Istanbul, Turkey. Day 2

Today, we met up with James and Shelly for our full-day private tour of Istanbul. Our guide, Oyku, greeted us in the morning and led us to the light rail, the start of an unforgettable journey through centuries of history.

Our first stop was The Hippodrome of Constantinople. Once the center of sport and social life in the Byzantine Empire, this grand circus now forms the spacious Sultanahmet Square. Standing there, it was easy to imagine the roar of ancient crowds and the chariots racing around the track.

From the Hippodrome, we took a slow walk to the Blue Mosque. Built between 1609 and 1617, it remains one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks—its cascading domes and striking blue Iznik tiles making it a symbol of classical Ottoman architecture. We spent time admiring its peaceful interior before continuing on.

Next, we aimed for Hagia Sophia, but the line was already stretching far out of sight. Instead, we shifted plans and headed to Topkapı Palace.

Topkapı was magnificent—an enormous, intricate complex that once served as the heart of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years. Its courtyards, lavish pavilions, and the renowned Harem all gave us a glimpse into the lives of sultans and their households. It’s a lot of walking and plenty of steps, but Boris was a trooper and kept up like a champ. By the time we finished, we were hungry, cold, and ready for a break. Lunch—and especially the hot tea—was heavenly.

After eating, we left a wheelchair at the restaurant and walked back toward Hagia Sophia. The first floor now serves as a mosque, while the second floor remains a museum. Originally built in 360, its sheer size and architectural brilliance are astonishing. It has lived many lives: a church until 1453, a mosque until 1935, a museum from 1935 to 2020, and now a mosque once more.

From there, we continued to the Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul’s most atmospheric and unforgettable sights. Built in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I, this vast underground reservoir—nicknamed the “Sunken Palace”—is supported by 336 marble columns, including the famous Medusa heads. The lighting and echoing stillness made it absolutely mesmerizing. Out of all the sites we visited in Istanbul, this one easily takes first prize.

We returned to the ship by light rail, all of us exhausted but happy after such a rich and fascinating day. In the evening, we ended with a pleasant dinner shared with two other couples—perfect closure to a very full Istanbul adventure.Meer informatie