Princes Island

Note - the German name for the islands appears as the category heading. Just a short ferry ride from Istanbul, the Princes Islands are a brilliant place to kick back and escape the relentless noise and bustle of the city. Other than emergency vehicles, motorised vehicles are not allowed on the islands which makes them very peaceful and makes walking more enjoyable. I love to walk but Istanbul can be hard work for walkers and so visiting the Princes Islands gives you an opportunity to stroll without needing eyes in the back of your head. Huddled together in the Sea of Marmara, each island has a character of its own and it's easy to forget the proximity of one ...  Read the complete review

As much as I love Istanbul I will always be one of the first ones to admit, that it can be a very tiring and exhausting experience to spend a few days of sightseeing there. With so many things to see, the mad traffic with the forever honking cars, kerbs that seem to be a mile high ( you'll feel as if you've just climbed Mount Everest after walking around for a few hours), the hustle and bustle of the bazaars and the touts that are trying to lure you into their premises you'll sooner or later feel the need to take a long break - and experience some quietness for a change. In 1997, when I travelled to Istanbul for the first time, accompanied by a female ...  Read the complete review