neyzen travel & yachting

Neyzen Travel & Yachting - Turkey by design

Curating travel experiences, neyzen travel, neyzen yachting.

Tailor made yachting & land vacations in Turkey

Luxury & customized travel with a cultural emphasis

To provide inspired travel that is authentic & conscious

Expert guides, crews & uncompromising luxury

Distinctly original tours

• Unrivalled knowledge of Turkey & The Greek Islands
• Specialty tours incl. contemporary art, archaeology & cuisine
• Indulge, escape, explore or simply relax in luxury & style
• Gulet cruise & land tour combinations
• Expert guides, unique itineraries & privileged access

Custom yacht charter experiences

• Fleet of 4 boutique Gulets exclusively owned by Neyzen
• Luxury private charters for groups of up to 17
• Boutique 5 star Cabin Charters
• Tailor made routes & itineraries including activities off board
• Outstanding cuisine & menus on board

See the world your way...

Testimonials

"You are worthy of your excellent reputation. We feel privileged to have sailed with you. May you always have the wind at your back and the warmth of the sun on your faces!" Liz & Henry Feldman

"What a fantastic week with a very special crew who looked after us really, really well. I don’t know why I waited 53 years to visit Turkey- a spectacular coastline and everything we dreamed of." Niell and Lynn Brown

"Knidos, Simi, quiet coves, cliff diving, spear fishing, snorkelling, sleeping to the boat’s gentle rocking, laughter and scuba diving, just begin to describe what we enjoyed…We never dreamed that our time with you would be so wonderful!" Faggioli, Donnell, Wang & Sternberg Families

"The Neyzen company has extended the greatest courtesy, creativity, and genuine friendship we have ever encountered anywhere we have travelled in the world. Every day was an adventure and every meal a culinary surprise and delight." Danny & Carolyn Dansen

"To say this trip was epic is an understatement. As vegetarians we really appreciated your flexibility with fantastic food! Thanks Captain for the guided walks to the orchard, castle, ruins and more. We had a blast exploring Turkey and Greece and have a special place in our hearts for the Turkey you showed us!" Kathy Bailey

"Excellent service in terms of local history, delightful food and attention to every need. Your professionalism, humour and attention to detail shows why you deserve the highest accolades. You have given us a lifetime memory!" Ben & Lucie

"Our first trip on the Aegean was extraordinary, thanks to you. The coastline you all showed us gave us a personal glimpse of what Homer wrote about. Thank you all for a memorable voyage." Mary Ann & Mike Weston

Contact Neyzen

Neyzen Travel & Yachting Kibris Sehitleri Cad. No. 34 48400 Bodrum Turkey

• Tel: +90 252 316 7204
• Fax: +90 252 313 3841
• WhatsApp: +90 530 425 8771
• Email - info@neyzen.com.tr

The Neyzen Group

• Neyzen Land Tours - Customized tours designed for the discerning traveller
• Neyzen Yachting - Luxury charter cruises on the Aegean Turquoise Coast & Greek Islands
• Tailor Made Specialty Travel
• Car Hire & Tranfers
• Hotel & Flight Bookings
• Restaurant Reservations
• Special Events Organization
• Annual Quality Control Of Sites & Accommodations

Neyzen Travel and Yachting believes that travel should be uniquely and personally gratifying and should also encourage a greater understanding of cultural differences, thus helping raise global awareness.

© Neyzen Travel & Yachting 2013. by Indra Creative

Neyzen Travel&Yachting

Neyzen Yachting All Neyzen's tours and luxury yacht charter can be mixed and matched as you like to create your ideal travel experience and vacation in Turkey, whether you are travelling as an individual or in a group of any number. During our tours guests stay in a variety of the best accommodations in the country. Our hand picked selections cater to a range of tastes and budgets and include authentic local homes, award winning boutique hotels, family friendly options, as well as the big names like Kempinsky and Aman Resorts. We are specialists in themed travel such as archaeological, culinary, religious heritage, shopping, arts & crafts, and adventure tours; we also provide events management and can arrange corporate events, parties, weddings and special occasions to mark any celebration or anniversary. Customized Yacht Charter Experiences: - Fleet of 4 boutique Gulets exclusively owned by Neyzen - Luxury private charters for groups of up to 17 - Boutique, luxury Cabin Charters - Tailor made routes & itineraries including excursions off board - Outstanding cuisine & menus on board Distinctly Original Tours of Turkey - Unrivalled insight into and knowledge of Turkey - Specialty tours incl. contemporary art, adventure, archaeology & cuisine - Indulge, escape, explore or simply relax in luxury & style - Gulet cruise & land tour combinations - Expert guides, unique itineraries & privileged access

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

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Uber Is Expanding Its Boat Options Across Europe — Private Yachts and Water Limos Included

Uber is expanding its boat options across Europe.

