Turkey: Turkey population 75m, area size 783,562 sq km. 43 million visit Turkey.
Turkey visa cost Rs 4000 fee plus Rs 4000 www.globalgateway.com.tr fee. You may be asked confirm that you have a return ticket, hotel reservation and at least US $ 50 per day for each day of your stay. Long visa is issued for upto 90 days by vsf. Or If have permanent residency or Schengen visa 30 days visa on line cost Rs 4000. https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
Turkish Residence Permit: Those who wish to stay longer than issued visa can apply to Imigration office for 1 to 3 years Turkish resident permit. Once application is made the receipt acts as visa for overstay until the card is issued.
Communication: English is not widley spoken so Google Translate App comes handy. One can type or speak and get it translated.
Season to visit: April to October. In April city has Istanbul Tulip Festival
Currency Turkish Lira: TL to INR is 1 to 10 (Check todays exchange rate)
Flight: Mumbai Istanbul flight duration is 7 hours, Fare Rs 45000
SIM: Turkcell tourist sim for Rs 1200 is available, Turk cell basic plan (6GB, 500 local calls and 1000 sms) for 120 TL. Make sure phone is unlocked.
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel booking through www.booking.com, Rental furnished apartment through www.airbnb.com, www.sahibinden.com, www.hurriyetemlak.com
Driving: Istanbul has excellent Public Transport, however neighbouring provinces can be explored by hiring cars from Airport. Foreigners may drive in Turkey with their valid photo driving licence with regardless of its country of issue
Airport Transport: Metro link is under construction. Currently Istanbul new airport has Havaist buses cost 25 tl which connect to city. https://hava.ist/en/ , Istanbul Ataturk Airport is connected by Metro M1. Sabiha Gokchen Airport is near Pendik on Asian side. 1 hour Havalimani bus from Kadikoy.
SIGHTSEEING: Istanbul has long history of Eastern Roman Byzentian empire and Otoman empire. Most historical places are in Sultanahmet area of 2km radius on European side- Hagia sophiia, Blue mosque, Topkapi palace, Grand Bazaar (61 covered streets, 22 entrances, 4,000 shops), Basilica Cistern (Reservoir) and most are close in same vicinity. Istanbul has over 3,000 mosque with room for ladies to pray too. 200 Mosques in Eminonu district alone.
Istanbul 7th largest city, population is 15m and area size is 5,343Km2. It is city built on 7 hills. City is divided by Bosphorus river in two parts in Europe (30% land accommodates 70% of population) and Asia. 13 million tourist visit annually to Istanbul.
Istanbul is historical yet modern, amazing city. There are around 100 malls in city, in addition there are many market areas as well as weekly markets in various aeas on different days. Istanbul has excellent public transport consisting 5 Tram lines, 6 Metro lines (additional 8 under construction), Boats, 4 Funiculars, 2 Cable cars, Marmaray coastal train, Metrobus, city buses and mini bus (Dolmush) covering 140 km of city radius. Good network of intercity bus network and intrcity trains too to explore other cities. (Listed below)
Other cities to visit are Ankara, Bursa, Channakale, Denizli (Pammukale), Keysari (Cappadosia), Gazientepe are main cities and many coastal cities as Izmir, Bodrum, Antalya, Analya and towns are famous for beaches.
Breakfast: kahvalti (Turkish breakfast), Menemen (Egg in vegetables), Kyumak (Cheese dish), Hydari (Yougurt dip), Fresh jams,
Weekly Markets: Everyday 25 weekly markets are set in Istanbul in different areas which are more than fruit and veg, fish, bread, cheese, textiles, household items etc. It is ottoman tradition. Weekly Markets starts early as 7am and open till 7pm with over 500 stalls.
Istanbul Malls (There are over 100 malls):
Asian side- Kadikoy- Caddebstan Dalyan Park, Kosuyolu Park, Moda Park, Goztepe Park, Yogurtcu Park, Fenerbahçe park, Feneryolu- Ozgurluk Park, Uskudar- Camlica Park, Kucuk Camlica Korusu, Maltepe- Beach Park- ,
European side 13km North of Sariyer- Babylon Beach (60tl), Uzunya beach (40tl) Both in kilyos, Burc (20tl), Dalia (25tl), Golden (30tl), Solar (30tl), Suma (60tl), Nonstop (30tl). Baukus plaji is quite beach.
