{"id":3956013,"date":"2022-02-11T10:00:21","date_gmt":"2022-02-11T09:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/?p=3956013"},"modified":"2024-06-26T14:40:22","modified_gmt":"2024-06-26T12:40:22","slug":"voyage-istanbul","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/us\/voyage-istanbul\/","title":{"rendered":"A day in Istanbul : palaces, mosques and Grand Bazaar"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d header_3_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_3_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d47px||47px||true|\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">The splendours of the Orient and a bygone age<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Istanbul has won the hearts of many a traveller over the centuries. It has welcomed visitors from the <b>east and west<\/b>, speaking a multitude of different languages and bearing rare and precious goods to trade. Straddling Europe and Asia, the city known as <b>Byzantium<\/b>, then <b>Constantinople<\/b>, and finally <b>Istanbul <\/b>has been shaped by a variety of influences. By spending a day in the city, you can learn to admire and appreciate its many treasures.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||2px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 make_equal=\u201don\u201d admin_label=\u201dcolumn-swap\u201d module_class=\u201dcolumn-swap\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d||||||||\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.8em\u201d link_font=\u201d||||on||||\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_3_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_3_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_3_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d header_4_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_4_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_4_font_size=\u201d22px\u201d header_4_line_height=\u201d2em\u201d header_5_font=\u201d|700|||||||\u201d header_5_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_5_font_size=\u201d18px\u201d header_6_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_6_font_size=\u201d16px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d50px|30px|45px|50px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d||50px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|||40px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<strong><span style=\"font-size: 40px; color: #307f90; padding-right: 15px;\">9:00<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #307f90;\">Welcome to wonderland<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you want to see as much of Istanbul as possible, you need to get an early start. We recommend kicking off your day with a visit to the city within the city: <b>Topkapi Palace<\/b>. Built over four centuries starting in 1459, it was home to the Ottoman sultans and their courts and families, a total of more than 4,000 people, until 1853. Towering over the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara, this vast structure covers 700,000 m2 (of which 400,000 are open to the public). The must-see areas of the palace include the richly decorated <b>Harem<\/b>, the huge <b>kitchens<\/b> where up to 1,000 chefs and assistants once worked, the <b>Divan<\/b> where viziers and military leaders met, and the stunning <b>Audience Chamber<\/b>, adorned with emeralds, diamonds and rubies. With opulent rooms and a unique blend of styles, this masterpiece is the jewel in Istanbul\u2019s crown.<br>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_divider show_divider=\u201doff\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_image=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/iStock-641107178.jpg\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d height=\u201d100%\u201d height_tablet=\u201d350px\u201d height_phone=\u201d280px\u201d height_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d border_color_right=\u201d#ffffff\u201d border_width_all_tablet=\u201d\u201d border_width_all_phone=\u201d\u201d border_width_all_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d border_width_right_tablet=\u201d0px\u201d border_width_right_phone=\u201d\u201d border_width_right_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 make_equal=\u201don\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_divider show_divider=\u201doff\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_image=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/iStock-689663104.jpg\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d height=\u201d100%\u201d height_tablet=\u201d350px\u201d height_phone=\u201d280px\u201d height_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d border_color_right=\u201d#ffffff\u201d border_width_all_tablet=\u201d\u201d border_width_all_phone=\u201d\u201d border_width_all_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d border_width_right_tablet=\u201d0px\u201d border_width_right_phone=\u201d\u201d border_width_right_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d||||||||\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.8em\u201d link_font=\u201d||||on||||\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_3_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_3_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_3_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d header_4_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_4_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_4_font_size=\u201d22px\u201d header_4_line_height=\u201d2em\u201d header_5_font=\u201d|700|||||||\u201d header_5_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_5_font_size=\u201d18px\u201d header_6_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_6_font_size=\u201d16px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d50px|30px|23px|50px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d||50px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|||40px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<strong><span style=\"font-size: 40px; color: #307f90; padding-right: 15px;\">12:00<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #307f90;\">The beauty of Byzantium<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Once you have taken in the wonders of Topkapi Palace, it is time to head to the <b>Hagia Sophia<\/b>. This remarkable building showcases Istanbul\u2019s eclectic history and its commitment to preserving the artistic and cultural legacy of previous generations. The largest <b>Christian basilica<\/b> in the world when it was completed in the 6th century, the Hagia Sophia was transformed into a <b>mosque<\/b> in the 15th century. Recognised as one of the city\u2019s most iconic landmarks, it lost its status as a religious building in 1934 to become a museum. Its spectacular interior combines familiar elements from Catholic churches and mosques with Orthodox architecture. Featuring marble columns, dazzling mosaics and a vast dome, it is a stunning example of <b>Byzantine art<\/b>.