With direct flights of only 2.5 hours with Turkish Airlines to Turkey, makes this country a perfect destination for your private friends holiday in and around Istanbul. Tours in Turkey are suitable for any type of traveller. In this blog, we will be sharing how to enjoy a one-week holiday on your private friends holiday in and around Istanbul without catching any internal flights.
Here is a typical one-week itinerary for your Private friends’ holiday in Istanbul:
Day 1: Istanbul’s old part
Of course tours in Turkey are not complete without visiting the famous hustle and bustle of Istanbul. So on your first day, you can enjoy the old and traditional areas of the city.
The tour starts at the Hippodrome, a centre for sports activities and ceremonies and it is also famous for the chariot races during the Roman and Byzantine era. After you can visit the Blue Mosque. The Blue Mosque is the second largest mosque in Istanbul and it was built during the Ottoman Period. Then visit the Topkapi Palace, which was the main palace of the Ottoman Sultans until 1856. Famous for its splendid view of the Bosporus river and the Golden Horn from the palace.
Of course, no tours in Turkey are complete without a visit to the famous, Hagia Sophia, one of the most important buildings in the history of world architecture. Built as a church by the Byzantines and decorated with mosaic tile icons, it then served as a mosque during the Ottoman era.
The tour ends with a visit to the Grand Bazaar. It is the largest bazaar in the world with its 52 small streets and more than 4000 shops where you can get lost in this maze and shop till you drop.
Day 2: More of Istanbul
The first destination we suggest you to visit is the Spice Market, otherwise known as the Egyptian Bazaar, where locals have been buying herbs and spices for hundreds of years.
After, catch a ferry on the Bosphorus. The boat tour will be 1.5 hours long and the boat cruises between Asia and Europe where you will be charmed by Ottoman Houses, Bridges, the Maiden’s Tower, Ortakoy and Buyuk Mecidiye Mosque, Ciragan Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Kuleli Naval Academy, Rumeli and Anadolu Fortresses.
At the end of your river cruise in Kabatas, you can catch a funicular up to Taksim, also known as Pera which is one of the main centres of Istanbul. Walking down Istiklal Street, the main street in Taksim, you will feel like you are walking down a modern European Street, with many famous clothing shops, such as mango and Topshop as well as a number of Starbucks and more than 3,000 street cafes, pubs and restaurants. Taksim is almost the best place to experience the nightlife of Istanbul.
Don’t forget the Galata tower, one of the first towers built in the world and where you can see a 360 degree view of Istanbul from the top of the tower.
Day 3: Beyond Istanbul – Sapanca
For the first destination beyond Istanbul without catching an internal flight is Sapanca. An amazing destination, perfect for your private friends holiday in and around Istanbul which is reachable by around a 2-hour car drive. This lakeside destination is famous with tourists and locals alike to get a break from the busy city. Enjoy a nice walk on one of the many promenades of the lake and enjoy some great Turkish meals at the lakefront restaurants.
In the afternoon you can enjoy a bicycle ride around the lake. Don’t forget to take the 4km bicycle lane along the lake which can make your ride a tranquil one with amazing views and scenery.
Day 4: More of Sapanca
You can start your day by visiting the markets that Sapanca offers. Starting with the local Kapali Pazar Yeri, this open market offers both food and clothes and is perfect for those who hunt bargains and are looking to see some local traditions. On the other hand, you can also visit a modern bazaar called the Anatolian Bazaar which is tourist targeted and you can find all the souvenirs and fresh teas and local produce.
In the afternoon you can enjoy a short drive to the outskirts of Sapanca called, Mahmuiye. This is a beautiful tranquil area with waterfalls, rivers and chill-out restaurants by the river rapids. Here you can also enjoy quad biking and zip lining.
In the evening, once back at Sapanca, you can enjoy the promenade not only for a lovely meal but there is also for a small luna park and other activities making it perfect for any holidaymaker.
Day 5: Beyond Istanbul – Agva
It’s time for the second destination which is only 2.5 hours from Sapanca, The pretty town of Agva. This town brings you to the Black sea coast making it perfect for a summer destination. This small fishing town is nestled between two creeks, making it picture-perfect. The white sandy beach hugs 3 km of the black sea coast and it’s perfect for swimming.
You can also enjoy the pretty park that is in the heart of Agva, enjoy a bicycle ride and simply relax over a cup of chai in the area.
You can also then take a boat ride along Koka creek. This private boat ride is beautiful and tranquil and you can observe the pretty nature.
While enjoying the town, do not forget to enjoy the sunset over the lighthouse over the bay.
Day 6: More of Agva
Today you will explore the pretty surroundings of Agva. A few minute’s drives from this town lies the famous Kilimli beach. With its magnificent rock formations and crystal clear waters, this place definitely deserves a full day trip. If its summer you can prepare your swimwear and enjoy a dip.
Have lunch in the only restaurant which offers 270 degree views of the area. Kilimli beach also has some locals (goats) who will be grazing along the hillsides over the bay.
You can enjoy a trekking trail along the coast if you are up for a trek.
Day 7: Everything comes to an end.
These two beautiful places make the perfect one-week tours in Turkey when combining it with Istanbul. If you have more time you can look into the other pretty town by the Black Sea coast of Sile. Similar to Agva and another great destination.
From here you will continue on your way to Istanbul airport and say goodbye to beautiful Turkey.