Month: January 2012

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travel guide Turkey

Hotels in Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Sultanahmet is the Old City of Istanbul . It is the oldest part of the city and where you’ll find most of the historical sights. Sultanahmet is a peninsula and is what used to be known as Constantinopole. This is where you’ll find Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) , as well as a variety of museums, hamams and parks.

Accommodation is found generally around Sultanahment. Cankurtaran is the neighborhood, just south of Sultanahmet Street, where you can find plenty of hostels and hotels . But you can also find decent priced hotels right in Sultanahmet.

History Hotel

The 2-star hotel is located right by the City Hall and relatively close to Saraçhane Park. It is located about 2.8 km from Sultanahmet. All rooms have free wi-fi, flat screen TV , minibar and safe. Buffet breakfast is included in the room price. It is located close to a metro station, the bus terminal and a tram station.

In early March 2012, expect to pay €60 per night in a standard double or twin room.

The Newport Hotel

This is another 2 star hotel located relatively close to the Grand Bazaar (and about ½ mile from Sultanahmet). All rooms have free wi-fi, minibar and AC. The restaurant serves Turkish specialties and there’s a bar in the lobby as well. The nearest bus station is about 5 min walk away. The buffet breakfast is included in the room price.

In early March 2012, expect to pay €65 per night in a double room.

Santa Sophia Hotel

This 2-star hotel is located right in historical center of Istanbul. The Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Topkapi Palace are within walking distance. All rooms have free wi-fi , TV and private bathrooms. Buffet breakfast is included in the room price. The rooftop terrace has superb views of the sea. The restaurant serves both international and Turkish dishes. There are bus and tram stops close to the hotel.

In early March 2012, expect to pay €49 per night in a double room.

Faros Hotel Sirkeci

This hotel is located very close to Topkapı Palace , just behind Gülhane Park. All room have free wi-fi , private bathroom and tea/coffee making facilities. The restaurant specializes in Italian fare but also serves Turkish food. The buffet breakfast is included in the room price. The train and tram stations are located near-by.

In early March 2012, expect to pay €119 per night in a double room.

Golden Crown Hotel

The 3-star hotel is located in the heart of historic Istanbul , a short walk from Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The tram station is also near-by. Buffet breakfast is included in the room price. Free wi-fi is available in the hotel.

In early March 2012, expect to pay €50 per night in a standard double or twin room.

Erboy Hotel

The 3-star hotel offer a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city. Topkapı Palace is located close by and the hotel offers an airport shuttle. Buffet breakfast is included in the room price. All rooms have AC, TV, private bathrooms and free wi-fi. The restaurant serves traditional Turkish food and drinks.

In early March 2012, expect to pay €52 per night (discounted) in a double room.

Grand Liza Hotel

The 3-star hotel is located close to the Grand Bazaar. The Blue Mosque is within 15 min walk. It features a restaurant with panoramic views of the Bosporus. All rooms have AC, TV and free wi-fi. Some rooms have a view of the Marmara Sea. Buffet breakfast is included in the room price.

In early March 2012, expect to pay €40 per night in a double room.

Grand Asiyan Hotel

The 3-star hotel is located about 15 min from Sultanahmet. It features an indoor pool and an onsite hamam. All rooms have TV, AC, private bathrooms and free wi-fi. Breakfast in included in the room price. The metro and tram stations are located near-by.

In early March 2012, expect to pay €100 per night in a standard double or twin room.

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Planning a Trip Portugal Transportation travel guide

Getting from Lisbon to Sintra


Lisbon , the capital of Portugal, is a vibrant European city, offering stunning views of the Atlantic. It is also an excellent base for exploring the near-by cities and attractions, such as Sintra and its Moorish castle. Aside from the castle, Sintra is also home to Pena Palace. The surrounding hills as well as the historical center are UNESCO Heritage Sites.

Quick summary

The easiest way to get from Lisbon to Sintra is by train. There are trains departing every 15 min from Lisbon’s Entrecampos station and the fare is €1.95* one way (unless you have a Lisbon travel card and then you won’t pay anything for this ride).

Trains from Lisbon to Sintra

There are train departing Lisbon Entrecampos to Sintra every 15 min , every day of the week. The travel time is about 40 min and the single fare is €1.95. Trains don’t run between midnight and 6 a.m. (last train departs Lisbon at 11:42 p.m.).

If you purchase Lisbon travel card, you should know that it covers the price of the train ride to Sintra (and other cities located close to the capital).

