Istanbul extra

When visiting Istanbul, a day-trip to the nearby Princes' Islands brings a welcome escape from the bustle, and an unexpected bonus. Ferries leaving from Sirkeci near the railway station will take you to Buyukada, the largest and most interesting island, in an hour-and-a-half and for next to nothing. After enjoying the old-fashioned charm of its leafy streets with old wooden houses and horse-drawn carriages (no cars allowed), make sure you time your return so you approach Istanbul just before sunset. The sight of the imperial mosques bathed in pink light, as the sun dips behind them, is unforgettable!

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