Travel Agent Drumcondra

Last December on a cold and snowy day I left Dublin Airport bound for Istanbul - where the " West meets West ". We flew courtesy of Turkish Airlines direct service to Istanbul a journey of over 4 hours and I must say that it was very comfortable it was indeed.

Turkish hospitality is alive and well aboard their modern aircraft and you are treated to a full complimentary meal & drinks service from its smiling, attentive and not to mention professional crew. As we were part of a small group the arrival into Istanbul was smooth and easy to navigate. Once I received the necessary tourist visa (@ €15 Euros) I was free to explore this wonderfully exotic destination with other my other like minded travel companions.

After our short transfer we arrived at our downtown city accommodation, the Madison Hotel in the main tourist area of Takism. After a quick look around we were anxious to see our new destination at nighttime so headed out to a local bar for something to eat and drink, you are spoilt for choices of places to go in Istanbul and every taste is catered for.

Next day we had a full day lined up to see all the major sights including the infamous " Blue Mosque " & the beautiful Topkapi Palace and its grounds, lovers of all things cultural will fail to be less than impressed with what is on offer in this city. The city was awarded the European Capital of Culture 2010.

Our afternoon involved some hotel inspections to familiarise ourselves with the high standards of accommodation on offer and now feel I am fully up to speed on what to offer my clients.

On our third day our local and highly knowledgeable guide took us to the famous Grand Bazaar, this is not for the faint hearted this is shopping almost underground in style and in a maze of tunnels. Everything from spices to precious metals and jewellery are all on offer and to be bantered for in this amazing shopping experience. Each turn leads to different things and you are sure to part with some currency or a lot depending on your shopping habits - Just remember you have to get those beautiful items back to Ireland in one piece!!

Traditional Turkish delight was offered to us in one place and the real thing is utterly delicious and a must have gift for family and friends back home just be sure to get the real thing." Cikita “is the brand I tasted & recommend!

On our fourth & final day in the city we had some free time, so myself and a work colleague decided to do a spot of our own main street shopping again which was just within walking distance from our hotel. You could be forgiven for thinking you are in any city in Europe as the recognised brands and shops do feel familiar but what is different is the choice and the style aswell as the low prices.

Tired and weary after our purchases we relaxed in a local wine bar and watched the locals rush by. Our last evening in this magical city was held at the Richmond Hotel where we had dinner on the roof terrace which was covered as the weather was not quite alfresco dining weather just yet, I could imagine Istanbul in Spring or Summer and relaxing in this major cosmopolitan city.

Everyone is catered for in this remarkable city and whether it is for a short trip or a stop off on route to another long haul destination, Istanbul sure ticks all the boxes for me & I hope you take the opportunity to experience this for yourself!!

Call or email me anytime to hear more. Lastly I would like to thanks Turkish Airlines for kindly sponsoring the trip in particular its Irish staff Irwin & Ozlem for really looking after our group. I know all the people, companies and hoteliers in Istanbul will be only delighted to recreate our experience for you.