Favorite Touring Destinations in Istanbul Turkey Part II

When you happen to be visiting Istanbul, Turkey, you may want to isolate one day especially for touring the Turkish Princes' Islands a.k.a. Kizil Adalar (Red Islands) or just Adalar (Islands). There are 9 islands to be visited in total & is a popular destination for tourists during the summer months.

The first step would be to arrive to the biggest island among them, Buyukada by ferry from both Asian & European sides of Istanbul. There is no vehicular transportation on all the islands as they are forbidden except for service vehicles. The journey throughout the islands would entirely be on a selection of horses drawn carriages, by foot, bicycles, or on donkey rides.

There is exceptional beauty & tranquility to be found on the islands where the air remains fresh & unpolluted. One's view is surrounded by the blue Sea of Marmara, huge pine trees, magnificent gardens, & charming architecture. The history of the islands dates back to the Byzantine & Ottoman period where the islands were used to place important figures in exile; hence its name, Princes' Islands. Full day tours are priced at $50 per person inclusive of lunch available from Ephesusguide.

Topkapi Palace a Popular Excursion

Available for view at the Topkapi Palace's Treasury are the ceremonial garments of Sultans between 1433 until 1839 & a whole lot of other things like medals from many countries of world, the personal belongings of Ottoman Sultans; their thrones & unique treasures. Some tours are extravagantly priced at $90 but you can find a half day tour to Topkapu Sarayi for about $30 at EphesusGuide.

As the tours fill fast, it is advised that visitors arrive before 9am (closed Tuesdays) to join the guided tour; straight to the harem (the area where the Sultan's many concubines frolic). After the Harem tour one can stroll about the palace's spacious grounds and four courtyards at leisure. Topkapi Sarayi is a luxurious and beautiful place! A very comfortable abode for the super rich indeed! It deserves a compulsorily visit when one is in Istanbul, Turkey!

Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi in Turkish language) was the official & primary residence for the Ottoman Sultans. The palace was ordered built by Sultan Mehmed II in 1459. Twenty five Ottoman Sultans of three centuries lived in the Topkapi Palace. Perhaps the overwhelming view of Istanbul, inclusive of the lighted Topkapi palace at night resembles a smoking volcano. To the enemies or even surrounding empires in Asia, Europe, & Africa during the height of the Ottoman Empire; the sight of the majestic Topkapi palace may have been akin to viewing a force of nature that threatens the entire peace in the region.

Bosphorus Night Boat Trip, Istanbul, Turkey

An excursion through the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul on the boat begins when the sun starts to set & all around begins swiftly to grow dark. Well, one would want to do so in order to catch the majestic sights like the Bosphorus Bridge at night. Istanbul, city of the cities & capital of Turkey, hangs so swiftly on the slopes of the mountains of their crowning lamps & is converted into a gigantic lighted fir tree, similar to the Christmas tree which overturns downward and it is reflected on the black water of Bosphorus.

A Trip along the Bosphorus on the boat past the old Turkish palaces, maidenly towers & the fortresses at night can leave unforgettable impressions. Those overgrown by dark cypresses, built on by mosques & villas, the coasts of Bosphorus strike with their incomparable presence. The thin threads of two bridges through the strait even more greatly emphasize the panoramic charm. They are the Bosphorus Bridge & the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge cutting through the strait. Expect staggering, impressive, & beautiful views!