Bosphorus Straight not to be missed

We almost missed this one. Having done the Princes Islands boat trip I wasn't that keen to spend another day on a ferry. However, having almost exhausted the possible Istanbul activities over the last two weeks we decided to take a ferry up and down the Bosphorus. 

Getting around Istanbul can be very tricky if the destination is not along one of the Metro lines. I wasn't sure where the ferry started and google map doesn't always work because of local spelling. After reading various websites I worked out it was near the Galata Bridge a 40 min walk from here. Not too bad. We got there in good time and ignored the men trying to get us on more expensive private boats. 

The Bosphorus had been described as a must see while in Istanbul and it lived up to expectation. There are a number of beautiful palaces up on either side of the straight. Two huge bridges in the fashion of the San Francisco Bridge traverse the expanse. A multitude of varying sized boats steam in all directions. Including a massive cargo ship under tug steering. 

We stopped a number of times and in all it took 1.5hrs to make it to the small fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi. It reminded me of a Greek fishing village. We wandered through the village, the kids played in a park and we bought refreshments. 

One of the highlights of the area is the remains of the Anadolu Kavagi (castle) build in Byzantine time. It is built onto the hill directly behind the village. It was described as a vigorous walk and lived up to its reputation. 

The kids were hammered and I was pushing the stroller. However, it is amazing how reaching the top re-energised everyone. The view of the Black sea was enchanting and gave me ambition to return. There is plenty of history out there in it's expanse.

We returned to the village stopping only for a photo shoot instigated by a kind old dutch man. It also helped that it was in the shade. It was a really hot day. 

It was such a relaxing day, no time pressure and plenty to see.