The train station in Sintra is located about 10 min walk from the city. If you don’t plan to do any walking, you can catch a bus from the bus station, located opposite the train station.

Tickets can be bought online here

>>read more about Train Travel in Portugal

Driving from Lisbon to Sintra

You can rent a car and drive the 35 km from Lisbon to Sintra on A16. A shorter route (32 km) is via A5 and IC19. In either case the travel time is little over ½ h.

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Note:*at the time the article was written

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Planning a Trip Portugal Transportation travel guide

Getting from Faro to Seville


Faro is the main gateway into the Algarve region of Portugal and although it is generally overcrowded by tourists pretty much year-round, it is also quite popular among budget travelers who use it as a base for exploring other cities in the area or traveling to Spain. In fact, the Far to Seville route is very popular among backpackers and budget travelers, in general.

Seville is the cultural and financial capital of Southern Spain and also a top destination in Andalucia. There is a lot to do and see here and the budget travelers are happy to find affordable accommodation.

Although both cities are served by airports, the short distance between them (about 200 km) doesn’t require a flight. There are connecting flights via Lisbon, but the time spent traveling is long (about 4 hours) and the prices start at €124 one way during early spring (although it’s possible to find flights from €98 when the low cost carriers start to serve Faro during the summer months).

Quick summary

With no railway between Faro and Seville, the best option for any traveler is to travel by bus. There are several companies operating on this route and the single fares start at €16*.

Buses from Faro to Seville

Eva Transportes offers daily connections between Faro and Seville (Sevilha) . There are two buses per day from Faro, at 8:20 a.m. and 3:35 p.m. The travel time is 4 h 40 min and the single fare is €16. The return fare is €27.20. On the way back, catch the bus from Seville at 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.

Eurolines also operates on this route, but to find the buses, go on the Spanish site and look for Seville to Faro (if you go on the Portuguese site, you cannot find the Faro to Seville route). There is one bus departing Seville at 11:59 p.m. daily and arrives at 2:30 a.m. (local time in Portugal). The single fare is €20. On the way back, catch the bus at 2:30 a.m. in Faro and you’ll be at 6:15 a.m. in Seville. The same fare applies.

Driving from Faro to Seville

You can rent a car in Faro and drive the 197 km to Seville on A22 and A-49. You will be driving on a coast for a while, so you are also rewarded with lovely views.

Make sure to ask the rental company whether you are allowed to take the car across the border.

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Note: at the time the article was written

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Planning a Trip Portugal Transportation travel guide

Getting from Faro to Lagos

Faro is the main gateway into the Algarve region and also home to the closest airport to Lagos . Faro is generally over crowded with tourists pretty much year-round, but it is also a good base for exploring Southern Portugal as well as a gateway into picturesque cities, such as Lagos.

Quick summary

Bus tickets are cheaper than train tickets but not by a lot. Both are good options for those looking for a way to get between Faro and Lagos.

Trains from Faro to Lagos

Faro and Lagos are connected by “Regional” trains. There are 9 departures per day from Faro, between 7:16 a.m. and 8:12 p.m. The travel time is 1h 35 min to 1h 50 min. The single fare is €6.80.

On the way back , catch one of the 9 trains which depart Lagos between 6:05 a.m. and 7:19 p.m. The same travel time and fares apply.

Tickets can be bought online here.

>>read more about Train Travel in Portugal

Buses from Faro to Lagos

Eva Transportes offers 6 buses daily between Faro and Lagos. They depart Faro at 8 a.m., 9:05 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. , 4:25 p.m. and 5:25 p.m. The single fare is €5.65 and the return fare is €11.30.

On the way back, catch the buses from Lagos at 6:50 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m, 12:35 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Portugal

Driving from Faro to Lagos

You can rent a car and drive the 92 km on A2 in about 1 hour.

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travel guide Turkey

Things to do in Istanbul

Istanbul served as capital for four empires and now is one of the biggest European cities, filled with history and a lot of places to visit. It is the only city in the world located on two continents.

Of course it’s impossible to see and do everything on your vacation in Istanbul…and even if you plan to stay for longer, you’ll still have a difficult time exploring everything the city has to offer. So, we’ve put together a list of things to do and places to visit while in Istanbul.

Learn history at Haghia Sofia

First a Byzantine church, then an Ottoman mosque and now a museum…that’s , in short, the history of Haghia Sofia, probably the best well known landmark in Istanbul. While the outside is shabby, the interior is breathtaking, particularly the mosaics.

