Istanbul Turkey on a quite cool, sometimes drizzly morning, on a BigBus HoponHopoff (with good WIFI on the bus) around the only city which spans two continents - Europe and Asia. Sailed up the Bosporus Strait last night after belting across the Mediterranean from Mykonos yesterday - some waves but still really calm with no impact felt on the ship. A very moving ceremony last night about 1130pm as the ship slowly moved past the Gallipoli monument lit up at night...

Up early for.our last day in Istanbul. Straight to the Blue Mosque which was absolutely jammed last night for prayers on the last night of Ramadan. Brilliant interior - very spiritual. Went to the uninterestingly named Mosaic Museum which turned out to be fantastic - the unearthed mosaic floor of a palace built by the Emperor Constantine establishing the Eastern Roman Empire around 300 AD. Brilliant. Then the Hagia Sophia from similar times but then converted to...

Where do I start? Breakfast on the rooftop terrace as usual- overlooking the Bosphorous Sea. Off to the Spice Bazaar by taxi which told us the actual price for later on. Spice Bazaar was amazing - didn't feel threatened despite the warnings and we wandered everywhere. Great displays everywhere and the smells of spice were amazing! Wandered for hours then caught a taxi back for the afternoon tour on the Bosphorous Zgolden Horn. Taxi ride interesting- first few cha...

First full day in Istanbul. Hit the streets faithfully following Jeannie's instincts (and a map). Found the palace Topkasi nearby. Amazing palace built by the Ottomans. Room for many many concubines (1 is more than enough for me). Amazing mosaics and architecture and they also had a Holy Relics chamber with the Prophet Mohammed's beard, footprint etc. Don't know how they managed it but they also had King Davids sword, Moses' staff and Abraham's saucepan (saw it w...