Our day began bright and early at 8 am, waiting inside our hotel lobby. As the bus arrived to pick us up, we joined a group of fellow tourists, eagerly anticipating a day filled with scenic beauty and adventure.

A Chilly Boat Ride to Begin the Day

After gathering everyone, we headed to the boat, greeted by a glorious sunny morning with clear skies. However, don’t let the sunshine fool you—it was cold! The wind was biting, and not having jackets was a big mistake.

Once all were aboard, the boat set sail, and the experience was magical despite the chill. Eventually, we moved to the lower deck to keep warm, especially for the kids.

A Tip for Travelers: Beware of Onboard Photographers

Photographers on these trips take your photos and later offer them in albums. We ended up buying a small photo album with 6–7 prints for 1500 liras. While not unreasonable, it’s wise to confirm the price beforehand.

The dazzling ocean, the clear blue skies, and the occasional chill in the air created a surreal atmosphere—something no words or pictures can truly capture. As we sailed, we spotted several jellyfish gliding gracefully beneath the water’s surface.

Stop 1: The Charming Island of Kınalıada

Our first destination was Kınalıada, a quaint village where cars are notably absent. The coastline and morning ocean views were breathtaking.

We strolled through the streets, encountering friendly stray cats and even found a small playground for kids. After a quick half-hour stop, we enjoyed a cup of traditional Turkish tea before heading back to the boat.

Lunch on Board: A Familiar Taste

Back on the boat, we were served a traditional Turkish lunch. While enjoyable, the menu was quite repetitive—something we had noticed at many places. And though we love chicken, Turkish preparation wasn’t our favorite.

Stop 2: Exploring Büyükada

Our next stop was Büyükada, a much larger island with numerous options for shopping and dining. The tour guides recommended bicycles for exploring, but we opted for a leisurely stroll instead.

The sunny skies and coastline made for a perfect setting. While walking, we encountered vendors selling Chanel perfumes—yes, in black market! It added a quirky twist to the day.

 

One striking feature was the island’s large mosque, complete with a ladies’ section. One could easily relax and take a prayer break.

We also tried dragon fruit, which was surprisingly delicious!

After a couple of hours of exploring, we relaxed by the beach, soaking in the tranquil vibes.

The Return Journey: Adventure on the High Seas

As we made our way back to Istanbul, the boat’s upper deck transformed into a lively dance floor. Guests danced to music, enjoying the warm afternoon breeze.

However, the journey wasn’t without its thrills. A massive container ship appeared in our path, and our captain had to maneuver deftly to avoid crossing paths. It was an adrenaline-filled moment, though too quick to capture on video.

A Fashion Show Trap

Back in Istanbul, our guide took us to what was pitched as a fashion show. Turns out, it was more of a sales pitch for leather and fur jackets, along with fake luxury items. While the jackets were of decent quality, prices started at 400 euros—not exactly budget-friendly.

Wrapping Up the Day

After a long but fulfilling day, we returned to our hotel with hearts full of memories and cameras full of pictures. Next up on our itinerary: a Dinner Cruise—a fitting way to conclude our adventure-filled trip.

Next is Dinner Cruise.