Bosphorus Sail and Ottoman Yali
Duration: 3 hours
Tour Code: ist-006
Discover the wonderful sites and photo opportunities along the Bosphorus during this splendid yacht cruise, and a tour of a historic waterside mansion.
The Bosphorus is one of the world's most strategic waterways. It connects the Black Sea to the Mediterranean, and was once described in the writings of Mark Twain. Today, a delightful mixture of views past and present highlights the Bosphorus. During your cruise, you will see giant tankers, little fishing boats, unforgettable castles, towering minarets, the famous Haghia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque. You will also encounter marble palaces, rustic fortresses and modern luxury hotels standing alongside wooden Ottoman villas.
Along the way, a stop will also be made on the Asian side to visit an Ottoman mansion, or yali, perched on the waterfront. During the Ottoman period, these seaside mansions were also called sahilhane. In the springtime, the mansion's garden becomes a paradise of colors. Its roses, or hekimbasi, were specially developed by Salih Efendi, a former graduate of the first medical school in the Ottoman Empire and the head physician for three sultans.
During your tour of the mansion, one of the rarest on the Bosphorus, you will marvel at its original furniture and architectural style. You will also meet its present occupants, descendants of Salih Efendi, who died in 1905. The family members will offer you homemade lemonade with dessert before you transfer back to the pier.
Please note: This Regent Choice tour has limited availability, as the yacht offers a specific maximum number of participants. Guests are encouraged to pre-book early. The yali has three stories and many steps to climb, but no elevator. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or guests who utilize a wheelchair. The tour will either commence by yacht and return to the ship by coach, or vice versa. Travel by yacht is in one direction only.