From Sultanahmet Mosque ... to Hagia Sophia ... to Topkapı Palace ... to Galata Tower — İstanbul.

Looks like Leander's Tower is getting some much needed restoration done — İstanbul, Turkey.

Dolmabahçe Palace ... "symbolic structures of the Ottoman Empire's changing 19th century identity."

Dolmabahçe Mosque & Clock Tower & Kabataş ferry landing — İstanbul, Turkey.

Welcome to İstanbul

April 15, 2022 in Turkey ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

Following a quiet morning crossing the Sea of Marmara, Insignia entered the Bosporus, that narrow channel of water that separates İstanbul — indeed, the country of Turkey — into two parts on two continents … Europe and Asia.

As the ship approached its berth at the brand-spanking-new Galataport, where NCL’s Jade was already docked, Jennifer — our enrichment speaker — and CD Leslie, took turns providing narration, explaining the history of the city and identifying many of the landmarks.Read more