Duration: full day, lunch included

This unique excursion takes you to the Asian and European sides of this metropolis located on the shores of the Bosphorus. We will cross the Bosphorus Bridge to reach the Asian side, with a visit to Beylerbeyi Palace, summer residence of the sultans and stunning example of late Ottoman architecture. One of the most attractive rooms is the reception hall, with its extravagant marble pool and fountain. We will then board a boat to reach the European shore of Istanbul, where we will have lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to the amazing “Cisterna Basilica”, the largest of several underground cisterns beneath the city of Istanbul, with its 336 marble columns. Its name comes from a large public square, the Stoa Basilica, beneath which it was originally constructed. You will admire the face of Medusa, located in the northwest corner of the cistern and which is set upside down, apparently to diffuse the power of this Gorgon’s gaze. The tour also foresees some time for a typical carpet demonstration and/or visiting a luxury jewelry or in a leather store before free time for shopping in the fabulous Gran Bazaar.

After leaving the port, this fascinating excursion will show you the sights of this lovely Turkish city, including the Golden Horn, the historical inlet of the Bosphorus dividing Istanbul, and the ancient defensive walls of Constantinople. The tour also includes a visit to Süleymaniye Mosque, the city’s largest mosque that was built at the order of Sultan Süleyman, who was known as Süleyman the Magnificent. Having been completed in only seven years, the original complex consisted of the mosque itself, a hospital, public baths, a caravanserai and a public kitchen. The mosque also houses the tombs of Sultans Suleiman II and Ahmed II. A further highlight of the tour is a visit to the colourful and wonderfully aromatic spice market, some free time to spend browsing through the fabulous Grand Bazaar and a chance to see a typical carpet demonstration and/or to shop in a luxury jewellery or in a leather store. The tour concludes by taking you back to your vessel.