Meet your guide at the pier for an evening out on the town in Istanbul—the only city in the world that is located in both Europe and Asia. You will have an opportunity to view both sides of this marvelous city from a private yacht. Leave the port by minivan and travel a short distance to board a yacht for a cruise along the shores of the stunning Bosphorus Strait. Enjoy local wine and canapés while cruising. On the European side, you will view many palaces, old mansions, and modern villas. Watch for the first ... more

Meet your guide at the pier for an evening out on the town in Istanbul—the only city in the world that is located in both Europe and Asia. You will have an opportunity to view both sides of this marvelous city from a private yacht. Leave the port by minivan and travel a short distance to board a yacht for a cruise along the shores of the stunning Bosphorus Strait. Enjoy local wine and canapés while cruising. On the European side, you will view many palaces, old mansions, and modern villas. Watch for the first intercontinental bridge that connects Europe and Asia. You will spot Dolmabahce Palace, formerly an opulent 19th-century Rococo palace, and now a museum. The boat will turn around at Sariyer fishing village to cruise back along the Asian side. On your left is the gorgeous Beylerbeyi Palace, one of the finest summer palaces of the Sultans. At the end of the evening, return to the ship, viewing the magnificent city of Istanbul with many of the famous monuments lit up. (hide details)

A scenic drive takes you across the Galata Bridge into the heart of Istanbul—the largest city in Turkey and capital of the Ottoman Empire. Your first stop will be at Hagia Sophia, also known as St Sophia or the Church of Divine Wisdom. It was originally built by Constantine the Great, and later rebuilt by Emperor Justinian to be the flagship church of the new empire. Considered one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture, St Sophia is rich with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings. Next, you’ ... more

A scenic drive takes you across the Galata Bridge into the heart of Istanbul—the largest city in Turkey and capital of the Ottoman Empire. Your first stop will be at Hagia Sophia, also known as St Sophia or the Church of Divine Wisdom. It was originally built by Constantine the Great, and later rebuilt by Emperor Justinian to be the flagship church of the new empire. Considered one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture, St Sophia is rich with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings. Next, you’ll visit the Chora Museum—another beautiful Byzantine church—whose frescoes and mosaics reflect the magnificent heritage of Byzantine Art. Finally, you’ll drive to the Zeyrekhane Restaurant, where you will enjoy a welcome drink and taste gourmet specialties inspired by the Ottoman era. The restaurant is located in the historical setting of the ancient Pantocrator Monastery—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the way to the restaurant you will also see the exterior of Pantocrator Church (Zeyrek Mosque). It is the second-largest church remaining from Byzantine-era Istanbul. After the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453, the church was converted to a mosque and is now undergoing renovation. Your tour concludes with the walk back to the coach and a relaxing drive back to the port with fantastic memories. (hide details)

A scenic drive takes you across the Galata Bridge into the heart of Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the capital of the Ottoman Empire. You'll see the Byzantine Hippodrome—once the heart of Constantinople's political and sporting life, and the setting for an array of games throughout the history of the Byzantine Empire. Monuments on the site include the Snake Column from Delphi and an Egyptian obelisk taken from the Temple of Karnak at Luxor. Next you'll visit St Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom. It was ... more

A scenic drive takes you across the Galata Bridge into the heart of Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the capital of the Ottoman Empire. You'll see the Byzantine Hippodrome—once the heart of Constantinople's political and sporting life, and the setting for an array of games throughout the history of the Byzantine Empire. Monuments on the site include the Snake Column from Delphi and an Egyptian obelisk taken from the Temple of Karnak at Luxor. Next you'll visit St Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom. It was originally built by Constantine the Great, and later rebuilt by Emperor Justinian to be the flagship church of the new empire. St Sophia is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture and is rich with mosaics, marble pillars and coverings. Around the corner is the Underground Cistern—a subterranean reservoir built by the Romans in the 6th century. The roof is supported by 336 Corinthian columns, many of which were purloined from pagan temples. The subtly illuminated interior is certain to generate wonder and inspire chills. In the heart of the Old City, you’ll view a carpet demonstration and discover the lively hum of the Grand Bazaar. This impressive covered market is the largest in the world, with more than 4,000 shops and virtually unlimited opportunities to people-watch. At the conclusion of your visit, head back to the coach with an armful of Turkish delight or any other purchase you may make (at your own expense) and return to the ship. (hide details)

