Ideal for travelers seeking the ultimate Istanbul experience, the Premium Card offers access to the city's most populer attractions such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern,along with comprehensive coverage of public transportation, tours, and cruises. Also you will receive discounts for additional experiences. Get your card and join the tours whenever you want, on any day! Make your own program and have fun!
You also get discounts on additional experiences. Get your card and join the tours whenever you want, any day! Make your programme and have fun!
Highlight Tours with Official Guide and Audio Guide
Discover the Topkapi Palace with a local specialist!
Meet your guide at the entrances, skip the lines and enter the shortest way inside. Save up to 2 hours by not standing in the famous queues. The benefit of the highlight tours is getting the most important information and orientation tips on how to discover the attraction the best way. Afterwards, you can explore the sight at your own pace, stay inside as long as you want, listen to the exciting stories in the audio guide and capture amazing pictures.
Basilica Cistern highlights tour
Duration: 15 minutes
Daily at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm.
Our Officer will welcome you at the meeting point and help you on the boat. You will enjoy this breathtaking cruise over the shimmering waters of Istanbul's magnificent Bosphorus, and admire the cosmopolitan city from a completely different perspective while watching the beautiful views of the Orient and the Occident at the same time. Be ready to explore the highlights between Europe and Asia, pass by Historical Palaces, Fortresses and below the Bosphorus Bridge.
Daily cruise times: 12pm, 3:30pm, 6:30pm.
10 Rides Public Transportation Card
Valid at Metro, Tram, Ferry, Funicular, Bus and Metrobus.
Valid: for 5 days.
Important information
Please note that Harem section is no longer included.
Enjoy Turkish food and entertainment on a scenic cruise with the mesmerising city of Istanbul as the backdrop. Come across sites such as the Dolmabahce Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, and Anatolian Fortress as you watch a vibrant dance show and listen to live DJ music.
Get picked up from the European side of Istanbul or arrive at the meeting point by yourself, depending on the option chosen. Begin your experience with the Whirling Dervishes show, a spiritual ritual performed by the followers of famous mystic Rumi.
Be captivated by the Zeybek, an Aegean folk dance with heroic vibes.Admire the energetic celebration dance of Latin and Halay from Central Anatolia. Witness Turkish belly dancingand some fast-paced Roman dancing. Move on to the jaw-dropping Kafka dance performed with Caucasian music.
End the experience on a high note with a demonstration of the Black Sea's Horon dance before dinner.
Taste a delicious meal of fish or grilled meat. After dinner, a live DJ performance will make your night even more magical as you head back to the port.
Ticket Options
Alcoholic drinks and transfer: includes 2 alcoholic drinks and also unlimited soft drinks
Soft Drinks and Transfer: includes only soft drinks
Pick-up instructions
Hotel pick-ups are only available in the following areas: Taksim, Sisli, and Sultanahmet.
Cruise & Water Tours, Shows, sports and special events+1 more
Evening
Don't miss to join this activitiy and experience an amazing night at this Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Oriental Show!
Highlights
Big and luxurious ship
3-course dinner
Unlimited soft drinks or unlimited alcoholic drinks, according to the option chosen.
Welcome by an Ottoman Military Ensemble
6 different shows: Sufi and Alevi Dans Performance, Dance of the Odalisques, Dagger Dance, Oriental Belly Dance Show, Rhythm & Light Show and Folklore Dances
Belly dance
Capture amazing pictures
Witness at this cruise Istanbul's magic at night and catch breathtaking views of top attractions like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, Maiden Tower and the Bosphorus Bridge. During the 3 hour Bosphorus Dinner Cruise at this luxurious ship you will have the chance to take amazing pictures, enjoy a delicious 3 course dinner and have a good time while watching the oriental shows.
Tickets & Attraction Passes, Gastronomy & nightlife+1 more
Service date
1-3 hours
Flexible
Get ready for an unforgettable journey in one of the most unique locations of Istanbul.Indulge in a matchless experience accompanied by amazing food and the best panoramic views from the city's highest point.
