Leaving thursday evening, have 4 days in Istanbul itself and it's loaded with sights, so I'm looking for the "can't miss" stuff (I imagine the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Topkapi are all in there).
go to the grand bazaar. just getting assaulted by flea market vendors is worth the trip. seriously, go, but watch out for gypsy pick pockets.
A friend of mine said if I ever go to Turkey, go to get a turkish bath and don't shake hands as they get insulted (think its because you wipe your arse with your hand)...
I went to Istanbul and Ederne last summer while visiting Israel. Turkey is amazingly beautiful. We mainly visited holy sites but toured Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, you'll see a mosque every time you turn your head (they are amazing). The food is really good as well. BEWARE of people trying to rip you off b/c you're a tourist. They'll offer you a price that is 10 times higher than it is and you have to bargain down to as little as possible. You gotta be strong and don't give in. We also took the boat ride which takes you along the coast of the Asian side of Istanbul. Nice relaxing ride with good opportunity for nice pics. Have fun! Post pics when you get back!
This is the first vacation I've had since I resumed work -- last year when I was traipsing around asia I had to quit my job.
LOL! I am going to assume you're single (as in not married and definitely don't have kids) Seriously though, I am planning my next vacation, and it's come down to Russia or Turkey...so let us know when you get back about what you did and whether or not you recommend Turkey as a destination; there is just so much overlapping history there that I am leaning more towards it (the country, not the bird). Have fun!
sam, if I was a wall street lawyer and single I'd do the same thing. see the world while you're single dude. sir jackie did the same thing and it was also admirable.
