Have you ever experienced what if you love to go shopping in the pre-mall and pre-packaged goods era? Sprawling over a vast space in Istanbul’s city centre, the Grand Bazaar presents just such an experience.

A massive tangle with over 5000 shops and 60 streets, this covered market is an ancient cross between a shopping centre and a street merchant’s wonderland, offering guests to fall into local culture and history.

During Byzantine times, the site was already the location of a busy market. The actual market was then created by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1461 when the Ottomans landed in the town. Originally it contained two thick-walled buildings with covered roofs, and as a business in the adjacent streets built, they were covered as well, making the first-ever mall.

Going up to the main entrance, a magnificent stone archway decorated with Turkish designs welcomes you. Pass through the door, and you move into history. A mixture of warmth, brightness and colour awaits you – a location of dodge and discovery. This is a fortress of old-time shopping. Arches hang overhead, and traditional Turkish designs paint the walls. Store’s glow, stuffed to their primaeval ceilings with every type of good and ware thinkable – from vintage metalworks, bolls of fabrics, Turkish carpets, leatherwear, belly-dancing outfits, Karagoz shadow dummies, spices, and food – the list is endless. The fragrances of cloves and cinnamon waft into your nostrils, and shouting hawkers fill the air. Tens of cafes line the walkways, and small mosques enhance the streets. Boxes overflow with slippers, colourful chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and the bath shops, offering soft cotton towels and wooden bath shoes, will motivate you to turn your bathroom into a proper Hamam – Turkish bath.

The market maintains its former fascination and charm, with each successive hall reminiscent of the treasures of Aladdin’s cave. Walking through the market, follow your impulse. In the past, every street was booked for a specific business, and to this day, some of these streets still provide particular handicrafts. Check out “Sandel Bedesteru”, the “Old Market”, close to the doorway for fabrics. One of the oldest regions of the market, the design here is impressive. For a part of Turkish society, follow this journey to the end, turn right through two gates, and left at “Kalcila Han” where you come at the silversmith’s lane. Set up as a mini-factory manufacture line, a slice of silver here starts by being worked at one end of the street and is turned into a complete product at the other end.

The Grand Bazaar is an Istanbul experience not to be forgotten. It is possible because it is so iconic and holds charms filled with eye-catching jewels and stuff. It is by far the best frequently suggested and exciting location for children and adults who are captivated by its hustle-bustle and colours. Even if you do not purchase an item, the memories you take with you of this ancient shopping experience from this extreme Turkish bazaar are precious.

We are a turkey e visa agency, planner and tour operator who loves creating unique intercultural adventures for families. We want to communicate information, suggestions and personal experiences primarily related to turkey tourist visa for families.

There is some outstanding shopping to be had in Ankara, The Capital City. This is an integral part of your Trip to bring home a bargain from the traditional Bazaars. After negotiating the rate down on a leather jacket or purchasing designer dresses from the boutiques, you won’t be short of other shops and markets to sell everything from exotic fruit and vegetables to the traditional rug stores where they have various classic handmade carpets. Outside of Ankara, there is a new variety and a lot of bigger shops and bazaars.

Beaches

Ankara has its wonderful natural beach that recommends regular tourist water sports with jet skiing and swimming in the warm beryl sea. There are dozens of sunbeds to chill out on while the heat soars above 30 degrees throughout the summertime, and with lots of beverage outlets close by, you will be able to make sure you stay hydrated. A high sun factor is advised, especially for younger children. Malibu beach tends to entice the more youthful crowd, so it can be very dynamic and not essentially perfect for families.

Nightlife

Ankara comes vibrantly at night with fun everywhere, from the bars and cafes to family entertainment like belly dancing in your hotel. There are movies in the city as well as a good theatre. For the young and vigorous, then downtown is the location for you to dance the night out in one of the lively nightclubs playing the international hits of R&B, trance, and hip hop. Be careful that the locals can be a bit over-friendly with the visitors, but they don’t mean any hurt. For those requiring something less energetic, try some “individuals watching” as you have a delightful meal from the range of foods served in the fine restaurants to the region.

