Istanbul is one of the world's great cities. It is the bridge from East to West and the only major city which sits on two continents.
After the Greeks settled here in the 7th century BC came the Persians came in the 6th and then Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC.
He kept the peace until the 2nd century BC. Then the Romans came and renamed Byzantium after their leader Constantine the Great.
In 532 during the reign of Justinian l the city was destroyed by riots. It was rebuilt including the famous Hagia Sophia the most important church in Christendom.
The next 900 years saw Arab invaders and then Barbarians as well as the Crusaders.
In 1453 the Ottoman Turks took over and made the city their capitol and renamed it Islambol. They built many public buildings and Hagia Sophia became a mosque. Islambol became Istanbul.
The Allies occupied the city in WW1 and after years of struggle Ataturk proclaimed the Republic of Turkey in 1923 and moved the capitol to Ankara.
Spring and Autumn are best, March to May and between September and November.
Summer, June to August sees temperatures, prices and tourist numbers rise.
Winter, December to February is cold, rainy and even snowy.
FLIGHTS -
Istanbul Ataturk International Airport (IST) - has direct flights to 309 destinations in 117 countries in all continents except Australasia. From here you can connect from Bali, Singapore, KL, Bangkok and numerous other Asian airports. From South America you'll have to fly through Sao Paulo, Bogota or Caracas.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Get your travel insurance once you've paid for your airfares to protect your investment.
BOOKINGS -
Everything should be booked well in advance to avoid disappointment
NAVIGATING -
Before you go download Maps.me and all the relevant maps.
It takes 1 hour. Taxis are expensive as it's so far out. Buses take longer but are cheaper.
A private shuttle is a good compromise.
TIPS -
Always read through the itinerary to see what needs to be booked ahead of time. Check out all of the online bookings you need to make and do it before you leave home if possible.
Istanbul and Türkiye are secular meaning the government is separated from religion. It is also a fairly tolerant society but don't forget you are in a Muslim country and should respect their beliefs.
SAFETY -
Istanbul is as safe as any other city. Take the usual precautions about scam artists and thieves especially near tourist attractions.
Istanbul is a great place for solo women travellers. They can get a lot of attention and should learn the local rules to avoid trouble avoid certain areas after 10 pm.
There have been some terrorist acts but every large city is a potential target these days and the odds of it affecting you are extremely low.
Is on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Turks list. The word coffee comes from the Turkish kahve and it was first used as a sandwich spread! It has never been widely grown here. Religious leaders originally banned it as sinful and like alcohol in the USA it went through a period of prohibition. The first coffee house opened in Istanbul in the 16th century. This number quickly rose to around 600.
“The memory of a cup of Turkish coffee lasts for 40 years.” – Turkish saying
Lokum - Turkish Delight, but not as you know it, much better,
Pide - best hangover cure out, like pizza, Lahmacun - another one like pizza,
Turkish Breakfast - consists of bread, butter, jam or honey, cheese, yogurt, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, cold meats, fruit juice, eggs, and tea or coffee, watch out for the European wasps they like it too,
Meze - small dishes to start a meal, and we haven't even scratched the surface yet
NIGHTLIFE -
Even though Turkey is a Muslim country it is secular which means there is nightlife befitting one of the world's great cities.
It is a big city and it never sleeps. There are many different spots you can head off to for a good night out. Rooftop Bars, restaurants, clubs, cabarets, belly dancing and more. You won't be disappointed.
Be careful with Raki (the National drink) it's very strong. It is best to decide how many you are having before you start drinking and stick to it. It turns white when mixed with water and is called "Lions Milk". As the t-shirts say - "Raki is the answer, I don't remember the question". Watch out, it is rocket fuel.
A great destination for a stopover or long weekend. A few days sampling the delights here will have you planning your next batch of time off for a longer stay. Istanbul is truly one of the world's great cities and has the history to prove it. Plus it's the only major city in the world that sits on two continents. This really is East meets West.
Don't forget to check out the tours for guides, cruises, tastings, shopping assistance, pub crawls, hop on hop off buses and other delights.
