Julia
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
UserPostedImage

We're giving you the chance to win an amazing 5-day Just You city break to Istanbul, worth up to £969! Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents, where European and Asian architecture, food, lifestyles and faiths combine, creating a unique and memorable city.

Our Istanbul city break includes return flights from London Heathrow, 4 nights’ accommodation in a 4-star hotel with breakfast plus a city tour that takes in some of Istanbul's many highlights: Topkaki Palace, the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque and Hippodrome.

To be in with a chance of winning, just tell us what you love about Turkey, or why you'd love to go there.

How to enter:

1. Log in to the Just You Community forum (if you're not a member yet, not a problem - it takes just a minute to register).

2. Reply to this thread with your comments as to what you love about, or why you'd love to visit Turkey

3. Post your entry before the closing date - midnight, Tuesday 31 March 2015. (please note that this is based on the time that you post your entry NOT the time it is moderated)

The team at JYHQ will pick our favourite entry and that person will win a 5 day Istanbul City Break with Just You!

The competition is open now, so get those entries in and tell us what you love about Turkey, or why you'd love to go there!

Click on the green 'New reply' button now to post your entry!

We look forward to reading your comments!

Julia

Terms and conditions apply: Win an Istanbul City Break' competition terms and conditions

Competition closes at midnight on 31 March 2015. The decision of the judges will be final. Winner will be contacted via the email address they registered on the Just You community forum with. The winner will be notified on Thursday 2nd April 2015. The winner can select their own departure date from those offered (17 May 2015; 13 Sep 2015; 4 Oct 2015; 9 Nov 2015, subject to availability). Istanbul city break prize includes: The services of a Just You Tour Manager and Local Guides, scheduled flights from Heathrow to Istanbul, overseas transfers and transportation, 4 nights’ accommodation in your own room with breakfast each day, welcome dinner and drink plus farewell get-together, hotel porterage (1 bag), all airport taxes & security charges, UK Airline Passenger Duty, all state and local taxes, ATOL protection fee, Turkish Visa (British citizens who hold a British passport only). Regional or connecting flights will be at a supplement. The winner will need to make their own way to Heathrow. Travel arrangements to Heathrow can be made by Just You at a supplement. Winner will need to organise their own travel insurance and details provided to Just You before travel. We reserve the right to use excerpts from or entire entries to the competition in our marketing and promotional material. No purchase necessary. No cash alternative, prize is non-transferrable and non-refundable. We reserve the right to substitute the prize for an alternative holiday of equal value. The decision from Just You is final. Entries through third parties will be disqualified. Winner will have until 15 April 2015 to confirm their preferred date, failure to respond will result in the winner being excluded and another winner will be selected. Employees or friends and family of employees of All Leisure Holidays may not enter the competition. This promotion and any disputes that may arise will be governed by English Law. By entering the competition you are accepting these terms and conditions.

NeilY
  • (Member)
(Member)
Turkey is terrific - not just to be enjoyed at Christmas ! Turkey has an 'old world ' charm coupled with a modern day hustle . Do not get confused with Torquay - it's much warmer and the food is a real gastronomic experience . I have visited Turkey previously and had a great time - the people are friendly and there is something excitingly mysterious about the country . Istanbul is a ' must ' - Europe meets Asia and provides everything you need for a memorable trip . You will always want to return !

Many thanks , Chris W .

janib
  • (Member)
(Member)
A work colleague moved to Olu Deniz, she loves the life, sand and sea.

Me, I would rather tread in my Grandfather's footsteps and walk in Istanbul. This holiday would be the perfect trip on how to do this. I knew he was with me in Cairo back in October 2010.

The seabus sounds a wonderful idea on crossing the Bosphorus from two cultures where Europe meets Asia. Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar are at the top of my must do lists whilst in Istanbul.

The old joke being Constantinoble- spell it :P

Jan

Dina
  • (Member)
(Member)
Hi Team

I would love to visit Istanbul because I could see two continents in one day.

