Vliegfabriek

Your tour starts with a visit to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar which is full of the mystical aromas of various spices and colourful shops selling fruit, vegetables, flowers, fish etc. Next we board our boat for a cruise along the Bosphorus, the waterway separating the two continents of Europe and Asia. As we
travel, you will have the chance to see the European style palaces of the Ottomans and the palaces of Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi, in striking contrast to some of the modern villas that line the shores.

Our tour begins with a drive across the magnificent Bosphorus Suspension Bridge, which divides the continents of Europe and Asia. Then, we continue to Camlica Hill, the highest point of Istanbul. From here you can take photos of the stunning panorama before you. A short drive from here is the summer palace of the Sultans which is located in a small village by the Bosphorus called Beylerbeyi. Beylerbeyi Palace is a mansion built under the influence of Western architecture in the 19th century and we will take a guided tour of its extravagantly decorated interior. The tour will end with a visit to Bagdat Street, the most popular street on the Asian side of Istanbul with elegant boutiques and shopping alternatives.

Firstly we visit the magnificent Byzantine church of St Sophia, one of the finest architectural works in the world, this church has been nominated as the 8th wonder of the world by many historians. Then continue to the Blue Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Istanbul. Dating back to the 17th century, this is one of the principal adornments on the skyline of Istanbul and is also famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets. We will also visit the Hippodrome, the former centre of sporting and political activities in Constantinople. During the visit you will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine Column from Delphi and the fountain of Willhelm II. Our final visit of the morning is to the Grand Bazaar, which in addition to its historical importance, is a bazaar that will tempt you with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs.

This tour begins with a visit to Topkapi Palace (closed on Tuesdays) including the jewellery section, the former imperial residence from where the Great Ottoman Empire was ruled. Today the palace is a spectacular museum with, amongst other exhibitions, one of the largest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain. We continue on to the Rustem Pasa Mosque, built in the 16th century by the famous architect, Sinan.

We begin the day with a cruise on the Marmara Sea to the Princes' Islands, once the pleasure islands of Byzantine Princes. Our tour includes a visit to Buyukada, the largest of the three main islands and a popular summer resort
with beautifully decorated old wooden houses, pine trees and wonderful panoramic views. We take a relaxing tour through the quiet narrow streets of the island by horse-drawn carriage before stopping for lunch at a seafood restaurant. After lunch there will be time for you to relax or explore at your leisure.

Our tour begins with a drive across the magnificent Bosphorus Suspension Bridge, which divides the continents of Europe and Asia. Then, we continue to Camlica Hill, the highest point of Istanbul. From here you can take photos of the stunning panorama before you. A short drive from here is the summer palace of the Sultans which is located in a small village by the Bosphorus called Beylerbeyi. Beylerbeyi Palace is a mansion built under the influence of Western architecture in the 19th century and we will take a guided tour of its extravagantly decorated interior. After lunch visit the Egyptian Spice Bazaar which is full of the mystical aromas of various spices and colourful shops selling fruit, vegetables, flowers and fish etc. Next we board our boat for a cruise along the Bosphorus, the waterway separating the two continents of Europe and Asia. As we travel, you will have the chance to see the European style palaces of the Ottomans and the palaces of Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi, in striking contrast to some of the modern villas that line the shores.

The branch of Sufic mysticism, practiced widely in contemporary Turkey, is rooted in a man called Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, and is famous for its Whirling Dervish Tradition, where through rotating on the left foot by crossing over it with the right, the Dervish reaches a spinning intensity, rotating to the music that musicians play close by. As we observe them revolve with their necks out and their head leaning to the side, we sense that they are in love with their way of life. Sufism is apart from the Islamic religion because of its nature as a kind of transcendental metaphysics which accepts all religions as one and is founded upon universal and unconditional forgiveness. You can admire this fascinating ceremony by joining us for this tour where you will be taken to enjoy this 2 hour ceremony.

Turkish Baths or 'hamams' as they are named, are for many aspects of health, not just for external cleanliness. Before Turkey was established as a separate country, the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and nomadic people of the region had their own variations of bathing rituals. These traditions combined, created a different variation of these ancient bathing habits, The Turkish Bath (Turkish Hammam).
The bather enters the dry heat of a sweating area. Afterwards, the bather begins to perspire heavily because of a wet steam. The skin is then washed with soap and warm water and the muscles massaged. After being scoured and washed, the bather body temperature returns to normal. You will be taken to one of the best hamams to experience this way of life and enjoy this tradition so well established in Turkey.

One of the favourite walking tours in Istanbul is from the Grand Bazaar downhill along Uzuncarsi Caddesi (Longmarket Street), through the Tahtakale district to the Golden Horn and the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar (Misir Carsisi), filled daily (expect Sunday) with both Turks and tourists. A bonus is that you get to see the exquisite Rustem Pasha Mosque, one of Istanbul's finest architectural gems, which few tourists visit. The coloured tiles inside are the most beautiful in Istanbul. After visiting the mosque, come down the steps and turn left into Hasircilar Caddesi, "Street of the Mat-makers", with shops selling coffee, tea, dried fruits and nuts, spices etc. Over by the New Mosque (Yeni Cami) are shops selling seeds, gardening supplies, caged birds etc, and there is always a lively street market, even on Sunday. Have a look inside the Yeni Cami, a great imperial mosque right by the southern end of Galata Bridge. You will end in Eminonu, with the Galata Bridge leading north across the Golden Horn to Beyoglu.

After a short drive you will be taken to an exclusive night-club where you will sample the delights of Turkish cuisine. A four course dinner including drink will be served while a spectacular Oriental Show is performed by belly dancers and folk groups from various regions of Turkey.