We weren't the only ship!
I think this is Gallipoli - Anzac Cove cannot be seen from the Dardanelles as it is on another stretch of water but the Australians on board were still very moved to be in the area. Not so pleased though when the tour director, in his broadcast, referred to the Myth of the Anzacs!!!!
After sailing across the Marmara Sea this is our first glimpse of Istanbul.
And the minarets of the mosques can be seen dotting the landscape.
Sailing past the Topkapi Palace (I think!)
Europe in the background and Asia to the right.
We then did a tour sailing up the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia.Modern buildings contrast with the old.
During the 19th Century a canal was cut between the Aegean and Adriatic Seas at Corinth - we caught a glimpse of the canal as we crossed the bridge
and then stopped so we could walk back and have a closer look - it is amazingly deep when you look down between the cliffs.
And this sign intrigued me - do they have ice cream with their toast in Greece?
Our first glimpse of the ruins of Corinth was the Acrocorinth on the hill overlooking the ruined city. This was built as a fortress BC and parts have survived numerous earthquakes over the years.
The Temple of Apollo
The Head of Dionysos crowned with vine leaves (2nd c A D)
The Head of Dionysos in the middle of a mosaic floor from a Roman Villa (2nd A D - 3rd A D) I could feel a quilt coming on here!
One of the many artifacts which were made about 600 B C
All too soon we were back on board our ship - we watched this Tall Ship arrive in port.
And then we sailed - not a lot of colour in the buildings and there is quite a lot of smog.
The view as we sailed out.
And of course we had to celebrate Queen Beatrix birthday being on a Dutch ship - but I didn't get a piece of cake!
This is a ship, the Zuiderdam, which is anchored off shore - we tendered in to the port in our lifeboats.
I must admit that they hold 100+ in an emergency and we only had 70 and were very cosy. The thought of having 100+ all with those bulky life jackets is a bit daunting!
Our tour took us through the Diocletian's Palace which was build around 4th century AD and, as you can see, is still used today.
This is the the plan of the original building.
From the 6th Century to 1950 rubbish was dropped from above through these holes into the floor below. Apparently this is why the building is so well preserved - it took 10 years to clean out all the rubbish!
These are some images taken from those lower floors
And this is supposedly a marble tray which was used for food for the Emperors.
And an olive press.
Part of the courtyard.
