In this article (11,000 words, 40 photographs) we discuss our four day trip to Istanbul. We present a day-by-day account of our visit to the old part of the city. Our activities included visits to the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Harem museums, Chora museum, Grand Bazaar, and a Bosphorus cruise.  Two other special events were the Sarnic Hotel Cooking Class and the unforgettable experience of a Turkish Bath.

For each of these activities we provide our impressions, key facts, a selection of photos, and the relevant opening times, entrance fees and references. A special addition to this eBook is a selective historical account of Istanbul which anchors each cultural icon and associated characters in time. References identified throughout the article are consolidated in an Appendix. The conclusion presents our highlights, disappointments and lessons learnt.

A visit to the old part of Istanbul should be on everyone’s “bucket list” and you’ll be impressed with a visit to any of the sites. Naturally everyone will have their favourite activities and for us it was the visits to the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and the Turkish Bath. My wife also enjoyed the cooking class.

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