I would take a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait which straddles Europe and Asia, taking in the sights on both the European shore and the Asian shore and to hear the

call to prayer whilst on board a boat would be truly magical.

It would be great to visit some of the many attractions in Istanbul especially the Blue Mosque and the UNESCO listed Hagia Sophia in this extraordinary city, where

it has been said that there are more attractions than minarets!

There are layers and layers of history dating back from the Roman times until the

Ottomans arrived.

The Ottomans launched a massive building progamme which included

magnificently decorated mosques and then far more recently business dynasties

have built galleries and museums for all to enjoy in this melting pot of cultural

diversity.

Towards the end of my visit I would haggle for souvenirs in the Grand Bazaar before having a final coffee and kebab with the hospitable locals to mark the end of a once in a life time experience.

Regards

Di

mansel
(Member)
Istanbul is such a colourful city. Full of hustle and bustle, but also parts and parks which are quieter and where you can relax.

With its strategic location it have been fought over for many centuries.

For shopaholics, visit the bazaars. The amount and breadth of product is amazing. Food, spices, gold and almost everything else. Be prepared to haggle, although some might find the experience is bit too much.

Enjoy the splendour of the mosques and Topkapi Place.

A ferry ride on the Golden Horn is a must where you can more easily see the Istanbul Hills vista.

The ferry could take you from Europe to Asia.

At night the lights come on in glorious splendour, and there is something for everyone with bars and meyhanes, the local Turkish restaurants. For many a quiet meal and drink will finish a memorable day.

Mansel

Charlotte Shippleton
(Member)
I went on the Istanbul Troy & Ephesus year before last. I loved every moment of it.

Turkey has a real mystique about it. It's completely different, yet somehow feels familiar! We had a fabulous local guide who I just couldn't ask enough questions of... So knowledgeable! I would love to go back to Istanbul with Just You.

Toni2909
(Member)
I'd love to visit Turkey because I haven't been there yet. I don't think I need another reason!

Toni

andyr
  • (Member)
(Member)
Istanbul, a Turkish delight with great food and people, stunning sunsets, a mix of ancient culture with the buzz of a modern metropolis.:thumbup:
Mel P
  • (Member)
(Member)
To win this competition to be selected you see, would allow me to savour the delights of Turkey. With dervishes a twirling together with sights and sound, this is why I would love to be "Istanbul bound".
nixon
  • (Member)
(Member)
T....Turkish slipper soft heelless slipper with a turned up toe ...just my sort of stylish footwear these days

U....Unigue sight sounds and smells

R....Range of things to see do experience

K....Khedive the name of the viceroy of Egypt under Turkish rule 1867-1914

E.... Enigmatic - exciting - escapism

Y....Young Turk a person eager for radical change



So all in all footwear and fashion, sights to see, experiences to indulge in, a wealth of history, how exciting does this all seem, and youth trying to change things..

All in all its the whole package.



Cindy

Jaya
  • (Member)
(Member)
Having done the Turkey, Troy, Ephesus trip last year has given me a taste of Turkey and I would love to go back to Istanbul again. What is there not to like? The sights, smells and sounds are wonderful. People are friendly, food delicious and shopping in the Grand Bazaar a delight. Would love to spend more time visiting the Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Roman Underground Cisterns and enjoy the cruise along the Bosphorus. Turkey is the only country, which is in Europe and Asia - unique! Having never won anything before, what a pleasant surprise it would be if I was to win this trip.

Jaya

Jaya

Sue16
  • (Member)
(Member)
Only in my dreams have I tasted this Turkish delight...............Like a Whirling Dervish I explore the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. Stepping into the Grand Bazaar and all the many sights for sore eyes; silks, leather goods, trinkets just some of my splendid buys. Next a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus whilst sipping a strong hot Turkish coffee before belly dancing off into the sunset.[/size][/font]
Yve
  • (Member)
(Member)
'Julia' wrote:

UserPostedImage

We're giving you the chance to win an amazing 5-day Just You city break to Istanbul, worth up to £969! Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents, where European and Asian architecture, food, lifestyles and faiths combine, creating a unique and memorable city.

