About this experience
Only by visiting the ancient Uskudar, you will feel the unity with the great Bosphorus, watching the ships and enchanting sunsets. I will help you feel like Istanbul locals, tell you about the plots of the Magnificent Century and reveal the secrets of significant places - the mosque of Princess Mihrimah, the luxurious Dolmabahce Palace, and the mystical mosque of Shemsi Pasha. And the culmination will be the romantic and legend-shrouded Maiden's Tower, to which we will sail on a little boat.
What to Expect
Through the Bosphorus to the ancient and beautiful Uskudar
Our main goal is the mysterious Maiden's Tower. But the path to it will also impress you: on the 'vapur' boat we will sail through the Bosphorus to the shores of the Asian part in Uskudar and treat the ubiquitous seagulls with a piece of simit. Upon arrival, you will see the must-see places of the ancient district:
- Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, built by the order of the favorite daughter of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. I will tell you why this architectural masterpiece is truly an ode to love.
- The first and oldest suspension bridge across the Bosphorus - it will open up to you from one of the most successful angles for fantastic photos.
- Shemsi Pasha Mosque - the last work of the great Ottoman architect Sinan. We will peek into its cozy courtyard, strolling along the bustling promenade, and I will share legends and facts about why birds literally avoid this mosque.
- Dolmabahce Palace - the largest and one of the most beautiful in Turkey. You will admire its elegant baroque facade, stretching literally from the 'other continent'. And just like the locals, you will leisurely walk along one of the most picturesque waterfronts of Istanbul - Salacak.
Tastes of Istanbul
A real Ottoman tea party will await us in a hidden place where the great architect Mimar Sinan lived during the construction of the mosque for the beauty Mihrimah. The decorations still exude the Ottoman spirit: confirmation of this - calligraphic drawings by famous artists. Gourmets will taste 'menengic' coffee without caffeine, made from dried berries of wild pistachio trees! And, of course, we will try the famous Ottoman sherbet and the most tender biscuit dessert 'trilece'.
Legends and the spirit of romance of the Maiden's Tower
The final 200 meters on a little boat - and you will find yourself on a small rocky islet near the symbol of Istanbul. Maiden's Tower has faced many significant historical events. We will talk about them, but most importantly, about the romantic legends of the tower with paintings by Aivazovsky - about lovers from ancient Greek mythology and the imprisoned beauty. Upon your request, I will organize breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a romantic aperitif at the Maiden's Tower restaurant.
As a result, in three hours you will learn the main things about the Bosphorus Strait, the Dolmabahce Palace and the Maiden's Tower, about local food and the mentality of the Turks; you will receive all the necessary recommendations for Istanbul. And if we meet in the evening, you will enjoy an unforgettable crimson sunset (I hope we are lucky!).
Organizational Details
- Additional payments for yourself and for the guide: round-trip 'vapur' tickets - 40 lira/person, entrance to the Maiden's Tower - 600 lira/person (visiting the tower at your discretion, the view from the water is equally remarkable), tea or coffee with dessert - 100 lira/person.