Enjoy pickup from your hotel (if option selected), and be driven to Camlica Towerin air-conditioned comfort. Ascend up in the lifts to take in the city views from Istanbul's highest point.
Take in unparalleled views of Blue Mosque's famous six minarets and the Hagia Sophia's glorious silhouette. Marvel at the sight of the Grand Bazaarfrom the sky, the epic Topkapi Palace, and mthe odern skyscrapers of the Levent districts.
Select from your choice of dining options. Feast on a Turkish breakfast or a full 3-course Turkish dinner. Tuck into the delicious food in this iconic setting.
Available Options:
Ticket with Complimentary Turkish Tea
Ticket with Hotel Pickup and Turkish Coffee Experience: includes Turkish coffee and choosing from a range of delicious Turkish desserts, such as Sutlac, Kazandibi, Tavuk Gogsu, Muhallebi, or Magnolia.
Ticket with Hotel Pickup and Breakfast Experience: Breakfast Menu: * 5 Types of Cheeses * Beef Jambon, Spinach and Mixed Cheese Pastry * French Fries, Egg * Olives, Ajika Pepper Spread * Tomatoes, Cucumbers * Butter, Sour Cherry Jam, Tahini & Grape Molasses, Honey & Cream * Breads * Unlimited Tea
Ticket with Hotel Pickup and Lunch or Dinner Experience: Menu * Starters - Appetizer Platter (Variety of 6) * Salad - Mediterranean Salad * Main Dish (Choose One) Grilled Meatball Or Chicken Shish * Beverage A choice of one soft drink: Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Schweppes, Cappy, Fusetea or San Pellgrino(250 ml)
Ticket with Hotel Pickup and Premium Lunch or Dinner: Menu * Cold Starters - Appetizer Platter (Variety of 6) * Hot Starter - Kibbeh * Salad - Mozzarella Salad * Main Dish - Tower Kebab Platter: Beef Fillet Steak, Lamb Chops, Grilled Meatballs And Grilled Chicken * Dessert * Beverage - One soft drink
Important Information:
Seating in the cafe or restaurant is subject to availability
The Observation Deck can be visited before or after eating
Learn all about four of Istanbul's most history-filled landmarks; this tour takes you to the beautiful Golden Horn harbour, the great church of St Mary of Blachernae, the church of the Holy Saviour in Chora (also known as the Kariye Museum, in Turkish) and the splendorous Palace of the Porphyrogenitus (Tekfur Palace).
Your first stop is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Istanbul. The Golden Hornis a hornlike branch of the Bosphorus River used as a natural naval harbour in the times of the Byzantine Empire. Its name comes from both its shape and the golden hue it adopts when seen from a hilltop due to the reflection of the sun. Visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the seat of Orthodox Christianity in Turkey since the time when Constantine the Great declared Christianity the religion of the Roman Empire.
Continue to St Mary of Blachernae, a magnificent church and shrine of the Mother of God famous for its holy water and sacred baths. Then see another breathtaking church, the Holy Saviour in Chora, long ago a Byzantine monastery and nowadays a very interesting museum filled with mosaics and frescoes from ages past. Also delve into the eerie Prison of Anemas, a spooky network of 14 separate dungeons.
Finally, visit the imposing 12th-century Palace of the Porphyrogenitus. It is the only surviving pavilion of the Blachernae Palace and it was erected adjacent to the city walls that surround the remains of the Byzantine acropolis; a day full of history.
Step into the enchanting world of Ottoman miniature painting at the historic Kasimpasa Mevlevihanesi in Istanbul.
This hands-on workshop introduces participants to the delicate techniques of traditional Turkish miniature art-- once used to illustrate manuscripts and capture the spiritual and cultural life of the empire. Guided by an expert artist, guests learn how to use natural pigments, gold leaf, and fine brushes to create detailed and colorful compositions.
Through the process, visitors not only practice artistic expression but also gain insight into the symbolic aesthetics and meditative precision of Ottoman art in a serene Mevlevi atmosphere.
