Once the capital of three empires (Roman, Ottoman, and Byzantine), and nominated as the cultural capital of Europe in 2010, Istanbul was a true highlight of our trip. From our hotel in Sultanahmet, we were within walking distances to most of sites in the old city. After filling on yummy kofte (meatballs), we explored the massive domed ceilings and intricate mosaics at the Ayasofya (Hagia Sofia) and waited until after prayers to check out the impressive Blue Mosque. On Friday, we awoke to an early tour of Topkapi Palace, where our plan to beat the crowds by visiting the Harem early led us through the expansive palace in a baffling reversed direction. From there, we ventured to the Grand Bazaar, where amdist the mind-boggling maze of shops and shady shopkeepers, we managed to haggle our way to a fine soumak. After catching a whiff of the mesmerizing aromas at the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, we ferried over to the Asia side of the city for dinner at Ciya Soffrasi. One of Saveur’s top 100 restaurants in the world, the steam table of various regional dishes enticed us to an evening of foodie satisfaction. On our last day, we relaxed to a traditional Turkish bath at Suleymaniye Hamami (where Suleiman supposedly took a bath himself), followed by a bus ride across town to check out the intricate mosaics at Chora Museum, before ending the night with fried fish sandwiches, rice (with ketchup), and desserts from street stands along the Bosphorus river. It’ll be tough getting back to work on Monday, especially after flying back late Sunday evening … but it was certainly a trip to remember. I’ve posted more photos on our travel page.