Istanbul is a world city not to be missed; soaked in the culture of empires, civilizations and tribes, the diverse neighborhoods reveal their relics and art side by side and on every corner. The city’s rich patchwork heritage of 2600 years and unpredictable infrastructure is a challenge but one that can be met! For the senior traveller, or others needing that little extra bit of support, our tailor-made tours in Istanbul ensure that comfortable private cars and drivers are always available with just a bit of notice from anywhere in the city. Our private guides are qualified to the hilt and are also great people people and design itineraries according to the senior guest’s pace. Istanbul is busy enough – so we slow things down to make touring as relaxed as possible. Amongst the literally hundreds of sites of interest in Istanbul, we recommend guided visits to Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, as well as the important Chora Church and mystifying Suleymaniye Mosque. Highly recommended also are the Istanbul Archaeological Museum and Ancient Orient Museum and the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum where headphones are available. A private Bosphorus Cruise is also a wonderful experience revealing Istanbul from its famous waterways. On account of their individually fabulous menus and distinctive atmospheres we point all our guests in the direction of select restaurants; many of these are particularly great for seniors promising incredible views, comfortable seating, tip top English speaking service and easy access. There is easily a week’s worth of accessible sites to visit in Istanbul, and you can see it all without having to switch hotels. If you like, we can arrange day trips to Edirne and/or Bursa and Iznik from Istanbul. This involves more driving time of course but it does make it hassle free in terms of packing and unpacking.
Vault Karakoy
- Everything is within easy reach from restaurants and a great café culture and shopping in up-and-coming Karakoy itself, to easy walks to main attractions and great public transport
- Restored historic bank building renovated with spa, elegant decor and an in-house art curator and exhibitions
- Choose the Terrace Penthouse Suite (154 or 155) for incredible panoramas over the Bosphorus Bridge, the Old City and the Golden Horn, all from a gorgeous freestanding bathtub
- Or Executive Suite 147 with separate living room with a beautiful original fireplace
- For something smaller go for Superior rooms 151,152 or 153 – they are right at the top and have some of the best views in the house
Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah
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Established in 1892 and located in the heart of the vibrant Beyoglu district, this iconic luxury hotel is the epitome of timeless elegance
- Restored historic bank building renovated with spa, elegant decor and an in-house art curator and exhibitions
- Overlooks the magnificent Golden Horn and the historical old city, and within walking distance of the Bosphorus, Galata Tower and the famous shopping avenue Istiklal
- Immaculate rooms, fine dining on site, indoor jet streamed swimming pool and 380 m2 spa with steam bath, jacuzzi, sauna and a fully equipped gym
Bursa is very easy to get to from Istanbul via private car with driver and guide taking the 70-minute ferry ride to Yalova, just north of Bursa. The ferries are extremely comfortable and accessible. Once in Bursa, you are in a city with an exceptionally rich history and cultural heritage, and one perfect to explore on foot not least because of its many parks and green areas calling for relaxed rests between visiting the sites. Because of its high number of older residents, both the sites and the restaurants in Bursa offer very easy access. Bursa was the 1st capital of the Ottoman Empire and relics of this era are aplenty; take a cable car up the 8343-foot slopes of Mount Uludag for a magnificent overview of this fabulous royal city. Visit the city’s stunning landmark Grand Mosque, the Ulu Cami, with its 20 domes, and nearby the Green Mosque and tomb featuring incredible blue and green Iznik tiles. Experience the wonderful Silk Bazaar here, still alive with the trade of beautiful textiles, as well as the Covered Bazaar in the historical Hanlar district. The Emir Sultan Mosque and Yildirim Kulliyesi. For some deep relaxation, enjoy the healing thermal baths for which Bursa is famous; in fact many seniors in Turkey spend a number of days in Bursa as the warm healing waters are recommended for many ailments. The city is also famous for its Ottoman cuisine, and Iskender Kebab is the must-try favorite dish. This tour can also include the charming lakeside town of Iznik, ancient Nicea, with its beautiful Byzantine ruins and important history in the development of Christianity as host of the 1st and 7th Ecumenical Councils. The UNESCO site of Cumalikizik Village, just outside Bursa in the lovely foothills of Mt Uludag is also a lovely rural excursion.
