Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ACTIVITIES
İSTANBUL
WALKS
OFFLINE MAP
| WALKING & CULTURAL TOURS
( 212-516 6300;
www.istanbulwalks.net
;
2nd fl, Şifa Hamamı Sokak 1; walking tours €25-75, child un-
der 6yr free; Sultanahmet)
Specialising in cultural tourism, this small company is run by a
group of history buffs and offers a large range of guided walking tours conducted by know-
ledgeable English-speaking guides. Tours concentrate on İstanbul's various neighbour-
hoods, but there are also tours to major monuments including Topkapı Palace, the İstanbul
Archaeology Museums and Dolmabahçe Palace. Student discounts are available.
AYASOFYA HÜRREM SULTAN
HAMAMI
OFFLINE MAP
| HAMAM
GOOGLE MAP
€70-165, 8am-11pm; Sultanahmet)
Reopened in 2011 after a meticulous restoration, this
twin hamam is now offering the most luxurious traditional bath experience in the Old City.
Designed by Sinan between 1556 and 1557, it was built just across the road from Aya
Sofya by order of Süleyman the Magnificent and named in honour of his wife Hürrem
Sultan, commonly known as Roxelana.
The building's three-year, US$13 million restoration was closely monitored by heritage
authorities and the end result is wonderful, retaining Sinan's austere design but endowing it
with an understated modern luxury. There are separate baths for males and females, both
with a handsome
soğukluk
(entrance vestibule) surrounded by wooden change cubicles.
Though relatively expensive, treatments are expert and the surrounds are exceptionally
clean. The basic 35-minute treatment costs €70 and includes a scrub and soap massage;
olive-oil soap and your personal
kese
(coarse cloth mitten) are included in the price. In
warm weather, a cafe and restaurant operate on the outdoor terrace .
COOKING
ALATURKA
person €60; Sultanahmet)
Dutch-born Eveline Zoutendijk opened the first English-language
Turkish cooking school in İstanbul in 2003 and since then has built a solid reputation for
her hands-on classes, which offer a great introduction to Turkish cuisine and are suitable
| COOKING COURSE
