This year we had several clients flying via Istanbul to South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam.All of them praised Turkish Airlines, so we decided to use their services personally because there is nothing like first-hand experience. So in short - Turkish Airlines pleasantly surprised us and we can recommend them. In addition, we thought of trying a 'stop over' in Istanbul because ...

Istanbul is a fascinating city with a rich history, amazing architecture, delicious food and a unique mix of cultures. It has always been a commercial crossroads between East and West, between North and South, with influences from many cultures. There are many reasons to stop here. Perhaps for a few hours, if the flights are not consecutive. Your guide will be waiting for you at the airport and you will be able to see the highlights, and again take you to the airport to catch your next flight. The advantage is, among other things, that you check your luggage into your final destination so you don't have to worry about it at the stop, you don't need an entry visa (info is valid today, 4/13/2023 and you need to check the current situation with the Turkish Embassy), and instead of a long, boring wait at the airport, you spend this time in amazing Istanbul. You can also opt for a longer stopover, perhaps two or three days. Here are just some of the benefits of stopping in Istanbul:

1. Explore the city's history: Istanbul has a rich and varied history and you can visit many historical sites during your stopover. Among the 'must-see' sights are Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque (which is undergoing renovation and will open in May 2023), the Cisterna Basilica or Cisterna Basilica (the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns), Topkapi Palace (the residence of the Ottoman Sultans).
2. Istanbul is famous for its delicious cuisine and you can sample some of the city's most famous dishes such as kebabs, baklava and lokum, or 'Turkish delight'.
3. Soak up the atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar: The Grand Bazaar is home to one of the largest and oldest indoor markets in the world (dating back to 1461) with nearly 4,000 shops selling everything from textiles and jewellery to spices and souvenirs. It's a great place to wander for hours without shopping, or perhaps find unique gifts and souvenirs to take home.
4. Experience the city's vibrant culture: Istanbul is a city rich in culture, which you can experience by watching a traditional belly dance, a dervish performance or visiting a Turkish hammam.
5. You can go on a cruise on the Bosphorus: the Bosphorus is the strait that connects the Black Sea with the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Sea, separating Europe and Asia. In turn, three bridges and two metro lines connect the two continents. A cruise along its shores is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
6. Enjoy the nightlife: Istanbul has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs open until the early hours of the morning. You can enjoy the nightlife and experience the vibrant energy of the city.

We've experienced for ourselves that a stopover in Istanbul is a great way to either make a long trip more enjoyable, or to split it in two and experience a unique and fascinating city. Whether you have a couple of hours or a few days, there is plenty to see and do in Istanbul and we are happy to advise, help or arrange a 'turnkey' tour.