Kitap Evi Konak
- City centre location next to the ancient Saltanat Gate, featuring elegant Ottoman civilian architecture, traditional interior design & modern amenities
- 12 beautiful themed rooms & suites with either city or lovely garden views, and various special features like open fireplaces or Turkish bathtub, some with sofa seating area
- The well-known Kitapevi restaurant &café bar with distinctive furnishings & a beautiful garden serves legendary cuisine and distinctive service; breakfast and 5 o’clock tea served specially for guests, in the garden in summer, by the open fire in winter
- The hotel does have stairs but they are very manageable. For luxurious pampering a traditional hamam and massage therapies are available for guests, and there are books to be found and enjoyed in every corner of the house
- Free transfers from bus terminals and Mudanya Ferryboat; the Great Mosque, the covered bazaar and the historic Hanlar Quarter are within walking distance of hotel
Explore Edirne, the 2nd capital, after Bursa, of the mighty Ottoman Empire before it took Constantinople. This city is mainly flat and so nicely accessible; the old town of Edirne is almost all pedestrianized, and has many benches to relax for short breaks between visiting the main sites and watching the world go by. The main mosques to visit are about 10-15 minutes walk from one another at a slow pace. Edirne’s major landmark and UNESCO site is the magnificent Selimiye Mosque, built by Ottoman master architect Mimar Sinan. The exterior is easily as impressive as the interior, and although the main entrance involves stone steps, there is a separate entrance for easy access. A short stroll from here takes you to the rarely visited but splendid example of Ottoman architecture, the Uc Serefeli Mosque, or ‘the mosque with three balconies’. This is probably Turkey’s most colourful mosque and very unique, with no stairs at the entrance. Another short walk away is the Eski Cami (Old Mosque), which features some wonderful calligraphy alongside intricate motifs and decoration. A 10-minute drive from the old town brings you to the newly restored and must-see Great Synagogue of Edirne, the 2nd largest in Europe, and now a symbol of hope and coexistence in Turkey. What may be Edirne's most interesting site, another short drive across the Tunca River, is the fascinating Sultan Beyazid II Kulliyesi mosque complex and Darussifa Hospital (and now a prize winning museum). This site is important both architecturally, and also because as a school of science it marked the period when the Middle Ages of medicine ended and its Renaissance began. The complex has beautiful rose gardens and marble benches everywhere making it a very relaxing visit.
Mihran Hanim Konak Boutique Hotel
- An immaculately restored historical wooden garden mansion in Edirne and Europa Nostra conservation prize winning hotel
- Classic civil architecture with interiors that stay faithful to traditional style featuring intricate ceiling decoration and authentic furnishings with added modern amenities
- 10 grand rooms decorated elaborately with solid wood furniture, carefully selected textiles & Ottoman motifs and details
- Hotel restaurant extends outdoors into courtyard garden; breakfast is open buffet style, and for lunch & dinner an excellent a la menu is available
- Small bar-pub
- Ideally located centrally with Selimiye Mosque just a 10-minute walk away
Gallipoli is located on the European banks of the Dardanelles Straight, and opposite on the Asian shore is Canakkale, the only city that crosses 2 continents other than Istanbul. There are a total of 31 military cemeteries of the Allied dead from World War I, now lying in what were the Gallipoli battlefields. The Gallipoli Campaign took place in Turkey during the 1st World War when the British Empire, under Winston Churchill, was mounted to capture the Ottoman capital of Istanbul and secure a sea route to Russia. Churchill chose mainly Australian and New Zealand troops to land here on the beaches, while leading the out-numbered opposition was Kemal Ataturk. At the end of this gruesome bloody battle, Turkey, against the odds, emerged victorious. For visitors it is simple to combine the sites of Gallipoli, Canakkale and Troy. Passing through scenic landscapes of northern Turkey, a 4-hour drive takes you from Istanbul to Canakkale with private car and driver. All sites here offer easy access and basically flat surfaces, so no hills or steps to climb. Each of these locations is steeped in history, and one that will resonate with most seniors today. An easy 10-minute car ferry ride crosses the Dardanelles to the university town of Canakkale where there are military museums to visit and a lovely pedestrianized old town on the banks of the water. Canakkale is famous for its fresh produce from the surrounding fertile fields; some unique sheep cheeses and wonderful desserts are highlights of local cuisine. The restaurants along the waterfront here serve delicious fish and seafood varieties native to the region. 30 minutes away by car is the truly epic archaeological site of Troy, revealing an astounding 46 levels of occupation from 3000 BCE to 400 CE. The ancient site is easy to explore via a well-made stone path and only a few uphill points. One of the earlier cities, Troy II, is often identified with the legendary Homeric Troy, and as the center of the Trojan War. Overall, what remains to explore here is a 4000-year insight into civilization since the Bronze Age, and the art of myth itself.
