For a holiday with a difference
Stay on Burgaz the smallest of The Princes Islands, 4 enchanting islands in the Marmara sea only a stones throw from all of the most important places on the tourist trail.
You can visit Topkapi palace, walk to the Grand Bazar and see all the major sites in Istanbul whilst staying in a tranquil oasis, a sleepy small island which traditionally has been the place where wealthy Istanbul citizens wile away the hot days of summer. The islands are well connected to Istanbuls major ports and there are several ferryboats every hour as well as the faster catamarans which will get you to the centre of the city in 30 minutes. From the ports buses, trams and taxis are available to whisk you all over the city and then you can return , your boat possibly accompanied by dolphins in the summer months to the island where there are no cars and everyone strolls enjoying the trees and the seaside mansions or take a horse drawn carriage to your home. There are several pebbly beaches around the island where you can lie in the sun and swim in the sea at your leisure. As these islands have long been the playground of the rich and idle there are many seaside open air fish restaurants and a lively harbour with large and small fishing vessels. You can sip a cappuccino on the front or enjoy a gin and tonic as the sun sets. In the evening the islands are full of life with people enjoying good food and drink away from the hustle and bustle of the big city and the return of the many business people who commute to the city during the summer months.
The Island offers you a quiet retreat in a ground floor flat overlooking the Marmara sea and Istanbul beyond. The well equipped apartment offers one double room and two bunk beds as well as a living room and dining room both with double bed settees. There is a modern and well equipped kitchen and a bathroom with an extra large shower head. There is a steamer chair and lots of comfortable garden furniture for you to enjoy the leafy private garden in front of the flat. The kitchen opens out to a patio for outdoor dining and there are huge French windows leading from the flat into the garden.
The ferries are a 15 minute walk away, the grocer corner shop a two minute walk away and the sea a five minute stroll down to a jetty for sunbathing and swimming. The pace of life on the island is leisurely and there is only one small hotel so you will get a taste of “real” Istanbul life. There are lots of walks around the tiny island and you can read your book undisturbed except for the seagulls. There is no television but a music set and a selection of Cds are provided. There is a housekeeper who will welcome you to the house and come twice a week to clean and cook if you so request. During the summer months the flat is cool with a marble interior and parquet flooring throughout and in the winter 2 antique wood burning stoves are provided for your comfort. The islands are most beautiful in spring and autumn and busy during the summer months. Whatever the season they provide you with a chance to relax or sightsee and the trip in and out of the city is a pleasure in itself and gives you unsurpassed views of Istanbul.
THE FLAT IS AVAILABLE FOR STAYS OF 5 DAYS OR MORE AT A COST OF 300 YTL PER DAY and sleeps up to 6 people. There are special prices for stays of over one week depending on the season.