Things to do

There isn’t much to do in Ankara, but it’s a perfect position to start exploring the suburbs, where you will discover, so lot to do and imagine you won’t know what to take first. I recommend a tour where you will be able to explore some Byzantine design or venture out to the mud baths. These are very trendy; it’s quite an experience, and the children will enjoy it. Then you can find a scrub down in the local Turkish baths. For the golf enthusiasts then the Hilton Hotel has a vast golf course. A must-do is the ancient city of Ephesus, where you can see the door of Hercules and the Temple of Emperor Domitian. It is around 4 hrs drive away from Dalaman, but it is a good value for the journey. So is the one to Dalyan to see the loggerhead turtles that live on the secure beach there. It’s a perfect journey for wildlife lovers as the vicinity is also home to other wildlife like the Sparrow Hawk. The most amazing site that is around 53km away is the city of Fethiye, with the marvellous tombs shaped out of the rock face. There are various other ancient ruins for you to travel to in this capital too. For those of you desiring something dangerous and exciting, Ankara offers a widespread interest in white-water rafting. Be assured you are provided with safety helmets and a life jacket on this Trip.

Happy Holidays

Navira Travels is the co-partner of turkey visa online, a specialist in turkey e visa.

The popularity of cruising as a holiday has been increasing gradually over the past 10 – 15 years. Travel companies spend more and more money on promoting vacations, and the cruise vessels become more like floating entertainment palaces than floating accommodation. A cruise travels these days is a nonstop entertainment festival with hour after hour of planned enjoyment for all the family. But for those of you who choose the quieter speed of life but still like a floating vacation, what choices are available to you?

Cruise vacations have been around for several years but have become trendier on the back of the cruise trip. Because the sailing holiday used to behold for the older generation, they used to be more tranquil than enjoyable. Currently, the cruise holiday has changed. People are exploring a new way to relish a trip on the water and a floating holiday appear to be.

You can sail in a small boat called a gulet, a wooden cruising boat with a double pole all along the coastline of Turkey. These are traditional Turkish sailing yacht that has been used for several hundreds of years as business and transport ships. Gulets differ from 13 – 36 metres in length and though usually are sail-powered, are often driven by a quiet diesel motor. A gulet will typically contain 8 -10 cabins, all equipped with twin or double beds, as well as a bathroom and shower room. The prettiness of a gulet cruising vacation is that you are surrounded by a small group of folks which gives the trip a cosy feel. The vessel is crewed by 3 or 4 people, including a captain. The crew will take care of everything to confirm that you have a wonderful trip.

If you are with of your dozens of friends or if you have a big family, it is feasible to hire the gulet for yourselves; otherwise, if you are on your personal or travelling as a pair, it is possible to rent out a cabin on the ship for the trip. A seafaring holiday in a gulet is a fantastic way to relax and see the tremendous Mediterranean coast of Turkey and beyond. You can pick the time of your boat to suit, but generally, they vary from eight days to a fortnight halting for beach visits and refilling stops and conditions a few times within the journey.

Taking a gulet voyage and sailing along the Mediterranean beach of Turkey is a delightfully relaxing way to spend your holiday, you have all your meals prepared for you, and there is very slight else to do other than stop for a swimming break in the ocean or sit back and listen to the sea slapping against the lateral of your gulet as you are soaring through the water. Suppose you are on your personal or cruising as a couple on a gulet. In that case, it gives you a fantastic chance to connect some great new people who will all be relishing the entertainment that a gulet holiday offers.

Locations in Turkey to Book Gulet Sailing Voyage

Life on the Turkish Riviera concentrates on seaside living, but some locations have excellent reputations for their quality in the gulet sailing business. Every day several gulet yachts sail out of the harbours in these provinces to take travellers on a 3 to 8-day travel.

