We're considering a week long coastal bike and boat tour next spring, making connections at IST. We'd like a chance to visit Istanbul and also do some shopping. Since we don't want to drag our purchases around with us-limited storage on the boat, we're thinking it would be best to hold off purchases until heading home. That said, it would be preferable to have a chance to visit Istanbul prior, visiting a few sites, maybe take a food tour, and get a chance to acclimate before arriving on a boat and start our cycling holiday. We're thinking 4 days total outside the bike and boat tour, either before, after, or split up. Any suggestions? Would we be wasting too much time traveling in and out of the city? The tour starts in Bodrum and ends in Feyihe, or vice versa.
Posted by
Northwest Arkansas
1211 posts
Since you are going both in and out of IST, I suggest connecting direct to Bodrum and do your acclimation there. Then stop at Istanbul on your way home. I don't think you would be wasting time with Istanbul on both ends. Just simpler logistics. If you have four days I would also suggest one in Bodrum (day after arrival) and three in Istanbul (days before departure).
Posted by
OP
sarasota, fl
90 posts
Thank you for your reply. What you suggest makes a lot of sense. It would make life easier if we could get to our final destination and then rest before starting the tour. We'll be flying from Miami after a 3-4 hour drive getting the airport. That's before the long flight to IST. We haven't yet committed to dates but are starting to weigh our options.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
10580 posts
Food tour suggestion. Yummy Istanbul’s taste of two continents tour. Warning: do not eat breakfast before tour……
Posted by
OP
sarasota, fl
90 posts
Thanks for the food tour recommendation. We were just in Paris and took one on our first day. It's a great way to introduce the area so definitely on plan to do list!