Explore the Topkapı Palace

It was the seat of the Ottoman power for about 400 years and now is a place you should explore while in Istanbul. Allow ½ day for this visit (at least). It is located behind Haghia Sophia.

Visit the Church of St Saviour (or the Kariye Mosque)

Usually left outside the tourist track , this church is only second to Haghia Sofia. The church was built in the 11th century and the mosaics and frescoes were remodeled in the 14th century. It contains works which are the most important surviving examples of Byzantine art in the world.

Visit the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet

Known as the Blue Mosque, the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet is one of the most beautiful buildings in Istanbul. Located opposite Haghia Sofia , it is an actual working mosque, so you’ll hear the call to prayer five times a day. Visitors can only enter during non-worship hours.

Haggle at the Grand Bazaar

Come prepared with a notepad , a calculator and plenty of time …for looking around and haggling. Sure, you can find pretty much anything you want, but you might want to look for jackets handbags and purses…or jewelry.

Ferry across the Bosporus

Board the ferry from the terminal adjacent to the Galata Bridge and cruise the Bosporus. You’ll pass beneath Bosporus Bridge and see lovely sights along the way, such as the Ortaköy Mosque and the Rumeli Hisari fortress.

Explore the city walls…on foot

Spanning for 6.5 km, the old city walls are the largest Byzantine structure that survives in modern Istanbul. Sure, it has been restored in some places, but the structure is still magnificent and worth your time.

Have a coffee or a meal under Galata Bridge

Well, it’s not technically “under” the bridge but the lower deck houses plenty of restaurants , bars and tea-houses. So you can enjoy a meal with a lovely view of both sides of the city.

Enjoy the sweets

Don’t worry, with all the walking you’ll do, the calories won’t ruin your weight. But make sure not to avoid the Egyptian Bazaar as this is where you’ll find some of the best lokum (Turkish delight) and other sweets in Istanbul, such as the baklava. And since you are in the Egyptian Bazaar, you might want to shop for some spices, as well.

Try the traditional Ottoman cuisine

If you don’t care much for the sweets, you can also enjoy the traditional Ottoman cuisine, which is not about the kebabs, by the way. Expect fruits and meat combos, or dishes with a Mediterranean feel.

>>read more about A culinary Incursion in Turkey

Relax at the Hamams

The Turkish baths, also known as Hamams, are a place to…relax. Try the entire “menu”…don’t worry, you don’t need to stay naked in front of the opposite sex (check the hours ; the hamamas are open on different hours for men and women). You’ll feel refresh and ready to tackle the world.

Try the narghile

You might know it as the hookah, but it’s the same thing. No, we are not telling you to start smoking, but trying the narghile is a fun way to experience the traditions in Istanbul. After all, locals have been using it since the 17th century.

Take a day trip to the Princes’ Islands

Located off Istanbul’s Asian Shore, they are the place where the non-Muslim elite built their summer palaces. Visit the churches or just soak up the atmosphere. Or take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. If the budget doesn’t allow for splurges, you can rent a bike and tour the islands.

Photo credits: Haghia Sofia , Topkapı Palace , Kariye Mosque , Blue Mosque , Grand Bazaar , Ferry , City Walls , Galata Bridge café , Lokum , Food , Garden of a Turkish bath , Hookah , Princes’ Islands

Categories
Planning a Trip Portugal Transportation travel guide

Getting from Faro to Lisbon

Faro is the main gateway into the Algarve region. Usually overrun by tourists pretty much year-round, Faro is also a very good base for exploring Southern Portugal.

Lisbon , the capital of Portugal, is a lively European city, perched on the edge of the Atlantic and offering a lovely vacation destination.

Quick summary

Considering that train and bus tickets cost almost the same amount of money, it makes sense to book a train ticket as you’ll get to the destination faster (about 3 hours). Or, if you want to explore the country at your pace, you could consider driving.

Flights from Faro (airport code: FAO) to Lisbon

Faro Airport (FAO) is located just 2.6 km from the city. It mostly receives seasonal flights (March to October) but there are some year-round flights available, too. It is hub for Ryanair.

Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) is located just 7 km from the city center and is hub for easyJet , Portugália, SATA International, TAP Portugal, White Airways, and Luzair.

The only airline offering flights between Faro and Lisbon is TAP Portugal . The flight time is 45 minutes. Should you plan to fly in 2012, expect to pay from €154 one way. Return flights start at €185.

