Up at 06:30 for an early breakfast then onto a coach for our day trip on the river – part coach trip and part boat trip.
Bus picked us up a bit late, drove around the old city walls and the guide pointed out various old buildings that I can’t remember the names of. Visited the spice market and bought some more Turkish Delight and some Pomegranate tea. Then got on the boat and off we went along the river. Spent about an hour and a half, went up one side and down the other, saw some impressive buildings and generally had a relaxing time – better than walking. The sun was out and a there was a light breeze which was a bit chilly so we had the coats on. The boat was nice, clean and looked unlikely to sink, which is the main thing I look for in a boat.
Next stop was lunch which was included and we found ourselves back by the Hagia Sophia, not far from the hotel. The restaurant was rubbish and obviously provides cheap meals to the tour operator. Kebabs again. After lunch the bus took a detour that wasn’t on the itinerary to a “fashion show” where several young people walked up and down a catwalk to loud music and flashing lights wearing leather jackets. Afterwards they invited everyone upstairs where there was “an opportunity to buy”. I wouldn’t buy them even if they were the best jackets in the world and came with a free puppy, on principle. So we snuck out to avoid a hard sell. A few others did the same thing and weren’t happy about the diversion. This calls for another bad review on Tripadvisor.
Next was a trip over the Bosphorus Bridge, travelling from Europe to Asia. We visited the Beylerbeyi Palace, the Sultan’s Summer Palace. It was very impressive – the whole interior was painted in a variety of colours and was very ostentatious. Bright reds, blues and green. Chandeliers with Baccarat and Murano glass. The main room with the (empty) pond and fountain that was used for cooling was particularly impressive, as was the Blue Room on the first floor. We weren’t allowed to take photos so go and ask Google. Well worth the visit. Back on the bus and up one of the seven hills of Istanbul for a spectacular view over the city, and a 30 minute stop at a cafe where a latte was $5.50 – the owner probably gives a kickback to the tour operator.
Hotel bound, we were dropped off at the Hippodrome and decided to get something to eat. We found a place off a side street that served the traditional Turkish food known as Pizza. We were a bit fed up with kebabs so fancied a change. I think it’s hard to stuff up pizza, and this one was ok. Walked back past the Blue Mosque again and took more pictures because the sun was out, then back to the hotel.
Didn’t walk as much today because of the boat and bus – 6.97 km.
More sightseeing tomorrow.
I just noticed that the links were broken, they are fixed now.