Our Istanbul city break includes return flights from London Heathrow, 4 nights’ accommodation in a 4-star hotel with breakfast plus a city tour that takes in some of Istanbul's many highlights: Topkaki Palace, the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque and Hippodrome.

To be in with a chance of winning, just tell us what you love about Turkey, or why you'd love to go there.

How to enter:

1. Log in to the Just You Community forum (if you're not a member yet, not a problem - it takes just a minute to register).

2. Reply to this thread with your comments as to what you love about, or why you'd love to visit Turkey

3. Post your entry before the closing date - midnight, Tuesday 31 March 2015. (please note that this is based on the time that you post your entry NOT the time it is moderated)

The team at JYHQ will pick our favourite entry and that person will win a 5 day Istanbul City Break with Just You!

The competition is open now, so get those entries in and tell us what you love about Turkey, or why you'd love to go there!

Click on the green 'New reply' button now to post your entry!

We look forward to reading your comments!

Julia

Terms and conditions apply: Win an Istanbul City Break' competition terms and conditions

Competition closes at midnight on 31 March 2015. The decision of the judges will be final. Winner will be contacted via the email address they registered on the Just You community forum with. The winner will be notified on Friday 3rd April 2015. The winner can select their own departure date from those offered (17 May 2015; 13 Sep 2015; 4 Oct 2015; 9 Nov 2015, subject to availability). Istanbul city break prize includes: The services of a Just You Tour Manager and Local Guides, scheduled flights from Heathrow to Istanbul, overseas transfers and transportation, 4 nights’ accommodation in your own room with breakfast each day, welcome dinner and drink plus farewell get-together, hotel porterage (1 bag), all airport taxes & security charges, UK Airline Passenger Duty, all state and local taxes, ATOL protection fee, Turkish Visa (British citizens who hold a British passport only). Regional or connecting flights will be at a supplement. The winner will need to make their own way to Heathrow. Travel arrangements to Heathrow can be made by Just You at a supplement. Winner will need to organise their own travel insurance and details provided to Just You before travel. We reserve the right to use excerpts from or entire entries to the competition in our marketing and promotional material. No purchase necessary. No cash alternative, prize is non-transferrable and non-refundable. We reserve the right to substitute the prize for an alternative holiday of equal value. The decision from Just You is final. Entries through third parties will be disqualified. Winner will have until 15 April 2015 to confirm their preferred date, failure to respond will result in the winner being excluded and another winner will be selected. Employees or friends and family of employees of All Leisure Holidays may not enter the competition. This promotion and any disputes that may arise will be governed by English Law. By entering the competition you are accepting these terms and conditions.

[I first visited Turkey in 1998 with a friend who at that time had long blonde hair, the locals thought it was plastic and kept touching it. That holiday still holds special memories, particularly visiting the bazaar in Marmaris where we both bought rugs, I with one and my friend bought 3, panic time came when we had to pack up to come home. Turkey is rich in history and part of the Silk Route which I am gradually exploring working my way towards Venice.

Yve

AbbaDave
(Member)
Here are some of the reasons for visiting this Turkish oasis in which Istanbul can be proud to have the tag as one of the most colourful, exotic and spicy cities on the planet

the city is massive (it spans two continents!) and it has so much to offer in terms of mosques, markets, museums and foreign culinary delights! not to mention my charming visit

(1) Visit the Spice Bazaar. This is the second largest covered market after the Grand Bazaar. Here i'd like to pick up some spices, nuts, dried fruit, Turkish coffee, loose leaf tea, and even Turkish delight! yummy!!! then haggle for gifts in the Grand Bazaar

(2) Listen to the call of prayer between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

(3) Take a Turkish bath oooh how lovely and relaxing

(4) Ride the red street car. One way to see Istiklal Avenue I believe without having to weave your way through the crowds is to ride the streetcar from one end of the strip to another. The streetcar has a decidedly vintage feel and it makes for a pleasant journey through Istanbul’s shopping hub, a marvellous experience - save those aching feet and sing abbadabbadooooo at the locals