Stroll through the Galata hillside and check out the relics left over from the Byzantine Empire
Travel back to the era of the Byzantine Empire with this half-day walking tour of the Galata hillside and nearby areas. Walk to the Galata area, located at the northern shore of the majestic Golden Horn. Walk through the serene hillside, once filled with numerous orchards during the Byzantine era, and take in the gorgeous view of the Golden Horn, an inlet of water surrounded by skyscrapers and lush green forests. Check out the exterior of the Galata Tower, a medieval stone tower, and listen to stories from your guide about how the neighborhood became a Genoese colony from the 6th to the 15th century. Explore the narrow streets of Istanbul to visit famous churches and synagogues before stopping by the Camondo Steps, a famous pedestrian walkway in Banks Street that was built by the Camondo family circa 1870-1880. You'll hear more interesting stories from your guide as you drop by hospitals and schools.
For thousands of years humans have been making their way to Pamukkale and Hierapolis to take it in the rare and fascinating landscape, and to relax in the thermal springs. Join us for this full-day tour out of Istanbul to south-west Turkey and discover just why the ancients flocked here.
You can choose either an early morning flight to Izmir or a coach journey to Kusadasi the night before. Please note that this is a long journey, with Pamukkale and Hierapolis located more than 600km from Istanbul.
Pamukkale and Hierapolis combined are a Unesco World Heritage Site. Pamukkale, which in English means 'cotton castle', is a series of cascading calcium terraces formed as a result of thermal springs. There are just a handful of these in the planet and they have to be seen to be believed. The contrast with the surrounding landscape is particularly stark. Up the hill, at Hierapolis, there is a well-preserved Roman theatre and ancient thermal baths, which have been restored and converted into an archaeological museum. Other significant sites include the Temple of Apollo, the Necropolis and the Nymphaeum.
Afterwards, you will return to Izmir for evening flight or to Kusadasi for the night bus to Istanbul.
Includes round trip plane or bus tickets, transfers to and from central hotels, English-speaking professional guide (other languages are available on request), lunch, museum entrance. Excludes drinks and transfer from the bus station to the hotel (in the bus package) in Istanbul at the end of the tour.
Embark on an intimate bosphorus and golden horn sunset cruise,set sail from Kabatas and immerse yourself in Istanbul's enchanting sunset skyline. Enjoy a magical two hour journey that allows you to explore the historical and natural wonders of this captivating city.
Learn about the stories behind landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, the Bosphorus Bridge, the Maiden's Tower, Topkapi Palace, and the Golden Horn. Deepen your connection to the surroundings by listening to stories as the sun bathes the city in golden light, creating stunning photo opportunities.
Don't miss the magnificent sight of the Bosphorus Bridge at sunset as it is a spectacle to behold. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere, and taste an array of delicious snacks, fresh fruit, and refreshing drinks to make your trip even more enjoyable.
Embark on a journey through Istanbul's rich history and culture on this sightseeing tour.The Golden Horn, an arm of the Bosphorus, is a natural harbor and historical peninsula that separates the city's old and new parts. It was home to Byzantine Jews, Italian traders, and other non-Muslim minorities, making it a melting pot of cultures. As you drive through Balat, you'll see the Metal Church of St. Stephen, the Bulgarian and Jewish Hospitals, the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate, and the impressive 22-kilometer-long Byzantine City Walls.
Next, visit the Spice Bazaar (also known as the Egyptian Bazaar), where you'll be enchanted by the mystical scents of various spices. Here, you'll find shops selling fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and flowers, among other things. Then, embark on a Bosphorus cruiseand marvel at the magnificent marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture, and modern residences and apartments that line the waterway separating Europe and Asia. Don't forget your camera!
Stop by the Rumeli Fortress(exterior only), a historical armament built by the Conqueror to protect and control the Bosphorus. This fortress is a unique example of military architecture that's sure to impress. If time permits, you'll also have the opportunity to visit a leather showroom.
