Combination of AN 4 and AN 5 including lunch.
We begin with a brief visit to the 17th century Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul's most colorful and bustling attractions. Next, we take an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the majestic strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. From our cruise boat, we view the dramatic sights lining the Bosphorus wooded shores : mosques, a bridge that for a time was the worlds longest and the massive Rumeli Hisari, a fortress built by Mehmet the Conqueror in just three months as he prepared to conquer Istanbul. Also noteworthy are the 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultans fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges.
Lunch
A pleasant drive to the Asian part of Istanbul over the Intercontinental Bosphorus Bridge. First stop will be at the Camlica Hill, the highest point of Istanbul for a panaromic view , then a short drive to a small village by the Bosphorus called Beylerbeyi to visit the 19th century summer palace of the sultans. The Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asiatic shore was finished in 1865 and served as a summer residence which has 24 rooms and six big halls. |
