The trip of a lifetime continues into the enchanting city of Istanbul, Turkey. A bustling and surprisingly cosmopolitan city of 15 million people, Istanbul surprised in nearly every way. A sparkling jewel with stunning vistas in every direction – perfectly clean with very friendly people – we had a fantastic two days here with our private tour guide Lale Kosagan.
From the ship you see these pictures of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the bridge that crosses from Europe to Asia.
Great view of Hagia Sophia from the Solistice
View of the amazing Blue Mosque from the Solstice deck
The Bosphorus Bridge connects Europe with Asia in Istanbul
After arriving Friday at 1:00pm, we started our tour with a stop at the Basilica Cistern, the ancient underground water system that held and supplied clean water to the palaces of the royalty more than 500 years ago.
The Basilica Cistern was very unique - underground waterworks that look like a cathedral
Onward to the beautiful Hagia Sophia, the fourth largest dome in the world and while a little smaller than Saint Peter’s in Rome, its unique design gives you a feeling of even more space. Originally a Christian church, then converted to a mosque, it is now a secular museum. It is very interesting to see the features of both Islamic and Christian worship now juxtaposed in one place.
Family shot in the park in front of Hagia Sophia
Juxtaposition of Islam and Christianity inside Hagia Sophia
Scaffolding at work on the restoration of the dome ceiling
Christian mosaic on the Hagia Sophia apse
Moving next door now, through beautiful parks and gardens, we visited the world famous Blue Mosque. While not even the largest mosque in Istanbul, it’s the most interesting architecturally and is decorated with priceless tiles. This is a working mosque and so we got to hear the call to prayer – and entered with the ritualistic removing of our shoes etc. Kayla’s kneecaps were showing below her dress, so she earned a blue wrap to cover them up as we entered.
The beautiful Blue Mosque
Inside the Blue Mosque - tiles dominate
They have VERY large columns in the Blue Mosque
Afterward we visited with a shy little boy who is touring the major holy grounds of Turkey with his family as part of a strange tradition. It turns out that he is about to be circumcised – and they wear these costumes as they traipse around the country. As if it wasn’t enough to be circumcised when you can remember the trauma, they make him wear this fancy costume as well.
Turkish boy in traditional garb before his circumcision
And continuing on with our whirlwind tour, we take in the Topkapi Palace – the monstrous grounds and 256 room home for all the sultans and their harems. This easiest parallel to draw is the Eastern version of the Versailles Palace + theCrown Jewels of the Tower of London. And with unspeakable Holy Relics thrown in (David’s sword, John the Baptist’s arm and skull bone, the Prophet Mohammed’s mantle, Moses’ staff and Joseph’s turban).
A sultan receiving room at Topkapi Palace
Divan style at Topkapi Palace
Bosphorus views from Topkapi
Walking with Lale at the palace
We conclude our ½ day tour at the pedestrian mall at Taksim Square – and dinner at 360 – a stunning restaurant with another amazing view of the entire city of Istanbul.
Busy pedestrian traffic at Taksim Square
The stunning view from dinner at 360 Restaurant
Dinner at 360 Restaurant - above Taksim Square
After Karen and Kayla retreat to the boat Friday night, where Kayla contemplated life as a conservative Istanbulian girl, Zack and Dave headed back out for a little local flavor at the nearby Ali Baba Nargile Bar and VIP Salon.
Kayla goes for the local look
Here Zack and his father discovered how to use the hookah pipe like a local and enjoyed Turkish coffee and tea.
Dave learning the Nargile (hookah) ropes
Zack working the hookah pipe at Ali Baba's
On Saturday morning we were back on the road, enjoying our Mercedes van ride with Lale over to the Asian side of Istanbul and back to the European side for shopping in the 600 year old Grand Bazaar. We did not visit all 4,000 stores – but we did buy a few trinkets you won’t easily find in Austin, including Zack’s new Hookah pipe and festive cap.
Karen and Kayla cruising Istanbul in our Mercedes tour van
Panos family on the Asian side of Istanbul. We love Lale and her hats !
Zack goes native with Nargile Pipe and fez
Our European Adventure 
Leave a comment