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As the clock ticks towards midnight, adventurers gather in designated launch areas, often near the picturesque banks of the Bosphorus. The excitement is palpable as the balloons slowly fill and rise, glowing against the night sky. Once airborne, you’ll be treated to a stunning vista of Istanbul’s twinkling lights and historic landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, set against the backdrop of the serene Bosphorus Strait.
The calm and serenity of gliding through the air contrast beautifully with the vibrant celebrations happening below. Toast to the New Year with a glass of champagne as you float above one of the world’s most enchanting cities. The experience is as romantic as it is exhilarating, making it perfect for couples and families alike.
As the balloons gently descend after the stroke of midnight, you’ll land with a heart full of memories. This unique New Year’s experience showcases Istanbul’s beauty from a rare perspective and promises to be a highlight of your holiday season.
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]]>Topkapı Palace
Once the home of regal Ottoman sultans, Topkapı Palace is renowned for its stunning gardens, royal courtyards, and sacred rooms such as the treasury and Library of Ahmet III. Of course, with so many attractions in one place, Topkapı Palace is home to an array of photo-worthy spots.
Kapalı Çarşı
Popularly known as the Grand Bazaar, this is a shopping haven, filled with world-renown designer stores. Still, there are plenty of local treasures to buy in Kapalı Çarşı, ranging from clothing to rugs and jewelry.
Blue Mosque
One thing that defines the Istanbul landscape is the towering mosques. Arguably the most famous is the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. With its impressive blue tiling, this grandiose mosque is certainly a sight to behold. Of course, this mosque has a rich history that is ready to be explored.
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]]>The post If You Love Baklava, You Have to Visit This Turkish Hotel appeared first on Traveler Master.
]]>Yet, if you venture to the Shangri-La Bosphorus Hotel in Istanbul, you would be entirely forgiven for giving Turkey the honor.
The 5-star hotel offers guests a Baklava Butler Experience which they can redeem with an ornate key received upon arrival. Presenting the key to the staff at the Lobby Lounge or IST TOO restaurant unlocks a journey that begins with a portion of classic baklava that is served alongside Turkish Maraş ice cream made from clotted cream.
The baklava is filled with pistachios and comes from a bakery in Gaziantep which is considered the birthplace of the crispy pastry.
The bakery has been around since 1949, but the family who runs it has been in the baklava business since 1843. Now operated by Karaköy Güllüoglu, he is the 5th generation of his family to do so.
They ship around the world, but Shangri-La guests who partake in the Baklava Butler Experience will be personally chauffeured to the bakery and engage in a two-hour workshop where they will learn all the tricks of the trade.
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]]>Ethnography Museum of Ankara
Built in 1928, this museum houses and displays some of the most precious artifacts that have been discovered throughout Turkish civilization. From traditional garments to Ottoman glasswork, vintage rugs, and even the sarcophagus of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, there are plenty of historical treasures to behold at the Ethnography Museum of Ankara.
Roman Baths
At its height, the Roman Empire spread its influence across the Mediterranean – Turkey being no exception. On your next visit, you can see the Roman baths, built between 212 and 217 AD, which are exhibited in the format of an open-air museum.
CerModern
Here’s one for auto and locomotive lovers. CerModern is an old railway factory that now houses a range of art installations, sculptures, and photography. There is also a museum store, a lounge, a library, and an outdoor sculpture park, not to mention yoga classes.
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]]>Turkish Airlines
If your layover in Turkey is longer than six hours, then Turkish Airlines will offer you the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary tour of the mystical city of Istanbul. Touristanbul provides an array of tours of different lengths and itineraries, each of which consists of breathtaking hotspots and delicious local cuisine.
Singapore Airlines
If you happen to be catching a flight that stops over for more than five and a half hours in Singapore, then Singapore Airlines will be happy to provide you with a complimentary two-and-a-half-hour tour of your liking. There’s the Changi Precinct Tour, City Sights Tour, Jewel Walking Tour, and Heritage Tour, each of which can be viewed from the airline’s website.
Gulf Air
If your flight layover in Bahrain lasts more than seven hours, then you might be entitled to Gulf Air’s transit package. This includes hotel accommodation, a free entry visa, and the ability to book a stopover tour of your choice. You’ll also receive airport transfer so that you don’t have to worry about missing your flight.
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]]>The post The Most Gorgeous Places That’ll Make You Feel Like You’re in a Dream appeared first on Traveler Master.
]]>Cappadocia, Turkey
Located in the south-central part of Turkey, this region is known for its very unique geographical formations that look like cones and are made out of soft tufa rock—colloquially called “fairy-chimneys.” The region is full of underground cities and winding cave systems from medieval times. And all of these features are best viewed from the basket of a hot-air balloon—tours are offered all over the region and are a must-do here.
Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil
On the Northeastern coast of Brazil, the national park of Lençóis Maranhenses is made up of rolling sand dunes across 383,000 acres. In the rainy seasons, the valleys between the dunes fill with fresh water, creating lagoons and an incredible visual landscape unlike anything you’ve probably seen before. And you can even go surfing, canoeing, and horseback riding along this beautiful place.
Socotra Island, Yemen
A little island located along the Arabian Sea, this UNESCO Natural Heritage site is full of gorgeous white sand dunes and fantastically blue lagoons. One of the most interesting sights to see on this island has to be the trees. Both the dragon’s blood tree and the flowering bottle tree are two of the unique species that only grows on this island.
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]]>Best Time to Visit
The best months to visit are from March to May and between September and November. Room rates are average, the temperatures are between the 60s and 70s, and the crowds are manageable. The peak season is from June to August and the prices are more expensive due to the increased demand. December through February are the cheapest time to visit, but it’s rainy and snowy.
How to Get Around
Buses and trams are the best way to get around the city and they cover the touristy areas. Be aware that there are no maps inside the buses and drivers don’t announce the stops, so you’ll need to know where you are headed. Another option is the metro, but the stops are farther apart and aren’t ideal for sightseeing. Don’t drive in Istanbul because the road signs are in Turkish and accidents happen often.
Where to Stay
Raffles Istanbul
The location of this 5-star hotel can’t be beaten—it’s situated above the Bosphorus and Zorlu’s shopping, dining, and entertainment megaplex are connected to the hotel. The rooms come with butler service, walk-in closets, private balconies, and bathrooms with marble tubs and showers. There’s also a spa, multiple restaurants, swimming pools, and a kids club.
Çiragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
This former Ottoman Empire palace will have you feeling like royalty while you enjoy amazing views of the Bosphorus. The rooms have traditional Turkish decor and they overlook Yildiz Park or the sea. The 5-star hotel has a spa with many treatments, a hammam, a fitness center, a sauna, and an outdoor infinity pool. There are also three restaurants and many of the top attractions are within three miles.
Sirkeci Mansion
Just steps from Topkapi Palace Museum and the Istanbul Archaeological Museums sits Sirkeci Mansion, a 4.5-star hotel. The hotel has immersive experiences like free Turkish cooking classes and weekly guided walks through the city. There is also complimentary meze in the hotel’s living room, Turkish baths, Neyzade Restaurant, a fitness center, a heated swimming pool, and a sauna.
What to Do
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
Sultan Ahmed I’s Blue Mosque has been around since the early 1600s and was built to rival the nearby Hagia Sophia. The mosque has stunning architecture both inside and out including an array of domes, semidomes, and minarets (narrow towers).
Hagia Sophia Museum (Ayasofya Müzesi)
Hagia Sophia Museum attracts tons of visitors because of its gorgeous architecture, beautiful interior views, and historical significance. The attraction was built between 532 and 537 and it was a church for nearly a thousand years before serving as a mosque and then becoming a secular museum. It was once the biggest cathedral in the world and it’s a great depiction of Byzantine architecture.
Grand Bazaar (Kapaliçarsi)
Located within walking distance of the most famous sites, the Grand Bazaar is one of the biggest and oldest covered shopping markets in the world. There are 60 streets of 5,000-plus shops with a wide range of products. You’ll find everything you could possibly think of here.
What to Eat
Meze
Meze (appetizers) are a staple in Istanbul and some of the best are fava (mashed broad beans), köpoğlu (fried eggplant cubes with a tomato and yogurt sauce), muhammara (a dip made from red pepper paste, lemon juice, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses).
Simit
This bagel-like bread covered with sesame seeds can be found on almost every street corner and it can be eaten plain or at breakfast.
Kebap
There are tons of varieties of kebap including spicy and non-spicy hand kneaded seasoned lamb meat, ground beef or lamb wrapped in lavas bread and topped with yogurt and tomato sauce, and grillled seasoned cubes of lamb or chicken meat.
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]]>The post Sultanahmet is One Can’t-Miss Neighborhood in Instanbul appeared first on Traveler Master.
]]>One of the most famous buildings you will probably find in Sultanahmet is the Hagia Sophia. The Hagia Sophia has lived many lives; it was once a church, then it turned into a mosque, and now it’s actually a museum! Obviously from the outside seeing it your breath will literally get taken away, but go inside and see all the Byzantine mosaics and you will really lose it.
The Blue Mosque is another famous landmark that you have to visit when you’re in Sultanahmet. What a lot of people don’t know is that it still actually functions as a mosque, which is incredible considering it was built in the early 17th century!
If you’re a foodie who also loves history, stick around in Sultanahmet and have a meal at Balıkçı Sabahattın. This restaurant has been around for almost 100 years and opened only 4 years after the creation of modern-day Turkey. It’s such an iconic place and also serves up incredible Turkish food.
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]]>A’jia Hotel
Located on the Asian side of Bosphorus at Kanlıca, this hotel is perfect for couples who want a romantic vacation. For a real treat, book the Bosphorus Pasha Suite, which has a sunlit private terrace. Other amenities include rose petals across the bed, a candlelit bath, and a private luxury yacht.
Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet
This hotel, located in the Old City of Istanbul, is between the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. There are 61 rooms that are adorned with mother-of-pearl-furniture, original artwork, rich marble, silk Tabriz carpets, bespoke tile work, and hand-painted ceilings.
Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamis Marina Hotel
This hotel on the European side across the road from Kalamış Marina is a five-star hotel that’s perfect for those on a budget that still want luxury. There are seven dining options, a full-service spa, and rooftop and courtyard pools.
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]]>Serdar-i Ekrem
Serdar-i Ekrem, a little cobblestone street near the historic Galata Tower, has lots of cute boutiques, quirky antiques, and amazing restaurants.
Çukurcuma Caddesi
Istanbul’s main antique street, the neoclassical houses in the neighborhood give the street a nostalgic feel. Make sure you visit the Museum of Innocence while strolling the streets.
İstiklal Caddesi
This street which runs from Taksim Square to Tünel Square is always crowded and it’s one of the city’s main shopping streets. You’ll find international names, arcades, and the Beyoğlu Balık Pazarı open-air market.
Abdi İpekçi Caddesi
Known for it’s luxury, the Nişantaşı neighborhood has showrooms of local designers and world-famous brand boutiques. You’ll find Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Turkey’s luxury brands Vakko and Beymen.
Bağdat Caddesi
Bağdat Caddesi has something for everyone with stores ranging from Burberry to Marks & Spencers. You’ll be just a few blocks from the seaside, so when you finish shopping you can head to the water.
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