Tourism Breaking News
GCC is one of the main markets for Turkey especially during summer. This year Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul is inviting guests from the region to immerse themselves in Turkish culture, art and natural beauty with a range of new city experiences with their new campaign.
When it comes to cities that combine history, beauty and culture with art, style and creativity, there are few places on earth that can compete with Istanbul. And there are few people who know the city like the team of local experts at Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul. Tapping into these deep-rooted connections throughout the city, Shangri-La has created a series of curated experiences that invite guests to rediscover the best of Istanbul this summer. The new experiences make every Istanbul adventure even richer for guests, whether they’re jewellery lovers, art aficionados, or just love getting out on the water.
Loved by celebrities including Elizabeth Hurley, Halle Berry and Whoopi Goldberg, Sevan Biçakçi launched his first collection of extraordinary jewellery in 2002, having spent years working as an apprentice with master craftsmen in Istanbul’s famed Grand Bazaar. His unique pieces are a reflection of Istanbul in miniature, incorporating Ottoman history, art and traditional motifs, with one of his most famous pieces to date incorporating a miniature of the Hagia Sofia mosque embedded into a ring. On this Shangri-La-curated half-day tour, guests will visit Biçakçi’s store deep in the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar for a close-up look into the intricacies of his designs, including one unique and highly desirable piece that is usually under wraps and off-limits to visitors. A must for lovers of jewellery and Ottoman style, the experience is priced at EUR 250 per person for a minimum of four and a maximum of eight guests.
Inspired by his home city of Istanbul, multi-disciplinary Turkish artist Ismail Acar’s artworks are filled with Turkish and Ottoman motifs, with people, patterns and familiar city sights all finding their way into his creations. A glimpse into Acar’s atelier is like entering his own version of the city. With works ranging from portraits to paper-carving, stencil graffiti and much more, it’s his hyper-realist portrayals of still life and Turkish artefacts, juxtaposed with Ottoman and Turkish design details, for which he has become most famous. After experiencing artistry in the atelier, guests will return to Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul to experience artistry through the hotel’s renowned Afternoon Tea, where Turkish and Asian flavours reflect the meeting of European and Asian cultures in this thrilling city. The menu features dishes such as the palace manti with fresh goat cheese, herbs and gold leaf, fresh-from-the-oven Black Sea pide with minced beef, and the much-loved money bags with Peking duck, as well as a selection of teas ranging from traditional Turkish çay to Indian and Chinese blends. The experience is priced at €170 for two people, inclusive of round-trip transfer from the hotel to the artist’s atelier.
The Bosphorus is one of the world’s most evocative waterways, connecting Europe and Asia and providing the perfect backdrop for all sorts of Istanbul adventures. On this excursion created by Shangri-La, guests will have the opportunity to set sail on these storied waters with local fishermen and try their hand at fishing the catch of the day. Departing at sunrise on a traditional Turkish fishing boat, your local guides will survey the waters and cruise to the spots with the best chance of landing a catch. Depending on the time of year and the conditions of the day, bluefish, seabass and mackerel can all be fished in these waters. For those who prefer to enjoy the ride instead of fishing for dinner, a morning out on the Bosphorus offers opportunities to see the beautiful Istanbul skyline from a different perspective, with mosques, minarets and the city’s seven hills lighting up with the sun’s first rays. And keep an eye on the surface of the water, too. It’s not unusual to see dolphins here. Back at the hotel the chefs will be waiting to cook up the catch in traditional Turkish style. And for those who didn’t have any fishing luck or who preferred simply to enjoy the ride, there will still be a freshly prepared meal waiting with ingredients picked up at the fish market for a true strait-to-table experience. The Bosphorus Fishing Excursion, including one night in a Premier Bosphorus room for two, is priced at EUR 1650. The fishing experience is available for a minimum of two and a maximum of eight guests.
