Photo Review : Istanbul

Thought I would share my photo impressions and tour options from our 3 day post cruise stay in Istanbul in June.

We arrived in Istanbul after a wonderful 12 day cruise on the Crystal Serenity. We actually arrived overnighted , but chose to only disembark the following morning since we would have 3 full days post cruise.

The arrival in Istanbul was a gorgeous treat and we had beautiful weather.

Disembarkation was quite chaotic with very long lines. I was pleased we didn't have to rush to catch a flight.

We had selected one of the charming House Hotels . After much research , The Vault Karaköy ( The House Hotel) would be our base for the next few days.

It was a former bank . High ceilings and lots of marble as well as a gorgeous rooftop bar made it a special place.

The hotel is located in Karaköy , an up and coming neighborhood which is quite well located for exploring Istanbul.

We had an executive suite. Very spacious with a large sitting room and fireplace.

The beds and amenities were too notch.

The restaurant / breakfast area.

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We decided to take a taxi to explore the Grand Bazaar and have lunch after checking into our hotel.

Taxis are quite an adventure in Istanbul. We live in Brazil ... We are used to chaotic traffic and crazy drivers. But Istanbul was up there with São Paulo as far as craziness. And many taxi drivers didn't speak English well- and one taxi didn't have seatbelts! Quite and adventure.

The Grand Bazaar is truly and adventure.

Many sights and smells and sounds overwhelming the senses!

There were so many tempting things! All the color!

It was a challenge navigating through the Bazaar.

You must have patience and a sense of direction . And a sense of humor to bargain!

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After our first days adventure , we decided to have a drink and some light food at our hotel rooftop restaurant/bar. The sun was going done and views were incredible. The place is very hip!

Our treats

Will write more in a bit!

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After our meal , we walked down to the Galata bridge to the waterfront area to see the fishermen and views of the mosques.

Truly gorgeous at night

We turned in fairly early ... The next day would be a busy one.

When visiting a new place , an experienced guide is always helpful. We hired a private guide through Efendi Tours to take us to the highlights we most wanted to see.

Our guide was young and energetic and well informed.

We were picked up from our hotel and headed straight to Topkapi Palace. It Is vast and fascinating . Our guide gave us lots of background info and we visited the different exhibits ( which could not be photographed). The grounds are lovely.

Intricate beauty

Many tour groups from all over the world

Splendor everywhere

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Instead of going to the Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque , we chose to visit the smaller and more intimate Rustem Pasha Mosque which is famous for the stunning Iznik Tiles ( no other mosque in Istanbul has such lavish use of these tiles).

We were practically the only only ones there , which made it a special experience. It is amazing.

Constructed in the 16th century , a special place of wonder.

It actually has more blue than the blue mosque.

Almost no tourists ... Just a few worshippers

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The Rustem Pasha Mosque is right next to the spice market , so we went to explore a bit.

Istanbul is such an overload to the senses. It really is! All senses are actively engaged!

We stopped again at the Grand Bazaar to buy some very special Turkish Delight.

The teas are lavish and fragrant.

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On our tour we also opted to visit the Basilica Cistern.

A wonderful option to cool off and calm down after the vibrant crowding of the markets and streets.

Built in the 6th century , it is a highlight in many novels and films , most memorably The Spy Who Loved Me.

I found it to be a very relaxing and intriguing place.

The famous Medusa head

The water is crystal clear and there are many carp.

An interesting moment was when there was a brief power outage and we were in the pitch dark!

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On day three , we opted to explore the Karaköy , Galata and Beyoğlu neighborhoods , mainly on foot. Near our hotel , there were some wonderful and original shops . I bought some unique gifts and we enjoyed this area which is a bit less touristy.

Many fruit vendors on the streets selling cherries , watermelon , pomegranate and other luscious treats.

The Beyoğlu district is home to many embassies . Lots of beautiful and stately architecture.

The trams are charming and convenient

So many kitties in Turkey , Greece and Malta.

Men having tea.

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One of the nicest things was the plethora of sweets!

So tempting

The ice cream was rather fascinating ... Served with a flourish

We purchased some lovely treats at this shop which were beautifully wrapped and sealed for travel.

I loved the mint lemonade.

On the way back to our hotel we passed the famous Galata Tower.

And enjoyed the view at the end of the afternoon.

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The next morning we had a very early flight back home. As we were flying on Turkish Airlines in business class , we had access to the fabulous lounge which is an attraction in itself!

Truly an incredible lounge with a huge array of food options and entertainment.

Istanbul was an excellent experience and I would love to go back.

I would be happy to answer any questions!

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Beautiful pictures! I've been to Istanbul once and would love to go again; it's a fascinating city.

Beautiful pictures! I've been to Istanbul once and would love to go again; it's a fascinating city.

Thank you. We would have liked more time to explore. We got a good taste of the city but certainly feel we need to visit again!

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Great pics.

Was going to visit next year but wife reluctant because of violence fears, so holiday on hold.

Thanks

[emoji5]

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Thank you for this wonderful review of one of the best cities anywhere. I considered staying in Karakoy when I was there but chose Sirkecki. But the hotel you were in looks wonderful too.

I have to agree with you that Istanbul is an overload (in a good way) to the senses. Sights, sounds and smells all bombarding you at once.

I stayed a week in 2014 before a cruise and will be returning again in October.

I hope you walked around the rainbow steps in Cirhanger and visited the cats there. It is a fascinating area.

I agree with you about the Sirkeci -- on our third visit to Istanbul last September we stayed there and loved it -- the location and service. We have booked it for this June pre cruise. I took their complimentary cooking class -- so much fun though I could not eat anything as I had just returned from a wonderful all day food tour with Culinary Backstreets.

I agree with you about the Sirkeci -- on our third visit to Istanbul last September we stayed there and loved it -- the location and service. We have booked it for this June pre cruise. I took their complimentary cooking class -- so much fun though I could not eat anything as I had just returned from a wonderful all day food tour with Culinary Backstreets.

I assume you are speaking of the Sirkecki Mansion hotel. It is outstanding and has a culinary tour for minimum cost plus two interesting tours of lesser known parts of the city so check them out, too. What An absolutely wonderful hotel across from Topkapi.

There is so much to do in Istanbul. I was there for a week in 2014 and did not see half of what I wanted to see..so going back again this year before my cruise in October.

Agree that the best mosque I saw (out of 8) was Rustem Pasha, next Sulemayne Mosque. Blue mosque is very nice but much more crowded.

For anyone making return visits to Istanbul, I can recommend a visit to what is called the "Little Haghia Sofia". It was originally a church built by the Emperor Justinian in the 530s and it looks (from the outside) like a miniature version of Haghia Sofia.

The age of the building alone makes it worth a visit (as so little has survived from this period). The interior has been largely redone -- and quite recently -- after its conversion to a mosque, but there are still architectural elements that are original, including the ornate columns.

It's only about a 10 minute walk from the Hippodrome/Blue Mosque area. Very peaceful place and has a feeling of history about it.

More information here: http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/go/Istanbul/Sights/Sultanahmet/k_ayasofya.html