Treasures of the Bosphorus - Ends At Airport

Delve into the military history of Istanbul by browsing a naval museum and an extraordinary 15th-century fort as a prelude to your flight back home. The modern, mostly copper-clad museum belies the historical artifacts displayed inside, perhaps the most impressive being the dozens of Ottoman sultan boats dating back to the 1500s. You will also see a variety of other ships such as royal rowboats, navigational instruments and early maps. The museum fittingly overlooks the Bosphorus, the strait that divides Europe from Asia. You will drive along a part of the waterway lined with wooden mansions on the way to Rumeli Fortress, which sits on the strait’s narrowest point. It was constructed in record time in 1452, as the three generals that oversaw the project were threatened with death if they missed the deadline. You will notice that the multi-towered fort is in remarkably good shape considering its age.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Browse the ships, royal boats and nautical artifacts in Istanbul’s esteemed naval museum.
• Drive along the Bosporus Strait, passing a wealth of historical waterfront mansions.
• Visit an imposing 15th-century fort built on the narrowest point of the Bosphorus.