BAZAAR AUX ÉPICES SUR LE BOSPHORE

Early in the morning and at the time indicated, your English-speaking assistant will pick you up to begin the tour of the Egyptian Market or Spice Bazaar, one of the largest in the city. It has been open since the mid-17th century and has fulfilled exactly the same function since then.

Being the western terminus of the Silk Road Istanbul played an important role in the east-west cultural and economic exchange and it became a distribution center for the whole of Europe. Napoleon Bonaparte confirmed its importance with the phrase: "If the earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital."

After trying your bargaining skills and enjoying the fragrance of the spices, nuts, dried fruits, cheeses, and flowers, your guide will accompany you to the port, where you will continue your adventure by sea. You will sail in the Bosphorus waterway and have the opportunity to gain a different perspective of the Golden Horn, the Topkapi Palace, and the imposing Galata Tower. From your boat, you will see at a glance how the continents of Asia and Europe converge here, in this beautiful city.

After the tour, there is the possibility of continuing your adventure by having a classic Turkish lunch in a typical restaurant, visiting the Asian part of the city with the views offered from the Camlica Hill and, above all, becoming acquainted with the summer palace of Beylerbeyi, which looks its most attractive from the Bosphorus, from where its two bathing pavilions, one for the harem (women's only) and the other for the selamik (men's only), can best be seen. It was the residence of Súltan Mahmut II and it literally means "Lord of Lords."

For those of you who do not wish to opt for the full-day option, the tour will terminate in the Sultanahmet area. In this way, you can continue touring the city center of Istanbul on your own or you can engage in other activities.

Very important information: When the Egyptian Market or Spice Bazaar is closed, the tour is replaced by a visit to the New Mosque in the Eminönü quarter of Istanbul.

Greca Tip: The tour finishes in Sultanahmet, the neuralgic area of the city. Take this opportunity to try some of the local foods, such as Kofte (meatballs made with lamb or beef), Pide (Turkish pizza), Sis Kebab (skewers of cooked meat) and lokum (Turkish delight) or baklava for a sweet aftertaste.