I have a near full day (until first day tour meeting at 3 or 4 pm) in Istanbul (arriving late afternoon the day before), and a full day at the end of the tour. Any thoughts on a half day activity in Istanbul for the first day and a day trip outside of Istanbul for the last day? I was thinking the ferry trip all the way up to Anadolu Kavagi (not sure I'd make it back to the hotel on time), and a trip to Bursa for the full day. If I had more time, I'd go to Ephesus or Cappadocia but the airline ticket is set.
Posted by
Dunwoody, Georgia
338 posts
I looked at the itinerary for the RS tour. Here are some things that he does not have included on his tour along with estimates of the time you'll need: 1. Islamic Art Museum (2 to 4 hours) 2. Basilica Cistern (1 hour) 3. Galata Tower (<1 hour) 4. Dervish Show (2 hours - evening) 5. Spice Bazaar (<1 hour)
6. Rustem Pasa Cami (<1 hour) By my read, the RS tour already has a short trip on the Bosphorus, so I don't think you'll gain much by taking the ferry on your free day. Have fun.
Posted by
Arlington, TX, USA
281 posts
I assume you are on the 7 Day Istanbul Tour. If so, the Cistern and Spice Market are included in your tour (they were in 2010). As far as the Whirling Dirvishes, you may want to read the religious significance before deciding. Most of our group attended the performance at the theater near the train station. The performance lasts about an hour or slightly longer. Of the 18 in attendance, 16 were underwhelmed. You cannot leave once the show starts. You might consider Dolmabahce Palace or go for a
Turkish Bath.
Posted by
OP
St Louis, MO, USA
46 posts
Thanks.