Asian side 70km North of Uskudar- Sile- Aglanyan kaya beach, Baia beach, Sile Aqua beach, Ayazma plaji, Uzunkum, Sile plaji, Kabakoz koyu plaji, Akcakese Halk plaji, Karakacoy plaji, Agva- Suayipli koyu plaji, Agva plaji.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Istanbul has Tram, Metro, Ferry, Fenicular, Intercity, city and mini bus offering good Public Transport to expolre 140 km radius city. https://airmundo.com/en/airports/istanbul-airport/transportation/
BOSPHORUS BOATS: Boats to Yelova- Bursa
Istanbul is divided in two parts by Bosphorus river (31 km long, 3.7 km wide) connecting Black sea in north to sea of Marmara in south (Over 125 cargo vessels cross daily between north and south). 3.7 km wide Bosphorus divides Istanbul city in two parts as European side (west 30%) (Population 9 million) and Asian side (east 70%) (Population 6 million). There are 3 suspension bridge for motor vehicles and under water tunnel is under construction connecting East to West. Istanbul has 36 districts. Europe 25 and Asia 14 districts.
In addition 30 large boats and many smaller SuBus operate as zigzag between both sides through 34 city ports (Iskele) as public transport used by 300,000 passengers daily commuting between east and west. Most find water transport most economical, efficient and fun way to commute in Istanbul. SuBus operate every 15 miutes with 30 minutes journey crossing Bosphourus.
Bosphorus cruise 25tl. Boat leaves from Eminonu 10.30am (10.50 am from Bashiktas) goes north towards black sea touching six ports and reaches Reaches Anadolo Kavagi last stop in Sariyar at 12 noon. Last stop has many restaurants and Castle. Ship returns at 3pm reaches eminonu at 4.30pm
For Princes islands Buyukada (largest island) take boat from Eminonu, Kadikoy or Kabatash (tram last stop) cost 6tl. It takes 90 minutes to reach.
Boat Piers (Iskelers) North to South:
European side: Sirkeci (Marmaray), Eminonu (Promenade, Galta bridge, Spice bazaar), Karakoy, Beyoglu, Kabatash (T1, F1) Macka Parki, Dolmabahche Palace walking, Besiktas (Promenade, fish market, Zorlu centre mall, Saturday market, Yildiz, Macka, Ulus park, Sannat Cat park, Saturday market), Ortakoy (Ortakoy Pazar- Ortakoy mosque, , Arnavutkoy, Bebek (Promenade, Park, Bebek) Istinye (Park Mall 3km, Marina, Emigan Park, (kuruso park/tulip festival (10th to 30th April), Yenikoy, Buyukdere, Sariyer,
Golden Horn boat stations on European side: Boat trip from Eminonu: Fener, Balat (Old houses), Awansaray, Sutluce [nearby Miniaturk], Kasimpasa (Sururi Park) in Goldern Horn, Golden Horn Park, Eyub as Last stop (Eyub Ansari) [Pier loti cable car], (Tekke Park, Istanbul Dolpinerium),
Asian Side: Anadol Ukavagi, Beykoz (Otagtepe Park), Pashabahce, Cubuklu, Kanalica, Anadoluhisar, Kandili, Cengelkoy, Beylerbryi (Promenade, Palace, Garden, Park), Kuzunchuk, Uskudar (Promenade, Nakkastepe Millet Park, Kiz kulesi) kuzguncuk (Old houses), , Harem, Hyderpasha, Kadikoy (Promenade, Moda, Tuesday and Friday market, Caddebstan Dalyan Park, Moda Park, Goztepe Park, Fenerbahce park (Cats) 5km), Bostanci (Promenade),
Princes Island (4 big and 5 small islands) 1 hour from Kadikoy: Buyukada (Promenade, hiking, Nature Park, Hotels, Blue beach etc- Yoruk Ali beach, Princess beach, Kumsal beach and Nakibey beach), Heybeliada , Burgazada, Kinalida. Small ones- Sedef Adasi, Yassiada, Sivriada, Kasik Ada, Tavsan Adasi.
