day trip to istanbul

berniebear444


Joined: 17/01/2012
Posts: 10

Message Posted:
22/01/2012 22:34

Hello All,



Would it be possible to make a day trip to Istanbul just as a taster trip or would it be too much for a day!! Do you know if they offer trips to Istanbul that we can arrange once we arrive in Kyrenia.



We did think of flying via Istanbul but it does not work too well at the uk end!!

Marion


Joined: 06/03/2011
Posts: 1816

Message Posted:
22/01/2012 22:42

People do go ov er on business on a day trip, but it depends on what you want too see. Why nbot talk to a travel agent here and do an overnight. You really need several hours to see the major sites which are all close together, but it will be far more ccomfortable for you to fly out, spend the night, and spend the hours of daylight taking a look at this fascinating city. I fear if you go for a day you will get such a small taste of the place that you will not begin to feel its flavour.

good luck.

Jonesy299


Joined: 07/02/2009
Posts: 367

Message Posted:
22/01/2012 22:44

I don't have any details on flights / holidays etc but plenty of people on this site will have oodles of useful info and offers so enjoy.



Personally - I have been to Istanbul a number of times. Absolutely fabulous but you will need at least a long weekend (2 or 3 days minimum) to make the most of a short visit. I would say a day trip is not really practical ...

swyflot


Joined: 07/11/2008
Posts: 916

Message Posted:
23/01/2012 07:56

We went on a day trip last year with family.Arrived very early and left late, visited all the major attractions and had a great ( but tiring) day

berniebear444


Joined: 17/01/2012
Posts: 10

Message Posted:
23/01/2012 09:09

Hi Swyflot,



Didi you go on an organised trip or just arrange everything yourself?

PoshinDevon


Joined: 13/10/2011
Posts: 84

Message Posted:
23/01/2012 09:22

Went last November - 5 days. You really do need at least a long weekend to see the main sites and that is without really having the opportunity to explore other less well known areas. It is a very big city, crowded, mad traffic but have to say fascinating and we loved the place. Sorted the whole thing out ourselves, no travel agent. Email or make contact if you want any more info.

mikelapta



Joined: 20/11/2008
Posts: 2186

Message Posted:
23/01/2012 10:41

I have been many times,and you cannot do justice to the wonderful city in just a day.If you stay in an hotel Sultanahmet region,you are in walking distance Blue Mosque,and Topkapi Palace and other great Mosques.Just a few stops and catch the Trams to the Bosphorus.Enjoy "Balik and Ekmek"Fresh caught fish and bread by the bridge.That's a day.The Tram going the other way drops you by the Grand Bazaar,the largest covered market in the World.I could spend a day just in there,as long as I had enough T Lira to spend.



In the evening find out where the Whirling Dervishes are performing.



And if you want to shop,over the bridge,go up to Taxim Square on the Metro,ride the length of the shopping street,and decide which shops to visit

Cazleo


Joined: 06/04/2011
Posts: 232

Message Posted:
23/01/2012 11:22

If you decide you want to stay longer than a day, I have a friend who rents out her apartment in Istanbul, it's in Taksim sqaure, perfect for the metro to get to Sultanahmet and a short walk from Istiklal Caddesi for shops and restaurants and a lot cheaper than a hotel. Let me have your email address and I will send you her contact details.

Aljanyoung


Joined: 27/06/2007
Posts: 78

Message Posted:
23/01/2012 11:50

Ankara Travel in Girne are brilliant at arranging trips to Istanbul and very knowledgeable about hotels, airport transfers etc. We have used them twice and very pleased with the results. Also happy with the costs.

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
23/01/2012 11:55

If you do decide to go for a day Atlasjet do a 7am flight which arrives around 8.30am and then coming back there is a flight at about 9.30pm. This is to Ataturk airport which is closer to Istanbul (approx 30 minutes in a cab which costs 40TL each way). If you decide to stay a bit longer I would recommend the Esans Hotel which is in the Sultanahmet district, a 5 minute walk to Topkapi Palace and close to all the other major tourist attractions.