Read more about
>>Flights to Faro
>>Flights to Lisbon

Trains from Faro to Lisbon

There are direct trains daily between Faro and Lisbon. They arrive at Lisbon’s Entrecampos train station. You can choose between Intercidade (IC) and Alfa Pendular (AP), with the big differences between them being that AP trains are faster and more expensive than IC trains.

The train ride is about 3h 15 min on IC trains and there are 3 IC trains per day departing Faro at 9:18 a.m., 1:41 p.m., and 4:57 p.m.. A single ticket is €21 for an adult (2nd class). On the way back, catch the trains from Lisbon at 10:29 a.m., 2:29 p.m. or 5:29 p.m.

The train ride on AP trains is 2h 50 min and there are two trains per day departing Faro at 7:05 a.m. and 3:05 p.m. A single ticket is €22 for an adult (2nd class). On the way back, catch the trains from Lisbon at 8:31 a.m. or 6:31 p.m.

Tickets can be bought online here.

>>read more about Train Travel in Portugal

Buses from Faro to Lisbon

Rede Expressos is the most important bus company which offers long haul connections between Portuguese cities.

There are 15 daily departures from Faro. The travel time is between 3h 45 and 4 hours. The first bus leaves Faro at 1:30 a.m. and the last one at 8:30 p.m. The single fare is either €19 (Rede buses) or €19.50 (Mundial Turismo buses operated by Rede). Some buses only operate during the tourist season (March to September or June to September).

On the way back, catch one of the 18 buses from Libson to Faro. The same fares and restrictions apply.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Portugal

Driving from Faro to Lisbon

You can rent a car and drive the 278 km to Lisbon on A2 in about 3 hours. It is a stress-free drive on a modern highway.

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Portugal travel guide

Carnival in Portugal

When one hears the word “Carnival” (or “Carnaval”), the city of Rio and the country of Brazil also spring in mind. But, those parades actually have their origins in Portugal , the country that settled Brazil.

The parades in Portugal kick off in February, on the week before Lent. The bulk of festivities take place three days before Ash Wednesday, although Carnival is also called “Entrudo” or the time between Epiphany and Lent. The festivities include parades, dances, live music, and colorful costumes.

The origin of the name

Carnaval has its origin in “Carnevale” , an Italian word used in the 14th century, which literally means “put away the meat”. This is linked to the Catholic Lent as Christians stopped eating meat during the weeks leading to Easter.

Roots and traditions

The Carnaval might be Christian but it has pagan roots. Back then, the festivals marked the transition period between winter and spring. As a reminder of those days, the Carnival still includes large headed and masked figures.

Other traditions dating back to the ancient festivals can be still experienced today such as: the festival means a period of peace and equality, the Carnaval focuses on reconciliation with the dead and their spirits, and “the godfathers and godmothers tradition” which is a kind of battle of the sexes.

Where to go during Carnaval

Carnaval is celebrated everywhere in Portugal but there are unique things going on in many places.

In the capital of Lisbon, Carnaval is a cosmopolite mix of parades and dances.

In Lazarim, Carnival still keeps the traditions of the Roman festival of Saturnalias. The locals wear hand-made wooden masks and their costumes are also hand made. At the end of the Carnival, the Entrudo, or Carnaval doll, is burned in a public bonfire.

Other places to visit for Carnaval include: Estarreja, Ovar, Fatima, Funchal, or the Azores.

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Planning a Trip Portugal Things to Do travel guide

Portugal in October


Spring and autumn are two of the best times to visit Portugal. And yes, many other tourists know that , but that doesn’t mean the country is crowded. If you plan to visit Lisbon, pack a waterproof jacket and make some plans in case it rains, such as visiting museums. But, in general , the weather is warm and sunny, so you can enjoy day trips and the country side.

Weather

The best times to visit Portugal are spring and autumn, so October falls into this category. The days are pleasantly sunny but the cities and sights aren’t crowded. You can explore the countryside or take a city break. Do expect rain in Lisbon though, so pack a waterproof jacket.

Sample temperatures:
Faro avg 22C / avg low 14C
Lisbon avg high 21C / avg low 13C
Porto avg high 19C / avg low 11C

>>read more about Weather in Portugal

Flights and accommodation

October falls during the shoulder season , a popular time to visit Portugal but not as expensive as summer. While it’s a good idea to book the airfare and accommodation ahead of time, you won’t have issues finding a place to stay a week before departure, for example. Hostels https://www.portugaltravelguide.org/hostels can be excellent choices , as well, particularly if you are on a low budget.

