Merhaba! (Hello!) Straddling two continents at the intersection of the Silk Road and Bosphorus Straight, Istanbul is the grandest crossroad in the world, filled with old world charm.
So, score a fistful of Turkish Lira and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of this enchanting metropolis, a delicious blend of Roman and Ottoman, East and West, traditional and modern, religious and secular. Marvel at the enormous Blue Mosque, saunter across Gallata Bridge, take a scenic ferry from Europe to Asia, stroll the cosmopolitan, pedestrian-friendly Kadikoy.
Eating in Istanbul is always a special occasion. Turkish Breakfast is quite an event, and not for those in a hurry. Or grab a fresh fish sandwich from a tipsy fishing boat. Maybe some fresh stuffed mussels on the street. And some hummus, pita, and moussaka with Turkish red wine on a cozy sidewalk cafe? And then delicious apple tea and baklava for dessert. But don’t drink the water!
After dinner, take a steam, scrub, and massage in an Ottoman-era Turkish Bath (Hamam), relax to live music at a shisha bar, or be mesmerized by the dignified kinetic energy of the whirling dervishes. Let’s go!
