Istanbul

[magic3]

Hi,
I note from previous post that Istanbul seems to be the current topic.

We are thinking of flying to Istanbul and then making our way down to Kalkan in April 2011. Does anyone have any friends who have accommodation to rent in Istanbul or can recommend somewhere? We want to see the sights, so need to be central. There will be 5 of us. 2 adults and three children, the smallest of whom could go in a cot. Cheap & cheerful is fine.

Also does anyone have any recommended way of getting from Istanbul to Kalkan. We're quite happy to try road or train or both. It's going to be our little Turkish adventure!!!

Regards
Magic3

Linkback: https://www.enjoykalkan.com/forum/index.php?topic=7228.0

[clashgour]

Istanbul is a great city with lots to see and do.  There is lots of accommodation in the Sultanahmet district which is where the main sights are located.  Can't help with cheap and cheerful accommodation but there is a lot on offer on the web.


The trains in Turkey don't come anywhere near Kalkan.  The nearest railway station is in Burdur some 250km away.  The main realistic options are travelling by coach or domestic plane.


The coach runs every night from Istanbul direct to Kalkan.  The service operated by Pamukkale leaves at 21.00 and arrives in Kalkan at about 11.00 the next day.  The coach is comfortable and stops every 2 to 3 hours for refreshments.  Kamel Koc run a similar service.  Adult tickets cost about 70 TL not sure about pricing of children's tickets.


There are several flights a day operated by Pegasus from Istanbul to Dalaman.  They are a low-cost airline.  Ticket prices vary but they can be as low as 50 TL.  They have a good website in English.  Of course, you then need to book a transfer taxi from Dalaman to Kalkan.  This will cost about £70 for a party of your size.


Hope that helps.   

[alantj]

Have a look at booking.com this has a huge range of Istanbul hotels and good prices. Friends have stayed at the hotel below and thought it was great

http://www.booking.com/hotel/tr/dara-and-family.html?sid=e4d14b10f64612d1561b75d68639fe47;checkin=2011-02-18;checkout=2011-02-20

[Reygirl]

booking.com also have some very good deals on apartments in the sultanhammet district of Istanbul.  Some of them have excellent reviews and seem to be a good alternative to hotel rooms.

[magic3]

Thank you to everyone who replied to me. It's all useful stuff.
Shall start putting together a plan!

Thanks again

Magic 3