Tram system:
Stations: Kabatash (Boat, Fenicular, Promenade, Dolmabahche Palace), Findikli, Tophane, Karakoy (Boat, Fenicular)(Golden horn creek bridge, Galata tower), Eminonu (Boat)(Spice Bazaar), Serkeci (Boat, Marmaray), Gulhane (Park), Sultanahmet- 3km radius historical places- (Blue Mosque, Topkapi palace, Hagia Sophia, Grand bazaar, Basilica Cistern-Reservoir), Chemberlitas (Hamami), Beyazit (Grand Bazaar map, 22 Entrances, 61 covered streets, 5000 shops ), Lali University (Vezneciler M2, Sulemania mosque), Aksaray, Yusuf Pasha (M1), Haselki, Findikzade, Capa Sehremini, Pazartekke, Topkapi (T4, Metrobus, Kultur Park), Cevizlibag AOY, Merkezefendi, Aksemesttin, Mithatpasa, Zeytinburunu (Metrobus), Mehmet Akif, Merter Tekstil Merkezi, Gungoren, Akincilar, Soganli, Yavuaz Selim, Gunestepe, Bagcilar
Stations: Taksim (Istiklal street, Madam Tusades, Dervish museum, Galata tower, Macka Sannat Park/Cat Park, Cihangir area), Aga Camil, Galatasaray, Odakule, Beyoglu
Stations: Kadikoy IDO, Damga, Muburdar, Moda, Ilkokulu, Kilise, Bahriye, Altiyol, Carsi, Iskile Cami
Stations: Topkapi (T1, Metrobus), Fetihkapi, Vatan (M1), Edirnekapi, Sehitlik (Metrobus), Demirkapi, Topcular, Rami, Uluyol Berec, Sagmalcilar, Bosna Cukurcesme, Ali Fuat basgil, Taskopru, Karadeniz, Kiptas-Venezia (Viaport venezia mall (Gondola), Cumhuriyet, 50 Yil Bashtabya, Haci Sukru, Yeni Mahalle, Sultanciftligi, Cebeci, Mescid-i-selam,
T5 is 10km, 14 stations North South Tram system runing along Golden Horn from Eminonu to Alibeykoy on European side. Under construction.
Metro System:
Stations: Yenikapi (Yelova Boat, Marmaray, M2) Istanbul AVM, Aksaray (T1) Historia Shopping, Emniyet-Fatih (Wed market), Topkapi-Ulubatli (T4), Bayrampasa Axis Istanbul , Sagmacilar, Kocatepe (Forum Istanbul mall, Sea Life Aquarium, Legoland), Otogar ( Main Bus stand), Terazidere, Davutpasa-YTU, Merter (Metrobus) Cirpici City Park, Zeytinburnu (Betrobus, T1), Bakirkoy-Incirli Marmara Forum, Saturday market/ Osmaniye, , Bachcelievler (Metrobus) (Mon Market), Atakoy-Sirinevler (Metrobus) Atrium Alisversi Merkezi, Yenibosna, DTM- Istanbul Expo Centre, Ataturk Havalimani (Airport), [M1B from Otogar- Esenler, Menderes, Ucyuzlu, Bagcilar Meydan (T1), Kirazli (M3)]
Stations: Yenikapi (M1, Marmaray, Boat), Vezneciler (T1), Halic over Golden Horn, Sishane (Fenicular, T2), Taksim (Fenicular, T2), Osmanbey (Nisantasi Mall), Sisli-Mecidiyekoy (Metrobus) Trump Alisveris Merkezi, Cevaher & Ozdilik mall), Gayrettepe (Metrobus) Astoria centre, Profilo Centre, Levent (M6)(Metrocity, Kanyon , Zorlu Centre mall), 4 Levent (Saphire mall), Sanayi, [Shuttle from Sanayi to Seyrantepe (F3 to Vadiistanbul Mall 3kml), ITU-Ayazaga, Ataturk Oto Sanayi, Darussafaka, Haciosman.
