G Turkiye

Category: Tour

  • Guide to Boat Trips in Bodrum

    Guide to Boat Trips in Bodrum

    Bodrum, the jewel of Turkey’s Aegean coast, is a city defined by the sea. While its white-washed houses, medieval castle, and vibrant nightlife are major draws, the true essence of the Bodrum Peninsula lies just beyond the harbor. Within twenty minutes of departure, you leave the bustling streets behind and find yourself surrounded by “crystal clear waters,” secluded coves, and the pine-clad coastline that makes this region famous.

    Whether you are a family looking for a relaxing day on the water, an adventurer wanting to explore ancient ruins, or a group seeking a sunset party, Bodrum’s maritime culture offers a boat trip for every type of traveler. Here is your comprehensive guide to navigating the waters of the Turkish Riviera.

    Setting Sail: Types of Boat Trips

    Before diving into the itineraries, it is essential to understand the three main ways to experience Bodrum by boat. Your choice largely depends on your budget, desired privacy, and time constraints.

    1. The Daily Group Tour

    This is the most popular and economical option. These shared boats, often traditional wooden gulets, depart daily between 10:00 and 11:00 AM, returning around 5:00 to 6:00 PM.

    • Capacity: 20 to 40 passengers.
    • Experience: Social, lively, and well-organized. These tours follow a set route of 3-4 swimming stops.
    • Cost: Generally ranges from €30 to €50 (approx. 26−26−55 USD) per person, including lunch.

    2. The Private Charter

    For families or groups of friends, a private charter offers incredible value and total freedom.

    • Experience: You choose the departure time, the itinerary, and how long you stay at each spot.
    • Cost: A gulet charter for 6-8 people typically costs €600 to €1,200 for the day. Split among a group, this often becomes cheaper per person than a crowded group tour.

    3. The “Blue Cruise” (Multi-Day Voyage)

    For the ultimate sailing experience, consider a “Blue Cruise” (Mavi Yolculuk). These 3-to-7-day mini-cruises traverse the Gulf of Gökova or head toward the Greek Islands.

    • Experience: You sleep on board in private cabins, wake up in a new bay each morning, and visit spots daily tours cannot reach due to distance.
    • Cost: Budget for €400 to €700 per person for a 3-4 night package, including meals.

    Exploring the Itineraries: Top Routes and Hidden Bays

    While there are dozens of routes, most boat trips focus on the northern coast of the peninsula or the nearby Greek islands. Here are the highlights you need to know about.

    Orak Island & The “Turkish Maldives”

    Arguably the most famous stop in the region, Orak Island is a must-see. Located just 20 minutes from Bodrum, it is often called the “Turkish Maldives” due to its shallow, incredibly turquoise waters and white sandy beaches.

    • What to Expect: You will typically have 30 to 90 minutes to swim here depending on whether you are on a group tour or private charter.
    • The Vibe: The water clarity here is unmatched. Swimmers describe it as “the most clear water we have ever swam in”.
    • The Route: Most tours to Orak also stop at Pabuç Burnu (Red Nose Bay) for lunch and Rabbit Bay (Tavşan Burnu) for a final, warm-water dip.

    Black Island (Kara Ada) & The Mud Baths

    This is the trip for spa lovers. Black Island is renowned for its thermal springs and natural mud baths.

    • The Experience: You can slather yourself in mineral-rich clay, let it dry in the sun, and wash it off in the warm springs. Locals swear by the treatment for skin conditions.
    • Other Stops: This route often includes Aquarium Bay, famous for snorkeling (visibility is often 12-18 meters), and stops at deep caves where the water shimmers an electric blue.

    The Greek Islands: Kos Day Trip

    Did you know you can have lunch in Greece and be back in Turkey for dinner? High-speed ferries and boats travel from Bodrum to Kos Island daily.

    • The Logistics: The journey takes about 45 to 60 minutes. You will have roughly 4–6 hours to explore Kos Town’s medieval Castle of the Knights and waterfront cafes.
    • Crucial Tip: You must bring your passport. Prices for the ferry range from €40 to €60.
    • Warning: The afternoon sea can get choppy, especially in July and August. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before the morning crossing.

    The Gulf of Gökova

    For those on multi-day trips or private charters, the Gulf of Gökova is the crown jewel.

