IFM Travel

TRIP TO ISTANBUL

İstanbul, the bustling metropolis of Türkiye, is a city full of charm, where the past goes hand in hand with the present and every step brings to light a relic of times gone by. At the crossroads of two continents - Europe and Asia - this spectacular city has absorbed the best of both worlds.With its beautiful historic landmarks, quintessential cuisine, vibrant nightlife, festivals of art and music, celebration of faith, labyrinths of marketplaces and shopping arcades, the beating heart of İstanbul, and the soul of Bosphorus under the watchful eye of the Maiden's Tower is a traveller's dream. 1.Hagia Sophia Mosque This architectural marvel displays 30 million gold tiles throughout its interior, and a wide, flat dome which was a bold engineering feat at the time it was constructed in the 6th century. Blue Mosque Built between 1609-1616, this impressive mosque has six minarets. Why is it called "Blue Mosque?" There are two stories: the first, more common one is that the interior is covered in Blue İznik tiles. The second is: many years ago, ancient sailors who sailed by the mosque on the Marmara Sea saw the blue colors of the sea reflected in the mosque. Topkapı Palace This lavish palace was the royal residence of the Ottoman empire for almost 400 years. Here, you can peek into the imperial life of the sultans as you wander through the grand courtyards, pavilions and ceremonial rooms that display an impressive collection of artefacts and treasures. With a separate ticket, you can also venture into the Harem—a private world decked with over 400 exquisitely decorated rooms where the sultan shared with his wives, concubines and children. To skip the snaking lines, buy a fast-track ticket or a multi-day Museum Pass, which provides access to the city’s other top sights. Suleymaniye Mosque Famed architect Sinan built this majestic structure for one of the greatest rulers of the Ottoman Empire. Although this mosque is less ornate, there are many similarities between it and the Hagia Sophia since the same architect was responsible for both. Galata Tower Temporarily closed. This historic watchtower, also known as the Galata Kulesi Museum, can be found at the end of Istanbul’s Istiklal shopping street. Today, this museum has exhibition spaces where you can learn about the area's history and admire the iconic architecture of this stone tower. Head up to the observation deck, where you'll be treated to sweeping views of the city and the Bosphorus Strait. It gets busy during sunset though—you can skip the lines with an Istanbul Museum Pass. There are loads of shops and restaurants in the area too—you can explore the tower and the surrounding area on a guided tour of Istanbul. Dolmabahce Palace This palace was built in the mid 1800s to replace an earlier structure that was made of wood. The new palace incorporated sixteen separate buildings with stables, a flour mill and a clock tower among them Grand Bazaar Bargaining for goods is standard practice at the largest covered market in Turkey, rumored to contain over 4,000 shops.

TRIP TO ANTALYA

TRIP TO FETHIYE

Fethiye takes center stage of the foreign tourists in the summer months thanks to its turquoise sea, bays communed with nature, and historical texture.. Not only for sea holidays, but also due to the availability of its geographical structure, Fethiye is one of the most preferred places for paragliding. With each passing year, ever-increasing Fethiye hotels are enough to meet the huge demand. When it comes to Fethiye bays and beaches, the first thing spring to mind is Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, Kabak Bay, Saklıkent and Göcek. In addition to these bays and beaches, most popular swimming places in Fethiye include Gemiler Beach, Kıdrak Beach, Kabak Beach, Belcekız Beach, Kumburnu Beach, Çalış Beach, which is very close to Hisarönü and Ovacık Villages. Cennet Bay, Katrancı Bay and Günlüklü Bay is especially essential beaten tracks of the boat tours. Where is Fethiye? One of the biggest districts of Muğla, Fethiye is located in the east of the city. Fethiye is surrounded by Antalya in the east, the Mediterranean Sea in the west, Dalaman in the northwest and Denizli and Burdur provinces in the north.