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
Breakfast in Bebek, Istanbul and walking along the Bosphorus
Eat
Baylan, Istanbul’s oldest patisserie
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.
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
Budget
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
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.
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
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
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.
