Private Half-Day Tour: Istanbul's Two Continents

Description

From the opulent palaces of Istanbul's European shore to magnificent views from the city's Asian side, this leisurely four-hour private afternoon tour shows you the best of magical Istanbul.

Your personalized tour of Istanbul starts with a visit to either Dolmabahce Palace or Beylerbeyi Palace. Dolmabahce Palace was the last residence of the Ottoman sultans, and is famous for its impressive collection of European antiques, furniture and a massive chandelier given to the sultan by Queen Victoria. The enormous palace has 365 rooms, one for every day of the year, and 22 saloons.

Beylerbeyi Palace was constructed in 1865 by Sarkis Balyan, a famous Armenian architect. Beylerbeyi is the largest and most elegant Ottoman palace, located right by the Bosphorus Bridge and the waterfront.

After touring the palace, you will then cross the Bosphorus Bridge for a unique chance to travel from one continent (Europe) to another (Asia) in only two minutes!

Once on the Asian side, you'll enjoy magnificent views of Istanbul from Camlica Hill, the highest point in the city. The picture-postcard panorama of Istanbul is spread before you from a viewpoint of beautiful gardens landscaped in the traditional Ottoman style.