1 - 5 May

After checking into our hotel we went in search of a nice restaurant but then detoured and got sucked into viewing carpets instead. I did want to have a look at some carpets at some point on this trip but was not expecting to end up buying one just a few hours after landing in istanbul. I put my bargaining skills to the test and bargained hard, surprised myself even as I paid one third of the cost, I stood my ground and got a good deal in the end... well after that experience a stiff drink was in order. There is plenty to see in Istanbul with stunning architecture and buildings as well as aromatic bustling markets. The star sights are the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi as well as the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market. After all the shopping we did, we had to buy two additional small suitcases to take home as hand luggage.

Istanbul is packed with culture, stunning architecture and fantastic for shopping, which makes it a great destination fort a weekend getaway.