(5) Walk across Galata Bridge. Yes, you could very well ride the light rail across, but if you choose to walk, you’ll get to see all the locals fishing from the bridge, the vendors selling sesame covered pretzels, and the boats carrying passengers down the Bosphorus with abbadave aboard the next departing vessel

(6) Take that boat tour down the Bosphorus. as we would only have a few brief days in the city and we know we won’t be able to cover all of the main attractions, taking a cruise down the Bosphorus would be a great way to get a glimpse of Istanbul’s main points of interest. riding past Dolmabahçe Palace, the Rumeli Ruins, the Maiden’s Tower, and many mosques, mansions, and gardens along the way dodging those fishing lines along the way

(7) Drink some Turkish tea. If you come to Istanbul I am told you have to drink tea out of a tulip-shaped glass. Turkish tea is prepared in a rather unique way using a teapot that has two level's: one to boil the water, and the other to brew the tea. You then pour the tea into the glass and dilute it with the hot water so that it’s made to your taste though not exactly that of PG Tips!!!

(8) Smoke hookah. Argilah, nargile, sheesha, hubbly bubbly – whatever you call it, there is an ample supply of hookah bars in Istanbul where you can lounge around while you smoke the water pipe and sip on a class of tea or coffee. although not a smoker myself i'd like to try it along with a glass of refreshing beer

(9) Eat a doner. Doner is a Turkish dish made with meat cooked on a spinning vertical rotisserie. The meat can be lamb, beef, or chicken, and it’s served in a pita with vegetables and a few toppings. It’s a tasty and affordable lunch which you can find in any part of the city.

(10) Go to a belly-dancing show - ooh wonderful and jolly yummy

(11) Visit the Blue Mosque, lay down my prayer mat and prey for all I wish for and to thank the powers that be who made me the winner of this competition ( oh well maybe )

(12) Get lost and see what surprises the city throws our way. Istanbul is a great city to get lost in. So if you’re feeling rather adventurous, why not leave the guidebook behind and just head out on foot to see what you can discover for yourself of which I especially specialise in this subject, eh' getting lost of course

this is my dozen reasons for wanting to visit this spicy and exotic city and being a part of the 'Just You' group I cannot deliver any other reason and being a comp winner would be the icing on the cake

Turkish Delight, Belly Dancers & the spicy smell of Istanbul!!!

Regards

Dave

marrig
(Member)
'Julia' wrote:

UserPostedImage

We're giving you the chance to win an amazing 5-day Just You city break to Istanbul, worth up to £969! Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents, where European and Asian architecture, food, lifestyles and faiths combine, creating a unique and memorable city.

Our Istanbul city break includes return flights from London Heathrow, 4 nights’ accommodation in a 4-star hotel with breakfast plus a city tour that takes in some of Istanbul's many highlights: Topkaki Palace, the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque and Hippodrome.

To be in with a chance of winning, just tell us what you love about Turkey, or why you'd love to go there.

How to enter:

1. Log in to the Just You Community forum (if you're not a member yet, not a problem - it takes just a minute to register).

2. Reply to this thread with your comments as to what you love about, or why you'd love to visit Turkey

3. Post your entry before the closing date - midnight, Tuesday 31 March 2015. (please note that this is based on the time that you post your entry NOT the time it is moderated)

The team at JYHQ will pick our favourite entry and that person will win a 5 day Istanbul City Break with Just You!

The competition is open now, so get those entries in and tell us what you love about Turkey, or why you'd love to go there!

Click on the green 'New reply' button now to post your entry!

We look forward to reading your comments!