For lunch, indulge in some authentic Turkish cuisine at a typical restaurant. Afterward, head to the Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman sultans that houses imperial treasures, sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, a kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, and a calligraphy section, among other things. Please note that a live guide commentary is not allowed in the palace's special sections, and the Harem is not included in the program.
Finally, visit the Sultan Tombs, where you'll find five tombs of Ottoman sultans in the graveyard of Hagia Sophia. The ceramic panels are a stunning example of 16th-century art, with purple, red, green, and blue flower motifs. You'll also see Prince robes and a small piece from the Kaaba covers on the sarcophaguses. This tour is a perfect way to explore Istanbul's rich history and culture in just one day!
Others
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and replaced with Tour to Byzantium.
Discover the mesmerizing art of Ebru, the traditional Turkish marbling technique, at the historic Kasimpasa Mevlevihanesi in Istanbul.
Guided by experienced artists, participants learn how to create stunning water-based designsusing natural pigments and horsehair brushes on the surface of water thickened with carrageenan.
Each pattern is then transferred onto paper, creating unique and vibrant artworks.
This hands-on cultural experience connects visitors with centuries of Ottoman artistry and spiritual symbolism, offering both creativity and serenity in one of Istanbul's most authentic Mevlevihanes.
Second in size only to Rome in antiquity, Ephesus is a treasure trove of ruins that include one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and the last home of the Virgin Mary. This full-day tour will allow you to explore this vast outdoor museum that has been at the crossroads of history for thousands of years.
Ephesus is in the south west of Turkey and to reach it you can choose either an early morning flight to Izmir or a coach journey to Kusadasi the night before.
At Ephesus, which was a major city in ancient Greece and rose to even greater prominence during Roman times, we will stroll along the Marble Street, the Odeon theatre, Odeon, the Bouleuterion, the Temple of Hadrian and Serapis, the Agoras, the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre - believed to have been the largest in the ancient world - the Double Church, the Arcadian Way, the Gate of Magnesia and much more.
Then we'll visit Mount Koressos to see the house that is believed to have been the last home of Our Lady. It is now a shrine and there is also a wishing wall where the faithful and the not-so-faithful leave requests.
We'll take a break for lunch at Selcuk, the city close to these ancient sites, before continuing the tour at the historic Isabey Mosque and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Afterwards, you will return to Izmir for an evening flight or to Kusadasi for the night bus to Istanbul.
Includes round trip plane or bus tickets, transfers to and from central hotels, English-speaking professional guide (other languages are available on request), lunch, museum entrance. Excludes drinks and transfer from the bus station to the hotel (in the bus package) in Istanbul at the end of the tour.
This trip around Turkey 🇹🇷 was a partnership with the company Europamundo. From first point of contact, taketours and Europamundo was professional, clear and organised. The hotels 🏨 were clean and presentable, the included food through buffet breakfast 🥬 and fixed dinner menus, were decent. We were even granted early check-in on our first day of arrival, because we arrived at 5am in Istanbul. Our tour guide (Yalcin) was knowledgeable and friendly and accommodated requests (like chicken 🍗 preference for meals). If you would ask me, if I'd do it again? Without hesitation and I would say a big resounding yes. I was expecting a negative experience, because of other reviews. But the Turkey 10 day trip was worth the $1,200USD. Try it yourself. ✨
Katrina
5 months ago
This trip around Turkey 🇹🇷 was a partnership with the company Europamundo. From first point of contact, taketours and Europamundo was professional, clear and organised. The hotels 🏨 were clean and presentable, the included food through buffet breakfast 🥬 and fixed dinner menus, were decent. We were even granted early check-in on our first day of arrival, because we arrived at 5am in Istanbul. Our tour guide (Yalcin) was knowledgeable and friendly and accommodated requests (like chicken 🍗 preference for meals). If you would ask me, if I'd do it again? Without hesitation and I would say a big resounding yes. I was expecting a negative experience, because of other reviews. But the Turkey 10 day trip was worth the $1,200USD. Try it yourself. ✨