Stations: Kirazli (M1), Yenimahalle, Mahmutbey, ISTOC, Ikitelli Sanayi (M9)(Mall of Istanbul shuttle), Umraniye, Turgut Ozal, Siteler, Basak Konutlari, Basaksehir Metrokent (Water Valley Park)
Stations: Kadikoy (T3, Boat)(Tuesday and Friday market, Romantika Fenerbahce park), Ayrilik Cesmesi (Marmara), Acibadem, Unalan (Metrobus)(Emaar mall, Akasya 4km), Goztepe, Yenisahra (Palladium, Watergarden (water show), Metropol Istanbul 5km, Watergarden mall 3km, Optimum mall), Kozyatagi, Bostanci, Kucukyali, Maltepe, Huzurevi, Gulsuyu, Esenkent, Hastane-Adliye, Soganlik, Kartal, Yakacik-Adnan Kahveci, Pendik, Tavasantepe
Stations: Uskudar (Marmary, Boat), Fistikagaci, Baglarbasi, Altunizade (Metrobus), Kisikli (Çamlıca Mosque, Kucuk Camlica Korusu), Bulgurlu-Libadiye, Umraniye, Carsi, Yamanevler, Cakmak, Ihlamurkuyu, Altinsehir, Imam Hatip, Dudullu, Necip Fazil, Cekmekoy
Stations: Levent, Nispetiye (Akmerkez mall), Etiler, Bogazici Univercity on European side.
M7 is 26km, 19 stations East west Metro system from Kabatas to Mehmutbey on European side. Under Construction
M8 is 14km, 13 stations North South Metro system from Bostanci to Dudullu on Asian side. Under Construction
M9 is 13km, 12 stations North South Metro system from Atakoy to Ikitelli on European side. Under Construction
M10 is 9km, 6 stations North South Metro system from Pendik to Sabiha Gokcen Airport on Asian side. Under Construction
M11 is 37km, 9 stations East west Metro system from Gayrettepe to Halkali on European side. Under Construction
M12 is 13km, 11 stations North South Metro system from Goztepe to Kazim Karabekir on Asian side. Under Construction (on hold)
M13 is 7km, 6 stations North South Metro system from Hastane to Yenidogan on Asian side. Under Construction (on hold)
Stations on European side: Haliki Arena Park mall 5km, Mustafakemal (Kucukcekmece lake, Kanarya sahil), Kuchocheme, Florya, Florya Aquarium (Aqua Florya, Aquarium, Beach Park, Ataturk Ormani, Flyinn Mall), Yesilkoy (Wednesday market), Yesilyurt, Atakoy (Metrobus) Atakoy Plus Mall, Bakirkoy (Galleria, Capacity centre, Carousel Centre, Bakirkoy Underground centre, Sahil parki), Yeni Mahalle, Zeytinburnu (Olivium Centre, Kazlicesme Beach Park), Kazlicesme, Yenikape Istanbul AVM, Serkeci on European side.
Under Boshorous
Stations on Asian side (50km from Uskudar): Uskudar (Friday Market, Camlica Park, Camlica Mosque), <Hyderpasha>, Ayrilik Cesmesi, Sogutlucesme, Feneryolu (Bagdad Street Carrefour, Ozgurluk Park), Goztepe (Goztepe park, Bagdad street), Ernekoy (Cadebostan beach, Dylan Promenade Park), Suadiye (Dylan Park, Bagdad street), Bostanci (Brandium 5km, Promenade, Luna theme park, Wed market), Kutukyali (Sahil Park), Idealtepe (Sahil Park), Sureyya plaji (Sahil Park), Maltepe (Beach Park, Orhangazi sehir parki), Civizli, Atalar, Basak, Kartal, Yunus, Pendik, Kaynarca (Sahil boulevard) , Tersana (Sahil boulevard), Guzelyali (Promenade), Aydintepe (Sahil boulevard), Icemelar (Sahil boulevard), Tuzla Tersane (Beach Park, Viaport Marina), Cayirova, GTU-Fatih, Osmangazi (Sahili), Darica (sahil park is 3km, Darica zoo), Gebze is last stop of metro, Eskihsar (3km) is seaside close to Gebze.
MGD: Gezbe Darica Metro is 14km, 12 stations North South Metro system in Kocaeli Province. Under construction.
Funicular System:
F1 Taksim - Kabatash on European side.