Julia

Terms and conditions apply: Win an Istanbul City Break' competition terms and conditions

Competition closes at midnight on 31 March 2015. The decision of the judges will be final. Winner will be contacted via the email address they registered on the Just You community forum with. The winner will be notified on Friday 3rd April 2015. The winner can select their own departure date from those offered (17 May 2015; 13 Sep 2015; 4 Oct 2015; 9 Nov 2015, subject to availability). Istanbul city break prize includes: The services of a Just You Tour Manager and Local Guides, scheduled flights from Heathrow to Istanbul, overseas transfers and transportation, 4 nights’ accommodation in your own room with breakfast each day, welcome dinner and drink plus farewell get-together, hotel porterage (1 bag), all airport taxes & security charges, UK Airline Passenger Duty, all state and local taxes, ATOL protection fee, Turkish Visa (British citizens who hold a British passport only). Regional or connecting flights will be at a supplement. The winner will need to make their own way to Heathrow. Travel arrangements to Heathrow can be made by Just You at a supplement. Winner will need to organise their own travel insurance and details provided to Just You before travel. We reserve the right to use excerpts from or entire entries to the competition in our marketing and promotional material. No purchase necessary. No cash alternative, prize is non-transferrable and non-refundable. We reserve the right to substitute the prize for an alternative holiday of equal value. The decision from Just You is final. Entries through third parties will be disqualified. Winner will have until 15 April 2015 to confirm their preferred date, failure to respond will result in the winner being excluded and another winner will be selected. Employees or friends and family of employees of All Leisure Holidays may not enter the competition. This promotion and any disputes that may arise will be governed by English Law. By entering the competition you are accepting these terms and conditions.

What better way to get the best of two worlds....where East meets West, Just You is best.......having experienced a just Your tour I know the experience would be well organised with tour managers who can help to make the most of a holiday in Istanbul. A duel holiday to meet different cultures and friends......

Brant
  • (Member)
(Member)
I've never been to Turkey but always wanted to, especially because of its location, its history and its spirituality......I'd really really love to go!
Hilary M.
(Member)
I lived in Istanbul for 3 years about 45 years ago, before the bridges over the Bosphorus were built. I have wonderful memories of our life there. The people are very warm, friendly and hospitable, and not to mention the delicious food.

It has been my dream for sometime now to go back there to visit amongst others, the Topkapi Palace, Aya Sophia and Blue mosques and the covered market. I would also like to go to the Beshiktash market if it is still there. I would like to see what changes have taken place in Istanbul since then.

At the time I was there, there was a hole in a pillar of the Aya Sophia mosque and if you put a finger in this hole and made a wish, it would come true. In my case...it did.

snwilk
(Member)
I used to work in Green Lanes North London. The Greek Cypriots were very friendly but being Welsh we communicated with sign language in my profession but it worked well. However the tensions between the Greek and Turkish clients were marked,

Having been to Greece but not Cyprus I would love to see the different culture. I even stayed in Lesbos once and could see Turkey but at that time a trip was not possible

regards

neale

Lapwing
(Member)
Istanbul: the place where Europe and Asia, ancient and modern meet and mingle. The Roman and Ottoman Empires shaped the old city of Constantinople and lined the Bosphorous with ancient sites and a skyline of squat domes and slender minarets pointing heavenward . Within the ornate halls of the Topkapi Palace, lies the mystery of court and harem life and here are glittering jewels the size of hens’ eggs and stunning sacred relics. Back in the old city there are delicious flavours to find; simit, baklava, Turkish tea and coffee and the sultry rhythms of music and belly dance. As dusk falls, a thin crescent moon rises over the Bosphorous and rides the night sky. Later still, from towering Blue Mosque minaret, the call to prayer sings through air and seeps into early morning dreams.

Many years ago, a young girl passed through Istanbul. I have a few hazy, dreamlike memories from that time. I would love to visit the city again to see whether I did just dream it all or if those dreams really are true.

JRTRAVEL
(Member)
ISTANBUL!

History for the mind,

Culture for the soul,

Hammam for the body,

Cuisine to sustain you through it all.

I have wonderful memories of a trip I took.

Never dreamt I could visit again - unless you can make it happen!

Fingers crossed...