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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.00mi , Attraction : Palace
Map Pin
No:53 Kat:2 Daire:3, Ömer Avni, İnebolu Sk., 34427 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
POI 1 Tour Image
Dolmabahçe Palace
Starting off strong! Just up ahead on our right is Dolmabahçe Palace, one of the major attractions in the area, an absolutely beautiful 19th century Ottoman, Baroque, and Neoclassical structure. It’r original goal was to modernize the Ottoman Empire and to showcase its commitment to adopting European standards. Just from the architecture and design, the intentions are clear with its strong influence of European styles.From the view of the water, you would see a classic European two-wing structure. In the interior lives large chandeliers, intricate woodwork, and its especially impressive crystal staircase. The Ceremonial Hall, where the Baccarat crystal staircase stands, an equally grand Baccarat chandelier hangs above, a gift from Queen Victoria herself.

The name, Dolmabahçe, means “Filled Garden”, and that it is. The palace is surrounded by lovely gardens with several fountains throughout the grounds. Even this aspect could be derived from European ideals as many palaces and important structures live in or around large gardens. Not only creating a serene escape from the city, but also a fortress representing peace and sophistication.

As we talk you might be thinking you would love to see this magnificent fortress up close, lucky for you there is a museum within the palace that showcases various rooms, halls, and exhibits. A highlight of the museum is Ataturk’s Room. This is where the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, stayed in the summertimes during his visits to Istanbul. Right here in this palace he enacted some of his greatest works, and Ataturk’s Room is even where he spent his last days in 1938. The room has been preserved in pristine condition, and you can see the room exactly how it looked when he stayed in it.

A grand palace with a grand history, Dolmabahçe is an important feature of Turkey’s history. The building marks the country’s step towards modernization during its Tanzimat period of transformation, as well as Turkey’s strengthening government.

Read More

  https://www.dolmabahce-palace.com/
Place #2
Distance: 0.77mi , Attraction : Town
Map Pin
Sinanpaşa, Beşiktaş Cd. No:63, 34353 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
POI 2 Tour Image
Beşiktaş
We started at the Dolmabahçe Palace, but the overall area we have been in and still are is the popular city of Beşiktaş, one of the oldest areas in all of Istanbul. Located along the Bosphorus Strait, where Black Sea rebels used to patrol the coast. But, once the Ottomans took control, the rebels were pushed out, and settlements were officially able to grow outside of the city walls of the Istanbul city center. Most of the Bosphorus is known for its strong currents, reaching up to seven or eight knots. But, at the specific spot along the coast of Beşiktaş the currents are calmer, making it an excellent location to moore ships. It’s said that the Ottomans called the area “Bestas”, meaning “Fine Stones”, most likely deriving from the five columns in the water to moore the ships. Although there are can be different stories as to where the name came from, we do know that the word “Beşiktaş”, means “Cradle Stone”.

Although the Beşiktaş area is that of a smaller one, it is still one the most important in the city. The area is full of historical sites, businesses and shopping centers, and of course the amazing views of the Bosphorus Strait. Not only is it a gorgeous site, but the strait has added to the country’s trade and commerce, and even the fascinating reason behind Turkey being one of the few countries to span over two continents. The current side we are driving through now is the European side, but later on we will make our way to the Asian side! While the Strait lies between the two continents, many myths and legends lie in the waters of the Bosphorus as well. In Greek mythology, the Bosphorus is associate with the story of lo, a mortal priestess of Hera. Zeus fell in love with lo and turned her into a heifer, a young female cow, to protect her from Hera’s jealousy. Hera, however, saw through his tricks and sent a gadfly to torment lo. Fleeing from the gadfly, lo swam across the Bosphorus, which was subsequently named after her as Bosphorus translates to “ox ford”.

Beşiktaş is a lovey area of Istanbul, full of history, stories, and so much beauty. I can’t wait to continue to drive through this area, and show you more of my favorite places along the coast!

Read More

  http://www.allaboutistanbul.com/besiktas.html
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Dolmabahçe Palace
Map Pin Place 2 Beşiktaş
Map Pin Place 3 Çırağan Palace
Map Pin Place 4 Ortaköy Square
Map Pin Place 5 Ortaköy
Map Pin Place 6 Yıldız
Map Pin Place 7 Diversity in Istanbul
Map Pin Place 8 15 July Martyrs Bridge (Bosphorus Bridge)
Map Pin Place 9 Cuisine
Map Pin Place 10 Üsküdar
Map Pin Place 11 Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
Map Pin Place 12 Maiden’s Tower
Map Pin Place 13 The Bosphorus
Map Pin Place 14 Istanbul Knowledge
Map Pin Place 15 Moda Coast
Map Pin Place 16 Kadife Street and Moda Street
Map Pin Place 17 Barış Manço Museum
Map Pin Place 18 Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium
Map Pin Place 19 Kadıköy
Map Pin Place 20 Caddebostan Coast
Map Pin Place 21 Bostancı Coast



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How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
  • No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
  • Walk at your own pace.
  • No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
  • Take the tour in your preferred language.
  • Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
  • Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
  • Enjoy preferred prices.

What's included?
  • A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
  • Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
  • Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
  • Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
  • Earphones (highly recommended).
  • Smartphone.
  • Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
  • Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
  • Food and drinks
  • Physical tour guide.

Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural

+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 21 stops, covering top attractions such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Beşiktaş, Çırağan Palace, Ortaköy Square, Ortaköy.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Dolmabahçe Palace (Address: No:53 Kat:2 Daire:3, Ömer Avni, İnebolu Sk., 34427 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
+ Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - <b>1.</b> A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). <b>2.</b> A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!