Courtesy of Uber

Uber is getting into the yachting game, expanding its boat options across Europe and tapping into a beloved mode of transportation.

The rideshare company will expand its Uber Boat options across popular hotspots like Ibiza, Venice, and Athens, Uber shared with Travel + Leisure . The new boat options include private yachts, water limos, and more.

“At Uber we want to give our customers the opportunity to go anywhere, wherever they are travelling,” Anabel Diaz, the vice president of EMEA mobility at Uber, said in a statement shared with T+L. “This summer we are adding a series of bucket-list-worthy nautical experiences to the Uber app in some of Europe’s hottest destinations, helping holidaymakers make the most of their trip on the high seas. Whether it’s sailing around Ibiza in your own private yacht or experiencing the Venetian Lagoon by boat, we’re thrilled to add some Uber magic to our customers' holidays this summer.”

In Ibiza, travelers can book a private yacht for up to eight people for the day through the app, which will depart from the Ibiza Town Marina each day at noon. The option will be available starting July 26 and will come with its own private skipper, a luxury food and beverage hamper, Uber goody bags, and door-to-door pick-up and drop-offs in an Uber Black van. And the best part: it only costs €200 ($214.53) per person. Uber Yacht will be available through August and must be booked 24 hours in advance.

In Venice, Uber will introduce a limo boat option, which will be available on demand starting July 3. When it launches, there will be nearly 200 dedicated pick-up or drop-off points across Venice. Each limo can accommodate up to six people and will cost €120 ($128.72) per trip.

Uber will also expand its boating options in Greece, making the service available in Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Corfu later this month. Prices vary by location, but fares start at €200 ($214.53).

Uber first launched Uber Boat in Mykonos last year and has since made plans to add a free sightseeing option on the Seine in Paris in time for the Olympics. That service, called Uber Cruise , will include free one-hour tours of The City of Lights on fully electric boats and will be available from July 12 to Aug. 3.

Related Articles

Innovative Yachting in Russia: Moscow Boat Show 2024

 Tuesday, February 20, 2024  Favorite

The 17th International Exhibition of Boats and Yachts, known as the Moscow Boat Show, is set to be a major event for yacht professionals and outdoor enthusiasts. Taking place from February 29 to March 3 at Crocus Expo, it is a standout event in the yachting world, attracting global attention.

The Moscow Boat Show aims to showcase the latest industry developments, serving as a platform for promoting water tourism, business meetings, and professional networking. With over 150 exhibitors covering 13,000 square meters, including prestigious names like Prestige and Velhod, the event will feature a range of products and services.

This year, the International Exhibition WORLD of Hunting and Fishing will be held alongside the Moscow Boat Show, offering visitors a comprehensive experience. Attendees can explore new boat models, engage in test drives, and enjoy a rich program of master classes and competitions.

The Moscow Boat Show is more than just an exhibition; it is a multi-format project combining exposition, business events, show programs, and training, making it a must-attend for anyone in the maritime and yachting industries. As the event continues to grow, it highlights the industry’s innovation and endless possibilities.

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Neyzen Travel & Yachting - Turkey by design

Curating travel experiences.

• Neyzen Travel
• About Neyzen
• Luxury Cabin Charter
• Private Charter
• Turkish Coast
• Greek Islands
• Greek Islands & Turkish Coast Combination
• Life On & Off board

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to charter the yacht for a whole week? Can I book my yacht for 3 or 4 days, for example?

Yes, it is possible for guests to book a private charter for less than a week. We allow for a minimum of 5 days. During high season for tours of less than 7 days, a supplementary charge is incurred to help us cover the days when the yacht is unoccupied.

Cabin charters operate on a weekly basis, Saturday to Saturday.

Is 5 days too long? Will we have enough to do?

There is plenty to do on board. In fact, by the time you are due to disembark we are pretty sure that you won’t want to leave! Your itinerary will be designed to take you to the places you most want to go and include activities and optional tours that suit the interests of your group to a tee. You will probably find that even doing nothing but relaxing on the water, swimming and enjoying your chef’s mouthwatering cuisine will have you losing your sense of time and wishing you’d booked for longer!

Can we choose our route?

The beauty of our Private Yacht Charters is that each trip is completely tailor made. Routes, itineraries, extra activities, excursions and menus are all designed to precisely suit your group -as well as giving you the freedom of spontaneity.

Routes on our Luxury Cabin Charters are fixed. We offer a wide range of activities and optional excursions to meet all interests however diverse the group may be. Prior to confirming a cabin charter we communicate at length with guests in order to make sure the proposed route suits all and creates the optimum shared cruise experience.

Each of our yachts has a crew of between 3 and 5 people. This includes your captain, a first mate, deck hand(s) and chef. Crews have their own separate sleeping quarters on the yacht.

