3 Days Itinerary in Sarıyer, Turkey - Travel Guide

Days	Description
1	Day 1 - A Dive into the Deep Blues
2	Day 2 - Basking in Nature's Glory
3	Day 3 - An Ode to the Ottoman Era

Introduction

Discover Sarıyer in all its glory over the span of three eventful days. This itinerary introduces you to the diverse beauty of this district on the European side of Istanbul, from quaint fishing villages to serene forests and the grandeur of the Bosphorus strait. Strap in for a cultural roller coaster journey in Sarıyer that will create memories to cherish forever.

Day 1 - A Dive into the Deep Blues

We start the day early with a refreshing boat ride across the Bosphorus Strait. With the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, it's the perfect introduction to what Sarıyer holds. From there, continue onto the iconic Rumeli Fortress, perched strategically on the European side of the strait. This 15th-century architectural gem will make you feel like you've stepped back in time. Post this, we go on a leisurely stroll through the Sarıyer Fish Market, where you can taste the freshest catch of the day, and even try your hand at bartering. Finally, end the day with a breathtaking sunset at Sarıyer Beach, where the sun seems to play hide and seek with the tranquil turquoise waters. Dress warmly, though! The evenings can get quite chilly.

Day 2 - Basking in Nature's Glory

Challenge the adventurer in you as we kick off the second day with a vigorous hike up Belgrade Forest. It's like mother nature painted a picture here, complete with forest trails, seven beautiful ponds, and a variety of flora and fauna. Don't forget your camera! And your hiking shoes, of course. Once we've worked up an appetite, we'll head to the charming Village of Zekeriyaköy to sample some traditional Çäkıt Dolma, or stuffed mussels. For a quieter end to the day, we'll take a stroll in the Sakıp Sabancı Museum's famed Horse Mansion. Here, you'll be immersed in a world of art and history. Sounds like a fine balance of adventure and tranquility, doesn't it?

Day 3 - An Ode to the Ottoman Era

On the final day, we dial down the adventure and amp up the cultural quotient. We start at the Atatürk Arboretum, essentially a living tree museum, home to more than 2,000 plant species. There, we'll take a serene walk among the trees to appreciate the extensive biodiversity of the area. Next, we'll stop at the Koç Museum, that tells the tale of Turkey's industrial past and present. Our final stop is the historic Yeniköy District where Ottoman era villas line the Bosphorus strait. After soaking up the historic vibe, relax over a cup of world-famous Turkish tea at one of the bohemian-style waterfront cafes. Amid the boat-bobbing waters and the bustling lanes of Yeniköy, your Turkish sojourn reaches a befitting end.