After meeting your guide on the pier, set off on a short orientation drive through the modern city of Istanbul, crossing the Galata Bridge en route to the Golden Horn. The impressive Suleymaniye Mosque, built by Turkish architect Sinan and dedicated to Sultan Suleyman The Magnificent, can be viewed en route. At the Golden Horn, take a short walk to the cruise boat station where your private boat will be waiting for your enchanted trip on the Bosphorus.

While your guide paints a picture of the history of Byzantium, Constantinople and Istanbul, you will sail past Dolmabahce and Ciragan Palaces, monuments to the Sultans of days gone by. Glide under the modern Bosphorus Bridge and past the historical Beylerbeyi Palace. Look out on the Anatolian Fortress built in 1393 or the European fortress (1452) and picture a city that was Europe's largest and wealthiest through most of the middle ages.

After cruising between Asia and Europe, you will continue your tour with a visit to Istanbul's famous Grand Bazaar area where you will have the opportunity to see a demonstration on Turkish Carpets and time for shopping. After your visit to the Bazaar, you will be returned to the pier.