Istanbul sits on the shores of the Bosphorus, an important strait in the world since ancient times. In addition to its important location connecting Europe and Asia, it also has royal palaces, summer houses, gardens and mansions. This tour will take you to the highlights of the Bosphorus.

We will start by visiting the impressive Dolmabahçe Palace, which was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire until 1922. Known for its vast collection of European antiques, furniture and 4.5-ton chandeliers, the palace has 285 rooms in 46 halls. The founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, died in this palace, and the clocks are still set to the time of his death, November 10, 1938 at 9 am 05:00. This time of year, the whole of Turkey is remembered. After visiting the palace, the next stop is the Bezmi Alem Valide Sultan Mosque built in the 19th century, also known as the Dolmabahce Mosque, one of the most unique buildings among all the Ottoman mosques in Istanbul.

The architecture of the mosque successfully and stylishly blends Baroque and Empire styles and is distinguished by its unique and distinct circular window design. Then it’s time to hop on board and cross to the Asian side! Admire the views of the palace converted into a chic hotel on both sides of the channel during a boat ride to the Royal Summer Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace.

The palace is divided into men’s section, which is used for holding state affairs, and is magnificently decorated; the lady’s section is exclusively used by noble ladies, with simple decoration. After visiting the palace, we will have lunch at one of the seafood restaurants on the Asian coast, enjoying the view from the European side. After lunch, sail north to the Rumeli Fortress area under the new Bosphorus bridge. On the way back, our last stop was Ortaköy, a lovely Bosphorus neighborhood popular with locals and with great views. You will have the opportunity to visit the scenic Ortakoy Mosque.