City Tours

The Imperial Tour

We begin our tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul, at Saint Sophia *. Built by the Emperor Justinian in the early 6th century AD and designed by Anthemius of Tralles and Isodore of Miletus, the church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Converted into a mosque in 1453,it is now a museum. Its massive dome still dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is also famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses and a poignant Virgin and Child. Next we visit the Blue Mosque which takes its name from the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Built by Sultan Ahmet I in the early 17th century, and designed by a pupil of Sinan, the greatest of Ottoman architects, it is the only imperial mosque with 6 minarets. Its courtyard is especially Grand. The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Of these, an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi survive. The Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4,000 shops are full of treasures including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style.

• * On Mondays, when Saint Sophia is closed, we visit the Chora Church, famed for its mosaics and frescos.
• Daily Morning Tour
• Pick up time : 8.15 AM from Miniature Boutique Hotel
• Afternoon tour also available on Tuesdays
• Price : € 35
• Duration : 4 hours

Ottoman Splendours

We begin our tour at Topkapı Palace, which, from the 15th to the 19th century, was the principal residence of the Ottoman Sultans. We will visit the fabulous Imperial Treasury and the Bagdad Kiosk. Topkapı Palace is a now museum and has unrivalled collections of jewelry, including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, the 3rd largest in the world, Ottoman court costumes and ceramics, notably one of the world’s finest collections of Chinese celadon ceramics, much of it gifts from other rulers. Interestingly, some of the ceramics have a special glaze that was said to change color in the presence of poison. We also visit the Imperial Armony, displaying centuries of Ottoman weaponry. But perhaps the loveliest features of Topkapı Palace are its courtyards with their ancient trees, and it is easy to imagine the sultan strolling here far from the cares of the state an empire. The Süleymaniye Mosque is the largest and the grandest of Istanbul’s imperial mosques. It dates from the 16th century heyday of the Ottoman Empire, and was designed by Sinan, the greatest architect of his day and originator of the Classical Ottoman style of architecture. Of the 2,000 structures Sinan designed, Süleymaniye Mosque and its complex of charitable institutions rank among the most important.(Every day except Tuesdays.)

• Daily Afternoon Tour
• Pick up time : 13.00 from Miniature Boutique Hotel
• Price : € 35
• Duration : 4 hours

Special Full Day Old City Tour

Combination of "The Imperial Tour" and "Ottoman Splendours Tour" which includes lunch.

• Price : € 70
• Duration : 8 hours

Bosphorus Cruise

We begin with a brief visit to the 17th century Spice Bazaar*,one of Istanbul’s most colorful and bustling attractions. Next, we take an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the majestic strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. From our cruise boat, we view the dramatics sightseeing The Bosphorus’ wooded shores: mosques, a bridge that for a time was the world’s longest and the massive Rumeli Hisarı, a fortress built by Mehmet the Conqueror in just three months as he prepared to take Istanbul. Also noteworthy are the 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultans’ fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges.

• Optional Morning or Afternoon
• Morning : 08.00 from Miniature Boutique Hotel
• Afternoon : 13.00 from Miniature Boutique Hotel
• Price : € 35
• Duration : 4 hours

Asia and Beylerbeyi Palace

We begin by driving across the first Bosphorus Bridge, which for a time was the world’s longest suspension bridge, and head for the summit of Çamlıca Hill, a which affords panoramic views of Istanbul, the Sea of Marmara and the Princes’ Islands. From here a short drive begins us to the Palace of Beylerbeyi on the shore of the Bosphorus. Perhaps the most elegant of the late Ottoman palaces, Beylerbeyi boasts six sumptuously furnished reception halls with Bohemian crystal chandeliers and Sevres and Chinese vases, including a main salon with an indoor fountain. The sultans ‘guests at the palace included Empress Eugenie of France, has Nasruddin of Persia and Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia.(Every day except Mondays and Thursdays.)

• Daily Afternoon Tour
• Pick up time : 13.00 from Miniature Boutique Hotel
• Price : € 35
• Duration : 4 hours

Princes’ Islands Tour

If you find yourself feeling the need to escape from the bustle of Istanbul for a day, absolutely nothing could be easier. You simply join us aboard a ferry bound for the idyllic Princes’ Islands, enjoying cool breezes and charming sights along the war. Our destination is Büyükada, the largest of the island chain, but we will pass by four other islands on the way. All these islands are famous for their mild climates, lush vegetation and ornate Ottoman houses, and on all of them cars are strictly prohibited. On the Princes’ Islands, the preferred means of transportation is the charming horse-drawn carriage known as the phaeton, which we will use on our circular tour of Büyükada, passing brilliant purple bougainvillea. You will feel as though you have suddenly stepped back into a bygone era finding yourself almost expecting to see elegant 19th century ladies and gentlemen come strolling toward you down on the waterfront as they take their afternoon promenade. We will enjoy our lunch at the best of the many excellent traditional fish-restaurants that line the waterfront, gazing, as we enjoy succulent delicious meze appetizers and fresh fish, across the water at the Asian shore of Istanbul, so close though it feels worlds away.

• Daily Full Day Tour
• Pick up time : 08.00 from Miniature Boutique Hotel
• Price : € 70
• Duration : 8 hours

Private Tours

For a truly VIP experience to discover your personnel passion in Istanbul or if you have visited several times before to enjoy a customized in-depth look at the city, ask your hotel’s concierge about exclusive private interest tours or for a private guide.

Your proffessional guide will be a specialist and fluent in the language of your choice. Whether you are interested in Jewish Heritage, Christian Heritage, the Byzantines, Antiques, Numismatics, Horticulture or any one of dozens of other special interests.

The private walking tour prices are half day € 120 and full day € 180 for 2 people excluding entrance fees.

The private tour including a VIP car half day € 150 and full day € 230 for 2 people excluding entrance fees.

Turkey Tours

Please consult your concierge for Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Pergamum, Bursa, Blue Yacht Cruise or Gallipoli & Troy regional tours.

Turkey Tours

Please consult your concierge for Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Pergamum, Bursa, Blue Yacht Cruise or Gallipoli & Troy regional tours.