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<\/p>\nDestination: East meets west in the Turkish city of Istanbul<\/p>\n
27 Feb 2013 09:05<\/p>\n
From Birmingham Airport it will take 3 hours 50mins and 2.657km to reach Ataturk Airport in Istanbul.<\/p>\n
Share on print Share on email<\/p>\n
The Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet, in the heart of Istanbul\u2019s old city<\/p>\n
It is the city where two continents collide, their cultures and heritage blending in a unique atmosphere.<\/p>\n
Europe and Asia meet in Istanbul, and throughout this vibrant city you\u2019ll find centuries-old mosques, churches and markets happily rubbing shoulders with modern restaurants, galleries and nightclubs.<\/p>\n
The cost of an overnight stay varies from \u00a310 to \u00a31,000 depending on your taste because Istanbul is also a city of contrasts. Whatever you do, plan on visiting a hamman \u2013 the traditional Turkish bath that the UK\u2019s stylish spas try, but fail, to replicate. For about \u00a312 your skin will be scrubbed clean, a fraction of the cost you\u2019d pay back home.<\/p>\n
Kariye Museum<\/p>\n
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Must Sees<\/p>\n
1. Kariye Museum (The Chora Church), Kariye Cami Sokak, Edirnekapi<\/p>\n
This 11th century church looks unassuming from the outside, but step through the door and prepare to be amazed by remarkable mosaics illustrating scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary.<\/p>\n
Over the years, it has doubled as a museum and it remains a Byzantine treasure to this day.<\/p>\n
Take the tram to Topkapi and walk along the old city wall to make this a complete holiday experience.<\/p>\n
Bosphorus Strait, Old City, Sirkeci<\/p>\n
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2. Bosphorus Strait, Old City, Sirkeci<\/p>\n
Crossing the Bosphorus Strait is one of those holiday musts seasoned travellers like to tick off.<\/p>\n
To start with, you\u2019ll find yourself between two continents while in the same city.<\/p>\n
Taking the boat, you\u2019ll marvel at Istanbul\u2019s iconic landmarks, many of which can only be enjoyed from close this way.<\/p>\n
The infinite blue and the company of seagulls all the way will make you wish this journey will never end.<\/p>\n
Basilica Cistern, Imran Oktem Cad, Sultanahmet<\/p>\n
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3. Basilica Cistern, Imran Oktem Cad, Sultanahmet<\/p>\n
Yes, it\u2019s even worth a look at the plumbing! The Basilica Cistern (or Sunken Palace from the original Turkish) is a mysterious underground complex lit by candlelight.<\/p>\n
It is, in fact, a Roman building dating back to 532 AD.<\/p>\n
This beautiful, cathedral-like cavern of columns and arches reflected in the still water is quite unlike anywhere else.<\/p>\n
Ancient and quiet, it\u2019s thought-provoking, too, a world away from the bustle overhead.<\/p>\n
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Fact File<\/p>\n
Language: Turkish<\/p>\n
Currency: Turkish Lira<\/p>\n
Time Zone: GMT + 2<\/p>\n
Flights: Turkish Airlines fly direct from Birmingham. KLM, Air France and Lufthansa are among others offering one-stop flights.<\/p>\n
Best Months: Sun in the summer, snow in the winter, but the humidity is constant in sea-encircled Istanbul. Festival-filled spring and autumn are popular, but winter is picturesque and the trade-off for summer\u2019s humid heat are languid evenings by the Bosphorus.<\/p>\n
Visas Etc: You need a Tourist Visa sticker which can be issued at the point of entry for \u00a310<\/p>\n
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Hotels<\/p>\n
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Posh<\/p>\n
Baran Residence Hotel Airport, Naci Kasim Cad. Bahcelievler<\/p>\n
Okay, so you\u2019re happy to break the bank. Expect to pay in excess of \u00a31,700 a night for a spacious, air-conditioned apartment in the Baran Residence just three kilometres from the Atat\u00fcrk International Airport. Apartments feature modern furnishings and balconies with city views. They have satellite TV and a washing machine. The kitchens include a refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher. You get buffet breakfast, too.<\/p>\n
Budget<\/p>\n
Cem Sultan Hotel, Kutlugun Sokak 28, Sultanahmet<\/p>\n
Right at the other end of the spectrum, this bargain basement hotel is friendly and welcoming even if the double rooms are a little cramped, and some don\u2019t have windows! Still, it\u2019s clean, relatively comfortable and breakfast is in a room which offers a view across the Bosphorus. Fine for a couple of nights, expect to pay around \u00a322 a head \u2013 or less than a tenner a night if you\u2019re prepared to share with strangers in an eight-person dorm.<\/p>\n
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Eating Out<\/p>\n
Imbat Restaurant, Hocapasa Mh. Hudavendigar Caddesi, Sirkeci<\/p>\n
The food here is good, but the view from the restaurant is unrivalled, hence its recent Travellers\u2019 Choice 2012 Winner at Tripadvisor. The emphasis in on Aegean and Mediterranean cuisine, with a menu that is surprisingly affordable. From your table you can gaze out over the Bosphorus, taking in sights such as Bosphorus Bridge, Galata Tower and Topkapi Palace. Exciting by day, enchanting by night, booking is essential.<\/p>\n
via Destination: East meets west in the Turkish city of Istanbul – Birmingham Mail.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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