Lodging: Cruise Ship
Transportation: Tram/ Metro line
Guidebooks: Rick Steve’s Mediterranean Cruise Ports
One of the most exciting places we docked during our winter Mediterranean cruise was Istanbul. It was seriously so cool to get to go to Turkey and even better our boat was at port for almost 2 full days. Our boat was positioned across the Galata Bridge near the Tophane neighborhood. From here it was about a 10 minute walk to the tram line. There were easy machines at the station to buy our tickets and we set off toward the Topkapi Palace. We happened to be in Istanbul on a Monday and Tuesday, it is good to note that the palace is closed on Tuesday, so it was important that we go their first on Monday and get it checked off the list! From here we made our way passed the Hagia Irene to the Hagia Sophia. We were planning on seeing this the next day, so we didn't go in.
After lots of shopping we sat down at a local cafe in the Bazaar for some Turkish Tea. They serve it everywhere and we though it was cool to be apart of their traditions. We had a little bit of time to hit up the spice market on our way back to the boat. The spice market housed spices, food, candies, turkish delights, tea, you name it! Lots of great smells were coming from that place! We managed to leave with some Baklava to share with our friends.
We wanted to get back to the ship early for dinner because they had paid a local company to come and put on a typical Turkish show with traditional dancers, belly dancers, musicians, and more. I was sad we didn't get to experience Istanbul at night, but the show was worth it.
The next morning we got up early to finish up our site seeing before we had to depart. We took the tram to the Gulhane stop and walked over to the Blue Mosque. This place was gorgeous! I love the tiles, colors, and designs in the Mosques. It was free to enter, but you had to remove your shoes, place them in a plastic bag, and cover your heads (the ladies that is).
After seeing the church, we walked across the courtyard to the Hagia Sophia. This was previously known as the "Great Church of Constantinople." It is considered a blend of the east and the west since it retains elements of the Orthodox Christianity and Islam. It cost about 25 Turkish Lira to enter the church. It was really easy to tour and the Rick Steves' guide provided a nice small walking tour with good information about the church.
We had extra time and wanted to do more shopping around, so we headed back toward the Bazaar and Spice market to shop in the areas with better pricing. We haggled and bargained and managed a few good deals along the way.
We went to the Underground Cistern and quickly toured this underground water reserve also called a Basilica Cistern.
One of the most exciting places we docked during our winter Mediterranean cruise was Istanbul. It was seriously so cool to get to go to Turkey and even better our boat was at port for almost 2 full days. Our boat was positioned across the Galata Bridge near the Tophane neighborhood. From here it was about a 10 minute walk to the tram line. There were easy machines at the station to buy our tickets and we set off toward the Topkapi Palace. We happened to be in Istanbul on a Monday and Tuesday, it is good to note that the palace is closed on Tuesday, so it was important that we go their first on Monday and get it checked off the list! From here we made our way passed the Hagia Irene to the Hagia Sophia. We were planning on seeing this the next day, so we didn't go in.
View of the Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque
After seeing some of the big sites we wanted to be sure to allow plenty of time at the Grand Bazaar. This is something everyone talks about when they visit Istanbul. It definitely lives up to the hype and crazy how much merchandise has to go in and out of that place. We did purchase a few small things in the Bazaar, but ultimately you can find better deals outside of the market buildings. I did snag an awesome evil eye bracelet and a turkish tea set.
Grand Bazaar
Turkish Tea Time
Turkish Delights at the Spice Market
Spice Market
Spices
Another Mosque at Dusk
We wanted to get back to the ship early for dinner because they had paid a local company to come and put on a typical Turkish show with traditional dancers, belly dancers, musicians, and more. I was sad we didn't get to experience Istanbul at night, but the show was worth it.
The next morning we got up early to finish up our site seeing before we had to depart. We took the tram to the Gulhane stop and walked over to the Blue Mosque. This place was gorgeous! I love the tiles, colors, and designs in the Mosques. It was free to enter, but you had to remove your shoes, place them in a plastic bag, and cover your heads (the ladies that is).
Getting ready to go into the Blue Mosque with Karis!
We had extra time and wanted to do more shopping around, so we headed back toward the Bazaar and Spice market to shop in the areas with better pricing. We haggled and bargained and managed a few good deals along the way.
We went to the Underground Cistern and quickly toured this underground water reserve also called a Basilica Cistern.
We took the tram back across the Galata Bridge to explore more of the New District. We originally had planned to go up the Galata tower, but due to it being cloudy and eventually a little snowy, we decided it wouldn't be worth it when the view would be obstructed. To reach the new town, we rode the tram to the end of the line Kabatas and went directly up to the funicular. This took us straight up to Taksim Square and the popular Istiklal Street. This street was lined with shops, restaurants, and lots of people! We found some Turkish Delights and the cutest local little restaurant. We had some of the best food we've had in Europe! I cannot for the life of me find the name of that restaurant, but I can tell you, that it as amazing! This woman sat in the front making the bread and oh was it delicious!
It started snowing more heavily and we headed back to the boat. It was a fun filled few days in Istanbul sampling food, drinking tea, bargaining at the bazaar, experiencing the mosques, and enjoying a great time with friends.
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