Half-Day Afternoon Istanbul Asia Tour With Beylerbeyi Palace

Discover the captivating essence of Istanbul’s Asian side on this half-day afternoon tour. Enjoy the opulent grandeur of the 19th-century Beylerbeyi Palace, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture, then ascend to the highest point of the city, Camlica Hill, for panoramic vistas of the Bosphorus Strait. As you cross the iconic suspension bridge, you’ll gain a unique perspective on the city’s dynamic blend of history and modernity. With a knowledgeable guide by your side and COVID-19 safety measures in place, this tour promises an enriching and comfortable experience.

Key Points

• Discover the Ottoman grandeur of Beylerbeyi Palace, a 19th-century summer retreat showcasing intricate marble floors and lavish furnishings.
• Admire the breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus Strait from the highest point, Camlica Hill.
• Enjoy a seamless journey across the iconic Bosphorus Suspension Bridge, connecting the European and Asian sides of the city.
• Explore the vibrant energy and modernity of Istanbul’s Asian side, beyond the historic peninsula.
• Experience a robust COVID-19 safety protocol, including limited group sizes, thorough cleaning, and strict hygiene measures.

Tour Overview

This half-day tour provides visitors an opportunity to explore Istanbul’s Asian side, which offers a glimpse into the city’s modern and cultural aspects.

The 4-hour tour includes a visit to the 19th-century Beylerbeyi Palace, a former royal summer residence. Travelers will also admire the panoramic views from Camlica Hill, the highest point in Istanbul.

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, lunch, and a professional guide. Participants can expect to cross the Bosphorus Suspension Bridge and experience the modernity of the Asian side.

If the palace is closed on Mondays, an alternative palace will be visited instead.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights the crossing of the iconic Bosphorus Suspension Bridge, which connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

Travelers will then explore Beylerbeyi Palace, a stunning 19th-century royal summer residence built by an Ottoman sultan. This palace, closed on Mondays, showcases the architectural grandeur and opulence of the Ottoman Empire.

If Beylerbeyi Palace is unavailable, the tour will visit Khedives Palace instead.

The tour also includes a visit to Camlica Hill, the highest point in Istanbul, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s modernity and the Bosphorus Strait below.

Exploring Beylerbeyi Palace

Beylerbeyi Palace, a stunning 19th-century Ottoman residence, captivates visitors with its grand architecture and opulent interiors.

Situated on the Asian side of the Bosporus, the palace was built as a summer retreat for the Ottoman sultans. Guests marvel at the intricate marble floors, ornate chandeliers, and lavish furnishings that reflect the extravagance of the era.

Strolling through the palace’s meticulously landscaped gardens, they’re treated to breathtaking views of the Bosporus Strait.

Despite its historical significance, the palace maintains an air of modernity, seamlessly blending the old and the new.

For those seeking a glimpse into Istanbul’s regal past, a visit to Beylerbeyi Palace is a must.

Admiring Camlica Hill Views

After exploring the grandeur of Beylerbeyi Palace, the tour moves on to the next highlight – Camlica Hill, the highest point in Istanbul.

From this lofty vantage, visitors are treated to sweeping panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus Strait. The hill’s peaceful gardens and parks provide a tranquil respite from the bustling streets below.

As the tour group takes in the scenery, the guide shares insights into the historical and cultural significance of this landmark.

The visit to Camlica Hill offers a chance to appreciate the natural beauty and unique perspective of Istanbul’s Asian side before heading back across the Bosphorus.

Crossing the Bosphorus Bridge

Departing from Beylerbeyi Palace, the tour group boards the air-conditioned vehicle and begins the journey across the iconic Bosphorus Suspension Bridge.

Linking the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, the bridge offers stunning views of the city skyline, the Bosphorus Strait, and the distant Prince’s Islands.

As the vehicle traverses the bridge, travelers can admire the architectural marvel and the bustling maritime activity below.

The crossing takes about 15 minutes, allowing ample time for photos and sightseeing before the tour continues its exploration of Istanbul’s Asian side.

This segment of the tour provides a seamless transition between the palace and the next destination on the itinerary.

Experiencing Istanbul’s Asian Side

Stepping off the Bosphorus Suspension Bridge, the tour group is immersed in the vibrant energy of Istanbul’s Asian side.

Exploring beyond the historic peninsula, they discover the modernity that defines this dynamic district. The tour takes them to Beylerbeyi Palace, a 19th-century royal summer residence that showcases the grandeur of Ottoman architecture.

Towering above the city, Camlica Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views, allowing the travelers to appreciate Istanbul’s diversity.

Throughout the experience, the group is guided by a knowledgeable professional who provides insights into the region’s history and cultural significance.

The tour’s seamless logistics, including comfortable transportation and an included lunch, ensure a well-rounded exploration of this fascinating side of Istanbul.

COVID-19 Safety Measures

The tour operator has implemented robust COVID-19 safety measures to ensure a secure and comfortable experience for all participants.

Masks are provided, and hand sanitizer is available throughout the tour. Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, allowing for proper social distancing.

The vehicles are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before each tour. All staff members are required to follow strict hygiene protocols, including regular temperature checks.

These precautions, combined with the tour’s outdoor activities, create an environment that prioritizes the health and safety of both travelers and the local community.

Booking and Reviews

How does one go about booking this half-day afternoon tour of Istanbul’s Asian side? The booking process is straightforward.

First, the tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to proceed. Confirmation is received upon booking, unless within 16 hours of travel.

Plus, travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a perfect 5.0 rating, this tour seems to be an excellent choice for those seeking to explore the Asian side of Istanbul.

Travelers commend the knowledgeable and friendly guides, the comfortable transportation, and the stunning sights, including the Beylerbeyi Palace and Camlica Hill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a group tour. Many tour operators offer private tours for a more personalized experience, with flexible scheduling and the ability to customize the itinerary to your preferences.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour provider offers an option to extend the duration of the tour. Travelers can inquire about upgrading to a full-day tour, which would allow more time to explore the Asian side of Istanbul in greater depth.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour provider doesn’t offer any discounts for children or seniors. The package price is the same for all travelers, though it does include complimentary hotel pickup/drop-off, lunch, and a professional guide.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Include Specific Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include specific sites. Travelers can contact the tour operator to discuss modifying the itinerary to suit their interests, though additional fees may apply for any changes.

Will There Be Any Stops for Shopping or Local Markets?

This tour does not include any scheduled stops for shopping or local markets. The focus is on visiting historical sites like Beylerbeyi Palace and taking in the views from Camlica Hill. If you’re interested in shopping, you may want to explore that on your own.

Recap

The Half-Day Afternoon Istanbul Asia Tour with Beylerbeyi Palace offers a captivating exploration of Istanbul’s rich history and landscapes. Visitors can marvel at the opulent Beylerbeyi Palace, take in panoramic views from Camlica Hill, and cross the iconic Bosphorus Suspension Bridge, all while adhering to robust COVID-19 safety measures for a comfortable experience. This tour provides an immersive insight into Istanbul’s Asian side.