F2 Karakoy - Beyoglu/Sishane on European side.
F3 Seyranptepe - Vadi Istanbul on European side (Vadi Istanbyul Mall).
F4 Asiyan - Bogazici Univercity on European side.
Cable Car System:
TF1 Taskishla - Macka on European side. Maçka Gondola is a two-station gondola-type line of aerial lift passenger transport system situated in Şişli district of Istanbul, it connects Maçka neighborhood with Taşkışla quarter close to Taksim Square.
TF2 Eyup - Pier Loti on European side. (Istanbul Dolphinarium, Isfana mall, Vialand Theme Park, from eminonu bus 99, 99Y 36CE, 55T from Taksim),
(From Eyup Sultan take Gondola across Golden horn to Sutuche take bus 41ST, 47C, 47 after 3 stops get off at Miniature Turkey Model buildings).
Istanbul Metrobus (Map) goes from Söğütlüçeşme on Asian side to Beylikdüzü Sondurak/ Esenyurt on European side, 50km BRT system with 45 stations.
Sirinevler on M1 to Beylikdüzü is 23km by Metrobus.
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From Istanbul- Other areas to visit and Travel methods:
North of Istanbul:
Babylon (kilyos), Uzunya, Burc, Dalia, Golden, Solar, Suma, Nonstop, Nakibey, Elio Sedef,
There are many private beach clubs charging 30TL to 50TL for using facilities.
East of Istanbul:
Kocaeli (Map) Province is next to Istanbul on east with 12 districts- Darıca (zoo), Çayırova, Gebze (Marmaray Metro last stop), Districts touching Gulf of Izmit are- Dilovası, Körfez, Derince, İzmit (Capital of Kocaeli, has Tramway in city, 90km from Uskudar. Intercity trains stop at Izmit. ), Başiskele, Gölcük (14km from Izmit), Karamürsel (35km from Izmit across bay, boat operates on some ports) Kartepe (Sapanca Lake, Masukiye’s forest, Ski Resort Green Park Resort 18km), Kandıra (North of Izmit, touches Black sea on coastal road- Insaniye, Karasu, Caferiye, Akcakoca, Alapli, Eregli, Zondulzak).
Izmit, Başiskele, Gölcük (14km from Izmit), Karamürsel (35km from Izmit across bay, connected by passenger boat service)
Malls: Arasta Park, Ozdilek Kocaeli, 41 AVM, Dolphin Center, NCITY Alisveris Merkezi, Thurs Market,
From Karamürsel Inland 35km to Boyalica is Iznik Lake
Car hire (www.carflexi.com) in Izmit is best option to explore beaches of north and Trabzon.
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Sakarya Province has 16 district is next to Kocaeli. Spanca (225km, 90 minutes journey from Istanbul) is one district and Spanca lake borders to Kocaeli. Istanbul Arifiye train passes through south side of lake to full length of lake (16km). Some trains stop at Sapanca town and fast train stop at the end of lake at Arifiye.
How to get here: There is direct (Istanbul- Arifiye) from Sogutlucesme (Near Kadikoy (2km) or Pendik to Spanca, there are daily 3 trains. Or take high speed train direct to Arifiye (7.30am, 10.45am takes under 90 minutes), than Dolmush to Masukiye, (There is return train from Arifiye at 8.17 pm to Pendik, Istanbul. OR Best option is to hire a car in Izmit (www.carflexi.com) or www.rentacarss.com in Sapanca.
From Sapanca town- Sopli (6km), Mahmudiye (8km), Naturkoy (8km), Masalkoy macera park (12 km), Kartepe Ski Resort & Green Park Resort (25km), Golbasi Picnic Area, 3.5km from Arifiye.
(Antalya to Konya is 300km. There is direct train takes 7 hrs).
Uzongol is 100km from Trabzon as well as Rize (in between to south). Uzungol hotels, Sightseeing,
Trabzon is 1.30 hour by flight from Istanbul. Return flight Rs 5,000. Havas bus connects to city which is 6km. (hiring cars from Airport). (Istanbul Airport and Ataturk Airport on European side and Sabiha Gokchen Airport in Asian side. Domestic airlines are Onur Air, Pegasus, Sun express Turkish Airways)
Sightseeing:
Ziraat - Botanik Cay Bahcesi, Gito yaylası, kıble dağı camii, Rize castle, kaçkar dağları milli parkı, Malls- İmece Park Avm, Hapeloglu, şimal avm
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Border crossing to Bulgaria: Esenyurt Istanbul to Svilengrad in Bulgaria is 250km, 4 hours allowing for border crossing.
