It’s 6.30am the day before my birthday. The bedroom light goes on and a cup of tea is placed beside me. I’m a little confused.

“So… We’ve got flights booked from Heathrow. We need to leave in an hour. We’re going to Istanbul for a few days.”

Oh my. I was not expecting that!

My husband had arranged the trip, with the aid of my son and his wife, without me having the faintest idea they were planning anything. They’d been watching my diary for weeks to make sure nothing clashed.

Yes, I did manage to get packed and ready in an hour. No, I didn’t forget anything vital. Phew!

What an incredible treat. Istanbul. The only city in the world to span two continents, Europe and Asia, with the Bosphorus Strait running through the middle. A 3000-year history. Relics of the Greek and Roman occupations, sitting alongside mosques and palaces from five centuries as the capital of the Ottoman Empire. So much to experience.

Obviously, I took a few photos, (bit of an understatement!)  I’ve decided to spread them across 3 blogs, one for each day of the trip.

Day 1

Highlights: The Grand Bazaar, Süleymaniye Mosque and the Galata Bridge.  A Turkish bath in a 16th century Hamam, Galata, the Tünel funicular railway and the old tram. Fine dining at Mikla with incredible views from the rooftop terrace.