Do the crew speak English?

All captains and crew members, except our chefs, speak English.

Are there any additional charges to the fee for Private Yacht Charter?

Greek island harbor fees are extra.

Optional touring where entrance fees or the service of a guide and/or van are needed are extra.

Optional restaurants off the yacht are not included in the price, but meals off board will be deducted from the catering fees. Restaurants on shore require reservations.

Drinks are extra and prices are based on consumption.

Guests book luxury cabin only. A full crew and chef will take care of you throughout your trip. Cabin charters are based on a 7 day cruise with a fixed itinerary. You will join other guests on board for a shared Blue Cruise experience.

How are Cabin Charters priced?

Fees for Cabin Charter are set per cabin.

Prices vary according to season, so be sure to ask once you know your dates.

Meals and drinks (water, soft drinks and local alcoholic beverages) are included.

Who are the other guests I will be traveling with on a cabin charter?

Our clientele is multinational. We aim to bring groups of like-minded people together on our Cabin Charters. We also coordinate each cruise with respect to the ages of guests.

Can Neyzen organize and make my flight and hotel reservations?

Yes, most of our clients do combine a Neyzen land tour with one of our Yacht Charter Blue Cruises. The optimal time frame for a combination tour like this is 12-14 days. We suggest overland tours in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Bodrum. Our yacht charters also start out from Bodrum.

Is Yacht Charter suitable for kids?

The sizes of our gulets, plus their on-board space, offer both children and parents a sense of freedom and safety at the same time. Our crews are used to watching out for kids and upon your request will happily take them swimming and provide other activities and entertainment when possible.

What about safety on board?

Life vests for children and adults are stowed under the cabin beds for easy access. Fire extinguishers are located in the lounge, engine room, and kitchen. A fire escape is situated in each yacht's front hallway. A First Aid kit is stored at the bar.

Each yacht has life saving rings on deck and a dinghy with motor. Decks are fenced for safety.

Can we access doctors and hospitals in an emergency?

From port to port, wherever your yacht is we have well-established relationships with doctors and hospitals should any member of your group need them.

All our captains have First Aid Training.

Do I need insurance?

Each guest must have adequate travel insurance to cover any possible or necessary medical attention.

Can I sleep on the deck?

Is the yacht air conditioned?

Yes, all our yachts are fully air conditioned and each cabin has individual climate control. The A/C may run all night long. Generally it runs from 4 p.m. and is switched off at 11 a.m. when guests tend to spend the day on deck.

Is there a chef on board?

Yes, each yacht has a chef on board for the duration of your cruise.

Do you cater for special diets and food requirements?

Yes, our chefs cater to unique dietary requirements such as gluten and dairy free, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. Meat in Turkey is Halal and we can also cater to requests for Kosher menus. Please inform our team of any special requests or particular allergies/conditions prior to your visit. Private Charter guests will receive a catering list of preferences on booking confirmation.

What are the costs of food and drink?

The cost for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a diverse menu (e.g. dinner of seafood, leg of lamb, filet mignon, etc.) is 45 EURO per person. Meals for children up to 12 years are half price.

On Private Yacht Charters, drinks are stocked according to guests’ requests. Guests pay only for what is consumed at the end of the tour.

On Cabin Charter, meals, local beer and wine, all soft drinks, juice and water are included in the charter fee.

Is there disabled access on board?

Yes, with the assistance of our crew, persons with disabilities are able to feel comfortable and move around on board our yachts.

Will I be able to go fishing?

Yes. Spear fishing and trawling a line is something many of our guests enjoy. Professional or licensed fishing is prohibited between May 15 and October 15 each year.

Do you provide plug adapters on board? Television? Snorkel equipment?

We provide plug adapters and snorkel equipment. There is television and a DVD player with a DVD library on board (for all ages).

Will the gulet yacht we charter actually sail?

Yes, all our crews are experienced sailors and love to sail. The best time for sailing in the Aegean is between May and October.

Which is the best route?

The most popular itineraries are Greek Island Hopping and the Turkish Turquoise Coast with the Greek Island of Simi.

GET IN TOUCH

Neyzen yachting and Travel

Kibris Sehitleri Cad. No. 34 48400 Bodrum, Turkey

Tel: + 90 252 316 7204.- Email - info@neyzen.com.tr

Contact Neyzen

Neyzen Travel & Yachting Kibris Sehitleri Cad. No. 34 48400 Bodrum Turkey

• Tel: +90 252 316 7204
• Fax: +90 252 313 3841
• WhatsApp: +90 530 425 8775
• Email - info@neyzen.com.tr

The Neyzen Group

• Neyzen Land Tours - Customized tours designed for the discerning traveller
• Neyzen Yachting - Luxury charter cruises on the Aegean Turquoise Coast & Greek Islands
• Tailor Made Specialty Travel
• Car Hire & Tranfers
• Hotel & Flight Bookings
• Restaurant Reservations
• Special Events Organization
• Annual Quality Control Of Sites & Accommodations

Neyzen Travel and Yachting believes that travel should be uniquely and personally gratifying and should also encourage a greater understanding of cultural differences, thus helping raise global awareness.

