I'm thinking of doing this tour and wonder if anyone can share their experiences of it? I especially wanted to know what the first full day in Istanbul is like. Do you go into the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace or just have a walking tour around the area? I'm wondering if it's a good plan to book the optional excursion on day two or keep it free for exploring myself.

Thanks

Sue

Hi all,

I'm thinking of doing this tour and wonder if anyone can share their experiences of it? I especially wanted to know what the first full day in Istanbul is like. Do you go into the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace or just have a walking tour around the area? I'm wondering if it's a good plan to book the optional excursion on day two or keep it free for exploring myself.

Thanks

Sue

Hi Sue.

 I did this tour and thoroughly enjoyed it in June 2015. Its one of the few tours I've done where the men out numbered the women. Can't remember the exact order of events now but during the time we spent in Istanbul we certainly went into the Blue Mosque (take a large shawl and dont wear shorts), visited the Topkapi Palace (it rained) and the very impressive Hagia Sophia. We also walked and took in various other places on route 

If the optional excursion you mention is the Bosphorus cruise then all of our party did it. It was both a very pleasant way to spend time plus gave me a greater understanding of both the geography and the historical strategic importance of the city. I dont think I actually booked any excursions till i got there and found out what what the guide actually had planned for us. 

Galipoli was moving, Troy a bit of a disappointment, Pergemon was enjoyable and Ephesus is stunning though if the cruise ships are in you have to fight the crowds.

Our guide/tour manager was Turkish and we were audio linked so we could hear his commentary even if we got spread out.

i'm sure others will have done this tour and will also comment

Trish

I also did this trip in October 2014 and posted a review on my return on the 'Reviews' section of this forum. We too had a local Turkish guide throughout the trip. I agree with Trish that Galipoli was very moving. Istanbul was cool but as we travelled further it got hotter and hotter. Ephesus was very hot and busy as there were so many people from the cruise ships, but it was worth it. You can search for my review in the 'Reviews' section, which will give you a flavour of what to expect. I personally loved this trip and would highly recommend it

Regards

Jaya