If I think of places to see and do it is impossible for me to not to start with Istanbul. A city which can tell stories of centuries and many cultures.
Today's Istanbul is a mega city. It still carries the signs of centuries but it also offers a fast pace life, world class museums, performances, restaurants, bars (especially the roof top bars!)
Place to Stay: La Maison
The rooftop is great for bosphorous views. http://www.lamaison.com.tr . This hotel is at European side so it will be closer to the places of interest – Close to F & G
Things to do:
Museums
Istanbul Modern: (http://www.istanbulmodern.org/ ) The exhibitions are temporary. It is a good museum to go to. It is rated to be one of the better contemporary art museums in the world (It is generally compared to London’s Tate) – Close to E
Blue Mosque & Suleymaniye: These mosques have been designed by Mimar Sinan (Architect Sinan) He is known to be the best Ottoman architect. Suleymaniye is nicer ( I think) – Close to B
Hagia Sofia: Byzantine church converted to a mosque. I guess it is interesting to see this to feel the changes this city went through. Close to A & B
Yerebatan sarnici (underground cistern): This cistern is left from biyzantine empire before ottomans. It is really worthwhile seeing. Close to A & B
The Archaeology Museum: This is a very good archaeology museum. If you are interested in ancient history prepare to spend 4-5 hours at this museum. Close to A & B
Bosphorus tour: These tours depart from Eminonu and go back and forth at whole bosphorus which would take 4 hours or so ( cost approximately A$ 10 pp) If you don’t have the time for this you may like to take the ferry from eminonu to kadikoy and see the old city from the ferry. I love travelling by ferries in Istanbul J You may combine this trip with a dinner at kadikoy or moda.
Ferry wharf: Close to B
Cemberlitas hamami (Turkish bath) http://www.cemberlitashamami.com/ Women and men have different sections. If you wish to experience Turkish bath, I have heard that this is a good one. I went to a Turkish Bath only once myself J If you have time I heard that this is a nice relaxing experience. Close to A & B
Pera Museum : This museum holds temporary exhibitions and could have a nice exhibition. Close to D
Pera Hotel : A hotel from Ottoman. It was for the rich people then. It is kept exactly how it was (only a lift is added) Agatha Christy & Ataturk stayed at this hotel. They are happy for people to go and look inside this hotel. ( I believe there are free organised tours too) Close to D
Sabanci Museum: I have seen many really good exhibitions at this art museum. Again this museum holds temporary exhibitions but generally touring exhibitions from highly acclaimed artists. You can have a look at ‘what is on’ when the date comes close. http://muze.sabanciuniv.edu/homepage This museum is a renovated old ottoman mansion. Between G and I
Palaces of Istanbul: There are many. But the oldest one is Topkapi Palace and the latest one is Dolmabahce. If you stay at La maison hotel, you will be very close to Dolmabahce Palace and Ciragan Palace (You could easily walk to Ciragan) I find Topkapi very touristic and it is stripped so you can not see what it was still it could be nice to see it for you. ( I have been taken there 3 times when I was a kid this could be why I don’t find it too exciting J) (Dolmabahce and Ciragan - close to G) and (Topkapi - close to A & B))
Miniaturk: It is a theme park with miniatures of some historic buildings from all around Turkey. Could be fun to see if you have extra time. ( I have been and liked it)
Performance: Fire of Anatolia (Sultans of the dance) show could be nice to see if they are touring Istanbul then. They modernise Turkish folkloric music and dance and it is a very nice dance company to see.
Cunda / Alibey Island (Ayvalik)
It is a beautiful and relaxing place. Food is great. Forget about the crowd and stroll around. (After few days in Istanbul you will love it!) Enjoy tea & coffee and nice food at the seaside.
Places To stay: Tas Konak Hotel http://www.taskonak.com.tr/?islem=paket/sayfaP/sayfa.php We stayed at this hotel before. Very nice hotel & the owners are lovely people.
Things to do:
Olives: Taste olives! Go to olive shops and try a few. The olive oil and the olives in this region are the best. It is believed that Alexander the Great found the olive trees in this region and took them to Greece & Italy J
Rmk museum: Old library http://www.rmk-museum.org.tr/english/index-cunda-eng.html Walk up the hill to see this museum. It has a nice café to relax with sunset views. The museum closes at 4pm
Restaurants
In Cunda the restaurants and cafes are lined up at the sea side. They are all quite alright. You may ask the hotel to advise too.
Bay Nihat: This is quite a famous restaurant. Fresh dips (mezzes), fish, salads. Everything we ordered was good. They will ask you to walk inside and have a look at the fridge and point what you like J http://www.baynihat.com.tr
Moshos taverna: You can eat your dinner here. They have live music every night. It is greek and Aegean Turkish music. The food was good. http://www.moshostaverna.com
Snack : Ayvalik tostu – That is Ayvalik style toasted sandwich with cheese tomatoes, pickels. Ice cream won’t be as good as the places I listed in Istanbul.
I never get bored of travelling in Turkey, there are so many places to see and so many things to do. Your holiday idea may be relaxing at a nice beach or immersing yourself into culture or having your days filled with outdoor activities. There are many options for all types of holiday in Turkey. I will try to cover these at this blog.
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