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The Paris House, Sunday Guides, Istanbul, Turkey, October 2023
Cover Letter
Mystical
Opulent
Historical
Travel Guide
Editor’s Letter
Michele Rosenthal. Follow me on Instagram @theparishouse
Mystical, Opulent, Historical are a few words that come to mind when I think of Istanbul, Turkey. A city so unique that it stays with you forever. Situated on two continents, Europe and Asia, divided by The Bosphorus Strait. The Bosphorus connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, a geographically significant and strategical passageway. And of course, The Golden Horn. Istanbul is as gorgeous, interesting & historically important as one would assume it to be.
From Agatha Christie’s Murder On The Orient Express, Hagia Sophia, Turkish cuisine, Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, Basilica Cistern and more. We are sharing our must stops & a place for antiquing in Asia!
Thank you to this week’s Sponsors! Offering Designer Shopping perks & more!!!
Thank you Pera Palace for making my stay magnificent!
Istanbul Travel Video
Bosphorus Strait
Travel along the Bosphorus on a scenic private chartered yacht. Take in the majestic sights while you explore two continents, Asia & Europe. There are many boating & ferry options available!
Pera Palace Hotel
My stay at the historic Pera Palace was a dream come true. From high tea in The Orient Bar to cocktails on the terrace overlooking the Golden Horn. The stunningly opulent hotel is where many famous people stayed after arriving on The Orient Express. Take the gorgeous birdcage elevator up to your room, enjoy a glass of wine on your private balcony & relax while the concierge arranges your incredible itinerary!
I felt like I was immersed in fabulous novel during my stay! Some Books to inspire you - Midnight at Pera Palace & Murder On The Orient Express. Thank you Pera Palace for making my stay wonderful! I can’t wait to return.
Historical, Opulent, Gorgeous Pera Palace
Plan your stay in Istanbul Turkey at Pera Palace Hotel
The Hammam
The Hammam was a highlight of my stay in Istanbul.
“Hurrem Sultan Hammam. The Hurrem Sultan Hammam was designed and built by Mimar Sinan, the chef Ottoman architect. It was built at the request of Hurrem Sultan (Roxelana), the wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century (1556-1557 AD), where the ancient public baths of Zeuxippus (100-200 AD) used to stand, between the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. The area is also particularly significant as the site where the Temple of Zeus once stood.
The hammam was operational until 1910 when it closed for many years. It was later used to house the convicts during times when the nearby Sultanahmet Prison was full. The Hurrem Sultan Hammam, was restored for the first time between the years 1957-1958 and was a carpet exhibition hall until 2007.
Although the hammam was built in the classical period Ottoman bath style, it was an innovation in Turkish bath architecture to have the sections for men and women constructed on the same axis as mirror images of each other”
(info from their website).
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar was Constructed around 1461 by Fatih Sultan Mehmet. The Grand Bazaar is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets. Having a private guide made my experience all the more wonderful.
Spice Market
A feast for the eyes & senses! I brought home many treats & spices.
The Blue Mosque
A must-see while in Istanbul, Turkey. Construction began around 1609, during the rule of Ahmed I. Adorned with over 20,000 bluish tiles and exquisite stain glass windows.
Hagia Sophia
One of the most historically important architectural creations in the world. A masterpiece in design! Hagia Sophia was built around 537, with minarets added in the 15th–16th centuries when it became a mosque. It remains open to all faiths to visit & many feel it has healing power.
Hippodrome Square
“Hippodrome of Constantinople was the center of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, where horse & chariot racing took place along with other entertainment. Today the square in Istanbul is known as Sultanahmet.”
The Basilica Cistern
“Basilica Cistern” is an underground archaeological masterpiece. Stunning colors illuminate ancient columns & aqueducts showcasing an exquisite gallery of art & sculpture.
Dolmabahçe Palace
The stunning palace boasts views of the Bosphorus, along with one of my favorite gardens in the world.
Kodiköy, Asian side of Istanbul
Kidiköy is situated on the Asian side of Istanbul. It is filled with quaint charm. From delicious patisseries to mouth watering Mezze. We loved strolling through old streets lined with antiques. It is there that we found our beautiful antique Turkish Rug!The kind shop owners transported it by ferry back to our hotel.
Topkapi Palace & Harem Apartments
Restaurants
Dining in Istanbul, The Eggplant & Rooftop view at Deraliye Terrace was fabulous. Mezze on the Asian side at Çiya was great. Also Sarnic, The iconic famous, Orient Express Restaurant, The Orient Bar & Terrace at Pera Palace & many more!
Ezgi, Private Tour Guide
Looking for a private or group tour guide!? Ezgi was knowledgeable & went above and beyond to make sure my solo adventure in Istanbul was memorable! Instagram @Ezgilapa
Tips
Tips for making your stay in Istanbul even more enjoyable! IGA Pass were incredible and made our arrival & departure at Istanbul Airport effortless! Exclusive Service at Istanbul Airport! Igapass.com
Fashion for Travel Adventures in Istanbul
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About The Paris House
The Paris House, Luxury Lifestyle Brand
The Paris House is your one-stop-shop for travel destinations, unforgettable events, and editorial and personal fashion styling. Their floral arrangements are sourced from New York City’s Flower District and elevate the beauty of your events and hotel rooms. Michele’s international travel show, “The Paris House, Luxury Travel and Lifestyle Show”, is featured in the Paris based “Joie de Vivre Network”.
Whether designing in Rome, Reykjavik, NYC or beyond, Michele is always creating gorgeous moments for her clients and partners. The Paris House’s locations range from elaborate sets at its rooftop studio near NYC, events of all scales across the Northeast, and Michele’s historic New Jersey country home and gardens which has hosted parties, music videos, and photo shoots.
Company founder, Michele Rosenthal, has 30 years of experience and studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Travel and Tourism at Endicott College and holds degrees in Interior Design and Business Marketing. She helped launch a multi million dollar division of Saint Clare’s hospital in the early ‘90s.
Whatever your needs are, our company will make your vision come to life. We are content creators, portfolio builders and memory makers.
Michele is the Editor of Sunday Guides, Luxury Lifestyle & Travel media. https://theparishouse.com/