Discover the imperial, spiritual, and scenic treasures of Istanbul on this comprehensive full-day tour. From the majestic Suleymaniye Mosque to the historic Yedikule Fortress, from a relaxing Bosphorus cruise to panoramic views atop Pierre Loti Hill, this tour offers an unforgettable blend of architecture, history, and natural beauty.
Suleymaniye Mosque
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Suleymaniye Mosque, built in the 16th century by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. Admire its elegant design, peaceful courtyards, and soaring dome — a true symbol of classical Ottoman architecture.
Tombs of Sultan Suleiman & Hurrem Sultan
Visit the mausoleums of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and his influential wife, Hurrem Sultan (Roxelana). Their legacy continues to shape how the world views the Ottoman Empire.
Yedikule Fortress (Fortress of the Seven Towers)
Drive to the dramatic Yedikule Fortress, originally part of the ancient land walls of Constantinople. Explore its towers, walls, and inner courtyards, which once served as a treasury and royal prison. Note: Yedikule Fortress is closed on Mondays; the tour does not operate on that day.
Lunch
Enjoy a set-menu lunch at a local restaurant. (Drinks not included.)
Old City Walls (Drive-By)
Drive along the ancient city walls, built in the 5th century to protect Constantinople from invasions. Learn how these formidable defenses shaped the city’s history.
Golden Horn (Drive-By)
Pass alongside the historic Golden Horn, the natural harbor that fostered centuries of commerce and culture. View the skyline dotted with minarets and domes as your guide explains the region’s importance.
Cable Car to Pierre Loti Hill
Ride the cable car (when available) up to Pierre Loti Hill, named after the French writer who loved Istanbul. From the top, enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Golden Horn and old Istanbul. Note: The cable car may not be operational due to technical or weather conditions.
Bosphorus Cruise by Boat
End the day with a relaxing Bosphorus cruise, gliding between Europe and Asia. From the water, admire:
• Dolmabahçe Palace
• Ortaköy Mosque
• Bosphorus Bridge
• Rumeli Fortress
• Traditional Ottoman mansions and seaside neighborhoods
Shopping Stop (Optional)
If time permits and traffic allows, a brief shopping break may be arranged to browse Turkish goods, souvenirs, and handicrafts.
Very smooth hotel pickup, and we arrived right on time for the Süleymaniye visit. The mosque’s serene atmosphere and beautiful mosaics were impressive. The cable car to Pierre Loti offered panoramic views, and the Bosphorus boat ride capped it off perfectly. Drop-off back at our Karakoy hotel was seamless.
As a repeat visitor, loved seeing Süleymaniye again. Cable car and Bosphorus cruise added fresh perspectives. Pickup and drop-off were well handled.
Morning well spent with history, views, and water. The mosque was awe-inspiring, cable car ride thrilling, and the boat cruise relaxing. Well worth the time.
Excellent half-day tour! Guide engaged us with Ottoman-era stories in Süleymaniye Mosque, then we cruised the Bosphorus. Later, the cable car ride treated us to breathtaking European and Asian views—a fantastic combo!
The mosque’s dome echoes were mesmerizing. Cable car views gave a fresh look at the city, and the Bosphorus cruise was a soothing journey.
Efficient and enjoyable tour. Mosque interior was grand, cable car was scenic, and the Bosphorus cruise offered a beautiful view of both continents.
The mosque’s call to prayer echoed beautifully in the courtyard. Cable car views were incredible, and the Bosphorus cruise along wooden yalis was lovely. Pickup and drop-off in Beşiktaş were very well managed.
Balanced mix of worship space, sightseeing, and sea breeze. The mosque’s interior felt sacred, cable car was memorable, and cruise was an excellent finale.
Our guide shared fascinating stories about Sultan Suleiman inside the mosque, and the peaceful courtyard was a highlight. Riding the cable car up to Pierre Loti Hill was magical, with sweeping city skyline views. We ended with a relaxing Bosphorus cruise before being dropped off in Sultanahmet.
Our guide shared fascinating stories about Sultan Suleiman inside the mosque, and the peaceful courtyard was a highlight…