    • Cleopatra Island (Sedir Island): Legend says Mark Antony had the sand shipped from Egypt for Cleopatra. The golden sand on this island is a protected archaeological site, and the water is a stunning lagoon-like blue.
    • English Harbour: A peaceful, historic anchorage used during World War II, offering perfect shelter for an overnight stay.

    What to Expect Onboard: Food, Drinks, and Fun

    Understanding the onboard culture helps you choose the right boat.

    • The Lunch: Almost all daily tours include a lunch of grilled chicken breast, pasta, salad, and bread. On group tours, this is usually served buffet-style or plated at a specific bay. On private tours, the crew often cooks fresh fish or meat right on the boat.
    • The Drinks: While water is usually provided, soft drinks, tea, and alcohol (beer, wine, rakı) are typically extra. You pay at the end of the trip. However, bringing your own drinks is often forbidden on group tours, though private charters allow it.
    • The Ice Cream Boat: One of the quaint traditions of the Aegean is the “ice cream boat”—a small vessel that motors up to your gulet in the middle of the bay so you can buy a local chocolate or fruit ice cream without leaving the water.

    Essential Tips for a Perfect Day on the Water

    To ensure you have a 5-star experience rather than a stressful one, keep these practical tips in mind:

    1. The Seat Strategy: On busy group tours, the best shaded spots go fast. Arrive at the harbor at least 30 minutes early to secure a place in the shade. The top deck is great for sunbathing but brutal in the midday heat.
    2. Cash is King: While tickets are often booked online, many of the smaller boats and the onboard bars operate on a cash basis. Keep Turkish Lira or Euros handy for drinks, ice cream, and tips for the crew.
    3. Snorkel Gear: Most tours list snorkeling equipment as “included,” but reviews often mention there isn’t enough for everyone or the gear is low quality. If you are serious about seeing the fish, bring your own mask.
    4. Timing Your Trip:
      • April-June & September-October: The sea is calm, the weather is warm, and the bays are not overcrowded. This is the “Goldilocks” zone for sailing.
      • July-August: Very hot (up to 35°C) and crowded. The famous Meltemi wind picks up, making the water choppy but offering a thrilling ride for experienced sailors.
    5. The Sunset Option: If a full 8-hour day sounds too long, look for private sunset tours. These 3-hour evening cruises offer dinner, drinks, and a stunning view of the sun dipping behind Bodrum Castle. Prices start around $466 for a group of up to 12.

    Conclusion

    Whether you choose the social energy of a crowded gulet heading to Orak Island or the silent luxury of a private motor-yacht gliding into the Gulf of Gökova, a boat trip is the essential Bodrum experience. It is where you escape the heat, discover the history hidden along the coast, and truly understand why this peninsula has been a sailor’s paradise for millennia. So, pack your swimsuit, grab your passport (if heading to Kos), and get ready to dive into the turquoise.

  • Places to Visit & Best Things To Do in Bodrum Peninsula

    Places to Visit & Best Things To Do in Bodrum Peninsula

    The Bodrum Peninsula, jutting out from Turkey’s southwestern coast into the cerulean Aegean Sea, is a destination of glorious contradictions. Here, the echoes of ancient civilizations meet the thrum of modern beach clubs; sleepy fishing villages sit alongside marinas housing superyachts. Often called the “St. Tropez of Turkey,” this sun-drenched paradise offers far more than just a place to tan . Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, a party-seeker, or a sailor, the Bodrum Peninsula delivers an unforgettable experience.

    Featured Itinerary: The 5-Day Bodrom Peninsula Highlights Tour

    Day 1: Historical Bodrum

    • Morning: Explore the majestic Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
    • Afternoon: Visit the ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (one of the Seven Wonders) and the ancient Bodrum Antique Theater.
    • Evening: Get lost in the narrow lanes of Bodrum Old Town for souvenir shopping.

    Day 2: Northern Charm & Luxury

    • Morning: Head to Golturkbuku for a luxurious beach club experience (try Macakizi or Scorpios) .
    • Afternoon: Explore the upscale marina and traditional bazaar of Yalikavak.
    • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant in Turkbuku.

    Day 3: Western Villages & Sunsets

    • Morning: Join a tour to Etrim village to see traditional carpet weaving .
    • Afternoon: Drive to Gumusluk. Wade through the sea to Rabbit Island and explore the sunken ruins of Myndos .
    • Evening: Eat fresh fish at a beachfront restaurant as the sun sets.

