After traveling across much of Europe, I started thinking about venturing farther afield, and China quickly rose to the top of my list. Shanghai, in particular, stood out since Bosnian passport holders don’t need a visa to visit. When a friend in Shanghai offered to host me, the decision was made, and the search for itineraries began.

As a student from the Balkans studying in the UK, my long Easter break gave me the perfect opportunity to also visit home. I wanted a multi-city flight itinerary starting in London and ending in either Split, Dubrovnik, or Sarajevo, with a stop in Shanghai in between. Turkish Airlines offered the most practical option—an affordable multi-city route with added perks like a student discount and an increased baggage allowance. I booked my tickets and chose a longer layover in Istanbul on my return to take advantage of Turkish Airlines’ complimentary TourIstanbul service.

Flight 1: London Gatwick to Istanbul

I arrived early at Gatwick Airport, smoothly checked in with Turkish Airlines, and moved through security without much hassle, aside from a minor issue when my bag’s X-ray was mixed up with another. That was quickly sorted out, and after grabbing an iced tea from one of the cafes, I made my way to the gate.

Boarding the Turkish Airlines Airbus A321neo went smoothly, and I was lucky enough to have an empty seat next to me. The flight itself was comfortable, and the in-flight meal—surprisingly high-quality pasta—exceeded my expectations. The entertainment system wasn’t as reliable, though, with connecting gate information never showing up. Despite that, we landed in Istanbul ahead of schedule, and I was ready for my next leg.

Flight 2: Istanbul to Shanghai Pudong

Landing in Istanbul, I was glad to skip additional security checks, as my two-hour layover was already tight. The airport felt massive, giving me plenty of space to stretch my legs before my first long-haul flight. However, I struggled with the airport’s WiFi, which only offers an hour of free access—far from ideal for a major intercontinental hub.

Boarding the Turkish Airlines Boeing 777-300ER was somewhat chaotic but efficient, though the legroom was less than ideal for my height. The meal service was slow, and the food left something to be desired, with the dry beef being overshadowed only by the chocolate mousse dessert. After a winding flight path over China, we finally landed in Shanghai. The entry process was straightforward, though dealing with a damaged bag added some frustration to my arrival.

Flight 3: Shanghai to Istanbul

After two unforgettable weeks exploring Shanghai and its surroundings, it was time to return. Arriving early at Pudong Airport, I moved through the check-in and security processes with ease. The flight back on the Boeing 777-300ER was much more comfortable, thanks to extra legroom that allowed me to rest more easily. The service on this leg was smoother, with the cabin crew doing an excellent job of keeping the lavatories clean throughout the flight.

Before landing, I noticed how Turkish Airlines tailored its services for Chinese passengers, from announcements in Mandarin to promoting WeChat Pay at Istanbul Airport. This thoughtful approach demonstrated how the airline was tapping into the growing Chinese market. We landed smoothly in Istanbul, and I was ready for my layover tour.

Layover and Tour of Istanbul

Though there was a small mix-up in finding the correct desk for the TourIstanbul service, I eventually secured a spot on the half-day tour. Our guide provided a blend of history and humor, and while the itinerary wasn’t exactly what had been advertised, I was pleasantly surprised to visit the Topkapi Palace, which wasn’t originally on the schedule. Though time was limited, it was still a worthwhile experience.

Flight 4: Istanbul to Dubrovnik

After the tour, I had a few hours to relax before my final flight to Dubrovnik. I discovered that Turkish Airlines offers free meal vouchers for passengers with long layovers, which came as a pleasant surprise, saving me from the overpriced airport food.

The final leg of my journey on an Airbus A320 was smooth and uneventful. The in-flight service was efficient, and despite the shorter route, the crew maintained the high standard of care I had come to expect. We landed in Dubrovnik a few minutes ahead of schedule, and after a quick pass through passport control, I was on my way for a two-hour drive home, eager to reunite with my cat after an incredible adventure.

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