Bodrum: The metropolitan, a favourite holiday destination for travellers and Turks has organized Turkey’s tourism run ever since the 1980s. As well as offering reasonable holidays, it also offers luxurious experiences leading it to become a favoured destination for rich and wealthy people.

Marmaris: Another destination favoured by travellers is the harbour and marina section, which is a hive of everything sailing. There is not much to do within the town; however, it is gorgeous, explaining why it is a major sailing centre.

Fethiye: Around the world, hikers completing Turkey’s journey book up for cheap cabin charter Blue cruise routes to Olympus from Fethiye, though the town also suggests luxury sailing at a higher rate.

Cheers!

Apply turkey visa to book your trip for gulet sailing holidays with your family and friends and enjoy your vacation in turkey.

People believe that Istanbul is the capital of Turkey, but it is not valid. The truth is that the capital is Ankara and Ankara are the boring one.

Istanbul is a business city that has various attractions for local or foreign vacationers.

It is a highly crowded city in Turkey. Officially as per the report, there are fifteen million population in Istanbul, whereas the actual number is much higher. Residing in such a busy city is not an easy thing, but the reason behind this crowd is the attraction and the advantages of living in this metropolitan.

If you have never been to a city before and exploring for a reason to see it, there are more than many reasons. Here are undoubtedly essential reasons for visiting Constantinople.

It is the only city that is on two different continents.

Istanbul is separated into two components by the Marmara Sea. Nearly half of the area is on the Asian Continent, and the other half is on the European Continent. Both the continents have connected each other by two massive bridges. One is Bosphorus Bridge, and another is Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge. Another way to trek from one side to the other is taking the boats, which are enjoyable to travel with.

The welcome of Turkish citizens This can be considered as a common reason to visit the country, not only Constantinople. Turkish folks are amiable in general. Most of them talk in English, more or less. You can make very lovely bonds here. It is simple to meet people in Turkey, and even if you travel to Turkey alone, you will never feel lonely.

Eating Turkish Delights Turkish kitchen has many unique tastes. While roaming around the country, you can appreciate each taste in its spot, but fortunately, in Istanbul, you can find it all in one. There are various restaurants and hotels with every possible style of cuisine and at a different price range.

The Crazy Nightlife in Istanbul If you are young or feeling young, Istanbul has a highly energetic nightlife. The metropolitan has more than one centre, and every centre has many kinds of night-time events. The viral site for a good night is the Taxim area, but several exciting things to do and places to go to!

Getting to know the society of Islam Muslim culture is distinct from Christian culture, and it is a strict one. In general terms, it is fascinating to know it, but if you try to learn it where individuals are passionate about religion, it might be complicated and sometimes even dangerous. But in a nation like Turkey with a modest religious idea, it is entertaining. The comprehensive history of the city and the historical shrines! The history of Constantinople is significantly older and exciting. As a result of this extensive history, it has several historical remains that are precious. The most attractive sites to see are The Topkapi Palace, Underground Cistern Santa, The antic Hippodrome, Sophia Museum, The Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and The Spice Bazaar.

It is highly recommended to take a city trip if you do not want to wait in long queues.

Also, there are many turkey e visa providers with very reasonable prices if you want your customized trip.

Turkey takes place as the natural division between Europe and Asia, also the entrance to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea along its other shoreline. There are several choices for a holiday to Turkey and lots of reasons to go there to relish a Mediterranean breakaway.

The capital city “Istanbul” (the old named Constantinople – which means “City of Constantine”), the city located on the western end of the peninsula of the country. Turkey is completely immersed in its own history, primarily because of its site and previous ancient rulers. It has been under the rule of ancient Greeks around 660BC, and then in 330AD (till 395AD), the Romans had it under their rule as the Roman capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. Later it was the heart of the Ottoman Empire up until its name was changed in the 1920s.