    Day 4: Aegean Adventure

    • All Day: Book a traditional Gulet boat trip. Swim in Aquarium Bay, visit the hot springs at Karaada (Black Island) , and explore hidden coves .

    Day 5: Active Exploration & Local Markets

    • Morning: Hike the Carian Trail or the Leleg Way, visiting the abandoned village of Sandıma or the ancient city of Pedasa .
    • Afternoon: Visit the massive Saturday Market in Turgutreis for spices, textiles, and local produce .
    • Evening: Climb the Bodrum Windmills for a panoramic sunset photo.

    Top Attractions & Historical Sites

    1. Bodrum Castle (Castle of St. Peter)

    The peninsula’s undisputed landmark. Built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century, the castle is a stunning example of medieval fortification. Unlike many historical sites, this one is remarkably intact. The chapel, the towers named after the nations that built them (English, French, German, Italian), and the views of the harbor are spectacular .

    • 📍 Key Feature: It houses the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, one of the finest of its kind in the world. It contains the remains of the Uluburun shipwreck (one of the oldest and richest ever discovered), offering a glimpse into Bronze Age trade .
    • 🕒 Opening Hours: 08:30 – 19:00 (Summer) / 08:30 – 17:30 (Winter)
    • 💰 Ticket Price: Approximately €20 (Free entry with Museum Pass) .

    2. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

    Once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the tomb of King Mausolus (where we get the word “mausoleum”) was an architectural marvel. While earthquakes destroyed the structure in the Middle Ages, the ruins are still hauntingly beautiful. You can see the foundations and remnants of the marble sculptures .

    • 📍 Key Feature: A small museum on site explains the scale of the original structure, which was nearly 150 feet high.
    • 💰 Ticket Price: Approximately €3 .

    3. The Ancient Theatre of Bodrum

    Built during the Hellenistic era (4th century BCE) and later modified by the Romans, this theatre once held 10,000 spectators. Situated on a hillside, it offers an incredible panorama of the city and the sea. Today, it is a stunning venue for concerts and the Bodrum International Ballet Festival .

    • 📍 Key Feature: Free to enter; you can wander the seating rows and the stage area freely.
    • 💡 Tip: Visit early in the morning for great photos without the glare of the midday sun.

    4. Pedasa Antique City (The Lost City)

    For those seeking adventure off the beaten path, Pedasa is a hidden gem. This was a powerful city of the Lelegian/Carian civilization, perched on a hilltop surrounded by pine forests. Unlike the restored sites in town, Pedasa feels “found”- with acropolis walls, rock-cut tombs, and foundations of houses scattered in the woods .

    • 📍 Key Feature: The silence and the views. It is a moderate hike (about 60-90 minutes round trip) with uneven paths.
    • 💰 Ticket Price: Free.
    • 💡 Tip: Wear hiking shoes and bring water as there are no facilities .

    5. Myndos Gate

    This is the only surviving gate of the ancient that once surrounded Halicarnassus. Dating back to 360 BCE, this is where Alexander the Great attempted to breach the city during his siege. The stone walls and the moat offer a tangible connection to the military history of the region .

    6. The Bodrum Windmills

    Scattered across the hillside between Bodrum and Gumbet, these 18th-century white stone windmills are an iconic photo opportunity. They are no longer functional but serve as a perfect landmark for sunset viewing, with the entire bay laid out before you .

    Exploring the Peninsulas Resorts & Villages

    The magic of Bodrum lies in moving beyond the city center. Each bay and village has a distinct personality.

    Gumusluk (The Bohemian Escape)

    Located on the western tip, Gumusluk is the anti-Bodrum. It is sleepy, bohemian, and romantic. The water is shallow, and the remnants of the ancient city of Myndos lie half-submerged off the shore. At low tide, you can walk out to Rabbit Island (Tavsan Adasi) across a historic causeway .

    • 🌊 Vibe: Quiet, artistic, family-friendly.
    • 🍽️ Do: Eat at the waterfront fish restaurants; the simple meze and grilled fish here are legendary.

    Yalikavak (The Glamorous Hub)

    Once a sponge-diving village, Yalıkavak is now the epicenter of luxury. The Palmarina is a millionaires’ playground, filled with designer boutiques (Louis Vuitton, Gucci) and world-class dining. However, walk 500 meters back from the marina, and you will find the old village center with a bustling Thursday market and traditional white-washed houses .

    • 🌊 Vibe: Upscale, chic, polished.
    • 🛍️ Do: Visit the Yalıkavak Craft Bazaar for unique souvenirs .

