Istanbul is one of those timeless cities that radiates in its past glories while looking earnestly towards a modern future. Brimming with vibrant culture, delicious foods and friendly people this is a must-see destination for any traveler’s summer vacation.
This cosmopolitan hub has everything a new or well-versed traveler could possibly want. History buffs can immerse themselves learning about the many empires that influenced the city such as Greek, Roman and Ottoman. Art connoisseurs can marvel at architectural wonders such as the Haghia Sophia—a Byzantine church turned mosque—or the Topkapi Palace where the Ottoman Sultans resided. Those who have a pallet for new flavors can try a variety of delicacies such as: Turkish Delight, a sugary treat renowned for its sweetness; the large assortment of fresh seafood offered in the local restaurants; or savor the rich taste of Doner Kebabs, a roast lamb, sliced very thin, served on flatbread with vegetables and a delicious yogurt and garlic sauce.
Try your bargaining skills at the world famous Grand Bazaar which has over 4,000 merchants selling everything from carpets to spices. However, do not settle for the asking price because you might actually offend the merchants who expect you to talk down their offer. Instead engage yourself in the sport of haggling for the best deal. If you are not satisfied with their final offer, then casually walk away—most likely you will find merchants calling you back with a fair price.
If site seeing and shopping wears you out, then take a break and relax in a hamam, otherwise known as a Turkish bath. RealTravel blogger Nancy17 visited Turkey last month and took the opportunity to enjoy this Turkish treat:
“The massage was relaxing. After that I headed back to the marble slab to lie down and relax. I FORCED myself to stay and work through this. It is a mental thing as nobody cares what you look like. If you have any self-esteem issues this is the place to go! You see the fear and pain of the new people coming in, they are all covered up and ooze panic. By the end, you have your towel flung over your shoulder!” (more…)
End your vacation with a relaxing cruise on the Bosporus, the strait that forms the boundary between the European and Asian part of Turkey. Enjoy the beauty of Istanbul from a different vantage point and marvel at the various cultural influences that have left their mark on this historic city.
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