Mediterranean Cruise: Part IV

Friday, May 27, 2011 and Saturday, May 28, 2011 {Istanbul, Turkey}
Istanbul was Constantinople
ANow it's Istanbul, not Constantinople

Been a long time gone, Constantinople

Now it's Turkish delight on a moonlit night

- We arrived in Turkey Friday night, left the ship, and headed to the Spice Bazaar.

- Next, we headed to the largest cistern in the world: The Basilica Cistern

- Before heading back to the boat for the night we took a boat ride around the Golden Horn

- Saturday morning we woke up, left the ship, and headed to a carpet demonstration

[I bought a handmade silk carpet!]

- Next, we headed to the Hippodrome of Constantinople

- Onto the beautiful Blue Mosque (we were allowed to take pictures inside the mosque but I didn't feel right about it... sorry!)

- The day continued with a walk through the Topkapi Palace

- Before leaving Istanbul, we went through Hagia Sophia [was a mosque and church but is now a museum]

- Istanbul is an incredible city with a rich history. I would love to come back here and spend more time exploring the city!