Aside from the history, today Turkey is even now one of the best summer holiday destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean, not just because of its sun-kissed beaches & shoreline, but because it still suggests good value for money, with a decent exchange rate for visitors. Which is the recent financial climate is making a few of the other conventional European nations which have the Euro currency seem pricier.

Due to Turkey‘s proximity, there is a wealth of society and inspirations from several centuries of history. Blend this up with the countries’ distinct landscape and territory where you have everything from big open spaces, big mountain ranges, rich agricultural land and the amazing rocky seaside; there really is something for all. Many of the beaches in the smaller resorts and zones are sparsely frequented, so getting peace and tranquillity is not so hard.

If you prefer the buzz from the resorts and city life, then it is there as you want it or if you are seeing more adventure with something a little diverse and want a host of events at your disposal like; mountain biking, rock climbing, trekking, scuba diving walking, snorkelling and sea kayaking to name a few, then you are in the right place. For family visitors, Constantinople recommends many aspects for group and family vacation choices and activities. These are all nicely geared for all age groups to suit most individuals’ interest needs and requirements. There are various motels that offer this type of vacation too & events to suit. Why not take a peaceful beach trip on a glass-bottom yacht to see the sea life and the lovely seaside at its best.

The capital Constantinople it is an ancient city with many of the construction reflecting the times of its history. The heart is a hive of activity with its several eateries, shops and markets, the most well-known market in metropolitan being that of the old “The Grand Bazaar”, which truly gives a feel of an old-style busy marketplace, where lots of sellers are hyping their products and bargaining the prices with customers. So, when you agree to visit Turkey Tourism one thing is for sure, you will have lots to see and travel when you get there, whatever your tour plans or requirements, there is a vacation of your joys in Turkey waiting for you.

The turkey visa online offers an extensive range of turkey visa and are consultants in the Adventure tours.

Understanding how to plan for your tour and what to expect makes for more expectation and less anxiety. Before you go, below are some top ideas for travelling in Turkey:

1. Before you go: Before the trip to Turkey, make sure your passport is valid for a least six months beyond your stay. A visa is required for non-Schengen citizens found at the airport or a border post for a charge. This tourist visa permits a stay for up to three months in the country. The payment must be paid online via debit or credit card; euros, Japanese yen, UK pounds, or US dollars etc., are acceptable.

2. When to go: The best time to visit the country is between May – October. If you are staying in July or August, it is advisable to carry a sun hat and suntan lotion to protect against the blazing sun. Sun Cream is costly in the country, so it is a great idea to bring it along. If you are visiting in the winter, you will need cosy clothes as the temperatures may go as low as 5F, mainly in the central-eastern parts of Turkey.

3. What to pack: Clothes in Turkey are both reasonable and stylish. Therefore, pack casually, as you can purchase clothes there. Take along flat shoes for walking as the footpaths are often uneven and broken with unexpected holes. Carry some shoes for the water as several beaches are rocky. Most important supplies are economical in the nation, but sun cream is not – so carry that with you.

4. Dressing in Turkey: When visiting mosques and religious places, you will need to take off your shoes upon entering. Attire needs to be quiet for both males and females. Women are necessary to cover their heads with a scarf. In addition, men and women are necessary to wear clothes that cover their legs and shoulders. Silence is mandatory inside the mosques, and many mosques are closed to visits throughout prayer times.

Avoid swimsuit while visiting places other than the seashore. While the country is a secular nation, it is vital to dress up like one dress in a city in the USA in capitals.

5. Food in Turkey: Drink only bottled mineral water while in Turkey. However, tap water can be drunk; even the Turks drink only bottled water.

To experience Turkish cuisine:

1. Discover restaurants off the main tourist zones.
2. Find diners where cuisine and rates are local.
3. Try Raki while eating mezze, small appetizers.
4. Keep track of what you ordered and notice the rates so you will hand no shock when you get the bill.

