24 hours in IstanbullPlanetSKI has been skiing in Russia and on the way back our content editor stopped off in Istanbul for a day. We never thought we'd have a city review on a ski web site, but we have now...
Earlier this month we were reporting from Sochi in Russia, home to the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.
We were travelling with Crystal, the only British Tour Operator to offer package holidays to the area.
The flights, with Turkish Airlines, go via Istanbul so a stop over seemed like a good plan.
It turned out to be more than a good plan.
Much better.
It is possible to see the blue mosque, Hippodrom, the Theodosius Obelisk, the Dolmmabahce Palace, the covered bazaar and the spice market.
Here's a photo gallery of 24 hours in Istanbul.
Sunrise over Asia
Fishermen at dawn
Europe to the left, Asia to the right
"
Sultanahmet Mosque
Inside the Sultanahmet Mosque
Security is necessary
The Grand Bazaar
Inside the Grand bazaar
Turkish delight
Getting spicy
Boats on the Bosphorus
I had always wanted to visit the sights and soak up the atmosphere of the point on the globe where easy meets west as Europe and Asia come together across The Bosphorus" said James Cove.
"It's not often I forgo a day's skiing to look round a city but this was a chance not to be missed and I also stayed in the best hotel in the city, the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel."
Royalty, old shieks, billionaires and pop stars have stayed there including The King of Spain, Bono, Oprah Winfrey, Pele and reportedly the Pope though the hotel would not confirm The Pontiff's stay.
It costs a cool €30,000 per night. Thouhg when asked if there's a disocunt for a last minute booking the managements said they night reduce it to €20,000. It is occpuied 45% of the time.
And here's what they get for their money.
Well could you?
The life of luxury
Bath or pool?
Reception room
If you do go to Sochi our recommendation at PlanetSKI is DO NOT miss out on the chance to visit Istanbul. Even if you can't quite afford 5* luxury.
Gateway to Asia
For the spirit of the mountains
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