Dress for a spectacular dinner at Ciragan Palace Hotel Kempinski overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. Ciragan Palace Kempinski is the only Ottoman Imperial Palace & Hotel on the Bosphorus. It is a landmark reflecting the legendary opulence of the Ottoman Empire. This former residence of the Sultans has retained its one-of-a-kind glory and has integrated it seamlessly into the present day. It is the perfect combination of renowned Turkish hospitality, luxury and exclusive personalized service. Dinner will be served at the Tu ... more

Dress for a spectacular dinner at Ciragan Palace Hotel Kempinski overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. Ciragan Palace Kempinski is the only Ottoman Imperial Palace & Hotel on the Bosphorus. It is a landmark reflecting the legendary opulence of the Ottoman Empire. This former residence of the Sultans has retained its one-of-a-kind glory and has integrated it seamlessly into the present day. It is the perfect combination of renowned Turkish hospitality, luxury and exclusive personalized service. Dinner will be served at the Tugra Restaurant located on the first floor of the original Ciragan Palace and featuring rich Ottoman décor. Delicious Turkish and Ottoman recipes, designed by the chef exclusively for Seabourn guests, will take you on a culinary journey back to the golden era of the Sultans. At the end of the evening, return to the ship, viewing the magnificent city of Istanbul by night with many of the famous monuments lit up. (hide details)

The ultimate story of reinvention, the neo-Classical Four Seasons Sultanahmet began life a century ago as a gruesome Turkish prison. However, the golden rule is location, location, location, and this completely reinvented, absolutely amazing, beautiful hotel just happens to be located right in the core of this fabled city, only steps from the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace. The Private Terrace offers a remarkable and quite unforgettable dining experience with a magnificent view of St Sophia and Blue Mosque, overlooki ... more

The ultimate story of reinvention, the neo-Classical Four Seasons Sultanahmet began life a century ago as a gruesome Turkish prison. However, the golden rule is location, location, location, and this completely reinvented, absolutely amazing, beautiful hotel just happens to be located right in the core of this fabled city, only steps from the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace. The Private Terrace offers a remarkable and quite unforgettable dining experience with a magnificent view of St Sophia and Blue Mosque, overlooking the hotel courtyard and the Sea of Marmara. This magical evening includes a four-course dinner with wonderful entertainment by a classical trio. At the end of the evening, return to the ship, viewing the magnificent city of Istanbul with many of the famous monuments lit up—a night to remember. (hide details)

A scenic drive takes you across the Galata Bridge into the heart of Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the capital of the Ottoman Empire. You'll see the Byzantine Hippodrome, once the heart of Constantinople's political and sporting life, and the scene of games through the history of the Byzantine Empire. Monuments on the site include the Snake Column from Delphi, and an Egyptian obelisk taken from the Temple of Karnak at Luxor. Next, you’ll visit the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This 17th-cen ... more

A scenic drive takes you across the Galata Bridge into the heart of Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the capital of the Ottoman Empire. You'll see the Byzantine Hippodrome, once the heart of Constantinople's political and sporting life, and the scene of games through the history of the Byzantine Empire. Monuments on the site include the Snake Column from Delphi, and an Egyptian obelisk taken from the Temple of Karnak at Luxor. Next, you’ll visit the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This 17th-century marvel was built to rival and surpass the grandeur and beauty of nearby St Sophia, and is a true study in color. It displays a multitude of domes, semi-domes and graceful minarets on the exterior, and inside more than 20,000 shimmering blue Iznik tiles in more than 50 different tulip designs, as well as 216 stained-glass windows. After a short walk, you'll enter the awe-inspiring Topkapi Palace Museum, a huge walled complex that is located on the promontory between the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. This setting provides a magnificent view. Topkapi was the imperial residence of the Sultan, as well as the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire. You will visit the general exhibitions and the Treasury Section displaying the priceless jewelry of the Ottoman Sultans. Try out your haggling skills and take in a day in the life of Istanbul at the Grand Bazaar—the largest covered market in the world with more than 4,000 shops. Walk back to the coach and relax during the transfer to the airport. (hide details)