Dine-in small areas, elegant restaurants, and huge places – the food is excellent!

6. Shopping in Turkey: There are no fixed rates in Turkey. In tiny shops and markets, negotiating is part of Turkish society. Before you make a buy, try to get the rates down as low as possible. In most instances, leave the shop or seller and pretend to walk away. You will most likely be invited back to the shop by the seller, asking what your best deal is. Then, feel free to declare your own cost. Negotiating margins begin at 10% and can quickly go up to 50%.

7. Visiting museums and other spots: Most museums are closed at least once a week. If you are going alone, check the dates and times of museum openings. Archaeological places can be visited every day of the week from 9 am to 5 pm, in the summer. In the winter, it is a terrific idea to check these times as well.

8. Getting Around: A reasonable transportation structure in Turkey is a dolmus, a cross between a bus and a taxi. The dolmus has a predefined way to find on at specific locations, but you can get off anyplace. It normally will charge about 50 cents, and the driver will not take a tip.

9. Tipping: In Turkey, it is normal to leave a 10% tip for good service at restaurants to tour guide and cab drivers.

10. Public restrooms: Discovering public toilets in-country can be a challenge. While hotels have enhanced standards, tiny restaurants will sometimes have “holes’ as toilets. On the other hand, all mosques have public washrooms, or “Tuvalet”. In Turkish, “Bay is the name for male and “Bayan” for female.

Visiting Turkey is a good way to experience the fascinating country. This magical nation has such a wonderful history that goes back to the dawn of society. The culture of the Turkish citizens contains a blend of Middle Eastern, Asian, European and Ottoman traditions. If you have never experienced Turkey, I very well advise you consider it.

The great capital Constantinople was renamed Istanbul by the Turks. This historic capital was once the epicentre for several of the great empires that have formed our world. Constantinople was the richest and best city in Europe during the Middle Ages.

Istanbul is one of the world’s largest cities globally and has been called one of the world’s ¨hippest cities¨. The city has lots of key historical buildings, art galleries and museums to visit. There is always something to do in this amazing city, including soothing in a Hamam, having an exotic meal or just folks watching.

My beloved part of Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar. Here you can shop until you fall in this mini-city market that presents over four thousand shops and stalls. The area is filled with power and music and is a true cultural experience.

The magnificent mountain of Mount Agri is excellent to visit for both its magnificence and history. This is the highest mountain in-country and is an important sign. According to the bible, Mount Agri was the location where Noah’s ark landed after the floods.

Mount Agri is an inactive volcano that is covered with snow. In the book of Genesis, it was described Mount Ararat. A magnificent location to visit here is the geographical hollow near the Uzengili village, which is said to have the structure of an ark.

Cappadocia is one more excellent place to see and is situated in central Turkey. Cappadocia is a perfect spot in nature made of volcanic rocks that are sculpted by centuries of storm and rain. Cappadocia is an antique city, and its earlier inhabitants constructed their city inside these soft volcanic stones.

Turkey is a fabulous nation with an incredible history. Nature enthusiasts will celebrate in the beautiful landscapes of this historic land. Turkey has a remarkable combination of various traditions, including European, Asian, Middle Eastern and Ottoman traditions. The country also has a wonderful location to feel the fantastic mixture of cultural influences that does not happen anywhere else on the globe.

Navira is a travel writer and runs a travel agency. To learn more about turkey visa, visit our website https://turkeyvisaonline.com/.

Going to Turkey had become simpler than previous when persons had to stand in long queues and apply for visas. In those days, not a single trip used to be enough, and an individual might have to visit more than once. On the first time, one most would come to know about the eligibilities. The often-asked questions could be responded to but not all at the same time. In the worst situation, a second appointment was required to explain all those doubts that came to mind later. And finally, some had to go again with all the documents and details ready in place. There were even harsher times when one had to go back due to incorrect forms and visit the Turkish embassy for the last attempt. Even after all this, there was less guarantee of a successful visa application.

