How many days should I stay in Istanbul?

There are so many sights to see in this enchanting city that you need at least a few days, preferably a week or two. The tour guides will take you on a walk around the city to experience its sights and sounds, if you wish. The Blue Mosque and the great Byzantine church, Hagia Sophia, are not to be missed. Time passes quickly as you wander through the Grand Bazaar, looking at the colourful handmade souvenirs, spices, jewellery and so on. The Topkapı Palace Museum was once a residence of Ottoman Sultans and their clothes and other items are on display.

If cruising along the Bosphorus appeals to you, Ottoman mansions and famous buildings like the Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi Palaces can be viewed from the boat. The Princes’ Islands are a unique haven of tranquility just a boat ride from the bustle of the city and highly recommended. If you’re lucky enough to spend two or three weeks in Istanbul you will have the opportunity to witness some of Turkey’s most curious and outstanding historical sites and wonders of nature on the Excursion Mania tours.

The Istanbul 2-Day Cappadocia Tour is a marvelous opportunity to visit the strange and beautiful natural rock formations known as ‘fairy chimneys’ that have been carved by the elements over time. The UNESCO site of Göreme Open Air Museum attracts tourists from all over the world and it’s easy to see why – its churches are carved into the rock formations and painted on the interior with beautiful frescoes depicting biblical scenes, motifs and patterns. Red Valley also has an other-worldly appearance due to its red rocks and Kaymaklı Underground City is a unique, large complex of underground rooms where people used to live.

The Pamukkale and Ephesus 2-Day Tour takes you to the second most incredible natural wonder in Turkey, Pamukkale. This natural rock formation on the hillside is painted white by the calcified hot spring water that flows down over its turrets. You can walk on the soft clay and paddle in the warm water. Ephesus is an important part of Turkey’s cultural heritage as the second largest city after Rome with the Temple of Artemis, a wonder of the ancient world.

If you prefer, go and see the Trojan Horse and Çanakkale, an important battleground during WWI. Day trips to Gallipoli, Bursa and Göbeklitepe are other options for your holiday. It could be an enjoyable and educational trip for all the family.