Istanbul

About Istanbul

Everyone needs to see Turkey at least once: it’s Europe, it’s Asia, it’s intoxicatingly exotic and -considering all the sultan palaces around – geared for opulent comforts. Best is Istanbul, where wandering past spice shops in backlanes or under the minarets of 1500-year old mosques is like hitting a travel “refresh” button that gets even those who think they’ve seen it all wide-eyed. Many of the best hotels and sights (the famed bazaar) cluster in the more touristy Sultanahmet. But you have to cross the Golden Horn Bay to hilly Beyoglu to find where Istanbul parties. Start by walking downhill from Taksim Square on the mile-long pedestrian strip Istiklal Street, where jaw-dropping numbers of locals in headscarves or Armani stop into festive fish restaurants and alley bars and clubs (such as Babylon and Roxy). Rejuvenate yourself in steamy “Turkish baths” that date centuries, then sleep like a sultan, literally,in luxurious hotels throughout Istanbul, such as Çiragan Palace – a one-time sultan residence on the Bosphorus River. Much of Turkey’s finest sights are a quick flight away. Start with Bodrum, a lush seaside port bougainvillea-covered villas that looks something like a French Riviera town on the Aegean. Here you’ll find the tomb of the Persian king Mausolus, whose resting place “Mausoleum” is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – and the name behind fancy resting places worldwide. The top draw, however, is taking a day- or week-long private cruise to nearby coves, pebble beaches and fishing villages on motorized gulet boats. Trips are easily arranged and come with a captain and a cook who prepare fresh seafood as you laze on teak decks or in the air-conditioned cabins. Back on land, find your way to some of the Mediterranean’s best preserved ancient cities. The most popular is Ephesus, half way between Istanbul and Bodrum, where you can wander the 2000-year-old site, with ancient amphitheaters, libraries and rows of stone toilets – ! – still in tact. Past worlds meet seemingly alien worlds at Cappadocia, a couple hours inland by air. The mountainous region – a refuge of persecuted Christians 1800 years ago -is a lunar-like landscape of volcanic “cave” churches and homes that stand like phallic mushroom-topped outcrops of rock.

Transportation

Getting around Istanbul and Turkey can be tricky. Whether it’s the tons of traffic in the bustling city of Istanbul or the winding mountainous roads of Turkbuku, driving is difficult. Genuine Access can arrange a private car service (limo’s, Navigators, Mercedes, luxury buses). Private bodyguards are also available daily or just at night. We also offer exotic car rentals, along with motorcycle rentals in beach towns.

Genuine Access can arrange yacht and boat rentals to tour the coast of Turkey. We offer basic Gulets and world class yachts with a full crew, available for daily and weekly rentals.

Restaurants & Nightlife

If you love amazing nightlife and top notch restaurants, Istanbul is the place to be. Genuine Access will take care of all your restaurant and nightclub reservations. We make sure you always sit at a VIP table and never wait at in a line at the hottest club. Whether you desire an authentic Turkish meal at Hamdi Restaurant or amazing sushi at The Vogue overlooking the city, you will not be disappointed. Istanbul’s nightlife and clubs are constantly increasing. Don’t miss the beautiful Reina, Anjelique, or Sortie, all located outdoors, on the river. Your group should not miss Cahide Supper Club with extraordinary food and a Vaudeville show. Istanbul’s clubs tend to get very crowded and tough to enter. Genuine Access will make sure you are escorted past the lines, and sat at the best tables in the club.

• Pearl
• 360
• Banyan Seaside
• Sappire Bosphorus

Accommodations

Istanbul offers a wide variety of unique hotels, which are some of the best in world. Whether it’s the trendy Sofa in the Nesantasi district or the famous Kepinski Palace on the Bosphorus, Istanbul has it all. The discerning traveler should also visit The Four Seasons, which was once an old prison. No one will ever forget Midnight Express, which occurred at this prison. Turkbuku, dubbed the new St. Tropez, also offers a wide variety of quant boutique hotels. Don’t miss The Ada Hotel, Bianca, Ev Hotel, Mavi Suites, or the celebrity filled Maca Kizi. Genuine Access will arrange the best rooms in all of these hotels.

Activities

Istanbul offers a wide variety of activities for your group to enjoy. One of Istanbul’s biggest attractions is a tour of the old city. Rich in history and culture, our private tour guides will escort you VIP style into the main attractions. This include Topkapi, the sumptuous palace of the Ottoman sultans overlooking the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus; the delicately decorated Blue Mosque, the only mosque in the world with six minarets; the vast dome of Aya Sophia, built in 536 as a Byzantine cathedral, later a mosque and now a museum and, underground, the Yerebatan Sarayi, a vast Byzantine cistern supported by 336 Corinthian columns. Nearby, the commercial heart of the city, the Grand Bazaar, is still a captivating sight for shoppers and window-shoppers alike. Our guides will make sure you visit the best places in the Grand Bazaar, based on your shopping requests. Other activities include a Bosphorus boat tour, exotic car racing, helicopter tours, and fishing.

Turkbuku also offers a wide variety of activities, besides lounging at your private cabana at a beach club. Don’t miss a day trip on your own private Gulet (Boat), Day Parties at Amazing Clubs Like Bianca, Fishing, Water-Skiing, Jet Skiing, Hiking, or Wind Surfing.

 

Want more info? Click here