The Marmara, Istanbul

Advantages: Feels very different with only a 3 hour flight
Disadvantages: Not very restful - not a family holiday destination

...with a least one hot fresh item everyday, maybe a pancake or some 'eggy-bread'. The icing on the cake was the roof-top sundeck. From here, such magnificent buildings as the Sultan Ahmet Camii (aka The Blue Mosque) and The Aghia Sophia (St Sophia - latterly converted to a mosque, and now a museum) were easily seen, with a largely unrestricted view - The Blue Mosque was in fact only three hundred yards away, and didn't we know it, as the muezzin called the faithful to prayer at 5 a.m. every morning? The wide sweep of the neck of the Bosphorus as it widens into The Sea Of Marmara, and Asian Istanbul beyond completed the panorama. PLACES TO GO - PEOPLE TO SEE I don't suppose many first-time visitors to Istanbul would come away without a visit to The Blue Mosque. This is a magnificent structure, the second largest outside Mecca, I'm told... Read review

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Advantages: Istanbul is a very diverse city with endless cultural sights and beautiful landscapes. Food and nightlife are excellent and very different to the rest of Europe.
Disadvantages: Traffic is an absolute mess. It can be hard to find a park or green spot downtown. The souvenir dealers and "guides" in the touristic areas can be very annoying.

...historic centre, Galata and Beyoglu districts. Once you have crossed Galata Bridge, you enter a different world. No more great squares and splendid Ottoman architecture, instead there are small steep alleys, surrounded by medieval houses and remains of the old Genovese city walls. Indeed this quarter was built by Genovese salesmen in the 10th century and very much resembles a medieval European town. Half way up the hill to Beyoglu stands Galata Tower. This is my favourite spot in Istanbul, for it provides one of the most beautiful views in the whole world: a panoramic round view of the Bosphorus, the Marmara Sea, and the European and Asian parts of Istanbul. On a clear sunny day, you can see as far as to the Princes' Islands in the middle of the Marmara Sea. The view is most beautiful just before sunset, and you can finish your visit... Read review

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Advantages: Relaxing and quiet, beautiful views over Istanbul
Disadvantages: none - unless you don't like horses

...- What is it about the Princes' Islands ? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Princes' Islands are nine small islands that are located in the Marmara Sea opposite to the Asian side of the city of Istanbul. Bueyuekada (Big island) or Prinkipo as it is known is the biggest one, as the name already suggests, further inhabited islands are Heybeliada/Halki, Kinaliada/Proti and Burgazada/Purga. The history of the Princes' Islands is far less romantic than the name suggests and they became famous for being used as exiles for unwanted Byzantine successors to the throne, over-ambitious princes and emperors that needed to be disposed somewhere until nature took its course - sometimes with a little help... The latest chapter in this sad part of the history of this beautiful islands happened in 1960, after the military... Read review

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