FULL DAY BOSPHORUS CRUISE

Our tour starts in the morning with SPICE BAZAAR (EGYPTIAN BAZAAR). This covered bazaar is situated in an ancient Ottoman building built in the 17th century. The air here is filled with the mystical smells of different aromas of various spices. Shops selling cinnamon, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb as well as fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish etc. TRADITIONAL BOSPHORUS CRUISE starts from Eminounu district by a regular passenger ferry tailored for a special cruise along the waterway separating Europe and Asia.  During the excursion you will pass the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Rumeli Fortress, wooden mansions and modern villas with the possibility to take lots of photographs. The cruise takes about one and half hours and the ferry zigzags in between two continents. We get off at the village of Sariyer close to Black sea; very charming fishing village. We drive to Asia after our optional lunch break in the village. We take the BOSPHORUS BRIDGE, a unique chance to step from one continent (EUROPE) to another (ASIA) in 2 minutes. We visit BEYLERBEYI PALACE, the summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans with its original furniture, crystal baccarat chandeliers and magnificent gardens with the HAREM on the ASIAN SIDE. Then we drive to CAMLICA HILL, the highest point in Istanbul. At the top you can rest and admire the magnificent panorama of Istanbul and the Bosphorus from the beautiful gardens; landscaped in traditional style. We drive back to EUROPE, to see SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE. The masterpiece of Sinan, the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire, built in the name of Suleiman the Magnificent during 16th Century; it is considered the best amongst the imperial mosques. We also get to see the TOMBS OF SULEIMAN and his beloved wife ROXELANA.  

Tour strength: Easy activity.  Not much walking involved. The tour lasts approx. 7 hours.

Best time to visit: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday

Beylerbeyi Palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays. Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) is closed on Sundays.