48 Hours in Istanbul

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Immediately I need to share my itinerary for 48 hours in Istanbul with you. This metropolis in Turkey sits on the border of Europe and Asia, and it has so much to supply on and across the Bosphorus. I’m right here as a visitor of 4 Seasons Motels and Resorts, and I’m excited to share this promoting function with you. I’ve included a map of my itinerary, too.

I’ve been invited to Istanbul to spend time at two 4 Seasons motels. One is correct on the Bosphorus, and the opposite is within the historic coronary heart of town. I’m trying ahead to staying at each on the identical journey.

I’m right here to expertise a few of the genuine ‘Do It Like A Native’ experiences 4 Seasons has to supply. They’ve created a variety of curated actions to offer friends with a real style of town.

From conventional Turkish baths to guided strolling excursions, they’ve lined a variety of issues guests can do and see. I can’t wait to find the highlights.

Day 1

I’m touring with a buddy, and we arrive in Istanbul at 5pm after a direct flight from London. As quickly as we step off the aircraft, we discover a person holding an indication with my identify and the 4 Seasons brand.

He greets us and whisks us off on a buggy to fast-track us by passport management. It’s a formidable begin to the journey.

Exterior baggage declare, he arms us off to our driver, who ferries us into Istanbul in a saloon automotive with comfy seats, a WiFi hotspot, and loads of water bottles to maintain us hydrated.

4 Seasons Resort Bosphorus

We arrive on the 4 Seasons Resort Bosphorus simply after dusk. The resort has graciously put us up in a collection with views over the water. With a grand bed room, a front room, and two loos, there’s sufficient house for us to unfold out and settle in.

After unpacking our luggage, we head downstairs to dinner. We’re eating at Yali Lounge, a waterfront restaurant with glass partitions and gorgeous views of the boats outdoors.

For dinner we tuck into a global feast. We begin with sushi, then work our manner by all the pieces from grilled rock sea bass to slow-cooked lamb tandir. It’s all scrumptious, and it units the tone for a superb journey.

Day 2

The subsequent morning we proceed our 48 hours in Istanbul with a spectacular dawn and a leisurely breakfast on the resort’s huge buffet.

The Spa

Subsequent we head to The Spa. With excessive ceilings and marble columns surrounding the pool, it’s one of the stunning spas I’ve been to in a very long time. Add to {that a} sizzling tub and a steam room, and it’s onerous to beat.

We’ve been provided a hammam remedy, one of many ‘Do It Like A Native’ experiences. After taking a dip we head right into a marble room to get a scrub by the resort’s knowledgeable therapists. Our pores and skin feels nice afterwards, and we really feel able to see extra of Istanbul.

Land Shuttle

We take a look at of our suite and board the 4 Seasons land shuttle. This complimentary van service transports passengers from the 4 Seasons Resort Bosphorus to the 4 Seasons Resort Sultanahmet a number of occasions a day.

4 Seasons Resort Sultanahmet

As soon as in Sultanahmet, we verify into our room on the 4 Seasons there. The resort is uniquely housed in a former jail, however our suite seems like something however a cell. It has stunning decor, views of the inside courtyard, and plenty of house to calm down.

After getting settled in, we head to lunch at Lingo Lingo. This informal restaurant presents a choice of world dishes in a classy ambiance. We order a variety of small plates to share, then select decadent pastries from the resort’s in-house candy store for dessert.

Tour of Istanbul

After lunch we head off on a non-public tour of Istanbul the resort has provided us. Together with our information, we’re excited to wander by the labyrinthine streets of the historic metropolis and uncover hidden gems, historic secrets and techniques, and timeless tales.

Our first cease is the Hagia Sophia. This beautiful Byzantine church-turned-mosque is superb to see. As our information takes us round and factors out the necessary creative and historic parts, I maintain enthusiastic about what number of centuries they’ve endured.

This place is fascinating with its mix of Byzantine Christian and Ottoman Muslim spiritual imagery and decor.

From the Hagia Sophia, we stroll over to the Blue Mosque. It’s identified for its gorgeous domed ceiling, which has us trying up the entire time we’re inside. The intricate designs and patterns are mesmerizing, and we need to stare at all of them night.

However we now have extra to see. Our information leads us down a number of streets to get to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. The minute we stroll inside, we embark on a journey of the senses.

There are gold necklaces, silver platters, gem-studded containers, and spices throughout.

We flip a nook and see scarves in each shade, stacks of shiny bowls, tall cones of spices, turkish delight, and different issues that dazzle our eyes.

Forging deeper into the Grand Bazaar, we discover ourselves in a labyrinth of antiques sellers. It opens into a large stretch of stalls promoting keychains, necklaces, coasters, and trinkets with the large blue, white, and black eye that by no means stops watching us as we make our manner by the market.

We stroll again out into the evening and emerge from the Grand Bazaar on sensory overload. Our information takes us round to a number of different factors of curiosity, together with Sultanahmet Sq. and a e book market.

On the finish she reveals us into a store that sells all the pieces from natural teas to Turkish Delight. We purchase some, solely to appreciate later we’ve paid over 8 occasions the value we might have paid within the markets (30 kilos for a small bag of tea is pricey even by London requirements). It’s the one disappointment of the journey.

Dinner

After the tour we head again to the 4 Seasons Resort Sultanahmet for dinner. We settle in at AVLU, the resort’s essential restaurant. Set in a glassed-in room within the inside courtyard, it serves fashionable Anatolian delicacies with a up to date aptitude.

We get pleasure from all the pieces from pan roasted Black Sea turbot to slow-cooked duck tirit and a dessert that’s so fairly we really feel responsible consuming it. It’s an ideal finish to our day in Istanbul.

Day 3

The subsequent morning we get pleasure from breakfast at AVLU earlier than heading out for a free day of exploring the previous city.

Previous City

We begin on the Topkapi Palace. I toured it on my final journey to Istanbul, however we solely have time to walk by the gardens on this go to.

The palace is nothing lower than sprawling Ottoman opulence at its best, and even the gardens are spectacular.

After strolling alongside the paths, we make our manner over to the Basilica Cistern. We purchase tickets on the counter, head underground, and journey again in time to Sixth-century Byzantium.

The house itself is otherworldly. Its excessive arches are supported by Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns, and the low gentle and sculptures add a surreal impact.

As we stroll alongside the platform, we come to the 2 mysterious Medusa heads within the cistern. One is the other way up, and the opposite on its facet.

After touring the Basilica Cistern, we proceed our 48 hours in Istanbul by strolling to the spice market.

Just like the Grand Bazaar, it’s dwelling to a giant central corridor lined with distributors promoting each spice conceivable. As well as, we discover teas, sweets, and different mouth-watering delights.

After looking the market, we begin making our solution to the 4 Seasons Resort Sultanahmet. We cease at a neighborhood restaurant for a fast lunch, then head again to our room to pack up.