Chic, romantic and mystical, Istanbul offers a unique combination of ancient city and swinging modern metropolis. You’ll find a great art scene, happening nightlife, trendy boutiques, eateries and cafes. Enhancing the aura of mystery and glamour is Topkapi Palace with its dazzling jewel collection, the city’s old historic sites and a tented 550-year old Grand Bazaar with thousands of booths selling everything from rugs, fabrics, shawls and ceramics to gold jewelry. 

A visit to the famed Hagia Sofia with its striking dome and massive Byzantine design will leave you spellbound. The iconic Blue Mosque with six minarets and striking blue tiles is a sight to behold. No trip is complete without a stop at a Hammam, aka a Turkish Bath, where men and women in separate areas are washed from head to toe in steamy rooms. This invigorating cleanse is followed by a gentle massage. 

This year there are even more reasons to visit this enchanting locale:

New For 2022

The MICHELIN Guide makes its Istanbul debut on October 11, 2022 when the coveted restaurant selection will be unveiled. Istanbul’s gastronomic scene is rooted in a rich culinary tradition, featuring a wide array of delectable mezzes, salads, dolmas, local fish, meat and tasty desserts – true Turkish delights.

The Peninsula Istanbul, located in the city’s historic Karaköy district, will debut later this year. This will be the exciting first step in a new waterfront revitalization project called Galataport that will contain a promenade, new museums, art galleries, restaurants and more along the banks of the Bosphorus. The hotel will feature 177 opulent guest rooms and suites, an array of concept restaurants, spa and shopping arcade.
www.peninsula.com/en/istanbul

The imperial 5-star Ciragan Palace Kempinski, former home of the Ottoman Sultans and the epitome of grandeur, right on the Bosphorus with spectacular views, stylish outdoor pool, top eateries and a sumptuous hammam is undergoing renovations, slowly – so as not to disturb guests. The refresh of the exquisite rooms and suites showcasing elegant antiques, plush furnishings, grand bathrooms, gorgeous marble and splendid crystal chandeliers is expected to be completed by December 2023. During this period everything will be open with service as usual. www.kempinski.com

The Istanbul Biennale scheduled this September 17th to the 20th is sure to be an extravanganza. The full schedule hasn’t been announced yet but the festival is a cornerstone of the arts in Istanbul. Many talented local artists, filmmakers and musicians will be taking part in this long -standing creative tradition.
https://bienal.iksv.org/en 

Theatre Aficionados Delight! 

Turkey’s ancient Laodicean Theater just hosted its first performance after 1,690 years of silence – following the completion of its restoration. The İzmir State Symphony Orchestra performed a concert for nearly 15,000 people at the theater’s re-opening ceremony. The ancient city is one of the largest and most important archaeological sites in Turkey.

Wellness Options

In addition to the impressive spas and Turkish Baths, Turkey attracts many seeking to visit its famed thermal springs and healing waters. Afyon (Afyonkarahisar) and the neighboring cities are regarded as one of Turkey’s premier spa centers. And The Black Sea region’s plateaus (yaylas) offer scenic waterfalls and mountains where travelers can relax and rejuvenate amid glorious nature. 

Add on a visit to…

Picturesque Bordrum, Turkey’s popular seaside locale with beautiful natural light where traditional wooden gulets and modern yachts offer trips along the turquoise coast to secluded beaches and inlets; Ephesus and Izmir’s ancient ruins; and Cappadocia – expecting record visitors this year with its fairy chimneys, underground cities, surreal landscape; luxury cave hotels and famed hot air balloon rides – you’ll have an itinerary guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning palate. www.goturkiye.com 

How To Go

Turkish Airlines offers direct service from major US cities to their hub in Istanbul with a wide ranging international network. Connections are easy in Istanbul, where visitors can enjoy their award winning Business Class Lounge and impressive Istanbul Airport, designed to be an oasis of relaxation with passenger comfort a top priority. On board, guests enjoy seamless service from a friendly professional crew. Business class features spacious seats that turn into comfy lie flat beds and superb amenities including fine dining with their famed Flying Chefs. Additionally, as of this June, Turkish Airlines will provide uninterrupted Internet with their new “Gate to Gate” System, which used to be activated only when the aircraft was above 10,000 feet. Turkish Airlines launched its newest gateway, Seattle, WA in March 2022.