<br>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 make_equal=\u201don\u201d admin_label=\u201dcolumn-swap\u201d module_class=\u201dcolumn-swap\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d||||||||\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.8em\u201d link_font=\u201d||||on||||\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_3_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_3_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_3_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d header_4_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_4_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_4_font_size=\u201d22px\u201d header_4_line_height=\u201d2em\u201d header_5_font=\u201d|700|||||||\u201d header_5_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_5_font_size=\u201d18px\u201d header_6_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_6_font_size=\u201d16px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d50px|30px|27px|50px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d||50px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|||40px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<strong><span style=\"font-size: 40px; color: #307f90; padding-right: 15px;\">13:00<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #307f90;\">Lunch on the go<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If all that exploring has got you feeling a bit peckish, try Istanbul\u2019s take on a light lunch. There are a myriad of covered and open-air stalls offering mouth-watering street food. Carnivores can treat themselves to <b>a real Turkish kebab<\/b>, which typically consists of slices of seasoned meat (veal or chicken) served on a plate with rice pilaf and raw vegetables. Fish lovers should try <b>balik ekmek<\/b>, a popular sandwich filled with a fillet of grilled or fried mackerel or bonito and slices of tomato, lettuce and onion. Finally, vegetarians can sample a cheese and herb <b>b\u00f6rek<\/b> or a <b>simit<\/b>, a crown of bread baked with sesame seeds, served plain or with cheese spread. Wash down your lunch with a glass of ayran, a popular Turkish drink made with lightly salted yogurt. If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, order some Turkish Delight with your Turkish coffee: a truly iconic pairing!<br>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_divider show_divider=\u201doff\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_image=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/nodis-ionut-6K7j8SSglTE-unsplash-1.jpg\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d height=\u201d100%\u201d height_tablet=\u201d350px\u201d height_phone=\u201d280px\u201d height_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d border_color_right=\u201d#ffffff\u201d border_width_all_tablet=\u201d\u201d border_width_all_phone=\u201d\u201d border_width_all_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d border_width_right_tablet=\u201d0px\u201d border_width_right_phone=\u201d\u201d border_width_right_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 make_equal=\u201don\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_divider show_divider=\u201doff\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_image=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/iStock_000010488611Large_sature.jpg\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d height=\u201d100%\u201d height_tablet=\u201d350px\u201d height_phone=\u201d280px\u201d height_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d border_color_right=\u201d#ffffff\u201d border_width_all_tablet=\u201d\u201d border_width_all_phone=\u201d\u201d border_width_all_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d border_width_right_tablet=\u201d0px\u201d border_width_right_phone=\u201d\u201d border_width_right_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d||||||||\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.8em\u201d link_font=\u201d||||on||||\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_3_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_3_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_3_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d header_4_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_4_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_4_font_size=\u201d22px\u201d header_4_line_height=\u201d2em\u201d header_5_font=\u201d|700|||||||\u201d header_5_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_5_font_size=\u201d18px\u201d header_6_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_6_font_size=\u201d16px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d50px|30px|29px|50px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d||50px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|||40px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<strong><span style=\"font-size: 40px; color: #307f90; padding-right: 15px;\">14:00<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #307f90;\">A vision in blue<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Opposite the Hagia Sophia stands the <b>Sultan Ahmed Mosque<\/b> or <b>Blue Mosque<\/b>. This building was constructed in the 17th century as a symbol of Ottoman power and to send a message to the Habsburgs. However, its construction generated a great deal of controversy. Its six minarets were met with outcry from the Muslim world, as this number was previously only found on the sacred mosque in Mecca. Instead of altering his own mosque, the sultan decided to pay for the addition of a seventh minaret in Mecca. The building now houses the tomb of its founder, but it is best known for its <b>architectural beauty<\/b>. The interior is adorned with <b>Iznik ceramic tiles<\/b>\u2014which give the mosque its signature blue colour\u2014while the immense dome, imposing columns and courtyard surrounded by arcades create a magnificent spectacle.<br>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 make_equal=\u201don\u201d admin_label=\u201dcolumn-swap\u201d module_class=\u201dcolumn-swap\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d||||||||\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.8em\u201d link_font=\u201d||||on||||\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_3_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_3_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_3_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d header_4_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_4_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_4_font_size=\u201d22px\u201d header_4_line_height=\u201d2em\u201d header_5_font=\u201d|700|||||||\u201d header_5_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_5_font_size=\u201d18px\u201d header_6_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_6_font_size=\u201d16px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d50px|30px|11px|50px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d||50px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|||40px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<strong><span style=\"font-size: 40px; color: #307f90; padding-right: 15px;\">15h30<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #307f90;\">Journey to the centre of the Earth<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Venture underground into the <b>Basilica Cistern<\/b>, located deep below the city of Istanbul. Built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, this was one of several cisterns that provided Istanbul with drinking water during sieges and periods of drought, holding up to <b>78,000 m3<\/b> of water. Under the brick vaults, the twelve rows of 28 marble columns seem to stretch on forever, bringing a certain imperial majesty to this hidden space. Topped with Corinthian capitals, two of the columns feature Medusa heads at the base. This mysterious place has been captivating visitors for many years.