Istanbul: Full-Day Bosphorus & Ottoman Splendors Tour

The Istanbul: Full-Day Bosphorus & Ottoman Splendors Tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the city’s rich heritage. Visitors embark on a scenic boat cruise along the Bosphorus, explore the vibrant Spice Bazaar, and marvel at the grandeur of the Topkapi Palace. With a 4-course vegetarian lunch and convenient hotel transfers, this tour provides a well-rounded look at Istanbul’s architectural wonders and natural beauty. Though not suitable for wheelchair users, the limited group size ensures personalized attention, making it an attractive option for those seeking an in-depth exploration of the city’s Ottoman legacy. The tour’s pricing and inclusions warrant a closer look for those planning their Istanbul adventure.

Key Points

• This full-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Istanbul’s iconic Bosphorus and Ottoman heritage, including a boat cruise and visits to Topkapi Palace and the Spice Bazaar.
• The tour is priced at £3,536 per person, with a duration of 8 hours and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Highlights include a 4-course vegetarian lunch, complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off on the European side, and an immersive experience showcasing Istanbul’s natural beauty and architecture.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to accessibility issues, and it is unavailable on Tuesdays and religious holidays.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4 out of 5 based on 2 reviews, with positive feedback on the guides’ knowledge and tour organization, but some concerns regarding weather-related schedule disruptions and the tour duration.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This full-day Bosphorus & Ottoman Splendors Tour covers a range of iconic sights in Istanbul, with prices starting from £3,536 per person.

The 8-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option.

Highlights include a boat cruise along the Bosphorus, visiting the Spice Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, and more.

Lunch is also included, with a 4-course vegetarian menu available.

The tour provides pickup and drop-off at select locations throughout the European side of Istanbul, making it a convenient and comprehensive way to explore the city’s Ottoman heritage and natural beauty.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour takes guests on a captivating journey, visiting the iconic Spice Bazaar, the serene Golden Horn, the majestic Topkapi Palace, the historic Hagia Irene, and the lush Gulhane Park.

Guests will also enjoy a boat cruise along the Bosphorus, offering stunning views of historic villages, grand mansions, and impressive fortresses.

Lunch is included, with a delectable 4-course vegetarian menu available.

Along the way, travelers will witness the architectural splendors of Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, Anatolian Fortress, and Beylerbeyi Palace.

This comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience, showcasing Istanbul’s rich Ottoman heritage and natural beauty.

Pickup and Drop-off Information

For the Bosphorus & Ottoman Splendors Tour, the tour operator provides complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off services within the European side of Istanbul, offering 13 convenient locations. Pickup and drop-off points include popular neighborhoods like Beşiktaş, Fatih, Şişli, and Taksim Square.

Pickup Locations	Drop-off Locations
Beşiktaş	Harbiye
Fatih	Kabataş
Şişli	Eminönü
Karaköy	Laleli
Taksim Square	Aksaray
Laleli	Beyoğlu
Sultanahmet	Fatih
Harbiye	Beşiktaş
Kabataş	Sirkeci
Eminönü	Taksim Square
Sirkeci	Karaköy
Aksaray	Sultanahmet
Beyoğlu	Şişli

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

Included in the Bosphorus & Ottoman Splendors Tour are free hotel pickup and drop-off from the European side of Istanbul, entrance fees to the itinerary’s notable sites, a professional guide, air-conditioned transportation, and a 4-course vegetarian lunch.

However, the tour excludes gratuities, drinks, and the optional harem entrance fee at Topkapi Palace.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

With a group size of 20-25 persons, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Lastly, the tour is unavailable on Tuesdays when Topkapi Palace is closed, as well as during religious holidays when the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar are shut.

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Group Size and Age Restrictions

The tour accommodates a group size of 20 to 25 persons, and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. This ensures a comfortable and manageable group size, allowing the guide to provide personalized attention and insights throughout the day.

The age requirement for minors is in place for safety and supervision purposes, as the tour includes visits to historical sites and a boat cruise along the Bosphorus.

By keeping the group compact and requiring parental supervision for younger participants, the tour organizers aim to deliver an enjoyable and enriching experience for all travelers, regardless of their age.

This policy helps maintain the quality and organization of the full-day excursion.

Tour Availability and Closures

This tour isn’t available on Tuesdays as Topkapi Palace, a key site, is closed on that day. Plus, the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar are inaccessible during religious holidays, as they observe those closures. Travelers should plan accordingly and check the calendar to ensure the sites they wish to visit are open during their preferred tour date.

Site	Closure
Topkapi Palace	Tuesdays
Spice Market	Religious Holidays
Grand Bazaar	Religious Holidays

The tour operator recommends that guests review the schedule and plan their visit accordingly to maximize their experience and avoid any disruptions or disappointments.

Customer Ratings and Feedback

According to customer reviews, the Bosphorus & Ottoman Splendors Tour has an overall rating of 4 out of 5 based on 2 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the guides’ deep knowledge and skilled organization, providing an enriching experience.

However, some concerns were raised regarding:

• Weather-related changes disrupting the tour schedule

• Tour duration feeling slightly rushed at times

• Harem entrance fee being an additional cost

• Accessibility challenges for wheelchair users

• Limited availability on Tuesdays and during religious holidays

Important Considerations

While customer reviews highlight positive aspects of the tour, there are a few important considerations for prospective travelers to keep in mind.

First, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to accessibility constraints.

Plus, the tour isn’t available on Tuesdays when the Topkapi Palace is closed, nor during religious holidays when the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar are shut.

Groups are limited to 20-25 persons, and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Lastly, weather-related changes and the tour’s lengthy 8-hour duration may be a concern for some.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

The tour provider generally allows some flexibility to customize the itinerary to customers’ preferences, though the core sites and activities are pre-determined. It’s best to inquire about customization options when booking the tour.

Are English-Speaking Guides Available for the Tour?

Yes, English-speaking guides are available for this tour. The tour provider states that guides with excellent knowledge of the sites and history provide the tour in English to ensure a seamless and informative experience for English-speaking travelers.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers also have the option to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility with their booking.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not offer any discounts specifically for seniors or students. However, the operator provides a "Reserve now & pay later" option which allows flexibility for travelers to book the tour in advance.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Generally, tour operators don’t allow participants to bring their own food and drinks on their tours. However, it’s best to check with the specific tour company about their policies on outside food and drinks before the tour.

The Sum Up

The Istanbul: Full-Day Bosphorus & Ottoman Splendors Tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the city’s architectural wonders and natural beauty.

The scenic boat cruise, visits to the Spice Bazaar and Topkapi Palace, and a 4-course vegetarian lunch provide a well-rounded look at Istanbul’s rich heritage.

With a limited group size and convenient hotel transportation, this tour is a practical way to explore the city, though it may not be suitable for wheelchair users.

You can check if your dates are available here: