Extra Days in Istanbul

Recommended hamam: http://www.cemberlitashamami.com/ Additional sites: Archaeology museum, assorted mosques (pick what looks good from one of the guidebooks), Spice Bazaar, if you're sure the tour won't go there, Dolmabahce Palace, stroll down Istikal Caddesi, ferry ride to one of the Prince's Islands (check out the New York Times travel section for a recent piece on one of them), possibly checking out the Asian side.

If you have not gotten a mailing from the RS folks that includes information about what is not on the tour in Istanbul, I would contact the RS Travel Desk and ask them for suggestions. We took his 14 day Turkey Tour last summer and spent a total of 9 days in Istanbul and still did not see everything we wanted to see. I would suggest you get list of the non-tour sites and select the ones that appeal to you within the limited amount of time you have. RS Istanbul Guide Book came in very handy for us when planning our sightseeing. We also used the Llonely Planet Turkey Guide Book.

We are doing the same RS Istanbul tour and coming in 2 days early. On the day before the tour starts we will be taking a day trip to Ephesus which is only one hour away via the plane.

The Rick Steve's guidebook is pretty good for Istanbul. Here are some of my favorites in addition to the places you will see on your tour. I've included my estimates of how long it will take for a decent visit (not counting travel time): Archaeology Museum (3 hours - my top recommendation), Basilica Cistern (1 hour), Islamic Art Museum (2 to 4 hours), Suleiman Mosque and Tombs (1 hour – This was being renovated in 2009. Double check its status before visiting.), Galata Bridge and adjacent markets (2 hours) , Istiklal Street and Taksim Square (3 hours – a great stroll before and after dinner), Bosporus Cruise/Andolu Kavagi (6 hours if you take the cheap local ferry boat), Rustem Pasa Cami (<1 hour) , Dede Efendi House (1 hour) , Galata Tower (<1 hour), Spice Bazaar (<1 hour), Dervish Show (2 hours) , City Walls (1 hour - worth a quick look if you're seeing something nearby). Have fun.

the turkish bath by the bazzar should do. you don't need to speak any turkish to enjoy and you need to allocate at least a few hours to fully enjoy it. make sure you bargin for additional addons. not sure RS covers the domabache palace but if not you should definitely see it. more stuff there than topkapi. from there you walk a short distance and reach the escalator that takes you up the hill to taksim square where you'll find many shops and restaurants, and you can walk the golden mile down to the tower, and eventually to the bridge.

Took the tour in May. Do hope Mert is your guide. He rocks!
As far as things to see and explore, The Dolmabahce Palace would be of interest. Stunning. You can get to it by tram. There are nearly 3000 mosques besides Blue and Sulemaniye so you could easily visit one of those and explore the surrounding neighborhoods. A stroll along the oceanfront is nice. Did it on a Sunday and enjoyed seeing the Turks out and about fishing, pinicing, shopping, etc. Even came across an organized footrace with teens sprinting through and around Gulhane Park. Take a ferry. Walk across the Galata bridge. Incredible city. Can't wait to return!!

I would suggest doing the Topkapi Palace minus the hareem (included in tour), as allotted time there can be very tight if there are cruise ships in town. Enjoyed Dolmabache Palace, which I combined with a trip up the funicular to the new town. Palace and new town are easy and cheap to reach by tram from the Sultanhamet area.

We spent a half day at a restaurant that also has cooking classes. It was one of the highlights and best meal of our trip... We even went back the next day for lunch. cookingalaturka.com We also spent time wandering around and went to the Galata tower since it wasn't included in the tour. Enjoy your trip!