Day three of my holidays started with an early breakfast at my hotel. Watermelon, green and purple olives, and raisins rounded out my morning meal. I washed it down with some awesome pomegranate juice. Between the wonderful orange and pomegranate juices plentiful in Turkey, I was never at a loss for a luscious and refreshing beverage!
Another day of interesting sights and tastes was about to begin! First on our agenda was a drive to the boat docks for our morning cruise along the Bosphorus Sea! Our spacious ferry had several passenger decks for easy viewing, so our group chose the upper level. 
We were served watermelon slices prior to the ferry’s departure.
One of the first noticeable landmarks on our journey was the grand palace to our left, on the European side of Istanbul. Its size was quite expansive.
On the hill beyond were perched homes and businesses.
We came upon a massive fort, also on the European side to our left. This is “Rumeli Castle and Fortress”. It was built by an Ottoman sultan in the mid-15th century, before the conquer of Constantinople. The sultan Mehmed II had the fortress built to control sea traffic and to block intruders against the conquering Ottoman Empire.
The Bosphorus Bridge which was now directly in front of us, is a lengthy suspension bridge that joins the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
We had now cruised closer to the Asian side of the city. The first landmark of significance was a military academy.
Wealthy homes came into our view.
Yet another palace graced our presence, this time on the Asian side of the city.
One of the wealthiest businessmen in the country resides in a mansion here on the Asian side.
More spectacular houses on another hill greeted us once again. The one and a half hour cruise had completed. It was really enjoyable and a great way to see the city’s perimeter, while enjoying a refreshing breeze on the Bosphorus Sea!
Our tour group headed to Istanbul’s famous Spice Market. Many vendors shops within could be found selling a wide variety of spices. I purchased cumin, coriander, spicy chili pepper, and a small jar of Turkish saffron.
Now we were all famished! Our guide brought us back to Tamara Restaurant(Tamara Restaurant) in Istanbul, where we dined yesterday.
Lentil soup with lavish bread and a side salad with lemon juice was the starter to our meal. The Turkish lavish bread is REALLY good!
For my entrée(after guide translated to waitstaff and chef), I dined on stewed veggies. The selection was a bit different than the prior day. The plate included a luncheon of stewed green beans, carrots, tomatoes, peas, and mushrooms. Again, it was a really great, homestyle cooking meal. You find this type of “homestyle cooking” comfort food popular in Turkish restaurants and in bed and breakfast hotels.
Our lunch time was done and we were off on another adventure! This time, a spectacular palace was in store! Dolmabahce Palace was constructed from orders of the Ottoman Empire’s 31st Sultan, Abdülmecid I. Construction started in the year 1843 and was completed in 1856. The sultan had wanted the palace built to rival its European counterparts in style, elegance, and comfort.
The lengthy walkway to the palace entrance is lined with colorful flowers.
The swan water fountain leading to the palace building, is surrounded by beautiful flowers also.
The grandeur of the palace is evident upon reaching it’s front entrance!
Although no photos were allowed inside the palace, I can assure you that its rooms are absolutely stunning! It is THE most magnificent palace I have ever encountered! Within its walls, you will notice massive crystal chandeliers, gold leaf ceilings, intricate engravings, and beautiful furniture and carpets. The palace always had up to date, contemporary technology on its premises. Gas lighting and water closets were installed in their day and later elevators and a central heating system were put in place.
From the Great Meeting Hall inside the palace, the sultan could dreamily glance through the large window onto the splendid view of the winding Bosphorus Sea.
As we made our way to the outside, the enormous and ornate back gate of the palace grounds met us.
Our final day’s tour of Istanbul had come to an end. I was picked up shortly thereafter at my hotel and brought to the bus that would take me on a ten hour, overnight journey to my next destination: Cappadocia.
During the previous night, I had paid a visit to a local restaurant Karadeniz(Karadeniz Restaurant) near my hotel to purchase a “Pide”(Turkish pizza), so that I could save it for dinner this night. The waiter understood English well, so he conveyed to the cook that I required this pide to be made without any cheese.
The pide crust is shaped like a boat and topped with tomatoes, corn, peppers, and mushrooms. It was delicious! I was thrilled to try a local Turkish food that had been veganized! I ate it at my Istanbul hotel prior to getting the overnight bus heading to Cappadocia.
At some point during the overnight bus trip, I was hungry for an early morning snack. The leftover simit in my tote bag satisfied this hunger!
I relaxed on the bus, while eagerly looking forward to my next day’s adventures in the rock cave region of Cappadocia!