Gallipoli Houses
- Off-the-beaten-track setting in Kocadere, a peaceful stone-built farming village in the heart of Gallipoli National Park and very close to battlefields
- Ideal retreat hotel perfect to come back to after exploring the historical area; everything you need on site
- 10 rooms and suites each individually decorated in an elegant but rustic style; all have terraces or balconies with pretty village and rural views. The spacious Alcitepe superior room has large sitting area and is most accessible for limited mobility guests
- The restaurant serves delicious meals made from fresh and locally-sourced produce. Special dietary requirements catered to on request. Dinner is a 4-course table d’hôte and there is an elaborate selection of Turkish wines
- No children policy keeps atmosphere wonderfully peaceful and quiet
With a 2 or 3 day stay in Sirince village, you are just 10km from the eastern Mediterranean's most impressive ancient city, the mighty Ephesus, and the many monuments and important relics it leaves behind. Ephesus is vast – so should be taken at a leisurely pace, and for senior guests we recommend starting tours from the upper and continuing down to the lower entrance; this way there are no hills to climb except for the stairs in the Terrace homes. We also specifically plan tours of the site for seniors to avoid both crowds and the heat of the day in summer; this is easily organised if you have a few days in the area. Other sites that can be visited for the day- with same day return to your hotel- are the Apollo Temple at Didyma, the dramatic ruins of Aphrodisias, Pamukkale, and the World Cultural Heritage town of Birgi. These distinctive attractions also have no strenuous climbs and are pleasantly uncrowded, despite being some of Turkey’s most important legacies. The small town of Sirince, your retreat for this tour, is a picturesque pine-fringed eden with an exceptionally good climate, as well as excellent restaurants. Here wander the cobbled streets lined with crumbling stately townhouses, explore tree-shaded country footpaths, and barter for handmade lace, fruit liqueurs and painted ceramics with the welcoming townspeople. Tours of Ephesus present the irresistible opportunity to embark at Bodrum marina, just a 2-hour drive away, on one of our luxury gulet yacht blue cruises. This is the ideal private cruise vacation for seniors; our spacious broad beamed gulets have high-ceilinged en suite cabins, very comfortable beds, impeccable 24 hour service from an experienced crew, incredible cuisine prepared on board by our chefs, and many creature comforts which make this not-to-be-missed yacht holiday in Turkey incredibly enjoyable for senior travellers.
Gullu Konaklari
- Historic Greek house with garden overlooking rural Sirince; ideal for seniors with rooms are on main level and the lush landscape flat, in at the foot of the hills surrounding Sirince
- Each named after a rose in its garden, the luxurious rooms are decorated individually, all feature easy-access en suite bathrooms & tea/coffee making facilities
- Daily breakfast served in traditional style; outstanding à la carte restaurant with lovely nature views and local & international menu
- Spacious garden with comfortable cushioned seating areas
- Very convenient proximity to Ephesus, as well as the beaches of Dilek and the markets of Tire for a longer stay
Antalya has become a much-loved destination for seniors, Turkish and international, to retire to. This is due to its ideal mild climate all year round, genius city planning and an excellent tram system that transports you easily around the city; it is also comparatively less expensive than other resort destinations in Turkey. The lush Taurus Mountains set a beautiful backdrop and the Mediterranean Sea can be seen from most of the city. The stunning Kaleici, Antalya’s old town, is mainly flat, for pedestrians only and a real delight to explore on foot. Within the Roman city walls this ambient labyrinth of narrow back-streets and cobbled alleyways, cafes and carpet shops, and fountains of bougainvillea trailing from jasmine-scented gardens, remains virtually unchanged and reveals the city’s rich layers of history: Lycian, Pamphylian, Hellenistic, Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman. The Antalya Archaeological Museum is one of Turkey’s largest Museums and has been awarded the much-deserved European Council Special Prize. Explore these wonderfully comprehensive exhibitions and displays at your own pace and gain a fascinating insight into the ethnographical, artistic, natural, proto-, pre-, classical, and imperial history of Turkey. Within a short drive from Antalya you can take day excursions to some of the best sites in South Western Turkey, which also happen to offer easy access for seniors. These include Side and the excellent Archaeological museum there housed in ancient Roman baths, as well trips to the ancient cities of Perge, Aspendos, and Phaselis. Relaxing private boat trips and visits to some of the area’s fabulous beaches and national parks can also be arranged.
