Istanbul is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of the Orient and the Occident, with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Standing on the shores of the Bosporus, the narrow strait where the waters of the Black Sea mingle with those of the Sea of Marmara, Istanbul is also divided by the Golden Horn. Surrounded by water, the city guards the precious remains of the empires of which she has been capital from the Byzantine to the Ottoman. Istanbul is a unique link between East and West, past and present. Soak up the history of Topkapi Palace, the centre of the Ottoman Empire, the place from which the Sultans ruled their Empire, or marvel at the sheer beauty of the Blue Mosque and Hagia St. Sophia, and the incredible Grand Bazaar. However long you stay, your time in this unforgettable city will be a unique experience.
North Cyprus: Cyprus, the birthplace of Aphrodite, the enigmatic Goddess of Love, is a paradise of an island, where a continual show of nature is breathtaking in its beauty. Located in the Mediterranean, just 40 miles off Turkey's south coast, the Cyprus’ strategic position has meant that it was the stepping stone between East and West - the historical crossroads of the ancient world. Hospitality is a way of life here, and the British in particular are treated as long-lost friends. Nicosia, or Lefkosa in Turkish, is the capital of both sides of the island, and the last divided city in the world. There is plenty of fascinating history to explore and the market is a great place to stock up on holiday souvenirs.
Outside the main towns, North Cyprus has some of the most stunning scenery in the Mediterranean. The sheer rugged beauty of the Karpaz peninsula, where you can drive for miles without passing another car, and come across completely deserted beaches, the nesting places of the rare loggerhead turtles, is absolutely breath-taking.
Kyrenia (Girne) and Famagusta (Gazi Magusa) are the two resorts which we feature. Famagusta is perhaps best known for its golden sandy beaches, and Kyrenia for its charming, picturesque harbour.
North Cyprus enjoys the same relaxed, informal dining experience as Turkey. The Turkish cuisine is one of the best in the world and the delicious food will ensure that eating out is one of the main highlights of your holiday.
Your itinerary: You will fly direct from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Dublin to Istanbul. You will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After staying 3 nights and exploring this fascinating city, you will be transferred back to the airportfor your flight to Northern Cyprus. You will be met by our local representative to transfer you to your hotel for a 7 night stay.On your return you will be transferred back to the airport for your return flight. Although your baggage will be checked in straight through to the UK, you will need to change plane in Istanbul.Usually all airport transfers will be private, unless the unlikely circumstance arises where other clients have made exactly the same arrangements, in which case transfers will be shared.Prices are based on staying 3 nights in Istanbul in the 4* Best Western Empire Palace Hotel based on bed & breakfast, followed by a 7 night stay at your chosen hotel in Northern Cyprus. Please note that any hotel in Istanbul can be combined with any hotel in Northern Cyprus. If you would like a price for your chosencombination please check with our friendly reservations team who will be pleased to help.
