Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia
Sep02

Basilica Cistern & Hagia Sophia

Posted By on 02, Sep, 2014

We learned from our Topkapi experience that the early risers beat the horrendous queues so we made our way early to the Basilica Cisterns.  We ended up being first in the queue and got to experience this wonder of roman engineering and architecture in peace and quiet. The cisterns were once the water supply for the Palace and surrounding areas.  It fell into disuse and was “rediscovered” by by a French Scholar in the...

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Byzantium via the Bosphorus
Aug31

Byzantium via the Bosphorus

Posted By on 31, Aug, 2014

Today we went on a full day tour which included a Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise, Pierlote Hill, a carpet “demonstration”, Dolmabahce Palace and a stop for coffee on some other hill on the Asian side of Istanbul. The waterways played an important part in Istanbul’s centuries old history and there is no better way to gain an appreciation of the city than from the water. Our guides provided good commentary along the way so we were...

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