South of Istanbul: BUDO & IDO operate this route.
Yevola - 2 1/2 hours ferry from Istanbul costing 20tl, Sahil, Beach, Merkez
Mudanya- - 1 1/2 hours speed boat from Istanbul costing 20tl, Sahil, Beach, Merkez
Bursa- Boats to Yelova- BUDO & IDO operate this route.
Boats: IDO boat From Yanikapi to Yevola (70km from Bursa), IDO has two services 7.30 am and 5.30pm car ferry, takes 80 minutes cost 20tl, speed boat goes to Yalova. Including bus and Metro it takes 2 1/2 hours.
Bursa is 70km or next stop Guzelyali 5km east of Mudanya and 24km from Bursa. From Kabatas/ kadikoy to Guzelyali/ Mudanya passenger speed boat takes 70 minutes. Ferry ticket cost between 15TL to 30 TL. Tourist can only book ferry online only. Other option is Bursa can also be reached by Coach from Istanbul Otogar (155km in 2 hours 30 minutes).
Bursa is historical green city in foothills (300 ft altitude) of (155km from Istanbul) Uludag in Bithynian Olympus (8k ft) mountain (8,343ft) is a ski resort with Teleferik (cable car) 15TL for 1st station and so on till 4th.
Bursa has metro, tram system. Bursa was first capital of Ottoman empire and is historic city. Grand mosque of Bursa (Ulu Cami), Green mosque (Yasil mosque), Murdiya mosque, Emir sultan mosque, Bursa museum, Botanical garden, Zoo, Koza Hans market, Kultur Park, Irgandı Bridge, Orhan Gazi Square, balibey han, Luna Amusement Park, Merino Park, Temeyeri park, Aqua Park, Hüdavendigar Park, Sukay park, Thermal hotspring at Cekirge. Day tour, Bursa walking tour map. Malls: Korupark, Kent Meydanı, Zafer Plaza, Nilpark, Özdilek, Meridyen Alisveris.
Bursa Tourism... Bursa Map... Bursa sightseeing, Gemlik and Mudanya are Bursa beach areas which are 30km, 40 minutes from Bursa.
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Izmir map.... Izmir Tourism... Tourism 2... City guide... Real Estate... Izmir metro...
Dikili and Foca are coastal towns north of Izmir.
Bliklivova, Mardogan, Karaburun, Cesme are towns in Urla direction. Cesme is 60km to west of Izmir.
Ozdere is 65km to south from Izmir and it is a small holiday town. There are some Paloma Pas and other resorts in Ozdere. Supermarkets are Tanshas, Pehelvanu, Sok. Saturday is Ozdere market day. Ozdere Images... Tourism 1... Tourism 2.
South of Turkey:
Kusadasi is 40km from Ozdere. Kussadasi and many cities of south west coastal areas have British expats retiring in Turkey or have second home for winter months Nov- Jan 6-10C. Kusadasi Guide... Kusadasi forum,
Other cities to drive are Selchuk (Ephuses), Sok, Didim, Bodrum, Marmaris, Oludeniz,
Aydin (Didim coastal town is 170km)- Pınarbaşı-Aytepe Gondola,
Pamukkle is hot spring calcium deposited white mountain is further 19km from Denizli. Minibus from Denizli autogar every 15 minutes.
Sightseeing: konyaaltı beach, Lara Beach, Kurşunlu Waterfall (19km), Köprülü Canyon, Upper Duden Waterfalls (8km), Antalya Zoo, Aquarium, Snow world, Atatürk parkı, Dokuma park, Duden Park, Sahil Yaşam Parkı, Kaleiçi, Kaleici Panoramic Elevator, Sand Sculpture Museum, Aqualand and Dolphinland, Tunektepe cable car (Kemer 15km), Olympos Teleferik (61km),
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