Discover the heart of the Old City of Istanbul by bus and enjoy a cruise on a private boat to see the Bosphorus, one of the most beautiful sights in the world.
From the bus, see Golden Horn, the arm of the Bosphorus and natural harbor of the historical peninsula separating the old and the new parts of Istanbul. Here the first colonies settled during the Byzantine era. Drive along the traces of history at Balat, viewing the Metal Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian, the Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim), the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate and the 22 km long Byzantine City Walls - the strongest fortification of the middle ages. Check out the Spice Bazaar with its mystical smells and different aromas of various spices. Visit shops selling fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers and more.
On your cruise, pass through the waterway that separates Europe and Asia. Take photographs of marble palaces and ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture next to modern residential and luxury apartments. From the boat, you will also see the Rumeli Fortress, a historical armament and unique example of military architecture built by the Conqueror to control and protect the Bosphorus.
After lunch at a typical Turkish restaurant, visit the Topkapi Palace. The residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibits imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy and much more. Visit the Sultan Tombs in the graveyard at Hagia Sophia. The ceramic panels here are the most beautiful examples of 16th century ceramic craft work with purple, red, green and blue flower motives. Learn all about it from your professional guide!