Cross the Galata Bridge and travel into the heart of Byzantine Istanbul. Your first destination is the Blue Mosque—a 17th-century marvel, built to rival and surpass the grandeur and beauty of nearby St Sophia. From the outside, it is a study of domes and minarets; inside, more than 20,000 shimmering blue Iznik tiles vie for the limelight with the 216 stained-glass windows. Just a short walk away, you'll enter the awe-inspiring Topkapi Palace—a huge walled complex overlooking the Bosphorus. This former Ottoman ... more

Cross the Galata Bridge and travel into the heart of Byzantine Istanbul. Your first destination is the Blue Mosque—a 17th-century marvel, built to rival and surpass the grandeur and beauty of nearby St Sophia. From the outside, it is a study of domes and minarets; inside, more than 20,000 shimmering blue Iznik tiles vie for the limelight with the 216 stained-glass windows. Just a short walk away, you'll enter the awe-inspiring Topkapi Palace—a huge walled complex overlooking the Bosphorus. This former Ottoman palace is now a museum containing an extraordinary collection of art, artifacts, jewels and a rich Treasury section including the Topkapi Diamond—immortalized by James Bond, and of course by nature. Take in the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Strait, the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara. You’ll also walk through the Harem section—the home of the Sultan. It offers an exceptional insight into how the Ottoman rulers lived. Enjoy some free time to browse on your own. Next, head to the Grand Bazaar—the largest covered market in the world with more than 4,000 shops and virtually everything imaginable for sale. You'll view a carpet demonstration and explore the shops filled with jewelry, carpets, leather ware, and copper goods. Haggling is expected, and once you get the hang of it, it’s half the fun. Your tour concludes with the walk back to your vehicle, and a relaxing drive back to the port. (hide details)

Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests, and ... more

Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests, and take in the sights at your own pace. See the famous sights, or go beyond to create your own intimate connections and unique cultural encounters.

Private Touring is recommended for the single/solo traveler, couples, family, friends, and special interest groups traveling together. It can also be an excellent choice for physically challenged guests.

Capacity: 2 guests
Your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. (hide details)

Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests, and ... more

Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests, and take in the sights at your own pace. See the famous sights, or go beyond to create your own intimate connections and unique cultural encounters.

Private Touring is recommended for the single/solo traveler, couples, family, friends, and special interest groups traveling together. It can also be an excellent choice for physically challenged guests.

Capacity: 2 guests
Your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. (hide details)

Private minivans are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests, ... more

Private minivans are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests, and take in the sights at your own pace. See the famous sights, or go beyond to create your own intimate connections and unique cultural encounters.

Private Touring is recommended for the single/solo traveler, couples, family, friends, and special interest groups traveling together. It can also be an excellent choice for physically challenged guests.

Capacity: 6 guests
Your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. (hide details)

Private minivans are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests, ... more

Private minivans are ordered per vehicle (not per person)

Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests, and take in the sights at your own pace. See the famous sights, or go beyond to create your own intimate connections and unique cultural encounters.

Private Touring is recommended for the single/solo traveler, couples, family, friends, and special interest groups traveling together. It can also be an excellent choice for physically challenged guests.

Capacity: 6 guests
Your private party may be of any size up to the maximum capacity. (hide details)

Visit SALT Galata in the 19th-century headquarters of the Imperial Ottoman Bank. This amazing, beautiful old building now houses an important part of the SALT institute. The institute is responsible for a multi-disciplinary program that includes SALT research and offers public access to thousands of print and digital resources. The renovated Ottoman Bank Museum features workshop spaces and an open archive where archival research projects are interpreted and discussed. There is also a temporary exhibition space, a café, restaurant ... more

