Looking for stylish, self-catering accommodation in Istanbul? The Karamanyan is a restored mansion on the delightful island of Heybeliada, 50 minutes by boat from the city centre.
Getting to Istanbul
Easyjet fly daily from London Luton and Gatwick to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen.
Turkish Airlines fly from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham & Dublin to Istanbul Ataturk.
British Airways fly three times daily from London Heathrow to Istanbul Ataturk.
Atlasjet is starting a flight from Stansted to Istanbul Ataturk, 6 days per week from April 2012.
Pegasus offer regular flights from London Stansted to Sabiha Gokcen.
Jet2.com will fly twice weekly from Manchester to Istanbul Ataturk with effect from March 2012.
Getting to the Islands
From Sabiha Gokcen (Asia): Ferries operate regularly from Bostanci. A taxi from the Airport to the sea port takes roughly half an hour, costing approximately 35/40TL (£15-17). The ferry crossing then takes a further 30 minutes.
From Ataturk/central Istanbul (Europe): Ferries and sea buses depart from Kabatas. A taxi from the airport should take around 30/40 minutes and cost in the region of 45TL (around £20). Choose from either the sea bus (50 minutes/8TL) or the conventional ferry (1hr 20mins/3TL).
Though slower, the ferries are open-top and offer a unique insight into the Istanbul of old. They are great places to people watch and the salesmen touting all manner of gizmos and gadgets, provided added entertainment.
The Winter timetable is currently in operation, valid until June 2012:
Fast ferries (from Kabatas/Bostanci) - weekends
Conventional ferries from Kabatas
Additional services from Bostanci
* NB: The Mavi Marmara website is currently only available in Turkish: Kalkis means departure, varis arrival; Pazar Gunu Yapilmaz, no service on Sundays; Cumartesi Gunu Yapilmaz, no service on Saturdays.