Many low costs carriers fly into Portugal, but by late October the number of flights start to decrease a bit. So plan in advance but not too far in advance (for low cost flights that means you pay a bit too much if you plan too far in advance). Keep your eyes on the sales and you’ll probably grab excellent deals.

What to do

October is still warm and although it is rainy in Lisbon, you will be blessed with lovely sunshine. While in Libon, don’t miss Belem , an enchanting historical neighborhood. If it does rain, some other things to do in Lisbon , such as visiting the museums or taking a ride on Tram 28 , will prove to be excellent choices. Or you can hide in a restaurant where you can enjoy the local food and drink.

You can also plan a day trip and visit the Moorish castle of Sintre, located a short drive from Lisbon. And while you are here, don’t miss the Palacio da Pena, built on the site of an old monastery. Today it’s a museum.

If you are a fan of wines, then autumn is the best time to visit Portugal. Aside from tasting Port, other things to do in Porto include sightseeing and visiting the museums . Don’t forget to enjoy the local cuisine, as well.

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Edinburgh Travel Tips

Why You Should Add Edinburgh to Your Round the World Trip Itinerary

Round the world trips are getting more and more popular as people are sick of waiting until retirement to see the world. When travelers plan a trip around the world, they have a lot of things to think about. First on the list is usually the itinerary. Figuring out where to go is no small task, and travelers need to consider a variety of factors when planning their trips.

Many people don’t like to add places in Europe to their trips because of the high cost of traveling there. But if you have a higher budget, Europe would be a great place to add. If you are planning on adding the continent to your travels, you have even more choices to make as Europe is huge and has many popular destinations. For some reason, Scotland isn’t the most popular of places to add. But we think that adding a city like Edinburgh to your RTW trip itinearary would be a great idea.

Edinburgh is a city of festivals, so if you’re hoping to get an authentic Scottish experience, try to plan your time here around one of its many festivals. Coming around New Year’s would give you a chance to take part in Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebration. It’s one of the biggest New Year’s celebrations in the world. You’ll be in for a treat and get to party with both travelers and locals alike. If you can’t make it for Hogmanay, though, then think about coming to Scotland in the summer. The weather sure will be a lot better, and it seems like there’s a new festival every week during the summer, with the largest arts festival in the world being the highlight. When planning your round the world trip, don’t leave out the Athens of the North.

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Planning a Trip Portugal Things to Do travel guide

Portugal in May

May in Portugal starts to feel like summer, but without the scorching heat and crowds of visitors. However, don’t expect a deserted country, by now the visitors start to come in large numbers but you can still grab a deal or two. Plan for outdoor activities, day trips and checking out the sights.

Weather

May is the last month of spring in Portugal and the weather is quite warm by now. Actually, by the end of the month it’s possible to enjoy some sunbathing (if you are not brave enough to jump into the water, as well). It’s a good month to plan outdoor activities and of course, visiting the cities is a pleasure, as well.

Sample temperatures:
Faro avg 21C / avg low 13C
Lisbon avg high 21C / avg low 12C
Porto avg high 18C / avg low 10C

>>read more about Weather in Portugal

Flights and accommodation

May is not a high season month for traveling in Portugal but the country get a lot of visitors any time of the year. By May the number of visitors start to increase, so it is a good idea to book the airfare and accommodation ahead of time. Hostels can be excellent choices if you are on a low budget or if you plan to visit several cities and want to save some money.

There are many low cost carriers flying to Portugal but don’t just assume you can pick up a dirt cheap ticket anytime. Do a bit of research and sign up to their newsletters so that you know when there are sales that might interest you. Generally speaking though, 4 to 8 weeks before departure, you can grab a good deal.

What to do

In May, you can watch the Estoril Open , where world’s premier tennis players fight for supremacy.

Libson’s Book Fair is held in Eduardo VII Park and is an awesome chance to meet the authors and fellow readers. Of course, you might not leave without buying some books.

Many people come to Portugal with the idea of tasting Port wine and enjoying the wine trails. But aside from that, other things to do in Porto include sightseeing, visiting the museums and enjoying the local cuisine.

Lisbon is another wonderful visit to visit. Don’t miss visiting Belem , a historically important district in the capital. Some other things to do in Lisbon include visiting the museums, checking out the monuments, taking a ride on Tram 28 – the iconic tourist tram – and seeing the city from above. Of course the food and drink in Lisbon are to die for.

Plan a day trip to the town of Sintra with its Moorish castle , located a short drive from the capital of Lisbon. And while you are here, visit the Palacio da Pena as well, built on the site of an old monastery.

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