Home Fleet luxury charter options SAILING ITINERARIES CUISINE ACTIVITIES on & off Board

© Neyzen Travel & Yachting 2013. By Indra Creative

Neyzen Travel & Yachting - Turkey by design

Curating travel experiences.

• Neyzen Yachting
• About Neyzen
• Custom Design

‘If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on Istanbul.' - Alphonse de Lamartine

Mighty Byzantine walls , mysterious underground cisterns , majestic basilicas, opulent Ottoman palaces and the glittering Bosphorus strait, lend this cosmopolitan city an aura of magic. Traditions rooted in 2,500 years of history are observed in age-old bargaining techniques in the covered bazaar, the heartfelt hospitality of the local people and the cadences of the muezzin’s call to prayer.

The info below outlines the highlights of touring with Neyzen in Istanbul, where we recommend a minimum 3-day stay . All the experiences featured here can be selected and combined to create the ultimate Istanbul tour in line with your specific interests. Broaden your experience of Turkey by including any other regions of the country or an Aegean yacht charter into your trip.

Accommodation Istanbul - style

Istanbul has been a hotspot for travel since the mid 19th century. The city is filled with unique places to stay, catering from budget options to beautiful design-led boutique hotels and 5-star super luxury. Many leading world hotel chains like the Four Seasons, Kempinski, Shangri-La, Park Hyatt and the Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah , have also opened exclusive properties in Istanbul’s best locations.

There are essentially 4 districts of choice for accommodation: Sultanahmet, Beyoglu , the hotspot for those-in-the-know Karakoy , and on the Bosphorus . The best way to experience Istanbul is to spend time in 2 of these areas, the most practical being Sultanahmet when you arrive, and either Beyoglu, Karakoy or on the Bosphorus before you depart.

• Sultanahmet
• Imaginatively converted Ottoman era houses & mansions
• Period furnishings
• Nostalgic charm with modern comforts
• Restaurants, bars, cafés & shopping on your doorstep
• Find the Blue Mosque, the Underground Cisterns, Hagia Sofia, covered bazaar & many more of the main attractions here
• Eclectic district rich with bohemian ambiance
• Boutique hotels in ottoman era apartment buildings
• Rooftop terraces with city panoramas
• Design-led hotels
• Istiklal Avenue, Tunel & Galata districts with shops, cafés, bars & restaurants
• Converted historical palaces & period mansions
• Renovated former industrial buildings
• Luxury-design boutique hotels
• Romantic waterside setting
• Stylish dining & waterfront cafés
• Iconic views of imperial mosques & the dramatic bosphorus
• Creative young Istanbul fused with the gritty street life of the working city
• Istanbul Modern gallery gives a new edge to the area since 2004
• Hip urban fashion, café and gallery culture
• Beautifully restored historical architecture
• Designer hotels like 10 Karakoy and House Hotel Vault

Historical sites and museums

Hagia sofia.

The world’s oldest basilica , built in the glory days of Byzantium as an attempt to revitalize the dwindling Roman Empire, the Hagia Sophia remained the greatest Church in Christendom for 7 centuries. The interior mosaics are of particular interest.

THE MYSTERIOUS BYZANTINE CISTERNS

The largest and most magnificent covered cistern in Istanbul was built during the reign of Justinian I to supply water to the palaces in the vicinity. During a 1987 restoration, the original brick pavement and 2 magnificent marble heads of Medusa were uncovered.

TOPKAPI PALACE INCLUDING THE TREASURY AND HAREM

When Sultan Mehmed II captured Constantinople in 1453, he deemed the palaces of the Byzantine Emperors uninhabitable and began building the incredible Topkapi . The palace houses some of the world’s finest porcelain , jewelry, Ottoman weaponry and the world’s largest harem .

THE CHORA CHURCH

A small church built here before the erection of the 5th century Roman city walls gave its name to later churches built on the same site. The present structure is dated to the llth-14th centuries, and its meticulous mosaics and frescoes are considered masterpieces of the Byzantine Renaissance .

THE RUSTEMPASA MOSQUE

Designed by the famous architect Sinan in 1561, this small but beautiful mosque creates a stunning sight in the busiest and oldest commercial center of the city. Near to the Spice Bazaar, its façade and interior are decorated with particularly fine Iznik tiles .

