Neolithic artifacts, uncovered by archaeologists at the beginning of the 21st century, indicate that Istanbul’s historic peninsula was settled as far back as the 7th millennium BC. That early settlement, important in the spread of the Neolithic Revolution from the Near East to Europe, lasted for almost a millennium before being inundated by slightly rising water levels.

Istanbul is located in north-western Turkey within the Marmara Region on a total area of 5,343 square kilometers (2,063 sq mi). The Bosphorus, which connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea, divides the city into a European, Thracian side—comprising the historic and economic centers—and an Asian, Anatolian side.

Itinerary

We a board a morning ferry boat for a cruise up the strait of Bosphorus, passing half a dozen Ottoman imperial palaces, traditional Yalis (waterside villas) and shore villages. Disembark at Sariyer. Optional lunch: at a seaside restaurant. Then drive south, and stop to visit the Castle of Rumeli Hisar, drive into the colorful sights, vibrant sounds and intriguing scents of the Egyptian Market (Spice Bazaar) & the Grand Bazaar, the world’s oldest “shopping mall“, to look for treasures in its 4000 shops. (L)

Departure:

Min. pax = 2 (two persons) Pick-up time at 09:00 – Drop-off time at 18:30