Bosphorus and Asia

Drive to the pier in Eminönü for a short visit to the historical Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar), built in 1664 as part of the Yeni Mosque complex and named the Egyptian Bazaar because spices and herbs brought from or via Egypt were sold in it.

Then board a private boat for the cruise along the Bosphorus, a narrow strait between the continents of Europe and Asia connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. From the 18th century onwards it became a favourite place for the sultans and their entourage, who built their kiosks and waterside residences there.

Drive to the Asian side of Istanbul via the transcontinental Bosphorus Bridge, unique in the world in connecting Asia and Europe. The bridge was built in 1973, the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. Its length is 1,560 m (1,074 m over the sea) and its height from the sea is 64 m.

Visit Beylerbeyi Palace, on the shore at the Asian end of the Bosphorus Bridge, built between 1861 and 1864 by Sultan Abdulaziz. The three-storey structure sits on terraced grounds planted with trees brought from all over the world; the interior is decorated in a style typical of 19th century Europe and the original furniture is still on display.

Then drive to Çamlıca Hill, the highest in Istanbul, to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. The next stop is the Grand Çamlıca Mosque, the largest mosque in Turkey, opened in 2019 and designed by two female architects, Bahar Mızrak and Hayriye Gül Totu.