"The view was the greatest pleasure of Istanbul, the combination of water and architecture was so arresting that poets called the Bosphorus a diamond between two emeralds, the jewel in the ring of universal empire".

                               Philip Mansel
Now cruise through the Bosphorus splendours with our private ship, tasting Turkish delicacies, accompanied with raki and wine.

NOTE: "My great-great grand father Emanuele Baltazzi founder with D' Alleon of the first bank in Turkey, the Dersaadet - the Bank of Istanbul, (1843)- did not want to make any profit on these ferries and the Sultan in recognition of that granted him a 10% shares in the Hayriye Company".

Alex Baltazzi
(Family Records)

"The first company in the Ottoman Empire, Sirket-i Hayriye (1854) original purpose was to operate passenger vessels between the centre of Istanbul and two shore of the Bosphorus. The company steamers were ordered from England by Banker Baltazzi".

Nostalgia for Ottoman
Bond & Shares
(ALFA Publ.)

"The first sofas were covered with cushions and rich carpets, on which sat the ladies and on the second their slaves behind them but without any distinction of rank by their dress, all being in the state of nature... In plain English stark naked without any beauty or defect concealed".

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu
(wife of British Ambassador in 1717-18)

Now one of the most famous historical hamam is at your disposal for a visit or for a party... please consult us for details.
"Istanbul, Rome, Jerusalem these are the three great old cities of our civilisation... That evening Istanbul seemed incomparable. Buzz followers were flocking to the feast".

G.Y. Dryansky
(Condé Nast Traveler, Aug. 2001)
Now spend an evening as a Sultan or a favourite, surrounded by belly-dancers, courtesans, fortune tellers, beggars, vendors, etc. at one of our 1001 Nights theme parties.

KAPALI
CARSI -
GRAND BAZAAR
The Grand Bazaar is the world's largest covered market with more than 4.000 shops.
MISIR CARSISI - THE EGYPTIAN BAZAAR
"On the south side of the Golden Horn, beside the Yeni Valide Cami, to which it paid rent, was the spice bazaar, a long low T-shaped building with distinctive smell garlic, pepper, saffron and frankincense. It was also called the Egyptian bazaar, as most spices and perfumes came from Egypt, with a cargo of rice, coffee, lentils, incense and henna, in the annual 'Cairo caravan' of ten or more vessels. Its organization was one of the principal duties of the governor of Egypt and its arrival as important, for Istanbul, as the annual arrival of the 'Atlantic fleet' from America for Seville".
                                                                                                 Philip Mansel

Now both bazaars, (which stand today as busy as in the past),
are included on our sightseeing tours and can also be used for gala dinners.


TOPKAPI PALACE
"It is in very circumstance that one sees all the majesty, all the splendour and the pride of the Ottomans".

                                     Domenico Sestini

Now enjoy the visit of these highlights and the many other wonders and splendours of Istanbul, with Karavan's deluxe transportation and guides, specially chosen for their linguistic and cultural knowledge, enhanced by Karavan DM briefings and seminars.

Ask for our own creations, such as "The Historical Hospitals of Istanbul", "Reflections of the Past" and "Architectural Istanbul" plus a host of others.
ST. SOPHIE
"Glory to God has designed to let me finish so great a work.
O Solomon, I have outdone thee".
                                                                       Justinian
SULTAN AHMET MOSQUE - THE BLUE MOSQUE
"As the world revealed itself beautiful images,
The mosque of Ruler of the World proclaimed his aspect...
No one [but Sultan Ahmed] could build a mosque like this,"
                                               Cafer (Poet Circa 1609)