Challenges due to the old method

Repeatedly due to such problems, some had to cancel the flight tickets at the last minute due to the non-availability of permit. This used to cause a severe financial loss as cancellations at the previous second caused a massive deduction from the airlines. An individual had to have the tickets before applying without the going in and out dates. Applications were not accepted. Thus, the financial risk was much more significant with the older system.

The method still occurs but like the Turkish visa online system. The online process has stemmed in a considerable easing out of the troubles in the old system. The chances of obtaining the permit are also far greater than the traditional procedure. One also has to reduced time for the same.

Online application details

Now, all the info for the online application is presented on the internet about the documents and details required. An individual thus can organize nicely with all the documents in order before applying. Hence, any does not have to make frequent appointments to the embassies again and again. Among the papers necessary is the passport that must have a minimum validity of six months beyond the date of entrance to Turkey. The turkey e visa also needs the applicant to mention the dates of travelling in and out. This can be done only with the air tickets in order. Thus, some must hold the tickets done before applying online.

Bank details also needed

While in Turkey, some must not get into any trouble due to lack of money. Thus, the individual must have a sufficient bank deposit at the cost of a minimum of USD 50 per day spent in Turkey. Evidence of the same is required while applying for the turkey visa.

Contact details are mandatory.

The electronic permit service to Turkey is valid only for regular visitors and tourists for trades but not for diplomatic permits. The visitors and vacationers also have to provide the details of their stay locations in the country during the application. Thus, hotel reservations must be made in advance. Also, if there is a guest house for living, like in academic conferences in universities, the contact details must provide too.

If you have never been to Turkey and are not thinking of going by at any point soon, then you must book your flight to Istanbul at this moment. You will go gaga for enchanted Istanbul, a city with an epic history that crosses three huge domains and straddles two mainlands with a standout amongst the most interesting prospects on the earth, and a blend of old remnants, lavish royal homes and pondering profound places and cool boutique, night bars, accommodations, and restaurants. You will love to douse up the city’s atmosphere by sitting in rooftop bars watching nightfall fall, listening to the competing hints of tweeting swallows, shouting journey yacht and the wailing of the sunset call to request while smoking grape flavoured water pipe and tasting hot, sweet apple tea.

Cappadocia is an additional common scene of mushroom melded volcanic progress bulging out under rock ridge manors that look like a blend of Swiss cheddar and something out of a Salvador Dali painting, boutique deep residences, snow-topped tops, old cavern dynasties of worship secured with pleasant religious frescoes, beautiful lavish valleys of spring flowers and the intermittent jackass and claustrophobic alternative urban people that are many years old. Flying for 60 minutes over this remarkable scene covered by scores of different inflatables all easily suspended in the sky is extremely great.

Beach bouncing along the Turquoise Coast from Antalya to Fethiye is one sun-soaked highlight after another taking in the wonderful brilliance of Olympos’ white stone beach, flanked by the clear warm sea, towering green hills and two-thousand-year-old remnants, trekking to the never-ending blazes of Figment, which have imitative actually for a huge number of years, cruising to the miserable vestiges of an old-fashioned city at Kekova, moving to the peak point of a medieval palace, exploring old Lycian tombs scattered on slopes secured with vivid contorted olive trees, finding the origin of Santa Clause Claus by one of Turkey’s most pretty shorelines, swimming in the sea the shade of gems, staying in on a normal homestead in the massifs, driving through minor cities where life appears as though it’s advanced with the same way for many years to stay at provincial communities roosted on the edge of high precipices diving down into the ocean.

The words will not explain the magnificence of turkey subsequently it is certain to get a flight towards it. You will find everything bright and which you have never imagined investigating. Be that as it may, any way you must apply for a Turkey visa, on the off chance that you are from those countries which do not have any kind of association. Your visa will last from three to six months depending on your journey with the goal that you can understand the excellence of the region successively.

