After what felt like an eternity, we finally embarked on our long-awaited trip to Turkey. With me and my husband working full-time, planning the trip on our own was a real challenge. Researching the best places to visit, deciding on an itinerary, and coordinating the logistics took more time than we could manage. Fortunately, a friend at Inter Globe Travel  & Tours stepped in to help us organize a five-day itinerary, and I have to say, it was absolutely worth it.

One of the drawbacks of traveling close to the school holidays is the high cost of airfare. However, one silver lining is that the weather in Turkey, though chilly, was far from freezing. It was a bit windy, and we needed jackets to stay comfortable, but overall, it was quite manageable.

Our adventure began on a Friday evening when we touched down at Istanbul Airport (Click for a review of Turkish airline from Dublin). Upon arrival, a taxi arranged by our tour planner met us, making for a smooth start to our journey. We checked into the Titanic City Hotel, where the process was seamless, and the accommodations were excellent. That evening, we ventured out to the famous Taksim Square for dinner and enjoyed a wonderful meal.

Day 1: We started with a comprehensive city tour of Istanbul (click here to get a full review) , visiting iconic landmarks such as the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. The blend of history, architecture, and culture was mesmerizing, and it set a fantastic tone for the days ahead.

Day 2: We took a ferry to the Princes’ Islands, a stunning archipelago off the coast of Istanbul. There are about nine islands, but we focused on exploring two. The ferry ride itself was a delightful experience, offering beautiful views of the sea and a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Day 3: This day was relatively free, giving us time to unwind and explore Taksim Square at our own pace. We strolled around, soaked in the local atmosphere, and did a bit of shopping.

Day 4: We embarked on a day trip to Bursa, where we visited the tombs (mazars) of Osman Ghazi and his son, Orhan Ghazi, founders of the Ottoman Empire. But before that, we made a quick stop and Safari tour on carts that we could ride ourselves! From there, we marveled at a grand old tree, a historical landmark, and enjoyed a scenic cable car ride over the city’s picturesque landscape.

Finally, on Day 5, we were driven back to Istanbul Airport for our journey home. Although it was difficult to say goodbye, we returned with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for Turkey’s rich heritage.