Day 1: Istanbul - Wednesday 29 September

A 2 ¾ stopover at Abu Dhabi airport in the middle of the night plus a supper/breakfast served at 2am our time on the way to Istanbul meant that we arrived in Istanbul at 6am somewhat worse for wear but a stroll through the Hippodrome and surrounding Old City revved up the spirits and energy levels. Unfortunately we were not able to book into our rooms in the Divas Hotel in Sultanhamet so it was a case of sitting in the hotel foyer or doing some exploring. The Hippodrome was full of tour groups and a strong police presence, the Prime Minister paying a visit to the Cultural Museum at the head of the square.


At one o'clock we were met by the guide from She Tours and the rest of the tour group doing the Bosphorous Cruise. How different the Bosphorus in sunny weather! We had rain on our trip last year which provided a different atmosphere and less comfort. This was a relaxing and very pleasant introduction to the fascinating city of Istanbul. Palaces and homes of the wealthy line the shores, surrounded by trees and gardens – the old and the new juxtaposed all over. Small fishing boats, launches and a variety of ships ply the waters which connect the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. We chugged up along the European bank as far as the Rumelli Fortress near 2nd suspension bridge, returning along the Asian shores. Rumelli Fortress, also known as the Fortress of Europe, was built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 and is situated at the narrowest part of the Bosphorus.


We were then taken to Pierre Loti Hill where we had wonderful views over the city and the Golden Horn, the hillside also being the final resting place for many as evidenced by the great number of tombstones dotting it. A short cable car ride brought us to the bus which then had to negotiate heavy late afternoon traffic to get us all back to our hotels or the areas thereof.

Our group was dropped off at the tram station near the Hippodrome from which we walked back to our hotel with half an hour to spare before we were picked up and taken to the Hocapasa Culture Centre to experience the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony (Whirling Dervishes) and Sufi Music Concert, a profound experience for some in the group. Affected profoundly or not, it was still a fascinating experience in a characterful venue – once upon a time a Turkish Bath.

Our first Turkish meal was had in the street outside full of little restaurants after which we caught the tram back to the Hippodrome, grateful to get back to the hotel and rest our weary heads.