Tuvana Hotel
- Central but quiet location in old town Kaleici located in beautifully restored historic listed buildings with garden restaurant, courtyard pool, high-spec rooms and old-fashioned Turkish hospitality
- Pretty gardens linked by cool pebbled courtyards shaded by fruit trees
- Attentive service and unpretentious fine Turkish & Ottoman inspired cuisine served indoors or out at the hotel’s excellent Seraser restaurant
- A variety of rooms with luxurious Seljuk-inspired interior design, antique furnishings and original wood and stone features. Lovely ground floor rooms give easy access for seniors
- All-marble bathrooms, some with Jacuzzi/ baths & shower, thick towelling bath robes, hairdryers, fresh fruit and flowers
- The nearest beach is a 5-minute walk; ancient sites of Side, Aspendos, Termessos & Olympos can be visited by day trip from the hotel
As well as being an inspiring destination in itself, Konya is the ideal 2-night stop over between tours of Istanbul (1 hour flight away) and Cappadocia, which takes 2.5 hours from here by car. Konya is a calm and relaxed city without heavy traffic or steps to climb, all the major sites in the city are easily accessed, the Seljuk museums are truly excellent, and the food outstanding. Experiencing the Sema, the mesmerising ceremony of the Sufi Whirling Dervishes, is a really a once-in-a-lifetime experience and sure to be a highlight of your vacation in Turkey. Konya, Ancient Iconium, saw its heyday in the Middle Ages as the capital of the Seljuk kingdom of Rum, and was the single most important town outside of Constantinople. With ancient and profoundly spiritual roots, the city is most famous as the home of the great mystic Persian poet, Mevlana, Jelalledin Rumi (1207-1273), while St. Paul also preached here. The Sufi Rumi’s spiritual legacy is said to transcend ethnic and national borders, his works have translated into hundreds of languages and his popularity throughout the world does not seem to wane. The 2 most important monuments in Konya are the tomb and shrine of Mevlana and at the opposite end of the same street, the Alaadin Cami where some of the Seljuk rulers have their tombs. The stunning late-15th century turquoise-domed Tekke, or whirling dervish lodge, shelters Rumi’s tomb, and today is also home to The Mevlana Museum. Konya’s Archaeological Museum is housed in the Sahib-I Ata Mosque complex and provides a superb introduction to the area, as well as a good insight into the nearby Neolithic settlement of Catalhoyuk, which is the world’s 2nd oldest ancient site dating back to 8000 BCE, and Turkey’s 11th UNESCO listing.
Hich Hotel
- Ideally located 200 year old restored property within walking distance of all sites and close to Konya’s best restaurants (usually no car/ taxis necessary)
- Lovely ground floor rooms are easy access with no stairs; stylish, eclectic and cosy rooms with enchanting views of the garden at the Mevlana Museum and the famous brilliant turquoise dome
- 13 rooms featuring Anatolian hand-made rugs, en suite bathrooms with Matteo Thun style baths, complimentary tea & coffee
- Hich Hotel Post Café located in inner courtyard garden with original stone walls and juniper trees, lovely for breakfast
- 15km from airport; nearest bus stop 100m from hotel
The extraordinary natural landscapes of Cappadocia are one of diverse Turkey’s most outstanding and beautiful, and make you feel light years away even though you are just a short flight from Istanbul. As far back as the 1st century, the caves of Cappadocia became the perfect hideout for Christians fleeing the persecution of the Roman Empire. Today inside these mysterious millennia-old rock formations you find cosy and very unique cave hotels and excellent restaurants serving fabulous local wines. Although a number of sites are not geared for seniors (the underground cities, Karanlik Church, and some more challenging valley hikes), Cappadocia does offer more than enough to see and enjoy over a few days. The monastic Christians who settled here transformed the caves into churches, some very complex, and adorned them with elaborate frescoes. The Goreme Open-Air Museum is home to 11 of these churches; each painstakingly restored to reveal vivid murals dating to the 10th and 11th centuries, of these the Tokali Church is out of this world. The Guray Underground Museum celebrates the region’s 5000 year old ceramic craft and here you can visit the Guray family’s studio, purchase some of the colourful pottery wares, and even try your hand at the pottery wheel. The House Hotel Cappadocia is the only cave hotel in Cappadocia that has an elevator – so you can reach the roof top terrace restaurant, the cave restaurant below and the rooms easily. It also has one of the best restaurants in Cappadocia so guests can’t go wrong opting to dine in. Located in Ortahisar, the hotel also has one of the most beautiful and unspoiled views of the Cappadocia Valleys and is close to many of the sites we recommend like the Keslik Monastery, Uchisar for its fabulous views of the Pigeon Valley, Pasabag or Monks Valley and vineyards, Urgup and Mustafa Pasha (Sinasos), and the Rose Valley for a leisurely walk. The famous hot air balloon rides over Cappadocia are also pleasantly easy and a superb way of experiencing the region, access to baskets is not difficult and assistance is always available.
House Hotel Cappadocia
- Affordable luxury and intimate service located just off the town square in central Cappadocian town of Ortahisar overlooking the volcanic rock fortress (hisar), Mount Erciyes and Ibrahim Pasa Valley with its colonnade of fairy chimneys
- 29 rooms individually designed by Sekibe Aslan housed in a complex of both ancient cave dwellings & restored houses, retaining original touches such as fireplaces, storage alcoves and even a buried wine press and fermentation vat
- Fresko Lokanta restaurant featuring original frecoes and stone arches with both indoor seating & large roof terrace serves eclectic, contemporary Turkish cuisine; ground floor reception bar also
- 350m2 spa with Turkish Hamam, sauna, steam rooms and 4 treatment rooms
- Close to local museum of history, town cafes, as well as to main sites offering both convenience and privacy