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DOK destination photo
SAW destination photo

DOKSAW

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior vantage point for viewing the historic European side of Istanbul, the Golden Horn, and the sprawling urban landscape across the Bosphorus during the descent.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌾

Ukrainian Steppe

The golden and green patchwork of agricultural fields stretching across southern Ukraine.

💧

Dnipro River Delta

The intricate network of waterways and wetlands where Ukraine's largest river empties into the sea.

🌉

Bosphorus Bridges

Clear views of the iconic suspension bridges that physically link Europe and Asia.

🕌

Historic Peninsula

The silhouettes of the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace visible on the European shore.

🏝️

Prince's Islands

A cluster of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, often seen during the final turn for the approach into SAW.

The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch the 'Golden Hour' reflecting off the Marmara Sea. During the descent, keep your camera ready for the dense urban sprawl of Istanbul, which provides a sense of the city's massive scale.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🌊

Sea of Azov

Visible shortly after takeoff, look for the shallow, greenish-tinted waters of the world's shallowest sea.

⛰️

Crimean Mountains

Rugged limestone peaks and dramatic cliffs where the peninsula meets the deep blue Black Sea.

🚢

Black Sea Crossing

The vast expanse of the Euxine Sea, often dotted with cargo ships heading toward the Bosphorus.

🏘️

Anatolian Side

A close-up view of the residential districts of Beykoz and the lush green hills of the Asian side of Istanbul.

🏗️

Tuzla Shipyards

Massive industrial maritime facilities visible just before landing at Sabiha Gökçen.

Sit on the left for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise over the Black Sea. As you approach Turkey, look for the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, the northernmost bridge connecting the two continents.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 1,040 km (646 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 23 min

Departure: DOK (48.07360076904297, 37.73970031738281)

Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)

Route Type: International

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