There is so much to do in Istanbul that even those who have visited the city on one more or more prior occasions can find a variety of new places to experience. We have designed quite a few programs for these experienced Istanbul travelers in mind.
For example, your Licensed Professional Tour Guide and private, deluxe, air-conditioned vehicle can meet you and your party at the Istanbul Cruise Ship Pier or at your hotel, and take you first to visit Misir Carsisi (“Spice Bazaar” or “Egypt Bazaar”) – one of the oldest markets in Istanbul, built in 1660. It is filled with exotic spices as well as stores that sell Turkish Delights, Turkish coffee and teas, caviar, dried fruits, exotic spices, and other food and non-food items.
Next, you can continue on to Eminonu Pier to embark on a relaxing cruise along the famous Bosphorus Straits, where two continents meet in Istanbul. You will see intercontinental bridges, classic houses and villas, and beautiful palaces and mosques along the Asian and European shores, against the backdrop of the magnificent Istanbul skyline.
After lunch at a local seafood restaurant, your guide will escort you to the privately-owned Sadberk Hanim Museum, located in a beautiful old mansion on the Bosphorus; it has an Archaeological Section that houses artifacts from the earliest Anatolian civilizations on up to the Byzantine Period, as well samples of Islamic Art and women’s costumes, house wares, kitchen implements, and many other items from the times of the Ottoman Empire. Afterwards, you can continue to the beautiful, historic, and vibrant Ortakoy Village on the shores of the Bosphorus to enjoy an opportunity to walk around, and shop at, the colorful stores of this area before returning to your cruise ship or hotel. (Alternatively, one could visit Dolmabahce Palace, the last opulent residence of the Ottoman Sultans, located nearby on the Bosphorus.)
Other options include a visit to the Princess Islands, walking tours of classic Istanbul neighborhoods, cultural immersion opportunities – such as cooking classes and hamam (Turkish Bath) experiences – and many more. We can tailor the itinerary to whatever your interests and needs may be!
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