This tour consists of exploring the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar which are the two oldest Bazaars in Istanbul, and a leisurely cruise on the Bosphorus. Your first stop will be the Spice Market built in 1664 as a part of the Yeni Cami Complex, which is located next to it. It is called the Egyptian Bazaar because the shopkeepers that used to sell exclusive spices and herbs, which were brought from or through Egypt. Following Spice Market, you will embark the local boat for a leisurely cruise on the Bosphorus. One of the most beautiful sights in the world, the Bosphorus is a strait that runs a winding course between the two continents from one sea to another. It is a natural border between Europe and Asia and it is the only outlet of the Black Sea which is connected to the Aegean through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles. With old seaside mansions, mosques, palaces and restaurant along its shores, the Bosphorus resembles a wide river. Conclude your day for exploraion of the exotic Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is one of the most colorful sites of Istanbul; this Bazaar is composed of two sections namely the covered part and the modern part. The covered part is a whole quarter on its own, surrounded by a wall and entered through eleven gates. The maze of streets and lanes are one of the greatest sights in the city, where various trades such as carpets, jewellery, leather goods, silver; varieties of souvenirs, textile, antiques, and home textile are segregated into particular sections of the bazaar. You will have the chance to explore the exotic atmosphere of the covered part for a brief period of time. You will also have the opportunity to visit the open and modern section of the Grand Bazaar which offers the best artworks and reliable shopping to your disposal. At this point you will have another period of time for shopping and a presentation about unique Turkish carpets and Turkish arts & products.
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