7 minute read
BEYOND
from Ultimate Experience
it remains a bustling commercial district. Walk the length of Istlikal Cadessi, Istanbul’s premier pedestrian avenue, or ride the vintage tram to experience the city. Witness whirling dervishes perform at Mevlevi Monastery and wander around the up-and-coming Karakoy neighborhood. Continue uphill through a bohemian neighborhood of galleries and cafés to reach the Galata Tower, built by the Genoese more than 700 years ago. Ride the elevator to the top of the tower and take in some of the best views of Istanbul. A short drive away, Dolmabahçe Palace is Turkey’s version of Versailles. This opulent royal residence marks the beginning of the fall of the Ottoman dynasty; it opened in 1856 and nearly bankrupted the Sultan. A guided visit will take you through colossal halls and sumptuous interiors. I was struck by the grand, Baccarat crystal-designed staircase and the ceremonial hall, which could accommodate more than 2,000 guests beneath the world’s largest chandelier.
Opposite: The ornate interior of the Hagia Sophia mosque, originally built in 537 as a Christian cathedral.
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BOUTIQUES & BATHS
Across the Bosphorus, you’ll discover the Asian side of Istanbul—quieter, suburban, and off-the-beaten path. Explore neighborhoods with time-honored wooden houses, enjoy a traditional meal, or stroll the seaside to catch a glimpse of the old city and Leander’s Tower, sentinel of the strait. Don’t miss Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of the Sultans and a must for history buffs.
Istanbul is also a shopper’s Mecca. For antiques, head to the Çukurcuma district for Ottoman treasures and 20th-century finds. If you’re on the hunt for highend and elegant pieces, visit the shops at Nişantasi and Bebek. And nothing beats haggling in the Grand Bazaar.
Still, no visit to Istanbul is complete without experiencing a Turkish bath, the centuries-old ritual. One of the best and most impressive is Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamami, also built by the brilliant architect Sinan.
And please do not worry. The famous Topkapi dagger which entranced me as child is still safely on display at the palace treasury, waiting for your visit.
Digital Download. Elevate your
Turkish journey in Istanbul and beyond by visiting the website found on the back cover and entering OFFER EW24337.
Stay+Play
Ignacio Maza’s posh picks for unique retreats.
For sheer splendor, stay at Ciragan Palace Kempinski, a five-star hotel amid a former Ottoman palace and located right on the Bosphorus.
Situated on a hill and surrounded by acres of historic gardens,
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
offers extensive facilities and diverse guestroom options, including spacious, two-story apartments.
Newcomer Raffles Istanbul is a modern, luxurious high-rise in the heart of the Zorlu Center. Istanbul’s next-generation luxury bazaar is where fashion, fine dining, and the arts converge.
The intimate
Shangri-La Istanbul
has earned a loyal following for its impeccable service, fine dining, and guestrooms overlooking the Bosphorus.
Located in the fashionable Sisli district, Park Hyatt
Istanbul- Maçka
Palas, in the fashionable Nişantaşi District, combines contemporary design with the building’s Art Deco style.
ELEVATED Above: The Old Venetian Harbour of Chania in Crete, Greece.
Beyond
VACATIONS CRUISES
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HOTELS & RESORTS
VACATIONS INSIDER
At Backroads, active travel is about more than just activity. It’s about refreshing and awakening your sense of exploration and discovery. Backroads is introducing a new Dolce Tempe offering for you to experience the world in a whole new way with thoughtfully crafted journeys to fit your pace. Easygoing itineraries for all travelers allow you to escape the crowds and have an authentic, one-of-a-kind journey.
EASYGOING MULTI-ADVENTURE CRETE & SANTORINI Dolce Tempo Journey on Mythical Greek Isles
Two ancient Mediterranean islands. According to Greek mythology, they’re the birthplace of Zeus and the land of the Minotaur. Today they’re legendary for a different set of reasons. Sparkling seas and pristine beaches. Epic mountaintops and seaside villages. Incredible hospitality and luxury. Your fate is calling— get ready for an adventure of mythical proportions.
5-NIGHT VACATION INCLUDES:
Premier accommodations; most meals; snacks and beverages between meals; equipment and experienced guides; easygoing e-biking and walking; Cretan dance lesson; exploring picturesque Santorini; tasting local wines; sea kayaking in the Aegean; all gratuities at hotels and restaurants; baggage transfers and porterage.
Select travel dates 5/11 - 10/3/21
OFFER 1394971
EASYGOING MULTI-ADVENTURE UTAH & ARIZONA’S NATIONAL PARKS Dolce Tempo Journey in Bryce, Zion & Grand Canyon
A journey to the mighty national parks of the American Southwest is one that will etch itself into your life story as deeply as the Colorado River has carved the spectacular towering sandstone walls of the Grand Canyon. Whether you come for the iconic western-movie landscapes, the world-class foot paths, the wide-open spaces or the mind-boggling geologic history, prepare for your expectations to be exceeded.
