The city still holds many of the great monuments of these times. Founded by the mythological King Byzas in the 7th century B.C.,it later became known during the time of the Emperor Constantine, as Constantinople. During the peak of the Byzantine Empire the St.Sophia was built and the great underground cisterns. After Sultan Mehmet conquered the city in 1453, the city was adorned with more magnificent structures, such as the Suleymaniye Mosque of the great architect Sinan. There is more than just history to see in the multi-faceted city of Istanbul. Your Itinerary Day 1: Bosphorus Cruise Visit the exotic Egyptian Spice Market on the Golden Horn, where you may buy spices, caviar, and almost anything imaginable. Board for your cruise of the Bosphorus, the waterway, which separates the continents of Europe and Asia. Enjoy crossing from continent to continent as you travel up the famous waterway, lined with old Ottoman wooden houses, seaside mansions, marble palaces, small fishing villages and fortresses. Visit Rumeli Fortress, built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 to prepare for his conquest of Istanbul. After lunch cross over the Bosphorus bridge to Asia and visit Beylerbeyi Palace, which was the summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans, then on to Camlica hill, for a magnificent view of Istanbul. Return over the bridge back to Europe and old Istanbul. (L) Notes: Available as a group tour. Cruise is done by public boat unless other arrangements are made. 
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