Other highlights include:

• BLUE MOSQUE One of the most famous monuments of Turkish-Islamic art. Over 20,000 exquisite Iznik tiles decorate the galleries of the interior chamber.
• ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM Istanbul's equivalent of the British Museum includes a sarcophagus of scenes from the life of Alexander the Great. Kids love the model Trojan horse in the children's section.
• TURKISH ISLAMIC ARTS AND CRAFTS MUSEUM Includes a magnificent collection of gigantic carpets from all over the country, a fully fitted nomad tent and the grand interior of a 19th-century Bursa mansion.
• MOSAICS MUSEUM Remains of mosaics from Great Palace built by Constantine the Great show scenes of Byzantium daily life, hunting and landscapes.
• GALATA TOWER Offers the best panoramic views of the city, Asian and European sides.
• THE BEYLERBEYI PALACE Beautifully preserved 19th-century wooden mansion and gardens blending Eastern, Turkish and Western motifs.
• SAKIRIN MOSQUE One of the most modern mosques in Turkey and the 1st designed by women. Features brilliant design by architect Hüsrev Tayla and interior designer Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu.
• SEHZADE MOSQUE AND COMPLEX Built around 1548 by Mimar Sinan, this mosque and madrasa was the Renaissance architect’s dream illustrating a decorative simplicity typical of the master Sinan
• SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE A vast imperial masterpiece by Suleyman the Magnificent’s genius head architect, Mimar Sinan, and one of the most beautiful and distinguished examples of Ottoman architecture.
• KILIÇ ALI PAŞA MOSQUE Commissioned by Kilic Ali Pasa, an ambitious 16th century Italian who rose up the ranks from slave to captain, and later to Grand Admiral of the Ottoman navy. A newly restored and fine example of Ottoman Islamic architecture.
• THE DOLMABAHCE PALACE This eclectic waterfront palace, the largest in Turkey, cost the lavish equivalent of 35 tons of gold in Ottoman currency. 14 tons of gold were used to gild the ceilings of the 45,000m2 mono-block structure, which stands on an area of 110,000 m². A must see.

KARAKÖY, GALATA AND TUNEL

Explore Istanbul’s hidden nucleus for urban cool cafes and restaurants. For a true taste of today’s local culture in Beyoglu, abandon the well-trodden tourist promenade of Istiklal Street, and get lost in the cobbled streets of Tunel, Galata and Karakoy. The buzz of the day-to-day life of central Istanbulites is almost tangible in Tunel and Galata; here hang out in small local cafes, or shop at boutiques for the one-off creations of Turkish designers. Wander down to Karakoy for a real insight into the extremes of the city: on the Bosphorus a maze of streets conceals creative coffee shops and restaurants where hip locals gather for work and play; in contrast towards the Golden Horn, you find yourself amidst the throng of the city, where street vendors sell almost anything from jeans to fishing rods, and local fisherman display their daily catch on the waterfront.

Culinary treats punctuating this tour include Namli Gurme Karakoy , a gourmet deli selling a mouth-watering range of cold meats, cheeses, honey, and olives. Next-door Karakoy Gulluoglu offers traditional baklava second to none. Close by are the well-established Lokanta Maya restaurant and the fantastic Karakoy Lokantasi. There are also 12 new design-led and delicious restaurants to sample, all opened in 2014, and more to come in 2015. Continue to Bankalar Caddesi, once Istanbul’s main banking street and indulge at Galata Salt Gallery’s Neolokanta Restaurant , one of Istanbul’s finest.

Cooking Classes

Spice up your trip to Istanbul with Neyzen’s hands-on Turkish cooking classes in the heart of the city’s vibrant old town. Turkish cuisine is the fortunate heir to the rich and diverse culinary cultures of the Ottoman Empire , which spanned the entire Eastern Mediterranean from the Balkans to the Middle East.

Street food tour

During this tour we visit some of the most popular street food vendors in the Beyoglu area, sampling stuffed mussels, Gozleme crepes , fresh and roasted nuts, the famous kebabs and more. Learn about the food, its history and traditions , and be enthralled by stories and anecdotes from the vendors.

Tour of the Spice Bazaar and Fish Market

This guided open market tour begins at the Spice Bazaar. Learn the history behind the market place, the spices and their uses. A lunch stop at the fish restaurant boats moored in Karakoy is followed by a tour of the Fish Market in Beyoğlu. Guests also visit some of the family-owned specialty shops that have been around for several generations.

KadikÖy Market Tour

In the historical Kadiköy Market discover the specialty food stores of local merchants and sample traditional fare and many hard-to-find ingredients. Lunch of regional Anatolian cuisine is eaten at the marketplace’s most famous restaurant, Çiya, owned by renowned chef Musa Dağdeviren.

Unique experiences

Private bosphorus cruise.

