Bazaars & Bosphorus Cruise

Información

Your tour starts at the Grand Bazaar where you’ll meet your guide - an expert fluent, English speaker, hand chosen for their interpersonal skills and local knowledge. Here you’ll join up with the rest of your small group (max 15 people) and start exploring.

With about 5,000 stores spread across 60 streets, this is one of the world’s largest covered markets. It’s unsurprising then that there’s a lot to take in, but your guide knows all the best spots. Learn about local traditions and crafts; discover the secret to bartering like a Turk; and enjoy the perks of traveling with a local who can deflect unwanted attention from sellers.

Next up is a very special stop. Wandering the streets beyond the Grand Bazaar, you’ll duck into a secret staircase that leads to one of our favourite low-key views of the Bosphorus and all of Istanbul. Take some snaps as your guide points out the sites at your feet before heading back to ground level and on to the Spice Bazaar. Here you’ll learn about local cuisine and the towering piles of spices, herbs, teas and sweet treats before you. The history of Istanbul is best told through its food, so your guide will take you on a special visit to a store where you’ll have a (hassle-free!) chance to touch, smell and taste the incredible flavours of the bazaar.

The highlight of your tour comes next with a one-hour tour of the Bosphorus by private boat. Known as the “gateway city”, Istanbul has been defined by its position straddling two continents. As you navigate the water between Europe and Asia your guide will tell you about the effect this has had on the culture of the city, pointing out palaces, towers and landmarks as you pass them. Back on dry land you’ll wander through the fish market and side streets of the city before passing one of its most famous landmarks - the Galata Tower. Lines here are crazy and with no way to skip (and not much to see inside, to be honest) it’s probably not worth the wait. Instead, you’ll visit a nearby cafe where you’ll enjoy the same views with no wait and no additional cost.

Ask your guide all the questions you can think of before they leave you; from where to eat, to which sites you should visit during your tour and how to navigate public transport; one of the greatest perks of a guided tour is the local knowledge of your guide - so use it!

Meeting/pick-up point: By the Çemberlitas tram: stop at the column of Constantine. On the side of the column furthest from the multiplex cinema. Note: on google maps the Column of Constantine is not correctly located. The Cemberlitas Hamam is a good reference point, as it is located across the street from the column.
From the cruise port: Take the tram in the direction of Bagcilar and get off at the Çemberlitas stop.
From Taksim Square: Take the funicular to Kabatas and then the tram in the direction of Bagcilar and get off at the Çemberlitas stop.
By Taxi: Simply tell the driver you would like to go to Çemberlitas. The Cemberlitas Hamam is a good reference point, as it is located across the street from the column. (Çemberlitas Hamami, Mollafenari Mh. 34120 Fatih/Istanbul).
To take public transportation, simply insert 4TL in one of the vending machines present at each stop, it will give you a token that use to go through the turnstiles. You will not need a physical ticket one you are on the tram.
Duration: 3.5 hours.
Start/opening time: At 1:30pm.
-End/closing time: : On a rooftop terrace located very close to the Galata Tower.
Languages: English.
Others: Unfortunately Istanbul is a hilly and crowded city, please wear comfortable shoes and keep your belongings in a safe zipped pocket. Guests should be advised that the tour includes walking down and up steep hills and that often the ground is uneven. One of the rooftop views also requires climbing uneven and high steps. For this reason we cannot accommodate guests with mobility impairments or strollers on our group tour. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate customers with wheelchairs, strollers and baby carriages.