This full day tour visits Suleymaniye Mosque, The Great Architect Sinan’s work; Dolmabahce Palace, the Ottoman Empire’s last residence, built under heavy Western influence. Then we take a walk through Istanbul’s most famous pedestrian only street, Istiklal Caddesi, from Yuksek Kaldirim to Taksim Square via Galata Tower. From the street itself we will admire 19th century buildings, churches, consulates, a small fish market and a number of significant buildings. A great experience to observe daily life in Istanbul’s heart.
We start the day with a visit to the Suleymaniye Mosque which is an architectural phenomenon. The mosque is surrounded by a number of facilities that are a part of the complex and a few famous restaurants too. The mausoleums of the Emperor Suleyman the Magnificent and his wife Roxelana are also in the courtyard attached to one of the walls of the mosque. This is also where we have some of the best views of the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the Asian side of Istanbul, all below the mosque.
Western culture influenced the Ottoman Empire during the 19th century and the Dolmabahce Palace is an eclectic outcome of this influence. Dolmabahce is entirely different than the Topkapi Palace, and is a great adaptation of Western architecture to accommodate an oriental imperial monarch. The palace is built on the Bosphorus and the location, the layout, the construction material and the interior design are all breathtaking.
After this, we will take a walk through Istanbul’s 20th century entertainment center: Yuksek Kaldirim, that will walk us to Galata Tower. Yuksek Kaldirim is now occupied by coffee shops, eateries, local designer stores and is regaining its reputation which was lost as of the 1970s. Following a visit to the Galata Tower, we will keep walking up the hill, passing by a number shops that sell musical instruments then we will be in Istiklal Street. The Swedish Embassy, St Anthony’s Catholic Church, Cite de Pera, Grand Pera Cercle D’orient are some of the beautiful buildings that we will walk through. This pleasant walk will take us to Taksim Square to see the square and the Republic Monument which will end our day.
Group Size Price
- 2 people 475 USD per person
- 3 people 365 USD per person
- 4 people 310 USD per person
- 5-6 people 280 USD per person
- 7-9 people 240 USD per person
- 10-12 people 215 USD per person
Included services
- Transportation with an A/C luxury minivan
- Professional guiding
- A la carte lunch with soft drinks
- Admission fees to the museums and sights
- Taxes
Excluded services