insight into Istanbul

east meets west

In our series of destination insights we feature programme ideas, activities and venues that we believe represent the best that Istanbul has to offer. We hope that this provides a basis from which we can work with you to develop a programme that works best for your people, your business and fits your budget.

Remember that here at eventwise we pride ourselves in designing unique programmes and developing ground breaking ideas, so this insight is just a taster of what may be possible for your event.

Istanbul overview

Straddling the Bosphorus, its skyline studded with domes and minarets, İstanbul is one of the truly great romantic cities. Its history tracks back from Byzantium to Constantinople to its place at the head of the Ottoman Empire.
Today it hums as Turkey's cultural heart and good-time capital. In this sprawling, continent-spanning city you can tramp the streets where crusaders and janissaries once marched, admire mosques that are the most sublime architectural expressions of Islamic piety, peer into the sultan's harem and hunt for bargains in the Grand Bazaar.
Istanbul, which had been the capital of Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire, is one of the most interesting centres of the world due to its rich history. One of its main draws is it's unique cultural attractions, which visitors can enjoy.

getting there

İstanbul's Atatürk Airport is Turkey's largest and busiest. Any number of popular regular services from the UK, Middle East, the USA and around Europe land here. Although the city's major airline, İstanbul Airlines, went bust the main domestic carrier, Turkish Airlines (THY), has regular flights to major European and Asian cities. British Airways operates 3 flights per day from Heathrow to Istanbul.
The airport transfer is approximately 40 minutes to the centre of Istanbul.

where to stay

Swissotel *****
Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul is located in the centre of Istanbul on the European banks of the Bosphorus within a delightful park setting. It also boasts a huge brand new spa as of the beginning of October 2008!
The hotel's spacious gardens were previously the gardens of the Dolmabahce Palace, the last residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Situated on a wooded hilltop, the hotel commands panoramic views of the Bosphorus, the Asian coast and the old city of Istanbul.
The majority of the hotel guest rooms offer spectacular views of the Bosphorus. The hotel's 600 guest rooms and suites feature a wide range of luxurious amenities, from the comfort of a Standard room to the elegance of a Presidential Suite.
Within easy walking distance of many Istanbul attractions, the hotel is just 15 minutes from the main shopping district.
This hotel would suit large groups for conferences and possibly smaller incentives if there were budgetary constraints for four star properties. The new spa is particularly suitable for programmes that want to include spa treatments.

Four Seasons Bosphorus *****
Situated on the European bank of the Bosphorus the Four Seasons gives a 19th-century palace a fresh, eclectic spirit. Alluring facilities include a chic urban spa and fine restaurants and pools by the quayside that overlook the Asian shore. All are awash in the light, space and excitement of this water's-edge location.
The hotel offers 141 guest rooms and 25 suites. Bright and airy, they open to balmy sea breezes and a variety of waterfront, garden and city views. A striking blend of Ottoman design and contemporary mahogany furnishings, their décor is a rich palette of deep blue or terra cotta, accented by shades of copper and burgundy. Ornate ceilings feature hand-painted traditional motifs and lithographs representative of Turkish and Ottoman art adorn the walls. Nearly a quarter of the rooms offer views across the legendary Strait to the hills of Asia.
This hotel would suit small to medium conferences and incentives of up to 80 rooms required. One of the most luxurious hotels in Istanbul, it would be for the top end of C&I budgets.


Ciragan Kempinski Hotel*****
The Ciragan Palace, once the residence of the last Ottoman Sultan, is the only palace hotel in Istanbul on the shores of the Bosphorus. It offers a perfect combination where luxury and history blend together with five star standards. Fully restored to its former glory, the Ciragan palace offers its guests Ottoman era sophistication with state of the art technical facilities that create the perfect combination for unforgettable events and meetings. Combining the architectural grandeur of the palace with the modern comfort of a deluxe hotel by the Bosphorus, the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul offers a resort ambience in the center of the city with 313 rooms.
This hotel would suit conferences, as it is probably the most prestigious hotel in Istanbul. Incentives would also suit as it is one of the most luxurious hotels in Istanbul, but smaller incentives might get lost in this large hotel.

programme example

Day one

Arrival from Heathrow at 15:35, transfer to hotel by deluxe coach. Check in at the hotel with a private desk.

Dinner in the famous and cosmopolitan fishmarket area on the Bosphorus. This area is very popular with the locals and guests will experience street entertainment and authentic cuisine.

Guest list for fashionable nightclub nearby.

Day two

Full day old city sightseeing tour including:

Hippodrome.

Blue Mosque.

Underground Cistern.

Topkapi Palace.

After lunch a trip to the Grand Bazaar where delegates are given local currency to find their own themed outfit for the evening's entertainment. A jewellery workshop is also arranged for smaller groups around the shopping excursion.

A Turkish Ottoman Evening with hubble bubbles and traditional costumed 'street sellers'. Over dinner the guests are entertained by a Sultan and his dancers, harem girls, belly dancers and cafcassian dancers. Guests wear their fancy dress outfits purchased in the Grand Bazaar.

Day three

Morning at leisure with spa treatments on offer.

Bosphorus river cruise with lunch on board and guide talking through the sights on the river.

Afternoon in classic cars exploring Istanbul, the convoy will travel along the Bosphorus and cross over the Bridge to the Asian side. We can also arrange a treasure hunt on foot for groups.

Gala Dinner at Feriye Palace.

Day four

Morning at leisure

Lunch at the `Kebab House', traditional Turkish cuisine in barbeque style set in the surrounds of a restaurant's hidden garden.

Transfer to airport for departure.

how much?

An indication of the likely cost of the 3 night programme as outlined above is £1,410.00 + UK VAT based on the following criteria:

A group of 50 people.

Travel in May 2009.

Economy class air travel on British Airways.

Sharing twin accommodation.

All activities mentioned above are included.

The group would be accompanied by one eventwise travel director.

Half bottle of wine p/p and soft drinks are included with meals.

For more information about Istanbul please contact our international event design team or email people@eventwise.co.uk.

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