Stay in the historic quarter of Sultanahmet. Nearby national treasures include the Hagia Sophia (One of the most famous Church / Mosque / Museum / Mosques in the world), the Blue Mosque (with 6 minarets, the Suleymaniye Mosque (Commissioned and designed by two very important players in the city's history), the Hippodrome (Old race track for horses and chariots), the Topkapi Palace (and Harem), the Grand Bazaar (One of the largest and oldest in the world), the Galata Bridge (Famous for Fish Sandwiches) and the World famous Pudding Shop (Starting line for the Hippy Trail back in the 60's and 70's). They make for a pretty special walking tour. See ⬇️ on DAY 2.
Explore interesting neighbourhoods, historical sites, fantastic restaurants, amazing views with your sundowners a variety of nightlife centres and some ancient bath houses. There's a lot to see so you'd better get moving.
If you are here on a Sunday afternoon at 6pm and want to see authentic Whirling Dervishes check out this site.
excellent location only 5 minutes walk from the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, breakfast buffet included, charming outdoor terrace with views of Sultanahmet, Garden Bar and Restaurant - Happy Hour, 24 hour desk, tour desk, ATM onsite, café, airport shuttle - extra
excellent location in the heart of Sultanahmet 3 mins from the tram station, rooftop terrace with great views of the city especially at night time, close to a lot of restaurants, Rooftop garden restaurant, terrace for snacks and drinks, classic building recently renovated, airport shuttle - extra, tour desk, 24 hour desk
shared bathrooms, excellent location only 250m from the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, rooftop terrace with sea views, buffet breakfast included, restaurant and bar, good price, café, airport shuttle - extra
For the first day just take it easy. There's so much to see in your neighbourhood that you'll probably feel like a stroll to have a look around. If you arrive early in the day you could take on some of the attractions in tomorrows walking tour. That way you will have more time to look around at each place. Take note below of some of the expensive entry prices.
No matter what time you arrive book yourself an afternoon visit to one of the local hammams (Turkish Baths) to give you a good scrub and freshening up. There are a lot nearby. Have a look through the tours and pick anything in the "Old City" or Sultanahmet.
Pop up to the hotel rooftop and check out the sunset view with a few liquid refreshments. Eat and drink locally. You could catch theWhirling Dervish showat nearby (10 minute walk from the hotel) Hodjapasha. It is on at 7pm and you'll need to be there half an hour before that. It is performed in a transformed 15th century hammam (bathhouse). Like all of these things don't forget to book online. The Viator price is in $AUD and the venue is in $US. Then have an early night and shake off that jet lag with a good night's sleep.
DAY 2- Have a look Through the tours & see if you want a guide anywhere
Off for a walking tourof the neighbourhood today. And what a neighbourhood you are staying in. Most of the sites are UNESCO World Heritage Listed. Start the day with breakfast or coffee at the World Famous Pudding Shop. Try to time it for lunch at the Grand Bazaar and an afternoon "Fishwich" at the Galata Bridge. Head up to the viewing platform at Galata Tower to take in the view and see where you've been. Off for sundowners at a rooftop bar then dinner and drinks will flow on from there. So plan to be out for the whole day and wear comfy footwear.
The attractions that start with an Asterix* have rather expensive entrance fees and you may want to skip them. Or pick out one or two that you really want to see and bite the bullet. Check out the tours as you may find a better and cheaper option. Prices are in the 25€, 3€5, and 45€ range and are frankly not worth it if you are just having a look around.
Click on the map (all the maps on this site) to go to a larger workable on google maps.
World Famous Pudding Shop aka Lale (Tulip) Restaurant - for breakfast or coffee and pudding of course. This was a starting line of sorts for when the real adventure of the "Hippy Trail" would begin and their noticeboard was world famous. It opened in 1957. For more on the "Hippy Trail" click on Kabul, Kathmandu or Kuta on the HOME page.
*Topkapi Palace Museum and Harem - it is worth doing a tour as there are a lot of stories to hear. You have to have one for the Harem anyway. The building of the palace was finished in 1465.
The Blue Mosque - parts of Cinderella's Castle were inspired by the minarets of the Blue Mosque. It is unusual as it has 6 instead of the usual 4. Some have as many as 10. The construction was finished in 1617. At the time this was in the centre of Istanbul. Have a look at this guide for Mosque Etiquette.
Hippodrome of Constantinople - was a public arena for watching chariot races since the old Roman days in 203 AD.
Grand Bazaarsince 1461 - the world's most popular market is a good place to pick up a few souvenirs. If you look in the tours you will see that you can get a local to help you shop. If you are buying an expensive carpet or kilim she might prove to be a good investment. You should be hungry again by now and you're in the right place to do something about it. Have a look here for some ideas.
Suleymaniye Mosque opened in 1557 - is one of the biggest mosque's in the city.
The Egyptian Bazaar took 4 years to build and was opened in 1664. It's myriad spices are like a carnival for the senses full of vibrant colours, smells and exotic tastes. It also has sweet treats like lokum (Turkish Delight) and baklava. Not to mention nuts, dried fruits, jewellery, tea, coffee, caviar and a whole lot more.
The Galata Bridge - Istanbul's most famous bridge, built in 1845 - stop off for the famous Balik Ekmek or fish sandwich if you have any room. There are over 40 restaurants on the bridge and they have great views. If you don't have room maybe just a Turkish Coffee or an early sundowner.
Continue on across the bridge and make your way up to The Bank Roof Bar for sunset. In September the sun sets at about 7 pm.
*When your ready head on over to the Galata Tower which is only a 5 minute walk away. It closes at 10 pm and the sunset crowd should be gone by now. It was first built in 507 AD and the current one was constructed in 1349.
There is a restaurant at the top but you will still need to buy a ticket. There are other rooftop restaurants in the area with similar views and no rip off ticket prices. In fact there are a heap of restaurants and bars in this area and you could easily spend the rest of your evening here.
OR you could go to Sultana's Dinner and Belly Dancing 1001 Nights Show. It's not that far away but they do include shuttle services in their packages. They also have packages with drinks and the show and also non-alcohol ones too. So you can have dinner elsewhere then come here for the show. The show starts at 20:45 and ends at 22:45 and you should book ahead online.
When you're ready a taxi or Uber will be the easiest way to get home.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
DAY 3
After a day of sight seeing yesterday, today will be more relaxed and different. Use google maps and public transport or taxis or a combination to get around today.
Breakfast can be a big deal in Türkiye so today you'll have an authentic one. I personally think pide (like a Turkish pizza) is the best hangover cure known to man. (Or woman!) Cafe Privato will have you thinking you are back in the Ottoman days and fortify you for another full day of fun.
Next stop will be at Dialogue in the Dark. This is an amazing experience I recommend to anyone who has the opportunity to do it. You will never look at a blind person the same way again. Please excuse the pun. People who suffer from claustrophobia or nyctophobia (fear of the dark) may want to think twice about doing this. Book a time online and you will have a lasting memory and hopefully a lot of laughs.
Make your way to Taksim Square and have a look around Istanbul's most famous pedestrian street Istiklal Caddesi. You can do some shopping, have lunch watching Istanbul going about it's business, take part in an ice cream pantomime and generally soak it all in. If you have a sweet tooth you won't want to miss this place.
When you're ready hop on the nostalgic tramway which runs down Istiklal Cadessi. It is called the T2 line and runs from Taksim Square to Tünel Square and has 5 stops including each end.
Hop off at Tünel Square and from here it is a 5 minute walk to the historic Pera Palace Hotel. Opened in 1895 to accommodate passengers on the Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul. It is built in one of the most beautiful parts of Istanbul and has had many famous guests over the years. It had many firsts at the time including electricity, hot running water and Europe's first elevator. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stayed here often and his old room is now a museum with many of his personal belongings. The museum is open between 3pm - 4pm every day and there is a limit of 50 people.
You might like to take afternoon tea in the Kubbeli Lounge which is on between 3pm - 6pm every day. Bookings essential.
Or perhaps cocktails on the Orient Terrace with stunning views overlooking the Golden Horn.
It is a beautiful and historic place that will transport you back to another era. It is officially a museum / hotel so have a good look around.
A sunset dinner cruise is on the cards tonight. Have a look through the list. You may just want a few drinks as the sunsets or a whole night of dinner and entertainment. All of the possibilities are covered and many offer hotel pick ups in the Sultan Ahmet area.
If you would prefer to skip dinner and just watch the sun set you could try one of the other restaurant options from last night or the first night. If you feel like a big night out to finish the trip you could join in the 7 hour pub crawl or go out to the clubs.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Istanbul 4N - Canakkle 2N - Bozcaada 2N - Yalova 1N - Princes Islands 3N - Istanbul 2N = 14N
🍇If you are doing this trip in September there is a Grape Harvest Festival in early September. In mid-September there is a Jazz Festivaland a Bozcaada International Festival of Local Tastes in late September. So it will be a great time to be there but you'll need to get your accommodation bookings in early🍷
Welcome to the world's only city that straddles two continents. The former capital of the Roman, Byzantine, Latin (Crusaders) and Ottoman Empires for 16 centuries. It was a major centre on the Silk Road.
See the iconic sights listed above. Have a night out with Belly Dancers and Whirling Dervishes. Take a cruise on the Bosphorus - sight seeing / sunset / dinner and entertainment. Check out the plumbing - the spectacular Basilica Cistern with its mood lighting and classical music. Climb up the Galata Tower to get 360 degree views of this stunning city. And down the bottom go for a wander around the lanes for a shop, a feed and a drink.
When you're ready for a break head out to the Prince's Islands. They're popular on weekends so if you want to avoid the crowds time it for mid week. Bicycle is a good way to hace a look around and ther are plenty of swimming spots. The little port towns are well equipped with restaurants and bars. The islands have been populated for over 2,400 years. Wealthy people from Istanbul have their holiday homes here.
Back on the main land you'll have a few days to cram in all of the things you haven't got around to yet. Pick up some souvenirs from the Grand Bazaar. Spend a day and night over on the Asian side. Head to Taksim Square and ride the tram. One last visit to your favourite bakery, cafe, restaurant, bath house or bar. This is the place to make some memories.
excellent location only 5 minutes walk from the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, breakfast buffet included, charming outdoor terrace with views of Sultanahmet, Garden Bar and Restaurant - Happy Hour, 24 hour desk, tour desk, ATM onsite, café, airport shuttle - extra
excellent location in the heart of Sultanahmet 3 mins from the tram station, rooftop terrace with great views of the city especially at night time, close to a lot of restaurants, Rooftop garden restaurant, terrace for snacks and drinks, classic building recently renovated, airport shuttle - extra, tour desk, 24 hour desk
shared bathrooms, excellent location only 250m from the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, rooftop terrace with sea views, buffet breakfast included, restaurant and bar, good price, café, airport shuttle - extra
For the first day just take it easy. There's so much to see in your neighbourhood that you'll probably feel like a stroll to have a look around. If you arrive early in the day you could take on some of the attractions in tomorrows walking tour. That way you will have more time to look around at each place. Take note below of some of the expensive entry prices.
No matter what time you arrive book yourself an afternoon visit to one of the local hammams (Turkish Baths) to give you a good scrub and freshening up. There are a lot nearby. Have a look through the tours and pick anything in the "Old City" or Sultanahmet.
Pop up to the hotel rooftop and check out the sunset view with a few liquid refreshments. Eat and drink locally. You could catch theWhirling Dervish showat nearby (10 minute walk from the hotel) Hodjapasha. It is on at 7pm and you'll need to be there half an hour before that. It is performed in a transformed 15th century hammam (bathhouse). Like all of these things don't forget to book online. The Viator price is in $AUD and the venue is in $US. Then have an early night and shake off that jet lag with a good night's sleep.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
DAY 2- Have a look Through the tours & see if you want a guide anywhere
Off for a walking tour of the neighbourhood today. And what a neighbourhood you are staying in. Most of the sites are UNESCO World Heritage Listed. Start the day with breakfast or coffee at the World Famous Pudding Shop. Try to time it for lunch at the Grand Bazaar and an afternoon "Fishwich" at the Galata Bridge. Head up to the viewing platform at Galata Tower to take in the view and see where you've been. Off for sundowners at a rooftop bar then dinner and drinks will flow on from there. So plan to be out for the whole day and wear comfy footwear.
The attractions that start with an Asterix* have rather expensive entrance fees and you may want to skip them. Or pick out one or two that you really want to see and bite the bullet. Check out the tours as you may find a better and cheaper option. Prices are in the 25€, 3€5, and 45€ range and are frankly not worth it if you are just having a look around.
Another option is to buy the Istanbul e-pass which isn't cheap but will save you money if you go to a lot of places. If you are going to stick to this guide it wouldn't be worth getting.
Click on the map (all the maps on this site) to go to a larger workable on google maps.
World Famous Pudding Shop aka Lale (Tulip) Restaurant - for breakfast or coffee and pudding of course. This was a starting line of sorts for when the real adventure of the "Hippy Trail" would begin and their noticeboard was world famous. It opened in 1957. For more on the "Hippy Trail" click on Kabul, Kathmandu or Kuta on the HOME page.
*Topkapi Palace Museum and Harem - it is worth doing a tour as there are a lot of stories to hear. You have to have one for the Harem anyway. The building of the palace was finished in 1465.
The Blue Mosque - parts of Cinderella's Castle were inspired by the minarets of the Blue Mosque. It is unusual as it has 6 instead of the usual 4. Some have as many as 10. The construction was finished in 1617. At the time this was in the centre of Istanbul. Have a look at this guide for Mosque Etiquette.
Hippodrome of Constantinople - was a public arena for watching chariot races since the old Roman days in 203 AD.
Grand Bazaarsince 1461 - the world's most popular market is a good place to pick up a few souvenirs. If you look in the tours you will see that you can get a local to help you shop. If you are buying an expensive carpet or kilim she might prove to be a good investment. You should be hungry again by now and you're in the right place to do something about it. Have a look here for some ideas.
Suleymaniye Mosque opened in 1557 - is one of the biggest mosque's in the city.
The Egyptian Bazaar took 4 years to build and was opened in 1664. It's myriad spices are like a carnival for the senses full of vibrant colours, smells and exotic tastes. It also has sweet treats like lokum (Turkish Delight) and baklava. Not to mention nuts, dried fruits, jewellery, tea, coffee, caviar and a whole lot more.
The Galata Bridge - Istanbul's most famous bridge, built in 1845 - stop off for the famous Balik Ekmek or fish sandwich if you have any room. There are over 40 restaurants on the bridge and they have great views. If you don't have room maybe just a Turkish Coffee or an early sundowner.
Continue on across the bridge and make your way up to The Bank Roof Bar for sunset. In September the sun sets at about 7 pm.
*When your ready head on over to the Galata Tower which is only a 5 minute walk away. It closes at 10 pm and the sunset crowd should be gone by now. It was first built in 507 AD and the current one was constructed in 1349.
There is a restaurant at the top but you will still need to buy a ticket. There are other rooftop restaurants in the area with similar views and no rip off ticket prices. In fact there are a heap of restaurants and bars in this area and you could easily spend the rest of your evening here.
OR you could go to Sultana's Dinner and Belly Dancing 1001 Nights Show. It's not that far away but they do include shuttle services in their packages. They also have packages with drinks and the show and also non-alcohol ones too. So you can have dinner elsewhere then come here for the show. The show starts at 20:45 and ends at 22:45 and you should book ahead online.
When you're ready a taxi will be the easiest way to get home.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
DAY 3 - Istanbul
After a day of sight seeing yesterday, today will be more relaxed and different. Use google maps and public transport or taxis or a combination to get around today.
