Istanbul NEW
Spanning Europe and Asia, Istanbul is an exciting city with a skyline dominated by mosques, minarets and Byzantine architecture. A heady mixture of souks, mosaics, opulent palaces and ornate churches, Istanbul clearly lives up to its name of the ‘City of the World’s Desire’.
Detailed information
| Detailed itinerary |
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The following is a suggested programme, but your HF Holidays' leader may adjust it at their discretion, according to the wishes of the group or to fit into local opening times. There is clearly no obligation to join in any activity, and you should feel free to spend the time as you wish. Download a full itinerary above.
After a preliminary walk to get your bearings, you’ll be ready to take on the sights, smells and noise of this bustling international gateway. Aya Sofia is an obvious starting place. This former mosque, with its distinctive golden dome and four minarets began life in the 6th century AD as the focal point of the Eastern Orthodox Church. It is now a museum. Across the Sultanahmet Park is the Blue Mosque, which takes its name from the stunning colour of its domed interior. We can also spend time in the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, to immerse ourselves in this fantastic east/west country.
A visit to Istanbul would be nothing without setting foot on a boat along the Bosphorus. We can pass under the bridge connecting Europe with Asia, and further afield see the palaces and villages that line the banks of this crucial seaway. We may also escape to the island of Büyükada, a much loved retreat in the Sea of Marmara, with a Greek monastery, great views and no cars. Another fine vantage point is from the heights of the Galata district, perhaps getting there on the unique underground funicular.
Topkapi Palace was the Sultan’s residence. We can wander through the vast complex of apartments, gardens and mosques, finishing with a tour of the harem. The Hippodrome was at the heart of Islamic and Byzantine society and we can see their artistic treasures at the Mosaic Museum and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art. But you’ll want to return to the souks, for the authentic feeling of an Eastern city in the west.
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| Dates and prices |
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| Sat 7 March 2009 |
6 |
£649 |
£445 |
| Sat 26 Sept 2009 |
6 |
£649 |
£445 |
| Sat 14 Nov 2009 |
6 |
£649 |
£445 |
Single room supplement: £23 per night
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| Travel to resort |
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Latest HF Holidays Flight Information - updated 05/09/2008 (provisional)
British Airways
Heathrow - Istanbul
Out 09:45 - 15:35
Return 16:35 - 18:50
Manchester flights: on request
Transfer: 30 mins by coach
Making Your Own Travel Arrangements
By Air: The most convenient airport is Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, located 23km west of Istanbul's old district. If you are booking your own flights, you may wish to consider one of the following options:
www.ba.com flights from Heathrow
www.thy.com Flights from Heathrow and Stansted.
Transfer to the city centre by subway or taxi, or join the HF Holidays' coach (€15 return).
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| Temperatures |
|
| March |
11°C |
3°C |
| September |
24°C |
16°C |
| November |
15°C |
9°C |
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| What the holiday includes |
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- Return economy class air (with flight).
- 6 nights' accommodation in double or twin-bedded en-suite rooms.
- Bed & Breakfast.
- Services of HF Holidays' leader.
- Detailed itineraries.
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