Itineraries — Istanbul Marmara

The Istanbul and Sea of Marmara region is built around a world-city and its immediate maritime hinterland. Istanbul concentrates the essential of the region's heritage, gastronomy and culture — 80% of travellers devote their entire stay there. The Sea of Marmara, more discreet, offers pleasant extensions: the Princes' Islands for a half-day escape, the former Ottoman capital of Bursa 2 hours by fast ferry for a day trip, the Gallipoli peninsula further out for military history enthusiasts (World War I).

For a short stay (3-4 days), Istanbul alone is more than enough. The classic itinerary: Day 1 historic peninsula (Hagia Sophia + Blue Mosque + Hippodrome + Topkapi + lunch in Sultanahmet). Day 2 Grand Bazaar + Spice Bazaar + Bosphorus cruise (Eminönü departure 2pm) + mezze dinner at a Beyoğlu meyhane. Day 3 Galata + Karaköy + Pera Museum + Ottoman hammam (Çemberlitaş) + rooftop evening. Day 4 (optional) Princes' Islands or Asian side.

With a full week (7 days), the itinerary expands considerably. Add the lesser-known Byzantine sites (Chora, Pammakaristos, Saint-Saviour), second-tier bazaars (Arasta Bazaar, Mahmutpaşa), contemporary neighbourhoods (Cihangir, Şişli), a day trip to Bursa (green mosques, Ottoman silk, Mount Uludağ) and at least a half-day in Üsküdar and Kadıköy on the Asian side. A full week allows you to absorb Istanbul without rushing, at an oriental pace that matches the genius of the place.