Norwegian Spirit-Port of Istanbul, Turkey

Norwegian Cruise Line Port of Call- Istanbul, Turkey - There's a new aura of excitement in Istanbul these days, as this center of the Ottoman empire has become one the world's focal points for art, fashion, haute cuisine and nightlife. Of course there's always an abundance of ancient monuments and grand mosques with stunning frescoes to see here, like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Head to any park and you'll see why tulips have long been the symbol of this city. #CruiseLikeaNorwegian

Book Now: #SunshineTravel & Cruise (Linda Thomas) 503-780-5819
or Linda@ultimate-dreamcruises.com

Lavish Palaces, Byzantine art, beautiful Mosques, bustling bazaars, Turkish food… all things that come to mind when you think of Istanbul.

The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world with thousands of stalls that sell items such as carpets, jewelry, leather goods, silver, brass and copperware, ceramics, alabaster, textiles and a variety of souvenirs.

Visit the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. It served as a church for hundreds of years during the Byzantine Empire and was converted to a Mosque when the city was conquered by the Ottomans in 1453. Here, you’ll find evidence of both.

Visit the great Byzantine Basilica Cistern, located across from Hagia Sophia. You might think that having so many breathtaking sites to visit above ground leaves no need to go under. But you’ll soon discover why this visit is worth every minute.