Visit SALT Galata in the 19th-century headquarters of the Imperial Ottoman Bank. This amazing, beautiful old building now houses an important part of the SALT institute. The institute is responsible for a multi-disciplinary program that includes SALT research and offers public access to thousands of print and digital resources. The renovated Ottoman Bank Museum features workshop spaces and an open archive where archival research projects are interpreted and discussed. There is also a temporary exhibition space, a café, restaurant and bookstore. Walk with your guide through the current contemporary exhibition. Next, after your visit to the Salt Galata Exhibition, you will enjoy dinner at Ca’D’Ora Restaurant, located inside the bank building. It boasts a beautiful view of the Golden Horn waterway. At the end of the evening, return to the ship, viewing the magnificent city of Istanbul by night. The most famous monuments are beautifully lit up—a night to remember. (hide details)

A scenic drive takes you across the Galata Bridge to the Chora Museum—the most beautiful Byzantine church in Istanbul after St Sophia. The Chora’s frescoes and mosaics reflect the magnificent heritage of Byzantine Art left by the Romans. Your tour continues with a visit to the Rustem Pasha Mosque, which is the earliest example of the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan building a mosque to an octagonal plan. When you enter, you'll be amazed by the vivid colors and floral or geometrical designs of the valuable Iznik ... more

A scenic drive takes you across the Galata Bridge to the Chora Museum—the most beautiful Byzantine church in Istanbul after St Sophia. The Chora’s frescoes and mosaics reflect the magnificent heritage of Byzantine Art left by the Romans. Your tour continues with a visit to the Rustem Pasha Mosque, which is the earliest example of the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan building a mosque to an octagonal plan. When you enter, you'll be amazed by the vivid colors and floral or geometrical designs of the valuable Iznik tiles—more than 2,300 pieces were used. Next, you’ll visit the Spice Bazaar, which was built in 1663. Four centuries later, it is still the second-largest covered market in Turkey. The vendors offer all the spices of the East including cardamom, turmeric, saffron, rosewater and more. Sample some Turkish delight—the ubiquitous local candy that is melt-in-your-mouth fabulous. Your tour concludes with the walk back to your vehicle and a relaxing drive back to the port. (hide details)

A scenic drive takes you across the Galata Bridge into the heart of Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the capital of the Ottoman Empire. You'll see the Byzantine Hippodrome, once the heart of Constantinople's political and sporting life, and the setting for an array of games throughout the history of the Byzantine Empire. Monuments on the site include the Snake Column from Delphi and an Egyptian obelisk taken from the Temple of Karnak at Luxor. Next you’ll visit the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahme ... more

A scenic drive takes you across the Galata Bridge into the heart of Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the capital of the Ottoman Empire. You'll see the Byzantine Hippodrome, once the heart of Constantinople's political and sporting life, and the setting for an array of games throughout the history of the Byzantine Empire. Monuments on the site include the Snake Column from Delphi and an Egyptian obelisk taken from the Temple of Karnak at Luxor. Next you’ll visit the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. This 17th-century marvel was built to rival and surpass the grandeur and beauty of nearby St Sophia, and is a true study in color. It displays a multitude of domes, semi-domes and graceful minarets on the exterior, and inside more than 20,000 shimmering blue Iznik tiles in more than 50 different tulip designs, as well as 216 stained-glass windows. After a short walk, you'll enter the awe-inspiring Topkapi Palace Museum, a huge walled complex that hugs the Bosphorus Strait. This former palace of Ottoman Sultans is now a museum displaying an extraordinary collection of art, artifacts, and jewels, including the famed Topkapi Diamond. The windows promise breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara. Lunch is served at a local restaurant; then you'll visit St Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom. It was originally built by Constantine the Great, and later rebuilt by Emperor Justinian to be the flagship church of the new empire. St Sophia is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture and is rich with mosaics, marble pillars and coverings. Just minutes away, you will discover the lively hum of the Grand Bazaar with its animated (and occasionally frantic) transactions. This impressive covered market is the largest in the world, with more than 4,000 shops and exponentially more opportunities to experience a slice of Istanbul life. Walk back to the coach with any purchases in hand. You will be dropped off at your hotel or return to the ship. (hide details)