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Exclusive EscapesHidden TurkeyIstanbul | Cliché or not, Istanbul really is the city where east meets west - an exceptional mix of the ancient and contemporary. (Show more)
This is the junction where Asia meets Europe and it was no accident that three successive great empires chose Constantinople, as it was then named, as their capital. The Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have left an indelible stamp on modern-day Istanbul with wonderful examples of the city’s vivid and colourful past to be found around virtually every corner.  Istanbul is a city of surprises and striking contrasts, the old versus the new, traditional versus modern. True to the cliché, Istanbul really is the city where east meets west. It’s often described as ‘the crossroads of Europe and Asia’ and it’s a city with an imperial history stretching back for more than 1,500 years. This metropolis of an estimated fifteen million occupies both sides of an east-west land bridge divided by the twenty-mile Bosphorus Strait.. Geography dictated that Istanbul would be an important city. Situated on the narrow strait of the Bosphoros, which connects the Black Sea to the trade routes of the Mediterranean and Africa, the city has been a jealously guarded centre of world trade since the Byzantine era, protected by water on three sides, with the natural harbour of the Golden Horn nestling within the city. Fragments of this varied architectural inheritance are visible, with stunning Ottoman mosques, classical columns, Byzantine structures, ancient city walls and fine churches. Added to this, rapid industrialisation has drawn thousands of rural poor to the metropolis, and a growth rate at treble the national average. The city’s wealthy elite live in the newly built suburbs and enjoy the sophistication of Istanbul’s café society, designer shops, thriving nightlife and vibrant contemporary cultural life. The Istanbul skyline is a most remarkable sight. It’s punctuated by thousands of minarets, both ancient and modern, that rise up the hillsides from the banks of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. Istanbul – where east meets west – an extraordinary mix of the ancient and contemporary, and an experience not to be missed. |
1. The wonderful view from the Blue Mosque across the Hippodrome to Haghia Sophia and the Bosphorus beyond
2. Haghia Sophia (Aya Sofia) - one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world
3. The Blue Mosque - one of the most famous monuments in both Turkish and Islamic worlds
4. A view across the Golden Horn
5. Haghia Sophia (Aya Sofia) - one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world
6. The Blue Mosque - one of the most famous monuments in both Turkish and Islamic worlds
7. A view across the Golden Horn
8. The Chora Church
9. Haghia Sophia (Aya Sofia) - one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world
10. To experience the best of Istanbul, explore the Bosphorus by boat
11. The Blue Mosque - one of the most famous monuments in both Turkish and Islamic worlds
12. The Grand Bazaar
13. A restaurant in the Grand Bazaar
14. Explore the old city of SultanAhmet
15. The streets of SultanAhmet
16. The magnificent interior of Haghia Sophia (Aya Sofia)
17. The Blue Mosque - one of the most famous monuments in both Turkish and Islamic worlds
About IstanbulCliché or not, Istanbul really is the city where east meets west - truly unique.more »
Cultural SitesThe Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have left an indelible stamp on Istanbul.more »
A History of IstanbulThe city has an imperial history stretching back for more than 1,500 years.more »
Our Istanbul ServiceExclusive Escapes provide a Private Guide for a half-day with our compliments.more »
Istanbul PricesRates for a City Break or in combination with the Lycian Coast and/or Cappadocia.more »
Istanbul FlightsFlights to Istanbul and connections to the Lycian Coast and/or Cappadocia.more »City Break or Combined with Cappadocia and/or The Lycian Coast
Istanbul is a fascinating city to visit on a short break. However, the vast majority of our Guests visit Istanbul in combination with either Cappadocia and/or the Lycian Coast.
We like to consider ourselves expert in arranging individual holidays of this nature – indeed any holiday using Istanbul as a launch pad for exploration of Turkey.
Detailed information is provided on these pages. To discuss ideas or book, please call or email our specialist and knowledgeable team.
For logistical reasons prices for holidays in Istanbul, Cappadocia & Ephesus cannot be presented within Live Availability and are described here. Discover more »
To discuss ideas or book, please call or email our specialist and knowledgeable team.
Please IGNORE the Flight Information line above AND the Flight Selector below. These present for logistical system reasons and have NO relevance to Istanbul flights.
Information on flights to Istanbul and connections to the Lycian Coast and/or Cappadocia and Ephesus is presented here. Discover more »
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If applicable, the charge for each additional adult or child in a room or villa, regardless of age or duration, is £700. Alternatively, if not utilising Exclusive Escapes flights the charge is £400 + (if applicable) the external flight cost.
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Search and choose a flight from our selection that includes 95% of ALL flights from the UK to Dalaman
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To offer more results choose Region (all). Get more information on flights offered here. Our own Saturday flights do not appear here.
| Flight | Departs | Arrives | Flight No. | Carrier | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | £256 |
Prices are displayed per person and are inclusive of all taxes
If applicable prices for items such as baggage (which differ by airline) will be provided at the time your flight booking is confirmed.
Once you select ‘Next step’ it will be placed in the Flight Selector to allow you to compare dates, costs and other flights.
It will remain in the selector during your current visit to our site.
Please Note:
Flights are NOT booked or held at this stage.