Experience magical Istanbul from the water. You will pass the Ottoman fortress of Rumeli Hisar and the opulent Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side, while of special interest on the European shore are the Ciragan Palace and the Ortakoy Mosque and Square. Today modern villas intermingle with beautifully preserved old wooden seaside mansions and the Bosphorus shoreline is fringed with inviting fish restaurants and cafés.

KILIC ALI PASA HAMAM

Mimar Sinan built Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı in the late 16th century to serve the Levend marine forces in the Ottoman navy. Famous for its majestic 17m high dome , the Hamam is one of the distinguishing features of Tophane, Istanbul’s harbor district. The Hamam has gloriously re-opened after 7 years of extensive restoration , and promises an experience to remember at the height of luxurious style amidst a breathtaking historical atmosphere and the chance to get pampered in true, Ottoman style.

HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE ON THE PRINCES' ISLANDS

The Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara evolved from a place of exile during the Byzantine era , to a popular destination for visitors to escape hectic city life today. The main feature of any of the Islands is the sound of silence. Horse-drawn carriages and bicycles replace motorized vehicles, making an oases of peace and quiet. Explore the islands’ timeless charm on foot or by a leisurely ride through narrow lanes and streets lined either by untouched pine forest or fine, wooden Victorian cottages.

FATIH, FENER & BALAT WALKING TOUR

Steeped in history, a guided tour on foot through the labyrinthine streets of these untapped, and relatively conservative, neighborhoods on the Golden Horn provides a key insight into understanding Istanbul as a whole. A great many communities and religions have converged here over the centuries, leaving an extraordinary legacy of art and architecture, religious monuments, and gastronomic delicacies . This excellent tour explores these districts and ensures that the secrets of Istanbul, some unforgettable monuments (several included in the UNESCO World Heritage List), authentic restaurants, and the fascinating stories of old and new are not missed.

KARAKOY DISTRICT

Nowadays Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities live side-by-side here in Karakoy, Istanbul’s old commercial port. Many buildings, some dating back 600 years, have been restored and opened as some of the city’s trendiest design-driven hotels, urban cafés, up market restaurants, funky boutiques, contemporary art galleries, and museums. These mingle with original Ottoman Hans, often falling apart, and being used as hardware shops and tradesmen’s workshops. Start exploring the up-and-coming Karaköy at the quay to the east of the Galata Bridge, here getting a fantastic view across to Sarayburnu, the wooded peninsula home to Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque . Venture away from the waterfront to visit the fascinating Yeralti Cami (the Underground Mosque). The presence of more than 15 churches, such as Latin Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Armenian and Bulgarian, and 5 Jewish synagogues, as well as Greek, Jewish, French, Italian and Austrian schools, reflects Karakoy’s true cosmopolitan character and brings a truly diverse and exciting atmosphere to the area.

BÜYÜK VALİDE HAN

This is an experience virtually exclusive to Neyzen’s guests and offers the great opportunity to explore one of the most important old commercial Ottoman buildings, the 17th century Buyuk Valide Han, rarely entered by visitors. In the northwest corner of the Han, which still operates its small workshops serving the textile industry today, a crumbling stone staircase leads up to the roof, which offers a truly fabulous view of the city. Note that climbing up to the roof is at your own risk, as there aren't any railings on the roof.

GALATA MEVLEVI MUSEUM

Without a doubt the best place to view the captivating Whirling Dervish Ritual in Istanbul, the central hall of this dervish lodge was built in 1491. The oldest of 6 historic lodges remaining in Istanbul, the complex was converted into a museum in 1946. Taking their name from the great Sufi mystic, Rumi , also known as Mevlana, Mevlevis seek a mystical communion with God through the Sema, which involves chanting, prayer, music and dance. Other exhibits include displays of Mevlevi clothing and accessories , a collection of traditional musical instruments, calligraphy and ebru (paper marbling), and the tomb of Galip Dede, the 17th-century Sufi poet whom the street is named after.

Special access

Istanbul garden tours with gursan ergil.

Our garden tours look at some of the most interesting gardens in Istanbul and the Princes’ Islands, introducing guests to garden owners and landscape artists. Gursan Ergil, landscape designer, author, historian, and currently Landscape Curator at the Princes’ Islands Museum, leads the tours. These beautiful 19th and early 20th century gardens are closed to the public and offer privileged access only for Neyzen’s tours .

BOSPHORUS RESIDENCE AND CLASSICAL MUSIC

On a privately booked yacht for your group only, soak up the atmosphere of Istanbul and this famous riviera as you cruise along both the Asian and European shorelines. Some of the highlights seen from the water include waterfront palaces , fortresses and the Bosphorus Bridge . Explore the grounds of a 19th century traditional wooden mansion on the banks of the Asian side, before early evening cocktails and a classical music performance in the Yali’s gardens.

