Istanbul
cruise port of call
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Why Istanbul
is special for cruisers
Hagia
Sophia
Enormous dome and magnificent mosaics highlight this 6th century mosque (now a museum). Hagia Sophia is pronounced HYE-yah soh-FEE-ah.
Topkapi Palace
See the Sultans' treasures including an 86-carat diamond and the eye-catching jeweled dagger. Explore Topkapi's storied harem.
Blue Mosque
Unlike the Hagia Sophia, the 17th-century Blue Mosque remains a functioning house of worship. And, its exterior is visually more striking.
Grand Bazaar
This lengthy, covered marketplace houses thousands of tiny shops selling food, clothing, jewelry, and more. The Grand Bazaar teems with activity.
Dolmabahce Palace
It was the residence of the last Sultans. The Dolmabahce Palace's interior design amazes the eye, as do the furnishings.
Top runners-up
Basilica Cistern
Cemberlitas Hamam Turkish bath
Istanbul Archaeological Museum.
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Top 10 Mediterranean Ports of Call
1 Civitavecchia Gateway to Rome
2 Piraeus Gateway to Athen
3 Venice Italy
4 Livorno Gateway to Florence
5 Istanbul
6 Dubrovnik Croatia
7 Naples Gateway to Pompeii + more
8 Marseille Gateway to Provence
9 Nice Gateway to French Riviera
10 Malaga Spain
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