Istanbul,Turkey
 

We are going to Istanbul in April and would like some hotel suggestions.and, what sites must be seen in Turkey. We are active seniors but can't see everything everyone recommends. Thanks for your help!

We stayed at the Hotel Hali. The Rick Steves book on Istanbul is excellent.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7622934223233/

You need to give us more information. What are your interests, how much time do you have, will you be renting a car,etc...

We stayed at the Witt Istanbul Hotel and loved it. Large room with a kitchenette, big bathroom, great location, breakfast included. If you like to eat, check out the walking food tour run by Istanbul Eats (istanbuleats.com). It was a lot of fun.

There is a 40 day 40 night shopping festival in Istanbul from mid march to end of April. So it is a good idea to make your hotel reservations as soon as possible.

The hotels in the sultanahmet area are good for sightseeing in the historic area, because most sights will be within reasonably easy walking distance.

The Bosphorus will be terrific because of the views, the restaurants, bars and clubs.

Taksim-Cihangir area will be interesting as the wildly beating heart of a city of maybe 15 million people.

Check Trip Advisor for hotels but be careful regarding self-advertising and solicited reviews. (usually, i disregard reviewers with only one or two reviews or other posts)

For visiting other areas of the country, it will be best to see and read what is doable from the trip reports on Turkey.

To agree with OC, having been a couple of years ago, I have now taken to reading trips reports here on Turkey. There have been quiet a few good ones lately.

If I had to pick three or four 'areas', Istanbul - Cappadocia - Ephesus - Turquoise Coast

Turkey is a wonderful place to visit Don't miss Ephesus-it is the site you will remember for the rest of your life. Get a travel agency in Turkey to arrange a flight, hotel on the coast, and a driver and guide to take you there. You can also see Pergamon and Aphrodisias from the coast.

Good luck!

Yes, more information, please. I can't imagine going to Turkey and not experiencing Cappadocia. It's an easy flight from Istanbul and the history and geography are unparalleled, in my opinion. And as Michel suggests, do spend some time reading some of the trip reports on this forum; they will give you some ideas.

Wherever you go in the country, you'll love Turkey and its people!

Ellen

We had great luck with Backpackers Tours...The quide was Deliet (?Spelling) a very charming and enthusiastic young lady. Stayed @ Tash Konak..very nice and reasonable, great brkfst and surprisingly tasty grilled fish dinner (10E).I may have sent a reply saying Hello Istanbul but I meant Backpackers....Sorry..Elder person who is computer illiterate!!! Also check out Hello Ephesus for tour --Do not miss Ephesus..really an awesome experience!

Another comment..check out web site turkey travel planner..Very informative..

We stayed at a relatively new hotel called the Tan in the Sultanahmet. The price was reasonable, the staff accommodating, and the rooms clean and updated.

Cappadocia is a must. Esbelli Evi is a wonderful places to stay. Everything is done for the convenience and comfort of the guests. Only draw back is that there is many stairs to a room since the owner has united 23 different properties to make his hotel.

We stayed at the Daphne in Sultanahmet which was a small boutique hotel. The workers are very friendly, they have a shuttle to take you back and forth to the airport (just let them know) and the views from the roof are spectacular. They also have a breakfast included with the room price. I would highly recommend it.

For things to see---- Istanbul itself can take up a week of your time! There's so much to see in that one city (Topkapi, Bosphorous cruise, many mosques including the Blue Mosque/Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia, Roman/Byzantine sights, plenty of shopping at the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaars. Get a good guide book (we used lonely planet) and there's a list of so many places just in Istanbul.

If you want to venture outside of Istanbul (easy to do with affordable domestic flights) then go to Epheseus. We also went for a drive along the coast but not sure if that'll be pleasant in April. If it is, Kaya Koy/Fethiya area is beautiful with so much natural beauty.

Have fun! You'll love Turkey!

look at this website to compare prices too
http://www.istanbulcityhotels.com

Has anyone advice for an escorted Turkey/Greece tour? My husband and I plan to go in fall. Or do you think both countries are doable without a tour group?
MaureenQ

Turkey/Athens escorted tour groups. Is doable on our own?
MaureenW

I cannot say about greece but turkey is definitely doable on your own, if you are willing to spend some time on the net and buy a map and a guide book beforehand.

DIY will provide a great deal of flexibility, escape from being herded everywhere and better meals.

Just check some of the previous trip reports on the turkey forums and post your questions.

Hi Maureen

Can I suggest you post your question seperately. As a courtesy to OP and also to elicit the most responses :)