Pre Cruise in Istanbul

Nicknamed the City of the World's Desire for its strategic location, we found our desire for walking through this grand city grow with each step. Join us as we visit some its greatest attractions as we prepare to board our Viking Sky cruise. These sites include the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cisterns, and so much more.
Below are the Amazon Affiliate links to some of our favorite items we've found helpful in our travels. (As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases)
Our Recommended Cabin Gear
-----OREI American to European Plug Adapters-So many cruise ships are equipped with 220 European plugs which are useless unless you have the right adapter. These are what are in our bags every time we cruise or travel to Europe. They come in an affordable six pack which you can find at this link: amzn.to/44ixS0U
----Strongman Tools Strong Magnetic Hooks-A couple of these 6 pack set of hooks are always with us when we cruise. Each individual hook can hold 30lbs of weight and is ideal for hanging coats, hats, and even the hangings shelves described below . Get your set of these useful magnetic hooks at this link: amzn.to/3UDrVbJ
-----Whitmor 5 Section Closet Organizer-Unfortunately, drawer and shelf space is sometimes limited in some cruise cabins. That’s why we always bring at least one of these inexpensive closet organizers which gives us plenty of room for our folded clothes. We’ll usually use a couple of magnetic hooks described above to hang these from the ceiling in the corner of our room. Here’s the link where you can get yours: amzn.to/3w3GvQn
Our Recommended Camera Gear
-----DJI Osmo Pocket 3--You’ll usually see Tracey using this in almost all of our videos. Love this wonderful, small and versatile camera. Basic Camera: amzn.to/3UDJJDF Creators Combo: amzn.to/4beP6OP
-----GoPro Hero12-This is the best action camera we’ve ever used. Whether taking videos on the Zodiacs in Antarctica, snorkeling in Papua New Guinea, or scuba diving in Bonaire, this camera is always in our hands. Find the link to get yours here: amzn.to/3UkTcy1
-----Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap-If you still carry a DSLR or Mirrorless camera like Jan does, this is the perfect strap to use. What is great is that this fully adjustable strap can be configured to be worn across your body, putting the weight of your camera across your back as opposed to your neck. Plus, it offers a bit more security when traveling through high pick-pocket areas. Get your Slide Lite Strap here: amzn.to/3xW6pWR

[@pierrechau986]

thank you for the wonderful videos We will be cruising from Istanbul to Athens in July on Viking Jupitar, we have only one morning and afternoon in Istanbul, can you tell me if it is easy to walk in and out the ship into the district of Higas Sophia and Blue Mosque. I heard the security in entering the Port is very tight, I just wonder if it is very troublesome. Thank you again.

[@janandtraceytravels]

The port is about 7km from the area where both the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque is-but it is in the other side of the strait. So, I think your bet is to either take a taxi or even the metro. There is a metro station about 300 meters (ish) from the port Tracey took the metro in to the spice market and said it was easy. The security when we were there wasn’t any more severe than most any ports. Have your ship card (don’t remember if we needed our passport also-take it along in case. )
Once you get to the Haggai Sophia and Blue Mosque lines can be long. However there are always your guides in the area drumming up business and the can get you in (including the Cisterns which are also nearby) without much wait. Be aware of the times of prayer as you will not be allowed into either mosque while they are going on. You can stay inside-as we did-if you are already inside, just cannot enter.
Have a great time and thanks for watching.

[@pierrechau986]

@@janandtraceytravels Thank you very much for your information.