AFTER HOURS VISIT OF THE HAGIA SOPHIA

Experience a private guided tour of the great Hagia Sophia , Eastern Orthodox cathedral-turned-mosque (built 537-1453), opened exclusively for your group alone to explore this awe inspiring structure and its holy relics.

SEVAN BICAKCI “LORD OF THE RINGS”

A bench jeweler for 20 years, 36-year-old Sevan Bicakci is known in the fine jewelry industry as The Lord of the Rings . His precious and profound creations are one-of-a-kind , hand made and inspired by the historical architecture of Istanbul and many childhood memories. While exploring Istanbul’s Old City, we visit Bicacki’s shop museum and workshop located near the Grand Bazaar .

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE MUSEUM

Neyzen has guest access to the military-run Selimiye Army barracks here where the public museum is also located. The museum is interesting enough, but our exclusive tour of this handsome building with 2.5km of corridors, 300 rooms and 300 windows, is really something else. During the Crimean War the barracks became a military hospital where the famous lady with the lamp and 38 student nurses worked. It was here that Nightingale practiced the innovative and radical nursing methods that history knows her for.

Since the 1460s, Istanbul has been a shopper’s mecca . Today shops and markets overflow with an eye-catching and extraordinary array of jewelry, Ottoman-era textiles, leather, hand-woven rugs, ceramics and glass, antiques and charming accessories. From artisanal carpet and gold merchants to local markets, the legendary Grand Bazaar , one-off chic boutiques, antique shops and high-end designer stores, Istanbul is great for shopping, whatever your budget and quest. Take a Neyzen guide with you as a personal shopping assistant , and we can advise you on the best places to go. There are some areas where this guidance can really come in handy to get the best deals, as well as having someone to translate.

• JEWELRY From beaded costume designs to some of the most skillful gold workmanship in the world, antique and new, classic and modern, Istanbul offers an incredible variety for jewelry shoppers and investors.
• TURKISH CARPETS Find the world famous hand-woven carpets and Turkish kilims in an extensive choice of color, pattern and motif, from rustic to elegant in style, and made with high-quality natural materials and dyes.
• COVERED BAZAAR The oldest and largest covered bazaar in the world right in the heart of old Istanbul, this giant labyrinth holds around 60 lanes and more than 3000 artisanal shops.
• ÇUKURCUMA Slightly off the beaten track, this neighborhood has long been popular among antique enthusiasts attracted by its flea market atmosphere, heaps of Ottoman-era knickknacks, antique books and many unusual finds.
• ISTIKLAL AVENUE Bookstores, art galleries, chic boutiques, thrift stores, theaters, coffeehouses, and historical patisseries thrive against a backdrop of elegant 19th century Turkish architecture.
• NISANTASI Istanbul’s high-end shopping district showcases Turkey’s top designers, such as Özem Suer and Esra and Tuba Çetin, as well as international brands.
• ARMAGGAN A prestigious store and gallery showcasing modern Turkish design inspired by traditional Anatolian patterns and coloring, Armaggan offers the antithesis of mass produced art, including exclusive objets d’art, jewelry and textiles.

Contemporary Art

Istanbul modern.

Founded in 2004, this vast former warehouse on the Bosphorus is the first private museum to organize modern and contemporary art exhibitions in Turkey. The venue also includes a photography gallery, library, cinema center, café and design store, while the restaurant offers an incredible view of the old city across the water.

GALERI MANÂ

Respected Turkish-American curator Suzanne Egeran helped set up Galeri Manâ in 2011, taking the name from the Turkish word for meaning. Housed in an atmospheric converted 19th century wheat mill, the gallery seeks to represent the vanguard of conceptual contemporary art from Turkey and around the world.

Arter -Space For Art is located in an elegant restored mansion in the vibrant heart of Beyoglu . Since its opening in 2010 the gallery has fast found its feet as an intelligent platform for contemporary Turkish art , encouraging the production of site-specific exhibitions, installations and performances .

Founded in Ankara in the 1980s, Nev combines its space for the new art coming out of Turkey with an extensive art history and catalogue archive . Exhibits vary from understated prints and drawings to experimental sculpture and installations, a truly refined taste being the common denominator.

Located in the well known Misir Apartmani, a beautiful 19th-century apartment block in Beyoğlu , Galerist is one of the city's most popular galleries , and home to the chic rooftop 360 Bar. Over the past decade Galerist has established a strong presence in the international art scene , and is dedicated to introducing Turkish artists to the global art community .

CONTEMPOARY ISTANBUL

The 10th edition of Turkey’s premium art fair runs from November 12-15, 2015 and takes place at Istanbul Congress Center (ICC) and Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Centre (ICEC). The fair offers a range of Turkish and international art including painting, sculpture, video works, installation and limited editions from local and international galleries. New to the fair in 2014, was the Plug-In New Media Section, dedicated to showcasing digital art in a 1000 square meters area next to the main exhibition space.

