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Byzantium , Constantinople and now Istanbul . A destination that might not make it on to many a city break traveller’s list under the illusion that it is too far away or too “foreign” to merit a short break. Nothing is further from the truth. Flight time from the UK is around 4 hours and the number of direct flights is increasing. At present you can book an Istanbul city break from Heathrow, Stansted, Luton and Manchester airports but as the city gains in popularity as a city break destination it is hopeful more routes will commence.
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Only 20 years have passed since the end of military rule and rather like Prague or Budapest, the city is newly emerged from decades of political isolationism and it now seems like Istanbul is making up for lost time. This is a vibrant, exciting city break. Don’t come here to relax. Come her to be part of the city’s ever changing history, to shop in the Grand Bazaar, (often claimed to be the world’s oldest shopping centre), to haggle with the carpet sellers, to dance until dawn or just take in the astonishing beauty of a city spread over seven hills and surrounded on three sides by water.
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As a city break specialist, Cities Direct can offer you amazing deals on short breaks to Istanbul . We have negotiated some excellent rates with a selection of quality hotels across the city and as many of our reservations team have visited the city we can personally recommend a hotel to suit the style and budget of your city break. When it comes to value for money and good location the 4 star Orient Express would be a great choice for your Istanbul city break. Located in Sirkeci, the historical part of the city, this hotel is just a short walk from the major tourist sights. As its name suggests, the hotel is themed on the Orient Express train which used to finish its European journey in Istanbul.
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The hotel bar is even decorated in the style of one of the train carriages. For those on a tighter budget but not wishing to compromise on quality we can also recommend the Ilkay Hotel for your Istanbul city break. Offering a simple charm and great value for money, the Ilkay Hotel is a great way to experience the delights of Istanbul's sights and sounds. On a city break location is always important and the Ilkay Hotel will not disappoint. Centrally located in the popular area of Sultanahmet, the many attractions to be seen are all within a few minutes walk, whilst the hotel itself offers a cosy retreat where a small café bar and traditional restaurant further compliment the hotel's overall appeal. Rooms are simply furnished and compact offering clean well maintained accommodation.
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If you still need convincing on the merits of Istanbul as a short break destination, then consider the fact you can cross to Europe to Asia in one brief 15 minute ferry crossing. (How impressive to say to friends that you went to Asia for the weekend!) On your Istanbul city break you are sure to want to explore both the European and Asian sides of the city. The European side of Istnabul is the historical peninsula, also know as the “ Golden Horn” because of the colours of the water at sunset. Wooden Byzantine and Ottoman houses, churches and synagogues fill the streets in the old walled city and the large natural port which has seen much use since Byzantine and ottoman times is still as busy and popular today. It is from the port that the ferries depart to the Asian side of Istanbul. It is on this side of the city that some of the oldest history of Istanbul can be found. If you enjoy history on your city breaks, this area is a must for you to explore as this culturally rich area gives a wonderful view on its history.
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