I skimmed the responses and didn't see anyone addressing the Prince Islands portion of your question ... you don't have time for it in the short time you have in Istanbul. (Here's my experience from April ... http://2totravel.blogspot.com/2010/0...ar-vapuru.html and http://2totravel.blogspot.com/2010/0...ar-vapuru.html)

Have a great trip.

We just returned from 3 days in Istanbul. Be sure to go to Blue Mosque early and wear socks as you have to take off your shoes.

Also the Grand Bazaar is completely overwhelming but a definite must. We really liked the Arasta Bazaar and found it way less intimidating and the shop keepers much less agressive and very pleasant to deal with. I did most of my shopping there. We also enjoyed the Spice Market.

Didn't do the Bosphorus cruise as we had just been on a 14 day med cruise and it was raining the day we were considering it.

Be prepared for large crowds at the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya and Topkapi Palace. An audio guide or personal guide might be a good idea.

Thanks Sandie and Royal. I hope you're planning to do trip reports. Would love to hear all the details!

Eenusa, I will check out your blog about the Prince Islands. Thanks so much for sharing. There isn't a lot of info out there. I am thinking we might not have time, though, since we only have two full days in Istanbul...

Thanks!!