Breakfast can be a big deal in Türkiye so today you'll have an authentic one. I personally think pide (like a Turkish pizza) is the best hangover cure known to man. (Or woman!) Cafe Privato will have you thinking you are back in the Ottoman days and fortify you for another full day of fun.
Next stop will be at Dialogue in the Dark. This is an amazing experience I recommend to anyone who has the opportunity to do it. You will never look at a blind person the same way again. Please excuse the pun. People who suffer from claustrophobia or nyctophobia (fear of the dark) may want to think twice about doing this. Book a time online and you will have a lasting memory and hopefully a lot of laughs.
Make your way to Taksim Square and have a look around Istanbul's most famous pedestrian street Istiklal Caddesi. You can do some shopping, have lunch watching Istanbul going about it's business, take part in an ice cream pantomime and generally soak it all in. If you have a sweet tooth you won't want to miss this place.
When you're ready hop on the nostalgic tramway which runs down Istiklal Cadessi. It is called the T2 line and runs from Taksim Square to Tünel Square and has 5 stops including each end.
Hop off at Tünel Square and from here it is a 5 minute walk to the historic Pera Palace Hotel. Opened in 1895 to accommodate passengers on the Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul. It is built in one of the most beautiful parts of Istanbul and has had many famous guests over the years. It had many firsts at the time including electricity, hot running water and Europe's first elevator. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stayed here often and his old room is now a museum with many of his personal belongings. The museum is open between 3pm - 4pm every day and there is a limit of 50 people.
You might like to take afternoon tea in the Kubbeli Lounge which is on between 3pm - 6pm every day. Bookings essential.
Or perhaps cocktails on the Orient Terrace with stunning views overlooking the Golden Horn.
It is a beautiful and historic place that will transport you back to another era. It is officially a museum / hotel so have a good look around.
A sunset dinner cruise is on the cards tonight. Have a look through the list. You may just want a few drinks as the sunsets or a whole night of dinner and entertainment. All of the possibilities are covered and many offer hotel pick ups in the Sultan Ahmet area.
If you would prefer to skip dinner and just watch the sun set you could try one of the other restaurant options from last night or the first night. If you feel like a big night out you could join in the 7 hour pub crawl or go out to the clubs.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
DAY 4 - Istanbul
Off to Asia today. Time to see the other side of the city. It is more laid back and much less crowded than the European side. It's best to do this on a weekday as the ferry gets very crowded on weekends. First stop for coffee and cake is Hafiz Mustafa 1864. All up it is about a 20 minute walk to the Eminonu ferry pier. (find it on the map below) You will need to be there early enough to buy your ticket and depart at 10.35am (everyday). You will want to get the return ticket on the Long Bosphorus Trip with the Sehir Hatlari line. The earlier you get there the better seat you will get. Tickets are cheap.
There are 6 stops along the way as you make your way up the Bosphorus pausing at the beautiful little fishing town of Anadolu Kavagi. The boat stops here for 3 hours so it is a great spot to stop for a seafood lunch. They are also famous for their pancakes and waffles. You will find open air restaurants all along the waterfront. Beware of bill cheats. Kavak Baba has had good reports recently. Then you can walk up the hill to see the oldYoros Castle which was a part of the Roman Empire. it will take between 30 mins to an hour depending on your fitness. Or their are taxis available. The views over the Bosphorus and Black Sea are spectacular. Or simply wander around this charming town with friendly locals and check out the shops. You are now in Asia.
Back on the ferry ready for your 3pm departure. You're not going to go all the way back to where you started. Instead hop off at stop number 4 at Üsküdar on the Asian side. It should be 4.10 pm and you will think you have stepped off a time machine into the Ottoman Empire. (Apart from McDonalds etc) Üsküdar was founded by the Ancient Greeks and called Chrysópolis.
Make your way to Üsküdar Square where you will see Ahmed III Fountain and the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque designed by the great Sinan. You can go in and have a look as long as it isn't prayer time.
