Day Trips from Istanbul
 

Will be in Istanbul for about a week the end of May. Are there any "not to be missed" day trips from there? We don't want something that requires an overnight stay since my brother is there for a conference and will be tied up during the day. Thanks.

I'm using the Turkey Travel Planner site to help plan my trip for '09 and one of the day trips I am considering is a cruise on the Bosphorus.

http://turkeytravelplanner.com/

I'm sure you'll get more advice tomorrow from the wonderful Turkish posters we have here.

We definitely plan to do a Bosphorus cruise. I was wondering if there is anything a little farther afield where we might hire a car and head out into the countryside. I debated going to Capadoccia, but that will probably wait until my wife and I can go to Turkey together. I'll definitely check out the website.

If you are wondering if there is anything a little farther afield where you might hire a car and head out into the countryside, I would recommend Bursa. Just take the ferry from Yenikapi to Yalova, then you will be driving in the countryside as far as Bursa. Since Bursa is one of the previous capitals of the Ottoman Empire (at that time Otttoman State) you will be spoilt by the quality and diversity of early Ottoman architecture and culture there.

You should not miss 3 things in Bursa.

1. Going to an authentic natural hot water hamam.

2. Eating Iskender Kebap

3. Visiting the tombs of first 3 sultans of the Ottoman dynasty.

Enjoy your stay in Turkey

Bursa sounds like a great option. Thanks for the specific tips on what to do there.

2 more tips for Bursa.

1. Tasting candied chestnuts )only made in Bursa and the world famous brand is Kafkas)

http://www.kafkas.com.tr/eng/kestane_sekeri.asp

2. Visiting Silk Market in Koza Han (Silk cocoon market,dating back to 1491 A.D.)and buying pure silk presents for next Christmas.

http://www.guide-martine.com/bursa.asp

P.S. Queen Elizabeth is visiting this historic Silk Market on 7 May 2008 during her official visit to Turkey.

You won't regret visiting Bursa. Enjoy the experience.

Thanks, these are great tips. I'm really looking forward to this trip.