Istanbul is both a destination in its own right and a starting point for journeys to the Aegean. Planning a city tour, flights, road transfers and the ferry connection as separate steps makes it easier to decide which service you need.
City tour in Istanbul
On your first visit you can plan one day around the Historic Peninsula and leave the stops on the other shores for another day. On the day of boarding or flying, narrow the tour to your departure point rather than spreading it across the whole city. The Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism's presentation of the Historic Peninsula is a good starting point for building an itinerary.
From Istanbul to Izmir and Dikili
On your flight, distinguish between Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen. After arriving in Izmir, the transfer to Dikili is a separate road transport step. Airport transfers, intercity vehicles and ferry tickets are not automatically included in the same package. When requesting a quote, state your arrival terminal, number of passengers and luggage, and destination address together.
Which port for Lesbos?
Travelers heading from Istanbul to Lesbos should compare Ayvalık, Akçay, Dikili or Aliağa using dated products and tickets. Ayvalık is a district of Balıkesir province; Akçay belongs to Edremit/Balıkesir, and Dikili and Aliağa belong to Izmir. From Akçay, check separately whether the participation statement includes road transfer.
Port and meeting point guide for Lesbos, Balıkesir guide and Izmir guide can be used to compare the options.
Galataport and the cruise journey
Istanbul Galataport cruise guide describes the current terminal and boarding preparations. Cruise itineraries starting in Istanbul and those merely calling at Istanbul should be evaluated separately.
For an Istanbul–Dikili or airport transfer, you can share your requirements via the Güven Travel contact page. Sending a request does not constitute confirmation of vehicle, price, service or ship availability.
Detailed travel and transport articles
- First Time in Istanbul: A One-Day Plan for the Historic Peninsula
- Izmir Airport–Dikili Transport: Transfer and Connection Guide
- Journey from Istanbul to Lesbos: Flight, Road and Port Choice
