784Caroline,
You have all the great spots to see in Istanbul listed. The Palace takes half day or more. The Blue Mosque and Haggia Sofia are almost next to each other so you can do both in one hour. The Great Bazaar is great shopping and can take a long time. I could have spent a day there. The shopping was great. We bought a beautiful rug (not at the Bazaar). Unfortunately we were mugged in Athens (before we got on our ship) and I had to cancel my credit card. I had no credit card to shop so once I ran out of money that was it. Great buys in leather coats also.
If you don't have a balcony, try to be on deck as you approach Istanbul. The view is awesome!!!
We loved Istanbul and I'd love to go back (and do the shopping I miss among other things). Have a wonderful trip. The nice thing about it is Istanbul is a secular city. People will tell you over and over again "they are secular...not Muslims". You see a few women covered from head to toe but those are the minority. Will you be making a stop in Ephesus? It's outstanding.
Have a great trip!!!
Pili