    Turkbuku & Golturkbuku (The Party Coast)

    The northern coast is famous for its beach clubs. Turkbuku is the place to see and be seen, with DJs playing deep house music from noon until sunset. Golturkbuku is famous for its bay, often called “Paradise Bay” (Cennet Koyu), which is arguably the most elite spot on the peninsula .

    • 🌊 Vibe: High-energy, glamorous, “sexy”.
    • 🪑 Do: Reserve a sunbed at a beach club like Macakizi or Xuma Village .

    Turgutreis (The Sunset Point)

    Named after the famous Ottoman admiral, Turgutreis claims to have the best sunsets in Turkey. It is a more residential and relaxed town but comes alive on Saturdays for the largest market (bazaar) on the peninsula. Here you can haggle for spices, textiles, and “designer” knock-offs .

    • 🌊 Vibe: Laid-back, authentic, bustling on weekends.
    • 🛍️ Do: The Saturday Market—arrive early to avoid the heat.

    Bitez (The Family Beach)

    Known for its long, sandy beach and extremely shallow, calm waters. It is perfect for families with young children. The shore is lined with “cafe bars” where you can rent sun loungers for very reasonable prices compared to the glitzy north .

    Signature Experiences & Activities

    1. Sail the Aegean (Gulet Cruise)

    You haven’t experienced Bodrum until you’ve seen it from the water. The classic wooden Gulets depart daily from the harbor.

    • Must-See Spots: Karaada (Black Island) for the therapeutic hot springs mud bath; Aquarium Bay for crystal-clear snorkeling; Orak Island for untouched turquoise waters .
    • 💡 Tip: Many day trips include lunch. For a truly unique experience, book an overnight gulet cruise to sleep under the stars on the water .

    2. Day Trip to Kos (Greece)

    You can cross international borders in under an hour. The Greek island of Kos is just a short ferry ride from Bodrum town or Turgutreis. It is a charming island with medieval castles, Roman ruins (the Plane Tree of Hippocrates), and a very different cultural vibe from Turkey.

    • 📝 Logistics: Do not forget your passport. Ferry prices range from €25 to €80 depending on the season and operator .

    3. Dive into History (Underwater)

    The waters around Bodrum are littered with history. Scuba diving here is excellent for beginners and experts. You can find caves, reefs, a sunken plane, and the wreck of the St. Nicholas, which was sunk during WWII .

    4. Sample Turkish Wine

    Turkey’s viticulture is booming. Visit the Karnas Vineyards for a tour and tasting. They are famous for being the first to plant Zinfandel in Turkey and produce a notable Syrah. It’s a beautiful, tranquil setting to escape the beach crowds .

    5. Hike the Ancient Trails

    The peninsula is a hiker’s paradise. The Carian Trail (500 miles long) and the Leleg Way (55 miles) pass through ancient ruins, abandoned villages like Sandıma, and pine forests offering sweeping sea views .

    Essential Practical Information

    Best Time to Visit

    • June to September: Peak season. Perfect beach weather (30°C+), but the peninsula is crowded and prices are high. The sea is warm.
    • May & October (The Sweet Spot): The “shoulder season.” The weather is still warm enough for swimming (low-mid 20s°C), the crowds thin out, and hotel prices drop significantly. The landscape is greener in May .
    • November to April: Low season. Many beach clubs and hotels close. However, it is excellent for hiking, sightseeing, and cultural tours without the heat, though it can be rainy and windy.

    Getting Around

    • Dolmus: The local minibus system is cheap, frequent, and connects every village on the peninsula (Bodrum -> Gumbet -> Bitez -> Gundogan -> Yalikavak -> Gumusluk -> Turgutreis). It is the preferred method for locals.
    • Car Rental: Highly recommended if you want to explore hidden coves and hilltop ruins (like Pedasa or Karakaya) that the dolmus doesn’t reach.
    • Water Taxis: A fun way to hop between coastal towns without traffic.

    Local Cuisine & Nightlife

    • What to Eat: You are on the coast, so fresh fish is a must. However, Bodrum is famous for Cokertme Kebabi (fried potatoes with tenderloin and yogurt). Do not miss mezes like herb-stuffed zucchini flowers. For dessert, try Sunger Cake (a local sponge cake) .
    • Where to Drink (Raki Sofrasi): Join the locals for a Raki Sofrasi—a long, social dinner with rakı (anise spirit), meze, and fish .
    • Nightlife: If you want to dance until dawn, head to Bar Street in Bodrum center or the open-air clubs in Gumbet. The Halikarnas club is legendary .

