We arrived in Istanbul on time but this time a different problem with our luggage.
We got to our apartment about 2:15 and were out at 3:30. Our apartment was about a block from the hippodrome so we did that first including the obelisks and German fountain.
We walked inside the gates of the Blue Mosque on the way
back to our room.
First thing in the morning we went inside the Blue Mosque.
Next was Hagia Sofia. You only get partial access as a visitor but
it is the upper section so you can see most everything.
After that we went to the Hagia Sofia Experience Museum which
was new to us. It was very well done and we thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a
series of animated lectures tracing the history of the building, the city and
historical figures. After that were artifacts and more descriptions from
various eras.
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On to the University which was not remarkable.
Time for lunch. It was surprisingly difficult to find a good doner kebab in Istanbul but we found a place. We followed that with very good gelato.
Next was the Suleyman the Magnificent Mosque which may be my favorite in the city.
After that we made our way to the Spice Bazaar.
We then went to the Eminonu Mosque.
The next day we headed to Topkapi Palace. Rick Steves
recommended three hours; we took almost four.
After that we took the tram and funicular up to New Town and
walked the main shopping street. We walked back down to the Galata Bridge and
picked up the tram to take us back.
The next morning we first walked through Gulhane Park.
We then went to the Archaeological Museum.
We walked back and forth across the Galata Bridge and ate
fish sandwiches from one of the boats docked on the peninsula.
We then went on a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus. We had a very good guide and learned a lot.
We had Indian food for dinner at a spot in the New Town near
Taksim Square.
