We didn't dock in Istanbul till around noon so we had a lazy morning on the ship. Played trivia of course and got 3rd place! Cruising into the port was amazing. The views were spectacular with Europe on one side and Asia on the other. From the boat we could see most of the places we were going to see on the tour today.
After leaving the ship we found our tour guide, Elif, and we were off to the old city. First stop was the Topkapi Palace. The palace of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire. Then Hagia Sophia. This museum was originally a church, then converted I a mosque and now is a museum. It was absolutely stunning.
Next was the Blue Mosque. It's actual name is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, but is called the blue mosque because of the blue tiles that are so beautifully placed inside. We had to put on head shawls and wraps around our legs to be completely covered.
Finally we did some shopping! Mom got a new box for her collection, I got a beautiful silk pashmina, Lauren a purse, and Dad... Woops. Well after that shop we headed to the spice bazaar which was pure craziness. But we made it out of there with plenty of Turkish delights!!
We made it back to the ship for a wonderful Italian dinner and are now packing up to head off the ship tomorrow! Tomorrow the plan is to take a cruise down the Bosphorus (the strait that separates Europe and Asia.. And Istanbul) and just explore. Should be a great one!
Love,
Llewy
Istanbul looks really, really interesting to me. A lot of history. Much of it I don't know much about so it would really be interesting. Have fun. Keep the posts coming.
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