About this experience
Huge, noisy, colorful, striking with its antiquity and the contrast of civilizations - this is how Istanbul will appear to you during this excursion. We will unravel the threads of European and Asian culture in the halls of Dolmabahçe. We will recall the romantic story of the famous Roxelana by the walls of the Suleymaniye Mosque. And then we will immerse ourselves in the colorful kaleidoscope at the Spice Market.
What to expect
A Palace Worthy of a Sultan
By skipping the lines, we will enter Dolmabahçe Palace. Its complex adorns the Bosphorus Strait and impresses with its grandeur from afar. Here, classicism and baroque are closely intertwined with details of Ottoman architecture - I will help you understand what is where. Admiring the richly decorated halls and their no less rich collections of crystal, porcelain, paintings, and other priceless items, you will listen to stories about the palace's owners and their lives.
A Masterpiece by a Famous Architect
Next, we will visit the Suleymaniye Mosque - one of the most beautiful in Istanbul, as the project was designed by the famous Sinan! It is notable not only for its decoration: Sultan Suleiman himself, his beloved wife Hürrem, and their children rest in the mausoleum here. You will uncover the true story of the 'Magnificent Century' and imagine what these characters were really like.
A Riot of Colors at the Spice Market
The tour will end at the Egyptian Market - the second largest after the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Perhaps, this is the most fragrant and atmospheric attraction in Istanbul! I will help you not to get lost in this diversity, tell you about various spices and other popular goods in Turkey, and advise you on what souvenirs are worth taking home.
Organizational Details
Separately paid transportation and tickets to Dolmabahçe - 1050 lira/adults, 352 lira/children 7-12 years old. With a licensed guide, you will enter the museums without waiting in line, no tickets are needed for the guide.