5-NIGHT VACATION INCLUDES: Premier accommodations; most meals; snacks and beverages between meals; equipment and experienced guides; easygoing e-biking through Zion Canyon; walking the Widforss trail along the rim of the Grand Canyon; exploring the quaint town of Springdale; all gratuities at hotels and restaurants; baggage transfers and porterage.
Select travel dates 6/27- 8/20/21
OFFER 1394972
VACATIONS
INSIDER
Creating a truly memorable vacation is an art form. That’s why Journese® takes pride in crafting the finest itineraries for discerning travelers. From soft-sand beaches to majestic mountains, enjoy peace of mind and exquisite value with Journese—the luxury brand of Pleasant Holidays.
NOBU HOTEL LOS CABOS Los Cabos, Mexico
The resort region of Los Cabos is home to Nobu’s first hotel in Mexico. Sitting on the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos features mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean. An enchanting haven, immerse in Japanese-inspired luxury, swim-up options, Onsen teak soaking tubs, butler service, renowned Nobu cuisine, culinary garden, infinity pools, spa, hydrotherapy circuit, kids club, and more.
5-NIGHT VACATION INCLUDES:
Deluxe Private Pool Guestroom accommodations; $100 spa credit, per adult; El Triunfo excursion; Cabo Escape Sunset Cruise and private transfers.
Select travel dates through 12/20/21 Offer 1382574
MEXICO
CRUISE
INSIDER
A leader in small-ship cruising, Seabourn continues to deliver exceptional moments that create the world’s finest travel experiences. Enjoy unique itineraries and authentic discovery on board intimate, ultra-luxury ships. Seabourn offers spacious all-suite accommodations, complimentary welcome Champagne, a fully stocked in-suite bar, and world-class dining enhanced via a culinary partnership with Chef Thomas Keller.
BRITISH ISLES & ICELAND Seabourn Quest
ITINERARY: London (Dover), Bristol (Bath), Fishguard, Dublin, Belfast, Brodick, Fort William, Stornoway, Invergordon (Inverness/Loch Ness), Copinsay (Orkney Islands), Kirkwall (Orkney Islands), Djúpivogur, Heimaey, Grundarfjörður, Reykjavík 15 nights departing: June 7, 2021
Private car and driver in select port or $300 shipboard credit per couple Cocktail reception and experienced host OFFER 1375335
SCENIC NORWAY & FJORDS
Seabourn Sojourn ITINERARY: Amsterdam, Hamburg (overnight), Elbe River, Haugesund, Ålesund, Molde, Geiranger, Olden, Skjolden, Rosendal, Stavanger, Copenhagen 14 nights departing: June 19, 2021
$300 shipboard credit per couple Cocktail reception and experienced host
OFFER 1375761
EUROPE
A VIKING MIDSUMMER
Seabourn Quest ITINERARY: Reykjavík, Patreksfjörður, Akureyri, Siglufjörður, Tromsø, Storstappen Island, North Cape (Honningsvåg), Alta, Sortland, Bodø, Skagafjörður, Vigur Island, Ísafjörður, Reykjavík 15 nights departing: June 22, 2021
$300 shipboard credit per couple Cocktail reception and experienced host
OFFER 1375404
HOTELS & RESORTS INSIDER
Hotels & Resorts Collection
Discover the vibrant cities of San Miguel de Allende and Santa Barbara with Belmond. With the Hotels & Resorts Collection, enjoy complimentary breakfasts, resort credits towards spa treatments, and available upgrades.
BELMOND CASA DE SIERRA NEVADA San Miguel De Allende, Mexico
A few blocks from the cathedral and main city square of San Miguel de Allende, the boutique hotel of Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada is a mixture of 16th- to 18th-century Spanish colonial buildings. Its 37 rooms and suites are spread amongst six colonial mansions, including: Casa del Parque, a fort in the 17th century and a customs house catering to the silver trade; and Casa Principal, the former residence of San Miguel de Allende’s Archbishop in 1580 and an official historical landmark.
OFFER H776
BELMOND EL ENCANTO Santa Barbara, CA
Belmond El Encanto is Santa Barbara’s most
enchanting hideaway in the glistening hills of the American Riviera. Offering Hollywood glamor fused with a modern classic ambiance, this iconic escape offers amazing views of Santa Barbara. Spread across seven acres of secluded gardens, Belmond El Encanto opened in 1918 and has been part of Santa Barbara’s social scene ever since. The resort is gleaming and glamorous, yet relaxed and low key. It’s the kind of retreat that invites you to recline poolside, breathe in the ocean air, and sip a glass of crisp local wine.
OFFER H4686
