Discover Istanbul’s Wonders with True Discovery Full Day Tour and Cruise

If there is a city that could sum up the enigmatic magic that is Turkey, it would be Istanbul. A city that blends the old with the new, an intersection of cultures, architecture, food, and people. With its romantic old lanes, breathtaking mosques, vibrant bazaars, and stunning waterways, this city has something for everyone. If you are looking for an all-encompassing tour that allows you to discover the best of Istanbul, then the True Discovery Full Day Tour and Cruise is the perfect choice.

Tour Overview

The True Discovery Full Day Tour and Cruise offers a fantastic way to explore the cultural and historical riches of this compelling city. This full-day tour takes you to many of the city’s most significant museums, mosques, palaces, and landmarks, and it even includes a boat cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. The tour starts with a pick-up from the meeting point at Dolmabahce Palace or from a location of your choice within the city. A comfortable air-conditioned vehicle will take you to the first stop, the Dolmabahce Palace located on the European side of the city. There, you will get admission tickets and a guided tour of this stunning palace that was home to the Ottoman sultans in the 19th century. After the palace tour, it’s time for lunch served on a boat. This traditional Turkish meal includes a range of dishes with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, soft drinks, and tea. As you enjoy your meal, you’ll take in the various landmarks that line the Bosphorus. Keep your eyes peeled for the stunning Yildiz Palace and the jaw-dropping Ciragan Palace, once home to the Ottoman Sultan. Once lunch is over, a panoramic cable car ride on the Pierre Loti Hill awaits. This hill offers one of the best panoramic views of Istanbul as you sit and sip Turkish coffee or tea. Then, a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus gives you the chance to enjoy the cool breeze while seeing Istanbul from a different perspective. You’ll cruise between Europe and Asia, seeing several famous landmarks such as the Bosphorus Bridge, the Rumeli Fortress, and the Maiden’s Tower.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The True Discovery Full Day Tour and Cruise is an all-inclusive tour designed to make sure that you have everything you need to enjoy the day. Here are the inclusions and exclusions of the tour:

Inclusions:

• Lunch
• Air-conditioned vehicle transportation
• Cable car tickets
• Drinks
• Admission tickets to Dolmabahce Palace

Exclusions:

• Gratuities
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting Point and Pickup

The tour’s meeting point is at Dolmabahce Palace located at Vişnezade Dolmabahçe Cd.34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul Türkiye. If you prefer not to go to the meeting point, you may request a pickup service from any location within the city. The tour begins at 9:00 AM, so be sure to arrive on time.

Why Choose True Discovery Full Day Tour and Cruise?

There are many reasons to choose the True Discovery Full Day Tour and Cruise if you want to explore Istanbul:

1. You get to explore many of the city’s most popular attractions in one day
2. You don’t have to worry about transportation or admission tickets as they are included in the tour
3. You get the opportunity to experience a boat cruise on the Bosphorus Strait
4. You can enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch
5. The tour is led by an experienced guide who will provide interesting facts and insights about the city and its landmarks
6. The tour is reasonably priced and offers excellent value for money

Book Your Tour Today

The True Discovery Full Day Tour and Cruise are perfect if you want to explore Istanbul’s beauty in one day. To book the tour, head over to viator.com and reserve your spot. You can book directly online, and if you have any questions, the website’s customer support team is available 24/7 to help you. Don’t forget to bring your camera because you’ll be taking lots of pictures on this unforgettable tour.

Frequently Asked Questions About Istanbul

Istanbul is a unique city that spans across Europe and Asia, and its rich history spanning centuries has left it with a wealth of cultural and architectural landmarks. As a result, plenty of people have questions about Istanbul. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about this city along with their answers:

1. What is Istanbul?

Istanbul is a city that straddles two continents: Europe and Asia. It is the largest city in Turkey and one of the most populous cities in the world. It has a rich history dating back thousands of years and it is home to a number of important cultural and historical landmarks.

2. What are some famous landmarks in Istanbul?

Istanbul is home to a number of famous landmarks, including:

• The Hagia Sophia
• The Blue Mosque
• The Topkapi Palace
• The Grand Bazaar
• The Spice Bazaar
• The Basilica Cistern

3. What is the Hagia Sophia?

The Hagia Sophia is a former Christian church that was converted to a mosque and is now a museum in Istanbul. It was built in the 6th century and was once the largest church in the world. It is known for its impressive architecture and its dome, which was the largest in the world until modern times.

