Aboehmer

I visited Istanbul about 5 years ago on my own. My girlfriend would love to visit and I am excited at going back (around late August/early September time frame). We will see the major sites of course but I also enjoyed just walking around the city. Since it will be my second time I would like to either see some out of the way places in the city or possibly visit a few days along the coast which is not more than 4 - 6 hours travel. Another option is to take the train into Bulgaria. (I stopped in central Romania on my first trip before reaching Istanbul.) Our main interests are history, architecture, cultural (music/art/etc) and generally seeing lifestyles different from our own. Though of course we'd prefer nothing too rustic!

Anyone have ideas of interesting off-the-beaten-path things to see or do in the region?

suec1

Did you go to a haman? cruise the Bosphorous? walk thru the streets around the Spice Market - I was overwhelmed by all the small shops there and the assortment of stuff on display - less touristy than the Grand Bazar. Enjoy our trip!

Michael

Try this restaurant: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...-Istanbul.html

Sassafrass

Since it is easily within your 4/5 hour travel time and you have three or four days, fly to Cappadocia. Stay in a cave hotel (fully modern, not rustic at all) and experience a completely different lifestyle and cultural area. Unique landscape, amazing and beautiful.

You could also fly down and see Ephesus and part of the coast.

Do you have time for a blue cruise?

otherchelebi

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...k-nicea.cfm?11

kja

Sounds like a good guidebook would serve you well. I found the Rough Guide the most useful of the half-dozen I used when planning my time in the area.

Aboehmer

Thanks all. We were in Ephesus during an Aegean cruise. Obviously, we loved it! I do plan a cruise on the Bosphorous. The walking and visiting other markets is something I was looking for so that will be on my research list. I've heard of Cappadocia and how impressed people are with it. The only issue there is additional cost.

Thanks for the list otherchelebi. I will check it out!

trtourorganizer

I have a friend who does off the beaten tours to the unbeaten parts of istanbul. you explore the unique neighborhoods, taste amazing food along the way, meet the locals in schools, town markets or workplaces, cruise in the bosporus, and if you like you can even extend it to a turkish bath and a tavern... it is 250 USD per person though... i can supply more information if you are interested...

Sassafrass

You will have the cost of hotels, food and transportation anywhere you go, so to see Capadocia, it would be only the extra cost of flights, which were not terribly high as I recall. It is, of course, some more money, but if you could swing it, it would be worth it.