Trip to Istanbul

As you may have read in the previous post, Ryan and I spent a long weekend in Istanbul, May 4-9.  It is a trip I absolutely loved and am so thankful we decided to go.  Istanbul is a city filled with elaborate architecture, rich in history, intricate mosques, pleasant people, beautiful water, this list could go on forever.  The first couple days were not the greatest weather, but that did not stop us from enjoying the sights and taking in all the history Istanbul had to offer.  We took a plethora of pictures and I decided to separate the albums based on the day.

It took a large amount of time to upload photos and create albums, so I will not apologize for not typing a caption for each photo.  Hopefully the organization and few comments help to guide you  through the albums.  The pictures do no justice for what it was like to be inside such amazing buildings and to hear the history and stories behind each place.

Day 1:  We arrived in Istanbul early afternoon and decided to walk along the water to stretch our legs after a very long travel.  We later took the shuttle to downtown Istanbul, Taxim square.

Istanbul Day 1

Day 2:  We had an awesome tour guide and ended up having a private tour.  Places on the agenda were Hagia Sophia Museum, The Basilica Cistern, and Grand Bazaar.  Pictures go in order.  After the tour, we stopped in Old Istanbul for dinner at a restaurant, Metropolis.  Delicious food, fabulous wine. 

Istanbul Day 2

Day 3: The weather was cold and rainy but we did not let that stop us.  First on the tour was the Blue Mosque, third largest in the world.  The name is given for all the blue tiles.  Remarkably, everyone had (and did) take off their shoes before entering.  From the Blue Mosque, we pass through the Hippodrome on our way to the Topkapi Palace Museum and Harem.  

After the tour we grabbed lunch in one of the malls, warmed our toes and returned to the hotel to get ready for dinner.  We had a dinner cruise on the Bosporus Canal. 

Istanbul Day 3

Day 4: Ryan booked a day long cruise along the Bosporus.  We woke to sunny skies and the weather could not have been more perfect.  We had various stops along the way.  Most interesting was the Fortress.  Again, the pictures go in order from start to finish of the cruise.  

Istanbul Day 4

Day 5: Final day in Istanbul.  Ryan saw the Dolmabahce Palace during our cruise and decided we should check it out.  Again, the intricacy of the building and articles inside are remarkable.  Not too many pictures from this day, pictures were forbidden inside.  Yes, they do not use the words "not allowed" but rather find it more demanding to use the word "forbidden."

Istanbul Day 5

Well friends, now you have seen the much anticipated photos from our trip. Well, I don't know if they were much anticipated, but I am sure there are a few people out there that are excited to see them. :)  

Luckily for everyone, I was not able to procrastinate with posting.  Ryan already left for St. Petersburg today, I will be joining him on Thursday for another weekend away.  Thursday - Sunday in St. Petersburg Russia.  Are you excited for more pictures on the blog?!?!  

If Istanbul is on your list of places to see in the world, keep it on the list, move it to the top, it is definitely worth a trip.  

This post took much longer than anticipated, good night everyone! :)