Istanbul, Turkey
Straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, Turkey has been a melting pot of cultures and influences from the ancient Greeks to the Romans to the Ottoman empire to today. It’ s never not been a major stop on trade routes— the result is a city steeped in history, culture accumulating here through the years like layers of baklava. It’ s hard not to feel like a historian, or an archeologist or a world explorer with an overnight here.
Narrowing down which ports to overnight at is just the start; next comes considering which cruise to sail with. We know the cruise lines that offer ideal overnight itineraries— Azamara Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea Cruises, Celebrity, Norwegian Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages and Windstar Cruises— and thanks to our close working relationships with them, we know how to get you the best vacation possible( plus perks and amenities you didn’ t even know were on the table). ■
The Grand Bazaar
THE HAGIA SOPHIA G R A N D M O S Q U E
The Grand Mosque is the epitome of Byzantine architecture. At the time of its construction in the 6th century, its massive dome was a miraculous engineering marvel. Over the years, it’ s oscillated between church and cathedral and mosque, mirroring the passing ruling empires. The change has done nothing to dim the interior: Some 30 million gold tiles help fill even the most agnostic with wonder.
T H E G R A N D BAZAAR
There are markets, there are shopping centers, and then there’ s the Grand Bazaar. The world’ s largest, oldest covered market comprises thousands of shops throughout its 60 covered streets. You could easily spend an entire day perusing the stalls, on the hunt for a one-of-a-kind treasure— just be prepared to haggle.
SUNSET STROLL ON G A L A T A B R I D G E
The Galata Bridge has had many iterations through the centuries, but its presence as the beating heart of Istanbul is timeless. The upper level is adorned with fishermen’ s poles, while the lower level is home to countless cafes and restaurants. A stroll along its length at sunset lets you observe the mosques atop the seven hills silhouetted against the crimson sky.
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