A truly unique city spanning two continents and boasting one of the largest populations of any city in the world, Istanbul has something for everyone. An ancient city that relied on its military power in the past has transformed into a haven for artists and food lovers alike.
Click "READ MORE" below to find out more about this trip!
Click "READ MORE" below to find out more about this trip!
WOW! What an interesting city. This city area has over 17 million in population with a bridge spanning Europe and Asia! We stayed at the moderately priced Armada Hotel having a room with windows opening up for great views of the Marmara Sea that runs into the Bosphorus Sea. The rooftop restaurant had vast views both of the sea and the Blue Mosque which was lit up at night. We could easily walk up the hill to the old town walk and also to the lovely promenade that that runs all the way along the sea to the ferry docks and Spice Market.
The first day we arranged for a full day private tour to help orient us. It began with a visit to the Hippodrome, which was one of the largest chariot race grounds of the Byzantine Empire. We took a short walk to the Blue Mosque, completed in 1616. The mosque was a part of a complex also ıncluding, tombs, fountains, kitchens, and a bath. The blue Iznik Tiles covering the walls have given the mosque its popular name, Blue Mosque.
Next, we visited the magnificient Topkapi Palace, the residence of the sultans for almost three centuries. In the Treasury section, we saw breathtaking displays, including the 7th largest diamond in the world, the "Spoonmaker's Diamond" and the Harem is a vast labyrinth of rooms and corridors once occupied by the black eunuchs, concubines, the Sultan's mother and the Sultan himself.
After our lunch, in the ottoman Imperial Hotel, we visited the St. Sophia, the church of the Divine Wisdom. This is the architectural marvel of all time. Last, we continued to explore some of the ninety- two streets of the famous Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is the largest and oldest covered Bazaar in Turkey with more than 4,000 shops. A variety of Turkish Handicrafts, Oriental carpets, rare jewels and inexpensive souvenirs all sold in small shops next to each other. No, we did not buy any rugs!
The next day, on our own, we sailed up the Bosphorus to the Black Sea on a local ferry-the Istanbul city lines. We chose to take the long tour sailing from Eminonu to Anadolu Kavagi. We disembarked at the end, and toured the town before walking up a giant hill to the Yoros Kalesi (castle) where we had a wonderful lunch of “messes” (like small tapas) of mini grilled mussels, a shrimp casserole and a good salad . The view of the Black Sea was marvelous. In the distance, 22 miles away, we could also see downtown Istanbul. For those who do not wish to climb the giant hill, the town has many quaint cafes with sidewalk restaurants offering good views of the sea and yummy inexpensive locally caught fish.
On the boat we had rented headsets which gave a commentary of the sites we passed on the 1 ½ hour trip to the Black Sea. The boat makes 6 stops where you can disembark if you wish. There are food, drinks and restrooms onboard.
Another day we took a morning tour of the Asian side of Istanbul. This area is more modern and not as crowded as the European ‘old town’ side. Again the views from the hills are magnificent. We visited the palace and enjoyed talking with our guide about life in Istanbul.
A few comments:
The people and city- The happy Turkish people love their city and country and are very proud. They all comment on how everything is great except the traffic. It seems like all 17 million residents drive into the city daily. The public transportation is young and improvements need to be made. Taxis are plentiful and reasonable in price. The locals try to sell you everything, but once you say “no” they say “have a good day” with a smile.
Food- YUM. We hit many local spots and tried all the specialties including their kebabs, yoghurt soup, eggplant, seafood, lamb, raki (local liquour), tasty beer, coffee and tea. Most of the menus had English translations or if not, we pointed to the pictures on the menus. All food comes with tasty sauces and all is priced reasonably. All water is bottled. We went to a “meyhane” which is a pub type place with nightly music and good food.
Next trip- I can’t wait to return to Turkey as I returned home with Turkish lira and money remaining on my Istanbul metro pass! Stay tunedJ
The first day we arranged for a full day private tour to help orient us. It began with a visit to the Hippodrome, which was one of the largest chariot race grounds of the Byzantine Empire. We took a short walk to the Blue Mosque, completed in 1616. The mosque was a part of a complex also ıncluding, tombs, fountains, kitchens, and a bath. The blue Iznik Tiles covering the walls have given the mosque its popular name, Blue Mosque.
Next, we visited the magnificient Topkapi Palace, the residence of the sultans for almost three centuries. In the Treasury section, we saw breathtaking displays, including the 7th largest diamond in the world, the "Spoonmaker's Diamond" and the Harem is a vast labyrinth of rooms and corridors once occupied by the black eunuchs, concubines, the Sultan's mother and the Sultan himself.
After our lunch, in the ottoman Imperial Hotel, we visited the St. Sophia, the church of the Divine Wisdom. This is the architectural marvel of all time. Last, we continued to explore some of the ninety- two streets of the famous Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is the largest and oldest covered Bazaar in Turkey with more than 4,000 shops. A variety of Turkish Handicrafts, Oriental carpets, rare jewels and inexpensive souvenirs all sold in small shops next to each other. No, we did not buy any rugs!
The next day, on our own, we sailed up the Bosphorus to the Black Sea on a local ferry-the Istanbul city lines. We chose to take the long tour sailing from Eminonu to Anadolu Kavagi. We disembarked at the end, and toured the town before walking up a giant hill to the Yoros Kalesi (castle) where we had a wonderful lunch of “messes” (like small tapas) of mini grilled mussels, a shrimp casserole and a good salad . The view of the Black Sea was marvelous. In the distance, 22 miles away, we could also see downtown Istanbul. For those who do not wish to climb the giant hill, the town has many quaint cafes with sidewalk restaurants offering good views of the sea and yummy inexpensive locally caught fish.
On the boat we had rented headsets which gave a commentary of the sites we passed on the 1 ½ hour trip to the Black Sea. The boat makes 6 stops where you can disembark if you wish. There are food, drinks and restrooms onboard.
Another day we took a morning tour of the Asian side of Istanbul. This area is more modern and not as crowded as the European ‘old town’ side. Again the views from the hills are magnificent. We visited the palace and enjoyed talking with our guide about life in Istanbul.
A few comments:
The people and city- The happy Turkish people love their city and country and are very proud. They all comment on how everything is great except the traffic. It seems like all 17 million residents drive into the city daily. The public transportation is young and improvements need to be made. Taxis are plentiful and reasonable in price. The locals try to sell you everything, but once you say “no” they say “have a good day” with a smile.
Food- YUM. We hit many local spots and tried all the specialties including their kebabs, yoghurt soup, eggplant, seafood, lamb, raki (local liquour), tasty beer, coffee and tea. Most of the menus had English translations or if not, we pointed to the pictures on the menus. All food comes with tasty sauces and all is priced reasonably. All water is bottled. We went to a “meyhane” which is a pub type place with nightly music and good food.
Next trip- I can’t wait to return to Turkey as I returned home with Turkish lira and money remaining on my Istanbul metro pass! Stay tunedJ
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