X! Istanbul Travel Journal

28/04/2014

In 1883, what was to become the iconic Orient Express train pulled out of Paris' Gare de l'Est on its maiden voyage to Istanbul, or Constantinople as it was known at the time.

10/05/2013

by Xavier Augustin, Founder and CEO, X! Travel Club

27/10/2012

27/10/2012

BEST PLACES TO EAT: Sur Balik for its sea food. It has 3 branches in Istanbul. This one in the picture is in the Bebek area.

27/10/2012

The best and the most luxurious Turkish Hamam is the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam. It is located in the Sultanemet area right opposite the grand mosques.

27/10/2012

The Çemberlitas Hamam is the oldest Hamam and also the most affordable. Some may not agree with the hygienic levels or the large groups of tourists. But if you are looking for a Turkish bath experience without the guilt of spending too much - the Cemberlitas Bath it is.

27/10/2012

India which constructed the international airport gets a separate queue but not in a special way exactly :). Apart from this poor reception, the rest of the journey is worth it.

27/10/2012

Check out: Arus Art Gallery formerly Sufi Art Gallery in the Grand Bazaar for authentic paintings. Many of the miniatures artwork comes from Jaipur. Ask for Huseyin, the owner or Onur. Tel: +90212 528 2856.

27/10/2012

The best bookstore: Galeri Kayseri offers a selected range of books on Istanbul, Turkey, Oriental and Islamic art. Many of them are collectibles.

27/10/2012

26/10/2012

Dolmabahçe Palace: Don't come back without visiting the Dolmabahce Palace. It was the last palace of the Ottaman Sultans. It is also the most beautiful palace I have ever seen. The Buckingham does not even come close. What it changed for me was how I perceived the harem. The harem at the end of it all is the residence of the future king - since the prince is born to one of the women groomed in this section of the household.
section of the household.

26/10/2012