The Bosphorus is the smallest strait used for international navigation. Also known as the Istanbul Strait, it connects the Black Sea with the Aegean Sea which leads to the Mediterranean. Along its banks are beautiful towns and world famous seafood. The best way to explore this fascinating area is by boat or ferry. But why not avoid the busy throng with a trip on Aija Hotel’s own boat? And when you are done you can walk into what was once the home of a very rich and possibly very fat Ottoman lord. Built in the 1800s, the architecture is elegant and the interiors full of class. It is the sort of place that makes you want to wear white linen clothes and throw you head back laughing. You can sit out on the terrace over the water and watch the sunset. The restaurant is gourmet (obviously) and the concierge will happily arrange trips to local sights for you. What sights? Why, everything from Byzantine fortresses and monasteries to Ottoman palaces of course. The Bosphorus land has changed hands more times than a porn magazine at an all-boys boarding school so there is plenty of history to explore.