Marmara & Istanbul Vacation Rental apartment

After a month I would be unable to find anything missing in this lovely apartment. It is well located, near two ferry stations, in a very secure area with a not so touristic flavour and very convivial. But most of all the hospitality of the owners made our stay unique! From Tulay waiting at my arrival to their constant care I felt so welcomed and amongst friends. At one point we were six in the apartment and it was very comfortable but even when I was alone it was pleasant. Evenings on the balcony watching the lights of Haya Sofia, the blue Mosquee and Topkapi palace and morning coffee watching the ferries go by will remain in my memory as some of my most precious travel souvenirs. Crossing the Bosphorus in the mornings was so pleasant and coming back at night with the cool breeze was a perfect end to busy days. But most of all the owners make all the difference. They truly enjoy meeting new people and are extremely generous with their time and care. The weather in June was perfect. Tekim introduced me to the various shops, just a few minutes walk from the apartment, and it was a delight every day to stop at the bakery, the fruit vendror and the butcher and be greeted with a big smile. Although we did not speak the language everyone went out of their way to help us. The owners speak english fluently and supplied us with all the information we needed. For anyone spending sufficient time it is worth it to get a little electronic device for the ferries and buses, as it saves you buying your tokens each time and waiting in line to do so. The price is the same but it is quite convenient. Ferries run continually and you never have to wait. It is a nice 10 minute walk downhill to the Uskudar ferry station and a flat 15 minute walk to the Harem ferry. Be sure to go out at night along the Bosphorous, 3 minute from the apartment, and enjoy the wonderful lively atmosphere. All in all the apartment was all it promised to be and much much more!

This was a first time experience in that I made a reservation for an apartment for a long stay via a website from across the world (USA). I was kind of nervous about it, but it all went according to plan. Honestly, it was close to perfect! We were two parties reuniting after many years in Istanbul. Since the apartment was on the 3rd floor I was concerned since two people in our party were over 70 years old. But this was a small price to pay for a great view of Bosporus the apartment had to offer. The apartment had all the comforts of home. For example, a kitchen with all the conveniences, an air conditioned living and dining room with an awesome view and bedrooms with all the amenities. Moreover, when we arrived, the apartment was immaculately clean.
We treasured the hospitality of Turkish people. Especially, Ertug's Dad whom on our second day of our stay took us with his car around the neighborhood and showed us where the local merchants are located. He even introduced us to the butcher, fresh fruit stand and the baker where he asked for their best service since we were his guest. Also, we won't forget the hospitality of our driver, Mr. Hakan. With his limited English of 6 words, he did communicate with us one way or another and met our needs.
I loved getting up early every morning and going to the local baker to get our daily fresh bread for our morning breakfast we enjoyed on the apartment’s balcony watching the ships out in the Bosporus.
We loved riding the ferries back and forth from 'Eskudar Eskeleh' port that was located about 1.5 miles away from the apartment.
All and all, we stayed in Istanbul for over 3 weeks and our stay at Ertug's apartment made this an amazing trip.

Thanks

We rented the apartment for 9 nights and enjoyed it's comfort very much. the apartment is all that it's promised to be, on the waterfront, fully equiped, and great to stay at.