Istanbul

Here, in the city that straddles two continents Valerie discovers the aromatic joys of a Hookah, the magnificence of the Sultans' palaces, and the true meaning of Turkish Delight. As Valerie rides across the Bosphorous from Asia to Europe and back she takes us through some of the most beautiful buildings ever made, the Topkapi Palace, home to the Sultans for four centuries - and the centre of the Ottoman empire. After guiding us through the maze of rooms, the grandeur of the vaulted arches, the giant domes, and multiplying minarets, Valerie finds her holy grail - not the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia - but the Grand Bazaar. Here she takes tea with carpet salesperson who is looking to ease many million of Turkish Lire out of Valerie's pocket book. Not quite sure who got the best of who in this exchange.