless jewels, golden thrones, delicate colored tiles, and lavish court costumes. After lunch in a local restaurant ,we tour the Treasury of the sultans, and the Costume Gallery , then finish up in the bustling Egyptian Bazaar and walk through the maze of colors , spices and perfumes. Return to your hotel with sounds and colors of your first day of touring in Istanbul.

Complimentary entrance tickets to the Harem's Quarter in Topkape Palace in Istanbul

DAY 3 - BOSPHORUS (L)
Istanbul's history was formed by the Bosphorus, the winding strait that separates Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. Now, as in ancient times, it is a maritime vital link between the countries bordering the Black Sea and those in the rest of the world.
Today we take a leisurely cruise northward along this historic waterway. Along its shores are ranged palaces great and small-Topkapi, Dolmabahçe, Beylerbeyi, Küçüksu, Hünkar Iskelesi. Four great fortresses rise on the hills, reminding us that to control the Bosphorus was to control the destinies of nations. Our afternoon cruise (morning cruise for Oct-Apr season) of two continents, ends at Tarabya where we disembark and enjoy lunch (included) at a charming local seafood restaurant ( if you prefer another choice for the cuisine please advise us in advance). After lunch we visit the Sadberk Hanim Museum , with a private collection of Turkish art. On to Kariye Museum, and the most remarkable mosaic that survived until today in a Byzantine church. We take a leisurely stroll through this area of Istanbul to stand at awe in front of the ancient city walls, we drive on to the Golden Horn shores to see the former Jewish Quarter , back to your hotel as we drive over the Galata.

Day 4 - Istanbul , the exotic romance of the "Paris of the East:" (L)
In the morning drive over Bosphorus bridge to the Asian side of Istanbul, view the city from Camlica Hill visit Beylerbeyi Palace. See the glamour of Ottoman Sultans. See the local market in Uskudar and view the old town from Asian shores.
Enjoy your lunch on the Asian side
In the afternoon cross to the European side visit Dolmabahçe Palace which was used till 1923. See the marvelous decorations of the Palace and the taste of the sultans. Continue to the Grand Bazaar and enjoy shopping till the end of your day.

DAY 5 - ISTANBUL - St. Sophia / The Underground Cistern - DEPARTURE (L)
On your last day in Istanbul, after a leisurely morning drive to the old town. First visit St. Sophia Museum of the 6th century and then the Underground Cistern. walk thru the columns of this grand water reservoir. Drive to the Archeological Museum and see the Sarcophagus of Alexander the Great and the numerous relics from Anatolia and Holy Lands.
Enjoy your lunch (included) a top of Galata Tower and view the city from this point, have your tea at the Pera Palas which was the hotel of Agatha Christie.
Afterwards enjoy the Ottoman Band Show at the Military Heritage Museum. At the end of the day transfer to the Airport or pier to board your cruise ship.

There are many more things to see and do in this fascinating city, but they will have to wait for your next visit , our representative escorts you to the airport / or seaport for your homeward flight--until next time!

For guests who will continue on their cruise on to Kusadasi, please click here

RATES per person in USD $

Starts every day in Istanbul . Rates are per person and do not include: Hotels, Transfers, airfare.

Rate includes : .

• Private Guided sightseeing including entrance fees.
• Meals as listed : L : Preset menu , lunch
• Roundtrip transfers in Istanbul

Rate doesn't include :

• International air fare.
• Visa Fee : $20 in cash upon arrival, for US citizens, or $45 for Canadians, or from any of the Turkish Consulates
• Trip/travel insurance, please ask us for the flyer .