Travel Club: Istanbul and Turkey

Istanbul and Turkey

Sunrise in Capadoccia 

Getting there

Fly to Kaysari from Istanbul with Turkish Airlines 

Stay

Sultan Cave Suites 

https://www.sultancavesuites.com

Do

Hot air ballon ride with Royal Balloon

www.royalballoon.com

Breakfast in Bebek, Istanbul and walking along the Bosphorus

Eat

Baylan, Istanbul’s oldest patisserie 

https://baylangida.com/menu

Do

Explore the boutiques of Bebek and walk off your breakfast along the Bosphorus

Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar

Do

Take a ferry or speedboat along the Bosphorus to Eminonu and explore the streets of the Spice Market and then up to the Grand Bazaar 

Eat 

At one of the many small cafes with the Grand Bazaar. Try the traditional and delicious drink ‘Salep’ made from orchid root and cinnamon. 

Allow several hours to wander the labyrinthine streets of the Bazaar and bargain hard. Don't buy from the first shop you see something you like…there will be many selling the same thing with different prices.

Princes Islands 

The Princes' Islands are a cluster of nine beautiful islands in the Marmara Sea off the Asian coast of Istanbul, famous for their exquisite wooden mansions.

The names of the famous four islands are Buyuka da, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kinaliada. Earlier used as a place of exile, the Princes' Islands today have become one of the most famous tourist spots for a peaceful excursion from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul. 

Getting there

Take the one hour ferry from Kabatas. There are several island to visit but Buyukada is the biggest and best for a first time visit. 

Do

Hire a bike. Cars are prohibited and cycling around the island allows you to see the many beautiful beaches and views.

Eat 

The freshest  and tastiest sea food at any of the many restaurants in the port or cycle half way round the Island to the isolated and stunning Eskibag Restaurant for delicious grilled fish with a stunning sea view.

https://www.instagram.com/eskibagterasrestaurant/

Skiing in Turkey

Uludag, near Bursa. 1.5 hour drive from Istanbul. 

Stay 

https://agaoglumymountain.com.tr

Palandoken, East Turkey. Fly to Erzurum with Turkish Airlines

 Stay

Radisson Blu Mount Erciyes 

https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-mount-erciyes

Cesme Peninsula / Alacati 

About

Opposite the greek island of Chios  and heavily influenced by its former Greek residents, Alacati is famous for its cobblestone streets, lined with bougainvilleas surrounding traditional Greek stone houses . Aside from its traditional houses with their colourful shutters and doors, Alacati is also known for its beaches, traditional winemaking, architecture, windmills and shopping opportunities at the many artisan boutiques and antique shops

Stay 

Alavya

A glorious collection of old houses remodelled to make a stunning boutique hotel

https://alavya.com.tr/en/alavya

The Stay Warehouse

Adults only 

https://www.thestay.com.tr/mainpage.aspx

Bodrum Town and Peninsula 

Do

Wander the maze of shopping streets, stopping at Brothers Bags for excellent handbags and shoes. Then on to Lizaz for post shopping Mandarin Martinis with a view of Bodrum Castle.

https://lizazbodrum.com

Stay

High End 

Mandarin Oriental Bodrum

https://www.mandarinoriental.com/bodrum/paradise-bay/luxury-hotel Edition Bodrum

The Edition Bodrum

https://www.editionhotels.com/bodrum/

Mid Range

The Mett Hotel

https://mettsocialliving.com/bodrum/

Caresse Hotel 

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bjvlc-caresse-a-luxury-collection-resort-and-spa-bodrum/overview/

Budget

http://www.elvinobodrum.com

Eat

Tapas and paella in the shade of an old Bodrum Courtyard.

https://lapasionbodrum.com/en/

Orfoz Restaurant 

For the freshest and tastiest fish in Bodrum

https://orfoz.net/

Melengec Gumusluk

https://www.instagram.com/gumuslukmelengec/?hl=en 

Agrilia

 A famous restaurant in Alaçatı serving delicious, modern, Italian-influenced dishes; the atmosphere is quieter than in all the streetside restaurants. Tokoglu Mah Mektep Caddesi 68 (00 90 232 716 8594; www.agriliarestaurant.com). 

Asma Yaprağı Eating here is an essential Alaçatı experience. Sit on the street, outside the kitchen, or in the pleasant upstairs dining room; it's almost impossible not to make friends with your fellow diners. Tokoglu Mah 1005 Sk 50 (00 90 232 716 0178; www.asmayapragi.com.tr).

Bodrum Town and Peninsula 

Do

Wander the maze of shopping streets, stopping at Brothers Bags for excellent handbags and shoes. Then on to Lizaz for post shopping Mandarin Martinis with a view of Bodrum Castle.

https://lizazbodrum.com

Stay

High End 

Mandarin Oriental Bodrum

https://www.mandarinoriental.com/bodrum/paradise-bay/luxury-hotel Edition Bodrum

The Edition Bodrum

https://www.editionhotels.com/bodrum/

Mid Range

The Mett Hotel

https://mettsocialliving.com/bodrum/Caresse Hotel 

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bjvlc-caresse-a-luxury-collection-resort-and-spa-bodrum/overview/

Budget

http://www.elvinobodrum.comEat

Tapas and paella in the shade of an old Bodrum Courtyard.

https://lapasionbodrum.com/en/

Gulets

The ultimate escape. A week causing the Aegean coast from Bodrum to Fethiye.

Mid to High End 

https://www.goolets.net

Ask for Aljosa and mention Kate Marriott for the best rates

Budget

Flaka Sailing. Family and budget friendly Gulet cruises, run by a Dutch Family. A great introduction to Gilet cruising with the added advantage of being all inclusive. 

https://www.flaka.nl/?locale=en

Mention Kate Marriott for a discount on week long cruises.