    Where to Stay: A Quick Guide

    • Luxury Seeker: Yalikavak or Golturkbuku (Maxx Royal, Mandarin Oriental, Amanruya) .
    • History & Culture: Bodrum Town (walking distance to castle and ruins).
    • Family: Bitez or Turgutreis (shallow waters, spacious resorts).
    • Peace & Quiet: Gumusluk (boutique hotels, bohemian vibe).

    From the depths of the sea (underwater museums) to the heights of the hills (ancient Pedasa), the Bodrum Peninsula offers a perfect balance of hedonism and heritage. It is a place where you can lounge on a superyacht in the morning and walk through a 4th-century BCE gate in the afternoon, making it a truly world-class destination.

  • Above the amazing landscapes of Cappadocia in a hot air balloon

    Above the amazing landscapes of Cappadocia in a hot air balloon

    The best place on the earth for hot air balloon tours is Cappadocia region. It is the place where nature and history come together most beautifully within the world. while geographic events are forming strange rock formations, during the historical period, humans had carried the signs of thousand years old civilizations with carving houses and churches within these earth pillars and decorating them with frescoes. there are many places that are ‘must see’ in Cappadocia, such as; the various ‘fairy chimneys’, Goreme valley, Goreme national park, rock churches, the underground cities of kaymakli, derinkuyu or ozkonak, zelve valley, avanos, with its pottery, the uchisar and ortahisar rock fortress, the ihlara valley, red valley and soganli.

    Excursions

    Flight via balloon sport, whose initial existence in the world reaches to the end of 18th century, is also densely drawing attention in our country. For long years, as well as it is performed with the aim of individual sports, city tours with balloons are also performed during regional activities in touristic regions of our country. Balloon takes off with heating of liquid propane gas filled into it. You can stay on air for long periods with a calm flight under appropriate wind (under 10 km/h). Directing balloon, whose appropriate flight height is between 500 – 1500 feet, altitude gain and loss, change its speed can be made easily by an experienced pilot easily.

    Structure of the Balloon
    There are propane gas tubes, altimeter, thermometer, wireless for communication with airport, variometer and fire extinguishers in the basket, manufactured from “vimin”, generally a light and synthetic material, and which carries the passangers of the balloon. Propane tubes, with approximately 20 kg. weight each within the basket, includes propane gas maintaining the expand of the balloon. Each tube maintains an approximately 40 – 45 minutes of flight possibility to the balloon. Total lifting force of the balloon is around 1.700 pounds.

    Taking off of the balloon is maintained with heating of propane gas filled into the balloon via furnaces under it. Furnaces can be 2 or 3 pieces according to the volume of the balloon. Heat within the balloon should never exceed 120 degrees. For maintaining landing with stopping flight, red rope is pulled within it. In this way, activated falling valve maintains the air within it run out rapidly. In case of insufficiency of emptying speed of the internal air emergency hole at the top of the balloon is opened.

    Flight Rules for Foreigners
    Prior to the flight via balloon, air vessel to be flight registration sign, flight aim, flight date, flight hour, flight region is informed and applied to Ministry of Communication, Civil Aviation General Directorate. In case of a flight via balloon exceeding 15 days in our country; licenses of foreign pilots should be validated by Ministry of Communication, Civil Aviation General Directorate.

    Excursions

  • Priene is one of the best-preserved examples from Antiquity to the present day

    Priene is one of the best-preserved examples from Antiquity to the present day

    The ancient city of Priene, located in the south of Ephesus, offers the magnificent features of a city dating back to the 4th century. The ancient city of Priene is located 15 kilometers southwest of the Söke district of Aydın, on the southern slopes of Samsun Mountain (Mykale). The first information about this city, which was included in the Ionian League, is found in ancient sources in the 7th century BC. The city was rebuilt in the middle of the 4th century BC on the basis of the plan named after Hippodamos of Miletus. Priene was an episcopal center during the Byzantine period. The city, which is gradually moving away from the sea due to the alluvium carried by the Menderes River, has lost its value over time. It is known that Priene was completely evacuated in the 13th century.

