We are going on a cruise leaving from Istanbul. We arrive after a long flight from California the day before sailing. We are staying at the Four Seasons. Any dining recommendations? For dinner and breakfast? Other tips? Thanks so much.

The Four Seasons is in a great location and you should be able to easily see some of the highlights of Istanbul, even in jet lagged state. (There's a bar/lounge on the roof open only to hotel guests. You'll get a great view of the old city from it.) There are numerous places to eat in the area, including the restaurant at the Four Seasons. The concierge recommended an excellent seafood restaurant close to the hotel and we had a wonderful meal there. Unfortunately, I don't remember the name but it's quite large and well known. There's a set price dinner and they bring you an incredible assortment of excellent food.

The standard Turkish breakfast consists of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, hard boiled eggs and bread. There's a place around the corner (turn left and then right from the main door of the Four Seasons) where you can get this breakfast for a couple of dollars. There's also a hotel directly across from the Four Seasons that has a rooftop restaurant that serves breakfast. The breakfast at the Four Seasons was unreasonably priced so we never tried it.

thank you very much!

ooops ; Please add : White feta cheese, butter, jam and / or honey and ofcourse Turkish Tea to the standard Turkish Breakfast.... very healty and very filling and very satisfaying....

Happy breakfasting and happy travelling...

Murat

Hi..We are also going on a cruise from Istanbul boarding the Oceana Cruise line on July 10th. what ship are you going on?

Marija, I bet the resto recommended by the concierge was Sabahattin, and I heartily second the recommendation.