ISTANBUL BIENNIAL 2015

Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) presents Istanbul Biennial 2015 showing Sept 5 -Nov 1. Since 1987, the Istanbul Biennial has defined a hub in Turkey for visual artists and their audiences from all over the world. The 13 previous events have strengthened an exciting network of local and international art circles whereby artists, curators and art critics bring together new trends in contemporary art . According to curator Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev, the 14th Istanbul Biennial 2015, featuring artists Cevdet Erek, Füsun Onur and William Kentridge among others, will reveal a new unconventionality and set out “…looking for where to draw the line, to withdraw, to draw upon, and to draw out.”

Arts and Crafts

We offer a number of handcraft workshops and classes in Istanbul each providing expert private instruction and the chance to get creative in the heart of this inspiring city. We have workshops on the centuries old Ottoman Marbling Ebru technique , a method of aqueous surface design, producing rich patterns and effects similar to marble and other stones on paper, glass or fabric. We also offer a Turkish & Ottoman Calligraphy workshop , which introduces the revered art of forming characters from the Ottoman-Arabic Diwani script. Taught with figurative imagery and an insight into geometric Islamic art, this workshop gives both a both hands-on experience and a fascinating art historical perspective. Other options include a Traditional Turkish Tile & Ceramics class and a workshop on the art of Fine Woodworking with mother-of-pearl inlay.

Jewish heritage

Jews have lived in the geographic area of modern Turkey for more than 2,400 years. In the later Middle Ages, Ashkenazi Jews migrated to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires supplementing the original Jewish population of Asia Minor. In the late 15th century, the Ottoman Empire invited many Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution in Spain and Portugal to Asia Minor. Despite emigration during the 20th century, modern day Turkey still has a small Jewish population of about 27,000. The major sites of Jewish interest in Turkey are in Istanbul where there are 29 synagogues ,although they are not all practicing or open to the public. These synagogues show how the different waves of Jewish immigrations to Turkey influenced the design of these houses of worship.

Galata is home to Istanbul’s main synagogue, Neve Shalom , a symbol of the Turkish Jewish community since being attacked in 1986 and again in 2003. The only remainder of the original synagogue is the grandfather clock in the foyer, which is still fixed at the time of the first bombing. The Ashkenazi Synagogue features a beautifully designed dome and vibrant interior art.

There used to be many synagogues active in the old Jewish district of Balat , but now only the beautifully renovated Ahrinda and Yanbol Synagogues are in use, and only on Shabbat. Jews from Macedonia originally built the Ahrinda Synagogue, which has been beautifully restored and is noted for its bemah in the shape of Noah’s ark, and a magnificent hanging chandelier in its central dome.

JEWISH MUSEUM OF ISTANBUL

A short walk down the famous winding staircase, Ask Merdiveni (Love Steps), brings you to the former Zülfikar Synagogue , now the site of The Zulferis Museum which was founded in 1992, the first Jewish museum in Turkey . Naim Güleryüzü has been responsible for the vision, renovation and construction of this museum, a testament to 500 years of peace and tolerance in Turkey.

How we custom design tours

The destinations, sites and excursions outlined here are great inspiration for creating your custom designed itinerary . As well as being experts on Turkey, we understand people, and have been designing imaginative vacations here for over 25 years. The trips we offer cater to a range of budgets but maintain our high standards and consistently deliver a unique style and concept. For advice on creating a tailor made itinerary taking you exactly where you want to go and doing the things you most enjoy, contact us here.

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

• One of the oldest covered markets in the world with 61 lanes and over 3000 shops

Heritage Tram On Istiklal Avenue

• The 19th Century tram running through the old Grande Rue De Pera, now Istiklal Caddesi
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Contact Information

• +90 252 313 6832-33
• +90 252 313 3841
• [email protected]
• www.neyzen.com.tr

Contact Neyzen

Neyzen Travel & Yachting Kibris Sehitleri Cad. No. 34 48400 Bodrum Turkey

• Tel: +90 252 316 7204
• Fax: +90 252 313 3841
• Email - info@neyzen.com.tr

The Neyzen Group

• Neyzen Yachting - Luxury chater cruises on the Turquoise Coast of Turkey
• Neyzen Land Tours - Customized tours designed for the discerning traveller
• Tailor Made Specialty Travel
• Car Hire & Tranfers
• Hotel & Flight Bookings
• Restaurant Reservations
• Special Events Organization
• Annual Quality Control Of Sites & Accommodations

Neyzen Travel and Yachting believes that travel should be uniquely and personally gratifying and should also encourage a greater understanding of cultural differences, thus helping raise global awareness.

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