Istanbul Two Continental Tour

We will stroll through the City Walls which got the first rift by the Fourth Crusade in 1204 and the second rift by the cannons and troops of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453. The city walls used to provide protection and were built during the Constantine time after Istanbul was declared as new capital of the Roman empire.

We will drive by the Golden Horn that has played a vital role in the progression of Istanbul. The European shore is parted into two by the bay. It is about 8 km long and the passage from the Bosphorus is the widest part. Two streams drain into this bay at its furthest end. It was named Golden Horn because of its beautiful view of sunset over water.

We will also visit the Spice Bazaar which is an as interesting market to visit as the name itself. The air here is filled with the captivating aromas of various spices like cinnamon, saffron, thyme and mint etc. It is stationed at Eminonu behind the New Mosque called Valide Sultan Mosque. It has been established by Turhan Sultan in 1660 as a divine foundation connected to New Mosque.

Our trip continues as we head to the dock and board the boat that sails over the river that connects Marmara and the Black Sea known as Bosphorus. Here we get a chance to view both the Asian and the European sides of the city.The shore is lined with fortresses, wooden villas, marble palaces and small fishing villages. During the journey, you will pass the majestic Dolmabahce Palace that was the last residence for the Ottoman Sultans and it is known to have a collection of European antiquity, furniture and massive chandeliers.

We will catch sight of the Rumeli Fortress is a nice example of military architecture and it was built during the conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in the 15th century. They put a chain from here to the opposite side to control the Bosphorus Strait.

On your way, you will explore the Beylerbey Palace that once was the summer residence of Ottoman Sultans and it consists of magnificent gardens and original furniture from ancient times. It is the Asian coast of Bosphorus and constructed in the same style as of Dolmabahce Palace by Sultan Abdulaziz in 1865.

The Camlica hill which is known to be the highest point in Istanbul shall be visited. The view from the top is absolutely breath taking as you will see and admire the brilliant panorama of Istanbul and the Bosphourus from the beautiful gardens and landscapes in traditional style.