    The fact that the city was built on a steep cliff offered an advantage in terms of defense. Priene is one of the best preserved examples of urban planning from Antiquity to the present day. In this respect, it is extremely important to comprehend the development of urban planning in Anatolia and to set an example for contemporary planning practices. Priene was designed by the famous city planner Hippodamos of Miletus and designed the city on a chessboard plan, with the streets of the Bosphorus intersecting each other at right angles. The main streets run in the east-west direction, and the secondary streets run in the north-south direction. As a whole city, it faces south. This arrangement allowed the Priene houses to receive sunlight in the winter months and the mouths to the roofs of the houses in the summer.

    The plan of Hippodamos divided the city into insulas or islands. Each rectangle measures the area… He had either four houses or an official building. Some structures, such as the stadium and the theater, did not fit into the city plan due to their shape and/or size. In addition to urban planning, there are three monuments that visit Priene: The Priene theater is one of the best examples of Greek-type theaters. This horseshoe-shaped theater is built on the hillside and has a seating capacity of 5000 people. The theater has undergone renovations in different periods of history.

    The Temple of Athena, located about 100 meters above sea level and the Menderes Valley, attracts the attention of visitors. Designed by architect Pytheos, who was also the architect of the Mausoleum in Halicarnassus, this Ionic temple became one of the most famous monuments in Ionia. After his temple in Priene, Pyteos published a book explaining the principles of Ionian architecture. The attributes for which he used this temple became the canonical orders of Ionic architecture.

    In the center of the ancient city, there are many monumental buildings built by well-known architects of the period and skillfully integrated into the city plan. Among the prominent buildings of the city are the Temple of Demeter, the Temple of Athena, the agora, the Temple of Zeus, the bouleuterion, the upper gymnasion, the lower gymnasion, the Temple of the Egyptian Gods, the residence of Alexander the Great, the Byzantine church, and the necropolis area. The theater, another important structure of the city, was built in 350 BC and has a capacity of 5 thousand people. In addition to these, the houses of Priene, one of the best-preserved examples of its kind from the Late Classic and Hellenistic periods, provide valuable information about the settlement history. In this respect, the city is described as the “Pompeii of Anatolia”.

    Buleterion
    The third interesting building in Priene is its charming town hall with seating capacity of 640 people. Town hall where the members of the city council used to meet on the special days of the week was covered over with a wooden roof. The Buleterion is entered through two major doors.

  • Istanbul Daily City Tours, Excursions, Trips and Best Places to Visit

    The historic city of Istanbul forms a unified whole with the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. Nowhere else can one find the wonders of nature, human artifacts, the testimony of the past and the bustle of everyday life in such close relationship. For those who will remain briefly in the city, there are day tours including the important historical sites, museums, the famous Covered Bazaar and its vicinity. These tours leave from the hotels or the port and visit the masterpieces on the historical promontory in half-day programs.

    Excursions

    The important sites are the Hagia Sophia, one of Galata Tower from which one can see the best view of the city; the Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus, the richest palace in the world; the famous Archeological Museums; the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum; the Spice Bazaar, and many other historical sites. The performances of belly dancers and folk dancers add color to night tours. The air and seaports of Istanbul are located on the European side. For those who have never stepped on Asian soil before, a boat trip or the bridges over the Bosphorus offer a wonderful opportunity.

    Over the suspension bridges and from Great Camhca Hill on the Asian side, one can get a bird’s eye view of the city and the Bosphorus.The Princes’ Islands, one hour by ferryboat and the eight wonders of the world, the Suleymaniye Mosque, Sultan Ahmet Mosque, the Hippodrome and the Topkapi Palace Museum. This is the classical one-day tour, but there are many specialized tours for Roman, Byzantine and Turkish monuments, the Bosphorus or the Asian shores, which will make the visitor return to his country with unforgettable memories. Minimums of three or four days are necessary to really get to know Istanbul.

    Night view of kiz kulesi These should include a visit to the Roman city walls; the well-known Kariye Museum decorated with late Byzantine frescoes and mosaics; half an hour by catamarans from the city center, are ideal places for relaxation, recreation, hiking, swimming or phaeton tours. In addition to the city tours offered by travel agencies, luxury limousine services are also available for tours. Shopping opportunities are many and varied in Istanbul. The Covered Bazaar and the well-known shops at its entrance, Akmerkez, Galeria, Capitol and similar malls, the designer boutiques in Beyoglu and Nisantasi, and the stores on Bagdat Avenue are open the whole year.