yearbook

We are crusing on Celebrity Solstice on Oct. 19th. Interested in purchasing rugs on our stops in Istanbul and/or Kusadasi. Love specific advice on where to go or stores that you've had positive experience in your dealings including shipping to U.S.

Our Ekol guide took us to the national handicraft center quite near the Bazaar. They had exquisite though not cheap rugs. We ended up buying a Hereke runner ($2500). When I got home, I checked prices and saw that we had paid a fair though not reduced price for it. You can buy quality like Hereke or cheap. Our rug arrived in timely fashion and good condition. We were not afraid to deal with this store for such an expensive item. I would be with some of the stores.

In reference to the comment about waiting for your second trip to buy a rug, we saw all the sights in Istanbul and still had time to buy a rug. Our guide took us to the Center at night just before returning to the ship. No problem.