Final Day on Marmara Adasi
A final day on Marmara Adası, taking in the island’s atmosphere and reflecting on the experience before moving on.
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Visiting Çınarlı – the Village of Plane Trees and Springs
A visit to Çınarlı on Marmara Adası, exploring its plane trees, promenade and relaxed village life away from the main town.
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Visiting Asmali – Hunting for Greek Houses
A visit to Asmalı on Marmara Adası, wandering the village in search of old Greek houses and traces of its past.
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Leaving Istanbul and Arriving on Marmara Adasi (Island)
The morning we left Istanbul it was throwing it down. The heat had dropped a little, but the feeling was now one of a steaming sauna. Last night, before returning to our hotel, we had commandeered a taxi driver to pick us up from our hotel this morning – no time for the inclusive breakfast,…
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Across the Golden Horn – A Special Dedication Part 2
The tram took us over the Golden Horn to Karaköy. My favourite way to cross is by boat, but the tram is faster. We began our day with a plan – to look for churches. Our reasoning was simple — wherever there was a church, there would once have been Greek houses. These were usually…
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Echoes of Byzantium – Agia Sophia and More Greek Connections – A Special Dedication Part 1
A visit to Agia Sophia in Istanbul, exploring its Byzantine past, layered history and enduring Greek connections.
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A Rude Awakening and Exploring Istanbul’s Asian Side with More Greek Connections
Exploring Istanbul’s Asian side in Kadıköy, searching for Greek churches, old houses and traces of a past that still lingers in the streets.
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Discovering More Greek Connections on Büyükada island
Exploring Büyükada and its Greek connections, from churches and monasteries to old wooden houses that reflect the island’s past.
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Fener & Balat – Where Cultures and Colours Collide
Exploring Fener and Balat in Istanbul, where colourful streets, historic buildings and layers of Greek, Jewish and Ottoman heritage meet.
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Further Explorations of Istanbul – Agia Irene and a Bosphoros Cruise (and another scam alert)
A visit to Agia Irene followed by a Bosphorus cruise, with reflections on Istanbul’s contrasts and the realities of travel, including a scam encounter.
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Arrival in Istanbul – Sacred Spaces and Timeless Places -Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern
A visit to Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern, exploring their history, atmosphere and the realities of visiting these iconic sites.
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Echoes of Greece across the Aegean: A Journey Begins in Istanbul
An 8 week trip – Istanbul to Athens itinerary following a real route across the Aegean by ferry and bus, with practical detail and key stops along the way.
