Icmeler via Istanbul

[Canli]

We've just booked our flights for may, going via Istanbul and stopping off at Bursa, Selcuk and Bodrum on the way down to Icmeler by bus, then flying back from Dalaman via Istanbul with only a 1hr layover. We've done the Istanbul to Marmaris trip before, on an overnight bus, but thought it would be nice to stop off in some of the places on the way down. Bus travel in Turkey is very cheap and comfortable, they even provide free refreshments and snacks. They could teach our bus companies a thing or two.

[blondie]

I'm doing Istanbul for a couple of days at the end of May before hubby and I fly on down to Dalaman and Icmeler. Special trip as it's a "big" birthday for me this year. Never been to Istanbul before, so looking forward to it. Flights and hotel in Istanbul all sorted out for us by JT - and at a great price too! The countdown is now on...

[Canli]

Hi Blondie
I'm sure you'll love Istanbul. It's an amazing city. With only a few days, you need to know what you want to see before you go. Personally, I'd go for the Blue Mosque, Dolmabache Palace,Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. There's loads more to see, but you can always go back. We've been 6 or 7 times now, but still find new places to go.

Where abouts are you going to be staying? We go to Sultanahmet as it's handy for all the important sites. Most are within walking distance, or you can catch a tram. It's very easy to get about once you get the hang of the transport system. We have an akbil, a rechargable travel ticket you can use for discounted fares on trams, buses, metro, ferries and the funichlar, but buying tickets as you go is still cheap.

It will certainly be an experience you won't forget.

Canli

[JT]

The hotel I selected for blondie is one we use and is at Sultanahmet and one we use for our guests that do our 3 day Istanbul trip

[Silverfox BC]

If you are sightseeing you cannot miss the Haghia Sophia (Aya Sofya) it is awesome,much more specctacular than the Blue Mosque and right next to it. It does not really matter what you see it is all magnificant, I am sure you will love it.

[Canli]

We've just booked our flights for may, going via Istanbul and stopping off at Bursa, Selcuk and Bodrum on the way down to Icmeler by bus, then flying back from Dalaman via Istanbul with only a 1hr layover. We've done the Istanbul to Marmaris trip before, on an overnight bus, but thought it would be nice to stop off in some of the places on the way down. Bus travel in Turkey is very cheap and comfortable, they even provide free refreshments and snacks. They could teach our bus companies a thing or two.

Step two completed. We've booked into Selen Apartments for the second half of our trip, thanks to ICR's Pricematch. Very quick response to our enquiry, and matched the best price we could find. Well done!

Just got to find B&Bs in the other places we want to stay now. Need to do a bit of homework on Bursa as we've never been there before.

[JT]

Just to let you know that we do accommodate people all over Turkey as well as all over the world

Just a thought but rather than do the ferry this way, why don't you get off the bus in Bursa and hire a car and then take it all in on the way to Icmeler

[Canli]

Just to let you know that we do accommodate people all over Turkey as well as all over the world

Just a thought but rather than do the ferry this way, why don't you get off the bus in Bursa and hire a car and then take it all in on the way to Icmeler

Thanks JT, we'll bear that in mind when we get round to sorting it all out. I'm afraid I find driving at home stressfull enough without having to contend with unfamiliar roads and the turkish way of driving!

[Canli]

If anyone wants a peek at some of the sights of Istanbul, try this link:
http://tks.ibb.gov.tr/
It's a live web cam link to various areas of the city.

[redmanc78]

Would love to do a joint Istanbul/icmeler holiday.
Will do it in a few years when the kids have grown up.
Regret not doing that for my honeymoon or 30 th

[sandybeach]

Hi can someone help please I would like to visit Istanbul for a couple of days and then visit either icmeler or kusadasi. Who did you book your flights with as I cannot seem to be able to do this as a multi-stop. Looking to fly from Gatwick to Istanbul would prefer SAW airport.
Thanks
Sandy

[blondie]

Sandybeach, I booked all my flights with Turkish Airlines, thanks to JT. If you give him a ring, I'm sure he'd be able to advise you.

[sandybeach]

Thanks Blondie, will ring JT tomorrow