During this great combination excursion, you’ll have the chance to step from Europe to Asia in 2 minutes as you cross the Bosphorus Bridge. 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 impressive 22 km long Byzantine City Walls - the strongest fortification of the Middle Ages. Check out the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), and take in the mystical smells of different aromas of various spices. Then, see the shops selling fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers, and much more!
Enjoy a Bosphorus Cruise through the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with the possibility to take photographs of marble palaces and ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture next to modern residential and luxury apartments. See from the boat the Rumeli Fortress, a historical armament built by the Conqueror to control and protect the Bosphorus. If time permits, you will take a visit to a leather showroom. Eat lunch at a Turkish restaurant and enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine.
Afterward, visit Dolmabahce Palace, the royal residence of the Ottoman Sultans, built by two Ottoman architects Karabet and Nikogos Balyan on a 110.000 m² area. It served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. Famous for its great collection of European antiquities, furniture and a 4.5-ton chandelier, the palace has 285 rooms and 46 halls. After your tour, you’ll have the chance to step from Europe to Asia in 2 minutes as you cross the Bosphorus Bridge connecting Europe and Asia. Go to Çamlica Hill and Yeditepe, where you can get a great panoramic view of Istanbul and Bosphorus from one of the highest and most appealing places in the city.
