Istanbul Itinerary
 

Day 1:
Arrive in hotel at 11 am.
• Dolmabahçe Palace
• Istanbul Modern
• Istiklal Caddesi

Day 2:
• Aya Sofya
• Basilica Cistern
• Blue Mosque
• Arasta Bazaar

Day 3:
• Topkapi
• Istanbul Archaeology Museums

Day 4:
Bosphorus Cruise
Get off at Sariyer
-Lunch in Emirgan
-Bus to Bebek
-Bus to Ortakoy


Is it possible to fit the Grand Bazaar anywhere? Can we replace it with the Archaeology Museums?

I guess day 3, depends on how much time you would like to spend at the museum.
And I am not a big fan of the places you are planning for day 1, except Istiklal street, I would rather go to Eminou, Sulemaniye mosque, Chora church, see some of the more "local" neighborhoods, see more things that are unique to Istanbul.
Infact you could get an hour or two on day 2 also.
Also check because certain sites are closed on certain days.
You can have a look at my Istanbul itinerary here: http://ashwinbahulkar.wordpress.com/...s-in-istanbul/
Also, do go to Rumeli Hisari on day 4.

Amazing trip report.
Thanks

I would not skip the Chora if you are an educated person who understands and appreciates the arts.

If you are the type of person who is more interested in finding the nearest Hard Rock Cafe Istanbul, then skip it.

The Suleymaniye Camii is much more interesting than the Blue Mosque.

If visiting the Topkapi Palace, DO NOT skip the Harem if there is a guided tour.

I love the Dolmahbache Palas. It is so Liberace meets Lenin.

Thin

I saw most of the places you visit, but not the Istanbul Modern (much as I'm sure I would have enjoyed it).

How to prioritize one's time in Istanbul really depends on one's interests. If you proceed with this itinerary, you will see some wonderful things, no doubt about it! FWIW, I thought the Chora Church, Sulemaniye Mosque, and Rustem Pasha Mosque among the highlights of my time there. Much as I enjoyed my day on the Bosphorus, I would give it up to make time for these things, perhaps adding a short ride along the Golden Horn as a bit of a substitute. Just my opinion! And LOL, Thin's description of the Dolmabache rings a bell for me! There again, while I'm very glad I had time to see it; I would not make it a higher priority than the 3 places I mentioned earlier.

I personally would not skip the Archeological Museum -- it has an amazing collection! To each his/her own....

If visiting the Grand Bazaar is a priority for you, have you considered visiting it instead of the Arasta Bazaar?

Enjoy!

I wouldn't miss the Chora Church - it was fabulous. The drive to it can take you thru some of the neighborhoods which was interesting.

How come it says I have three replies, but when I open the thread I see none?

Wrong Chakra? -:)

Absolutely don't miss Chora Church, some of the loveliest mosaics you could ever see. Another thumbs up for the Archeological museum, Aya Sofya and Topkapi harem. We didn't have time for the Dolmabache Palace and Suleimaniye and Rustem Pasha mosques, plan on visiting them in June. I didn't much care for the Grand Bazaar, the Arasta Bazaar's better and of course the Spice Bazaar.

Re the Spice Market - perhaps we hit it at a bad time, but it was so jammed packed we could barely move. It was impossible to see what there was and very difficult to move thru the massive crowds. It also has tons of stuff other than spices, so not sure why its even called that now. Grand Bazaar was actually less crowded, but really boring stuff overall. I would skip both of them. We had planned to, but got drawn in for some reason.

I was in the Spice Market twice, once when it was uncomfortably jam-packed and once when it was crowded, but not overly so. My recollection is that the market area is quite large and includes a wide array of merchandise, but the core of the Spice Market -- the area closest to the Golden Horn -- was primarily spices and teas and some souvenirs. Some of the vendors were ridiculously pushy; many more were not. The aromas were enticing!

Why does it say I have three replies, but when I open the thread I see none?

KodakMoment, I had the same problem a couple of years back, I'd be able to see the replies only a few days after they were posted. I even reported this to Fodors, they weren't able to find out why, then it became ok a couple of months later.

try logging out and back in again. If that doesn't work contact the fodors editors with your issue.

We enjoyed an evening cooking at A la Turka. It is near the Blue Mosque. We also liked The Islamic Art Museum.

Our group spent several days in Istanbul. Your itinerary looks good. There were 2 things someone wanted to see though. Turkish Bath (we decided not) and to see see the whirling dervish. (Loved and will never forget)

Good luck.