Istanbul Family Reunion (2 of 4)

On Tuesday we decided to do something a bit different, at least different from anything we had done on previous trips to Istanbul. Based on Erica and Giga's recommendation we chose to take ferry trip up the Golden Horn to the town of Eyüp  Although we have done the ferry trips up the Bosporus, the Golden Horn is an inlet that divides the European side of the city. Eyüp  at the end of the ferry route is famous for its mosque and Muslim cemetery, as well as the views of Istanbul from the hill nearby.

Istanbul, The Golden Horn, and Eyüp

We started off with a walk from Taksim down the hill, past the Galata Tower to the ferry terminal at Karaköy. Boarding the ferry there, we enjoyed a meandering route up the Horn, stopping at various docks until we disembarked at Eyüp.

Down the Hill to Karaköy

In Front of Galata Tower

Jim, Irma, John, Julie

Waiting for the Ferry

Erica & Giga on the Boat

Scenery Passing By

Eyüp was a really cute town with lots of market activity and tourists wandering about. After checking out the town we rode the aerial tramway up to the top of the hill. From there we could see all the way back to the center of Istanbul while we relaxed in the open-air cafe.

Downtown Eyüp

The Cemetery

Tramway to the Top

Entrance to the Cafe

Snacks and a View

Looking Back at Istanbul

Julie & John

Riding the Tramway

Riding the Tramway

Tramway or Magic Carpet?

Waiting for the Return Ferry

Police Patrol

Our Fellow Passengers

A Submarine?!!

After the ferry ride back to Eminönü  Erica and Giga wandered off to do some shopping, but John, Julie, Jim, and Irma stopped for fresh cooked fish sandwiches. These are cooked and served from boats tied up at the dock. The cooks tending a large grill on the boat fill a large roll with a fresh piece of fish and some salad, then hand it off to a man on the dock who gives it to you in exchange for five Turkish Lira (about $2.80). Delicious! They also serve the same sandwiches, at the same price, at any number of restaurants under the Galata Bridge.

Here's Your Fish Sandwich

Ummm good!

Restaurants Under the Bridge

Ever had a Monkey on Your Back?

If necessary, click "Older Posts" (below) to see part #3