The famous Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı) in Istanbul consists of four courtyards. The first courtyard is freely accessible, so the real (and paid) visit to the palace starts at the Gate of Salutation (Babus Selam), also known as the Middle Gate (Orta Kapı). Only the sultan and the queen mother (Valide Sultan) were allowed to pass the gate on horseback.

The trademark of Şile – a small town 70 kilometers from Istanbul – is undoubtedly the black-and-white striped lighthouse on top of a cliff.

This is a mosaic of the Virgin Mary in the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) in Istanbul. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the Christian mosaics were plastered over. They were accidentally discovered during renovations in the 19th century and are slowly but surely being restored.

The Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) in Istanbul, also referred to as the Church of Devine Wisdom. This is certainly one of Istanbul’s most famous and fascinating tourist attractions.

An aerial view of the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) in Istanbul. As you can see, the Grand Bazaar is huge! It consists of over 4.000 shops spread out in a maze of 56 interconnecting vaulted passages totaling an area of 54.653 square meters. So yes, the Grand Bazaar consists of the whole picture, not just the part in the middle!

The Tranquilla River Lodge in Ağva is not only a great place to rest, they also serve excellent food. While staying there, the highlight of the day was definitely their river-side delicious dinner, served just before the sun started to set.

The Tranquilla River Lodge in Ağva, just beyond Istanbul. An excellent place to relax in a hammock and catch your breath.

Ağva is located at the green banks of the Göksu and Yesilçay rivers. Most hotels offer free pedal  boats to pedal your way to the beach of the Black Sea.

Taking a dolmus (dolmuş) or shared taxi is a convenient way of travelling to places just outside the city center. And when traveling alone, it’s much less expensive than taking a taxi and often more comfortable than taking a bus. Just hop in, and when all seats are taken you’re on your (non-stop) way.

According to the guide that led me through the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, this chandelier located in the muyade hall is still the biggest in the world. And even if it’s no longer the case, this 4,5 tons chandelier with 664 bulbs remains impressive.