<br>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_divider show_divider=\u201doff\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_image=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/iStock-534161977.jpg\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d height=\u201d100%\u201d height_tablet=\u201d350px\u201d height_phone=\u201d280px\u201d height_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d border_color_right=\u201d#ffffff\u201d border_width_all_tablet=\u201d\u201d border_width_all_phone=\u201d\u201d border_width_all_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d border_width_right_tablet=\u201d0px\u201d border_width_right_phone=\u201d\u201d border_width_right_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||2px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 make_equal=\u201don\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_divider show_divider=\u201doff\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_image=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/wei-pan-eBE3pEIZjbc-unsplash-1.jpg\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d height=\u201d100%\u201d height_tablet=\u201d350px\u201d height_phone=\u201d280px\u201d height_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px|||||\u201d border_color_right=\u201d#ffffff\u201d border_width_all_tablet=\u201d\u201d border_width_all_phone=\u201d\u201d border_width_all_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d border_width_right_tablet=\u201d0px\u201d border_width_right_phone=\u201d\u201d border_width_right_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d||||||||\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.8em\u201d link_font=\u201d||||on||||\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_3_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_3_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_3_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d header_4_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_4_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_4_font_size=\u201d22px\u201d header_4_line_height=\u201d2em\u201d header_5_font=\u201d|700|||||||\u201d header_5_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_5_font_size=\u201d18px\u201d header_6_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_6_font_size=\u201d16px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d27px|30px|0px|50px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d||50px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|||40px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<strong><span style=\"font-size: 40px; color: #307f90; padding-right: 15px;\">16h30<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #307f90;\">Go bargain hunting in the Grand Bazaar<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No trip to Istanbul is complete without a visit to the <b>Grand Bazaar<\/b>, one of the largest and most famous markets in the world, with 4,000 shops spread over 60 aisles. Made up of 30 hectares of covered stalls, it is divided into many different sectors: <b>leather, textiles, souvenirs, jewellery, antiques, carpets\u2026<\/b> Everywhere you look there is something to catch your eye. Opened in 1461, the Grand Bazaar suffered a terrible fire in the 15th century. The sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent, restored the market to its former glory, allowing it to grow even bigger than before. An earthquake destroyed a large part of the bazaar in 1894, leading to more modern renovations in 1956.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<br>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 make_equal=\u201don\u201d admin_label=\u201dcolumn-swap\u201d module_class=\u201dcolumn-swap\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d||||||||\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.8em\u201d link_font=\u201d||||on||||\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_3_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_3_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_3_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d header_4_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_4_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_4_font_size=\u201d22px\u201d header_4_line_height=\u201d2em\u201d header_5_font=\u201d|700|||||||\u201d header_5_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_5_font_size=\u201d18px\u201d header_6_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_6_font_size=\u201d16px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d50px|30px|27px|50px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d||50px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|||40px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<strong><span style=\"font-size: 40px; color: #307f90; padding-right: 15px;\">19:00<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 20px; color: #307f90;\">Go with the flow<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>At the end of the day, do as the locals do and take a stroll along the car-free Istiklal Avenue and through Taksim Square. The cool kids come here to do some shopping, have a drink and enjoy a night on the town. At dinnertime, we recommend sharing a <b>pide<\/b>\u2014a flatbread topped with minced meat or cheese\u2014as your starter. For the main event, indulge in a variety of succulent stuffed vegetables, known as <b>dolma<\/b>, or try <b>testi kebab<\/b>. This unique dish is made by simmering meat, sauce and vegetables in a terracotta amphora. When it is ready, the pot is broken open front of the customer to reveal the delicious casserole inside! For dessert, we have one word for you: <b>baklava<\/b>. Prepared using filo pastry, walnuts, almonds or pistachios and sugar syrup, these classic pastries are displayed front and centre in every Turkish bakery. A perfectly balanced sweet treat, baklava is taking the world by storm!<br>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_divider show_divider=\u201doff\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_image=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/iStock-502734736.jpg\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d height=\u201d100%\u201d height_tablet=\u201d350px\u201d height_phone=\u201d280px\u201d height_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d border_color_right=\u201d#ffffff\u201d border_width_all_tablet=\u201d\u201d border_width_all_phone=\u201d\u201d border_width_all_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d border_width_right_tablet=\u201d0px\u201d border_width_right_phone=\u201d\u201d border_width_right_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d 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takes you there<br>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d width=\u201d70%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d custom_padding=\u201d2px|||||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]Enjoy the splendours of the Mediterranean sea<br>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=\u201dhttps:\/\/us.ponant.com\/destinations\/the-mediterranean\u201d url_new_window=\u201don\u201d button_text=\u201dVIEW CRUISES\u201d button_alignment=\u201dleft\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_margin=\u201d20px||20px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The splendours of the Orient and a bygone age<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3956028,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1190],"tags":[],"thematique":[1470,1464,1483],"class_list":["post-3956013","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-get-ready-us","thematique-europe-us","thematique-in-the-city-us","thematique-the-mediterranean-us"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>A day in Istanbul : palaces, mosques and Grand Bazaar | PONANT US Magazine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link 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