Geo: 41.0245, 28.9881After an afternoon flight from Heathrow we had our first evening in Istanbul. The hotel is small and central and will be nicer in the summer when the garden at the rear will be open. Despite the cool weather we sat on the roof terrace and had our first beer of the holiday. From the roof we could see both the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sofia so ideally situated for sightseeing. The hotel is also on a street of restaurants and lots of lovely shops selling beautiful jewellery and cushion covers etc. As it was late we decided to pop across the road to the Antique Turquoise restaurant, which is decorated with lots of colourful ceiling lights. A good meal but not that cheap especially the wine.The following day we walked up to ... read more

Geo: -33.4691, -70.642We left the ship at Valparaiso. It was great to be in heat again after a few chilly days in southern Chile.With so much luggage we had pre arranged a driver to take us around Valparaiso before going to Santiago.(Santiago Adventures) It is a large coastal city built on the hills with several funiculars to transport the residents. Vina del Mar is a holiday resort right next to it with elegant hotels and beaches. At the end of the beach are some rocks where sealions were sunning themselves. We had a walk through a park and around a square and then our driver took us along the highway to Santiago,stopping for a beer on the way. He was a friendly knowledgeable chap who told us all about the buildings and scenery on the way. ... read more

Geo: -41.4752, -72.9521As soon as the ship docked in the morning we drove up into the hills and the area called the Lake District- very pretty and foresty. At the lakeside we left our comfortable coach and got geared up in harnesses, hats and gloves. Our transport up the hill was in a truck pulled by a tractor and a very bumpy ride it was too. This is the second time we have done ziplining, the first time being in Alaska. I went last as I knew I would make a mess of it. I dont mind taking off into space above the trees and zooming down the line but I am worried that if I brake too soon I will end up suspended in mid air and have to pull along the line manually- no ... read more

Geo: -35.6751, -71.543Sailing down the coast of Argentina and now through the Chilean Fjiords, there are naturally a few days at sea between the various ports. How are these filled? Every evening a paper is delivered to the suite to give a list of the activities available. There is something for everyone if you fancy Bridge, Golf, Shuffleboard, Yoga etc. After all the pre cruise pledges to exercise, we looked round the Gym and walked out again. The Casino is not our scene and neither are the Teach yourself Spanish, Cookery, or Jewellery classes . However, we cannot resist quizzes so are regular attenders of the Trivia Team quiz. Our team tends to come 3rd but we have come 1st and have a lot of fun doing it. There is also a daily paper quiz with ... read more

Geo: -54.9776, -70.3125Glaciers in the fjordsOn leaving Punta Arenas the ship turned north and sailed up through the Chilean Fjords. These are mostly tree covered islands coming directly down to the sea, which is deep enough for our ship to navigate. We sailed up to a dead end where the retreating Blujos glacier comes down to the waters edge and small ice flows break off and float down to the sea. It was a bright day so the ship could get quite close ,so that we could see the scarring of the rocks produced by the retreating ice, the build up of lichen on the edges and gradually small trees growing in very little soil. It was a sunny day but warm clothing is still essential. On leaving the glacier we sailed through other tree covered ... read more