Istanbul is Turkey’s charm, the land of unique cultural and natural resources, the country of contrasts and contradictions, and history filled with heroic chapters. If you already had the opportunity to visit this gorgeous city, probably you’re waiting for the day to go back. If you still haven’t, treat yourself with an excursion to this stunning capital, the crossroad of modern Europe and mystical Asia; Istanbul should be included in your Turkey trip.

Almost everybody who enters Istanbul starts with the classic Sultanahmet (old city) trip. The journey will include Topkapi Palace Museum and Haghia Sophia Museum, along with other Sultanahmet attractions. Well known Topkapi Palace was the grand residence of the Ottoman Sultans for four eras and houses examples of the Ottoman style, vast collections of robes, porcelain, guns, armour, shields, Ottoman toys, Islamic calligraphic scripts, as well as an exhibition of Ottoman gold and jewellery. Another main attraction Haghia Sophia, the “Church of Holy Wisdom”, was constructed by the Sovereign Justinian in the 6th century. After 916 years as a church, in 1453, Haghia Sophia was transformed into a mosque shortly after the triumph. In 1935 it was converted into a museum. These major museums will help you understand the nation’s history and understand the depth of its culture.

However, there are various other charms you can discover in Istanbul. For example, The Archaeology Museum in Gülhane Park is a location not to be skipped while in Istanbul and just one step away from Topkapi Fort. It is undoubtedly one of Turkey’s finest museums and a must-see for everyone with an interest in archaeology. A good description used by visitors for this museum is that it is a country in a nutshell. Turkey has several archaeological places. The museum recommends tourists a model of what the nation has to offer in terms of archaeological treasures, from ancient times to the Ottoman era. This centre is separated into three buildings, the Museum of Oriental Antiquities, the Archaeological Museum, and the Tiled Pavilion. The main charm is the Alexander Sarcophagus, which is incredible for remarkable carvings on the exterior detailing the encounters and Alexander the Great’s life.

One less known charm is the Chora (Kariye) Museum, hidden in Istanbul’s Edirnekapi area. The local meaning of Kariye (Chora) is “outside of the city”, or “rural” in old Greek, most likely stemmed from being situated out of the ancient city walls; today, it is located near to the Edirnekapi city walls over the Golden Horn. Kariye Museum is the precious Byzantine shrine in Istanbul after Haghia Sophia and houses the most impressive Byzantine mosaic art. The neighbourhood has a cosy atmosphere, with slim and sharp alleys, old-style wooden and colourful Turkish residences, and tiny cafes where you can relish a cup of tea.

Dolmabahce is one more effulgent fort and museum at the coast; five million Ottoman gold bits, the equal of 35 tonnes of gold, was used at its construction. The Palace was the official residence of numerous Ottoman Kings in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Dolmabahce trip is generally recommended as optional in several itineraries, but you can also explore it on your personal with a short taxi ride from Sultanahmet.

The other beach of the Bosphorus houses another palace, Beylerbeyi, the Ottoman kings’ summer fortress. After the palace trip, you can halt at the Beylerbeyi city centre, a small fishing city where you can experience delicious seafood with a relaxing view of the Bosphorus.

Lastly, make sure you pay a visit to the Basilica Cistern, also known as the “Sunken Palace”. Usually, guides do not add it to their schedules, but it is conveniently situated across St. Sophia, at the centre of the famous hotels. Justinian built the cistern in 532 to supply (water) the Byzantine Palace mainly. It is the leading of all Istanbul’s ancient cisterns; today, the footpaths have been built right through the container, and restrained brightness lends the place a suitably strange atmosphere.

Istanbul is full of historical and artistic sights; it is an exciting and vibrant city offering amazements to its citizens and guests every single day. It was usually described as a gorgeous and cute woman in the old poetry, seductive but different. So next time you go to Istanbul, find your jewels; in other words, make sure you will have a couple of free days to have Istanbul on your way.