Beylerbeyi Palace & Asian Istanbul
Duration: 3 1/2 hours
Tour Code: ist-016
Your half-day excursion begins with a drive across the Bosphorus Bridge, the world's fifth-longest suspension bridge. Crossing to the Asian side of the city, you arrive at the Beylerbeyi District, home of an opulent palace of the same name.
Designed and built by Sultan Abdul Aziz in the 19th century, Beylerbeyi Palace contains 26 rooms and several large halls. The white marble structure was used as a summer palace and guest house for foreign dignitaries visiting the Ottoman Empire. The palace highlights the elegance, charm and magnificent style that characterized this period.
The first room you visit is the elaborately decorated Reception Hall. Its centerpiece is a twisting staircase surrounded by gorgeous examples of Islamic art and style. Notice the Egyptian hasir, or reed mats, on the floors and the solid marble pool and fountain. After viewing the interior, continue with your guide to the royal stables and terraced gardens that overlook the Bosphorus.
Afterwards, drive to Sakirin Mosque at Karacaahment and visit the modern version of a mosque with interesting applications. Then, travel to the shores of the Marmara Sea to Salacak for tea and enjoy views of the Old Town.
Re-board your motor coach and drive through Uskudar, crossing the Bosphorus Bridge to Europe and arriving at your ship.
Please note: As this excursion involves extensive walking and standing with steps to negotiate, it is not available to wheelchair guests and not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. Conservative dress is required for visiting mosques. All female guests will be required to cover their heads, shoulders and arms and shorts above knee-length are not allowed for both male and female visitors. Flat, comfortable walking shoes. are recommended. Extremely dense traffic congestion can be anticipated and may affect the duration of this excursion. The order of sights visited may vary.