[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Former capital of the Byzantine Empire is now one of the most popular cities in the world. With a fabulous combination of history and modernism, and equipped with numerous attractions, it can satisfy every desire a tourist may have. Streets rich in beauty, and an atmosphere which can be experienced nowhere else in the world, these are all things you should feel it with your own eyes. However, it is good sometimes to use the city as a base to have some one-day trips from Istanbul, as there are plenty of amazing things to see in Turkey.
In this article, we are going to leave the beautiful city of Istanbul and take you to the amazing sights out of it.
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Bosporus Cruise
Actually, it is not too far from the city but you can count on it as one of the best one-day trips from Istanbul.
The strait, that during the Byzantine Empire was called the strait of Constantinople, has a long amazing story in Greek mythology, and the current name of it, is after that story. The meaning of Bosporus in Greek is the “Cow Passage”, which refers to the story of IO, who was transformed into a cow in mythology.
Bosporus is the scenic strait that separates Europe from Asia and is unbelievably wonderful. There are two kinds of tours for this sight, both so popular among the people. By using these tours you have the chance to visit the city’s most beautiful sights from a different perspective.
Be noted that there is a slight difference between the paths of these two cruises. While the shorter tour will give you a brief visit of the strait, the full-day tour goes all the way to the Black Sea, and an additional visit to the mountain where Yoros Castle is located. On the mountain, there is a perfect view of the beautiful Black Sea.
Princes’ Islands
Whether a local or a tourist, this is the place where everyone pays a visit. Make sure you put it among your list of One-day trips from Istanbul.
Located in the Northeast of the Marmara Sea, the only way to reach these islands is by taking the ferries in Istanbul.
There are nine islands in the complex, but two of them are more popular among trippers.
Heybeliada is a nice place for swimming and sunbathing, although there is the former Merit Halki Palace, which is now a hotel, and the Hagia Triada Monastery.
Buyukada which means the big island is the more popular of the two. There are no cars or motor vehicles allowed on the island, and the only way to travel through this green, scenic, beautiful island is by renting a bike, getting on a horse-drawn carriage, or simply walk around.
There are several amazing restaurants on the seaside that offer delicious Turkish cuisine as well as seafood.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2311″ img_size=”800*500″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Ephesus
One of the furthest one-day trips from Istanbul, there is the Ephesus visit which takes around 15 hours. Here you can visit the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the temple of Artemis.
The ancient Greek city, which was later taken by the Roman Empire, was built a thousand years BC and its ruins which can be found near the city of Selcuk are absolutely amazing.
It is one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean. Among the top landmarks, there is the fabulous temple of Artemis, splendid theater, and the tomb of John the Apostle.
Troy
A trip right through time and myths. It is said to be the city where the Great War between Greece and Troy, and the famous combat between Achilles and Hector took place, and where the legendary campaign of Odysseus has begun. It is absolutely the place you should visit if you are in love with history.
Not only is it a must-see due to the legendary Trojan War from Greek mythology and Homer’s books, but due to the various ruins from different eras, Troy is one of the most important attractions to visit.
The city was one of the most important trading cities since the early Bronze Age to the Byzantine period. There are various ruins each one belonging to a different era.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2312″ img_size=”800*500″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Bursa
This city is where history meets the future.
Bursa is a modern industrial city built on a historic core. Located close to the tall peaks of Turkey’s Grand Mountain (as people call them, Uludag), this is the first capital of the Ottoman Empire.
One of the nice points about the city is that you can find almost every historic sight of the city by just walking around the central district of it.
The beautiful, colorful Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii, with its 20 domes on the roof is the main landmark. There is also the tombs of the founders of Ottoman Empire, Sultan Osman, and Sultan Orhan are also among the city’s sights.
Dozens of other historical attractions make Bursa a must-see city every visitor should try to add it to his bucket list.
Reference: planetware.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]