It must be time for afternoon smoko so make your way to Payedar Kahve for an authentic tea and maybe another cake. You'll be needing the energy soon. The Tea Shop is over 120 years old so they must be getting something right. They also have a great view over the neighbourhood. There is a lot to see in this area so take your time.
Back to the waterfront and head south on the Üsküdar Coast Walkway. You will go past the 1453 and 1923 monuments. Two significant years in the history of the Republic. The first was when the Ottomans took over Constantinople and 1923 was the founding of Turkey. Continue on to the Maiden's Tower. You could stop here and smoke a nargile / shisha / hookah pipe and have a Turkish Coffee or Tea on the carpets laid out. It is particularly pleasant here around sunset and a big favourite with the locals.
Next stop is Kadikoy. A taxi would be the easiest way to get there. Get them to drop you off at the Bull. They'll know what you're talking about. Stroll down to Altiyol Tram stop and ride the T3 Nostalgic Tram around the loop to Kadikoy IDO. The tram runs until 9 pm. From this tram stop make your way into the pedestrian streets of Kadikoy that are full of shops, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and friendly locals. Have a great night out and when you are ready to go home you might as well splash out for another taxi.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Click on map for details
DAY 5 & 6 - Canakkle 2N
Road trip today. You can sleep in if you have had a big couple of nights. Your only task today is to make it to Canakkle which takes about 5 - 6 hours on the bus. You could do worse than having the big breakfast at the rooftop restaurant at the Seven Hills Restaurant. They open at 8.30am.
You can take a taxi or tram to the Central Bus Station - both will take about 40 mins. For public transport catch the tram at Sultanahmet T1 tram stop. 5 stops later get off at Yusufpaşa. From here walk 5 mins to Aksaray Metro Station and ride it 6 stops to Otogar which is in the huge bus and rail complex. Try to get to Canakkle around 4 - 5pm to give yourself plenty of time to settle in and get organised.
Excellent location near the harbour, shops, bars and restaurants, good breakfast included with views from the rooftop restaurant, terrace, bar, 24 hour desk, billiards and darts
Excellent location close to the port, good buffet or halal breakfast included, 24 hour desk, tour desk, restaurant
You will need to have tomorrow's tour of Gallipoli organized. Either prebooked online or through your hotel or local travel agent. Have a look through the tours on this page or on this link and just make sure they start in Canakkle. I think it's one of those places where you really need a guide to show you around and relate the stories. You could include Troy but it is basically a recreation and I would concentrate on Gallipoli as there is a lot to see there. You'll want to see Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, Chunuk Bair (NZ), Shrapnel Valley, the trenches, the Canakkle Epic Promotion Centre, Nek, Sphinx as well as some of the Turkish sites too. For the English, French and Indians there are particular sites of interest to them. You could also have a look at Kilitbahir Castle across the Dardanelles Strait from Canakkle.
You should be able to find a hotel or hostel that is showing the 1981 Australian movie starring Mel Gibson - Gallipoli. It's an entertaining movie and will set the mood for your tour tomorrow. So time your dinner to be ready to watch the movie.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Cometh the Hour Cometh the Man - Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
EAT & Drink
You'll find plenty of restaurants and bars outside your hotel door as well as on the streets to and along the harbourfront. Here are a few local specialties you should try while you are here.
After breakfast head off on your tour. There should be plenty to keep you busy on a full day's learning and imagining what it must have been like all those years ago. Spend the afternoon and evening relaxing and reminiscing on what you've seen. Canakkle is a pleasant town to hang around and the locals are very friendly.
DAY 7 & 8 - Bozcaada 2N
Once again your only real job today is to get to the next destination. So have an early start or a slow start to you day, what ever you feel like. It should only take a couple of hours or less to get to Bozcaada and you are going to love it at first sight. Although you won't love the accommodation prices, but it's only for a couple of nights. In summer there may be a direct non-car ferry from Canakkle to Bozcaada. Otherwise take the minibus to Geyikli Ferry Pier and boats run about every half an hour in summer from 7am to 11pm. The ferry takes 35 mins. The island was first inhabited in 3,000 BC and it was the place where the Greeks built the Trojan Horse.