4. What is the Blue Mosque?

The Blue Mosque is a famous mosque in Istanbul that was built in the early 17th century. It is known for its distinctive blue tiles and impressive domes and minarets. It is a popular tourist attraction and still functions as a mosque today.

5. What is the Topkapi Palace?

The Topkapi Palace is a large palace complex in Istanbul that was once the residence of the Ottoman sultans. It is now a museum and is known for its impressive architecture and extensive collections of art, artifacts, and historical objects.

6. What is the Grand Bazaar?

The Grand Bazaar is a large covered market in Istanbul that dates back to the 15th century. It is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world and is known for its vibrant atmosphere and unique shopping opportunities.

7. What is the Spice Bazaar?

The Spice Bazaar is another famous covered market in Istanbul that dates back to the 17th century. It is known for its wide variety of spices, herbs, and other culinary products and is a popular destination for foodies and travelers looking for unique and exotic flavors.

8. What is the Basilica Cistern?

The Basilica Cistern is a large underground cistern in Istanbul that was built in the 6th century. It is known for its impressive architecture and the columns that support its roof, which are said to have been taken from other buildings and reused.

9. What is Turkish cuisine like?

Turkish cuisine is diverse and flavorful, drawing inspiration from the cuisine of the Ottoman Empire and the country’s Mediterranean and Middle Eastern neighbors. Some popular dishes include kebabs, baklava, meze, and Turkish delight.

10. What is the best way to get around Istanbul?

Istanbul has a comprehensive public transportation network that includes buses, trams, and ferries. Taxis and rideshare services are also available. However, one of the best ways to experience Istanbul is by walking, particularly in the city’s historic neighborhoods and along its waterfront areas. Overall, Istanbul has a wealth of history, culture, and attractions to offer visitors. By exploring its landmarks, cuisine, and neighborhoods, you can immerse yourself in this unique and vibrant city.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Istanbul

Istanbul is a city that has a rich history and a mix of cultures, and it’s easy to get lost in all the exciting things to do and see there as a tourist. However, with a little bit of planning, you can maximize your time and have a memorable trip. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Get Familiar with the City

The first thing you need to do is to get familiar with the city. Istanbul is a huge city, and it’s divided into two parts: the European side and the Asian side. You should start with the European side, where most of the major attractions are located. Here are some of the highlights you should put on your list:

• Hagia Sophia
• Blue Mosque
• Topkapi Palace
• Grand Bazaar
• Spice Bazaar
• Bosphorus Cruise

Step 2: Plan Your Days

After you have a better idea of the city, it’s time to plan your days. Start by deciding which attractions you want to see and how much time you want to spend at each one. You should also consider the best time to visit each attraction. Some attractions are less crowded in the morning or evening, while others are busy throughout the day.

Day 1: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace

On your first day, start with Hagia Sophia, an ancient cathedral that has been turned into a museum. From there, head to the Blue Mosque, a stunning mosque with six minarets and a beautiful interior. Finally, visit the Topkapi Palace, where you can see the Crown Jewels and the Harem.

Day 2: Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar

On your second day, explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. There are over 4,000 shops selling everything from carpets to jewelry. After the Grand Bazaar, head to the Spice Bazaar to buy some Turkish spices, teas, and sweets.

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise and Taksim Square

On your third day, take a Bosphorus cruise to see the city from a different perspective. You’ll sail past the Rumeli Fortress, the Bosphorus Bridge, and the Maiden’s Tower. After the cruise, head to Taksim Square, a bustling area with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Step 3: Sample the Local Cuisine

One of the highlights of visiting Istanbul is the food. Turkish cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian flavors, and you can find delicious dishes everywhere you go. Some local dishes you must try are:

• Kebabs
• Baklava
• Manti (Turkish dumplings)
• Pide (Turkish pizza)
• Meze (Turkish tapas)

Step 4: Shop for Souvenirs

Istanbul is a shopper’s paradise, and you can find everything from Turkish ceramics to leather goods. Here are some of the best places to shop for souvenirs:

• Grand Bazaar
• Spice Bazaar
• Istiklal Street
• Bagdat Street

Step 5: Experience the Nightlife

Istanbul has a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of options for everyone. Here are some of the best places to check out:

• Karakoy
• Beyoglu
• Ortakoy
• Nisantası

Book Your Tour Now

There’s no shortage of things to do and see in Istanbul. By following these steps, you can make the most of your time and experience everything this exciting city has to offer. Don’t forget to sample the local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, and experience the nightlife as well.