Private Tour: Bosphorus Cruise and Istanbul's Egyptian Bazaar

Start your Bosphorus cruise and Egyptian Bazaar tour by meeting your private guide for a pickup at your Istanbul hotel (European side only). Then, set off in your vehicle to the Spice Bazaar and witness this 17th century lively marketplace chalked full of colorful shops. 

Next, coast to the beautiful Bosphorus River for a serene cruise along the famous strait that connects Europe to Asia. During your ride, admire majestic mosques, expansive bridges and other monuments spotting the verdant coastline. See the grandeur of Rumeli Hisari, a fortification erected by Fatih the Conqueror in a mere three months. Learn how Faith had hoped to crush Istanbul’s Ottoman aristocrats and their 19th century mansions, hunting lodges as well as the Sultan’s fanciful gingerbread palaces. 

Continue on to the Egyptian Bazaar and wander with your guide past stalls experiencing alluring aromas of caraway, cinnamon, mint, saffron and thyme. Learn how this astounding dome structure was constructed in 1660 using taxes raised from the spice trade with Egypt. 

Finally, visit Rumelihisar Fortress, a castle nestled along the narrowest juncture of the Bosphorus, built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452. Listen as you guide explains how the castle’s location was strategically placed here to isolate Istanbul from invaders until 1453 when Istanbul fell and the north tower was converted to a prison.

Begin the tour with a brief visit to the 17th century Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul's most colorful and bustling attractions. Then take an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the majestic strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. From your cruise boat, you can view the dramatic sights lining the Bosphorus' wooded shores: mosques, a bridge that for a time was the world's longest and the massive Rumeli Hisari, a fortress built by Fatih the Conqueror in just three months as he prepared to take Istanbul and the 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultan's fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges.

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited
Not recommended for children aged 4 and under
Children 18 years and under must be accompanied by an adult
During religious holidays July 28, 29 and 30 and October 4, 5, 6 and 7, 2014 the Spice market and Grand Bazaar will be closed.
Not wheelchair accessible
Infants must sit on laps
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate