Category Archives: Turkey

Istanbul: City of Empires

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We spoke to travel experts, I Wanna Go There about Istanbul and they told us five things everyone should know before a visit to the beautiful and diverse Turkish capital.

1. “If the earth was a single state, Istanbul would be its capital” said Napoleon Bonaparte. Istanbul was once the capital city of the world’s largest empires: Byzantium, Roman and Ottoman. This fascinating history is evident in every corner of the city today.

2. Istanbul is one of the world’s largest cities with over 13 million inhabitants, creating an incredible harmony of cultures.

3. Istanbul can be expensive, unless you have the knack of… bargaining! In a simple shoe-shop, in the gold bazaar and even in a taxi, you can bargain the price down.

4. Life never stops… There is always somewhere to go, someone to talk to and something to eat, no matter what the time is.

5. If you are interested in Turkish cuisine, Istanbul is the place to be. There’s a wide variety of restaurants representing all kinds of tastes. And you can’t leave without having a complimentary cup of Turkish tea. Continue reading →

Splendia Choice: Pera Palace Hotel, Istanbul

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Our choice hotel this month is the lavish and historical Pera Palace in Istanbul, a hotel combining heritage and modernity in one of our favourite cities in the world.

In a cultural gem such as Istanbul, a hotel that incorporates the city’s rich historical heritage will enhance your experience of the city even more. The Pera Palace opened in 1895 as the place where Orient Express passengers would stay when they stopped off in Istanbul. It was a place home to many firsts – the first and only building with electricty other than the Ottoman Palaces – and is today classified as a ‘museum hotel’.

Located in the old European district, it is in the heart of Istanbul’s shopping and nightlife centre. The hotel has been recently renovated in decor in keeping with late 19th century Istanbul style: flowing fabrics, precious white marble and Murano glass chandeliers. The building has long been a symbol of the urban culture of the city.  Continue reading →