Taking a trip to Istanbul

Tesoro


Joined: 08/12/2009
Posts: 30

Message Posted:
15/11/2011 11:46

Hi

Next year we would like to go via Istanbul for a couple of days before flying on to Ercan from Manchester.

Could any one recommend a travel agent, have been in touch with Green Island Holidays,

quite expensive.Or do you think I would be better getting flights and Hotel independently..?

If possible a name of a good 4* Hotel in Istanbul thanks.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
15/11/2011 12:10

Why not look at our sites either http://www.fezbus.co.uk - go to - http://www.fezbus.co.uk/Short_Tours_Turkey.php or http://www.flightholiday.co.uk

If we don't have what you want ask and we will create a tour to suite you.

Ed1957


Joined: 03/09/2011
Posts: 377

Message Posted:
15/11/2011 12:14

Go it alone, book the flights and search for a hotel on line, you can do it!



people on here will help



look around the sultan Ahmet/blue mosque area, maybe not 4 start but interesting restored buildings, very central for touristic purposes. hope this helps

carian


Joined: 13/03/2009
Posts: 336

Message Posted:
15/11/2011 14:50

Agree with message 3, its quite easy to do it yourself. The best airport to fly into is Ataturk as it is the nearest to the city, but if you fly into Sabiha Gokcen there are buses that go to Taksim Square every 30 mins. ( they did last time we were there ) Either Sultanahmet area for the sights or Taksim area for the shops.

Ed1957


Joined: 03/09/2011
Posts: 377

Message Posted:
15/11/2011 15:08

Sorry, never thought about shopping, silly me

carian


Joined: 13/03/2009
Posts: 336

Message Posted:
15/11/2011 15:10

Its a woman thing lol !

phylray



Joined: 21/09/2007
Posts: 1727

Message Posted:
15/11/2011 15:23

Just back from Istanbul en route from Ercan. Yes, the Havas coaches still run every few mins. from

Sabiha Gokcen, (every half hour returning) and cost 12tl each way. Takes between 40 mins & 65 depending

on traffic. I was staying with Turkish friend of many years, who was very helpful to friends of mine visiting

for first time. They were staying in Golden Horn Hotel in Eminonu, which is central for Bazaar, tourist area

et. They got a special offer but lots of hotels nearby.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
15/11/2011 15:32

Carol Msg 4 - Beware DIY can take up as much time as the money you might save might be worth and if you make an error (which can happen) you are on your own. Be careful of others expertise as it is often out of date.

I am often amazed that the real cost of an organised tour from a reputable company is often little different to that of one you cobble together and if you are not happy (hotels change management/quality and such like) there is someone there to try to help you and maybe even a hotel change can be engineered or a change of transfer to or from your plane. - These thoughts apply to other cities and holidays too. The people we work with are TURSAB bonded try these two links for "size":-

For ultimate flexibility two options - http://www.iah-holidays.co.uk/Fascinating_Istanbul.php -

For budget - http://www.iah-holidays.co.uk/Short_Tours_Turkey_Istanbul_City_Break_3_days.php -

Mind you; if you have got the time and budget then DIY can be great fun and an unforgettable learning curve.

Tesoro


Joined: 08/12/2009
Posts: 30

Message Posted:
15/11/2011 15:56

Hi

Thank you so much for all your advise

skybluesam


Joined: 24/12/2008
Posts: 447

Message Posted:
15/11/2011 16:00

Hi, We have just returned from a 4 day break in Istanbul staying at a lovely little place 5 mins from Topkapi palace

booked our flights in Cyprus and flew from Ercan.

Fabulous city and very busy.

Enjoy it you wont be disappointed.

Nick

Turbo


Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 833

Message Posted:
15/11/2011 16:44

I have been many times and experienced many hotels, the latest turns out to be a big winner over the rest, located right next to the Blue Mosque, called The Sultan Ahmet Palace, you will be surprised that their prices are almost if not cheaper than most smaller traditional hotels, google them and see, I would give it five stars in a blink, Walking distance to most historic places.

3 nights or more they will pick you up , as most of them do.

Tesoro


Joined: 08/12/2009
Posts: 30

Message Posted:
15/11/2011 19:06

Once again thanks for the feed back will be definitely checking out your recommendation Turbo,

Where did you stay Nick ?

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
15/11/2011 19:39

http://northcyprusfreepress.com/2011/08/14/take-a-trip-to-istanbul/

ataturk


Joined: 09/09/2008
Posts: 712

Message Posted:
15/11/2011 22:42

Mess 1 we have just come back from Istanbul with the wife and kids stayed for five days. We booked the flights in advance and got a great deal. We found a great hotel in the sultanahmet area which was walking distant from all the tourist attractions. The hotels name was ekim apartments look it up on trip advisor the guy also booked the transfers for us as well. We had a great holiday and it was a doodle booking it all on line.

LooseBoots



Joined: 08/02/2009
Posts: 1258

Message Posted:
15/11/2011 22:58

We booked direct with http://www.blueeyesuites.com/



Near Blue Mosque Sultanamet and includes breakfast. As the name suggest it is a suite rather than just a room but very clean and comfortable.



The resident guide was more than helpful and even arranged for us to have a FREE transfer back to the airport.

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
16/11/2011 00:55

We always stay at the Elite hotel !! just s few mins walk to Taxim square fab hotel although be care full to choose the 4 star Elite as there are two, great base . Hope this helps

skybluesam


Joined: 24/12/2008
Posts: 447

Message Posted:
16/11/2011 07:54

We stopped at a place called Ahmet Efendi Ev, top notch and very helpful. look it up on trip advisor

Erkin


Joined: 15/06/2011
Posts: 339

Message Posted:
16/11/2011 08:19

If you are flying from Manchester to Ercan on Turkish Airline, why not check with THY they have some good deals allowing u a stop over deals.

deputydawg


Joined: 30/03/2010
Posts: 1727

Message Posted:
16/11/2011 08:41

If you want to take a lot in, in a short time, I thoroughly recommend the boat trip which tours West and East Banks of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, etc. You will see much more from a perspective not possible on foot. The boats are cheap, fast, clean, and have basic but good food services too. Unless the weather is particularly poor the tour is smooth and comfortable. Most hotels will make a booking for you if you ask the night prior to a trip and transport to and from the docks also. Have fun !

LooseBoots



Joined: 08/02/2009
Posts: 1258

Message Posted:
16/11/2011 10:23

Re msg 19. If you go for the boat trip......................wrap up warm...or at least take something that you can wrap round yourself.



It can be VERY cold on the boat.



Lovely views......................but cold.

Tesoro


Joined: 08/12/2009
Posts: 30

Message Posted:
16/11/2011 11:55

Once again you have all been so helpful. Looking forward to planning my trip.

Thank you