Tag Archives: Istanbul

One of my greatest trips.

Eastern European Odyssey

Eastern European Odyssey plus London was a hectic 4 week trip to a number of cities I had never visited before. First stop was Istanbul on February 25 2015 then on to London for a few days before flying to Zagreb in Croatia. A 3 hour bus trip took me to Split on the coast for a couple of days followed by 5 hours on the bus down the coast to Dubrovnik.

From Dubrovnik I traveled to Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina then onto Sarajevo. Finally back to Zagreb for one night before a horror train journey to Budapest due to construction work on the railroad.

A stand out feature of this trip was my selection of hotels and apartments, everyone of them was in a perfect location with a very reasonable price when booked through Agoda,

Istanbul The Blue Mosque

 It was built from 1609 to 1616, during the rule of Ahmed I. Its Külliye contains a tomb of the founder, a madrasah and a hospice. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is still popularly used as a mosque.

I stayed at the Hotel Spectra right next door to the Blue Mosque, it was in a great location and very good value if you book through Agoda.

Singing for the crowd

There were quite a few buskers around the city.

 

Second stop London

St Pauls Cathredal  The cathedral is one of the most famous and most recognisable sights of London, with its dome, framed by the spires of Wren’s City churches, dominating the skyline for 300 years.

Enoteca da Luca

Very close to St Pauls is this delightful Italian restaurant, put it on your list, it’s a breath of fresh air in a city not known for its fine food. 🙂

The Villa Kensington 10-11 Ashburn Gardens SW7  This excellent budget hotel is in a great location, only 2 blocks from Gloucester Road underground and surrounded by dozens of good restaurants. I booked through Agoda as usual and stayed in a newly renovated room for only 50 Quid or $98 usd including breakfast.

The Walkie Talkie and The Gherkin

Plus of course we have the Tower of London in the foreground.

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Third stop Zagreb

My hotel the Dubrovnik, looked over Zagreb’s Main Square, the perfect location for exploring this interesting city.

The Corner Bar

  This hidden away little bar was a gem, drinks, snacks of simply good coffee.  

Zagreb Cathredal

The cathedral towers over the city.

Next stop Split

A three hour bus ride through the mountains to the coastal city of Split. My two bedroom apartment was terrific, only $60 per night in a perfect location. Book it through Agoda for this great rate.

Part of the old city

  There seemed to be a surprise around every corner wandering through the old part of the city.  

The Prokurative

The square has long been established as an excellent stage for cultural events, especially the pop music festival, and the local bars and restaurants made it a popular venue for the citizens of Split.

 

Beautiful Dubrovnik

  I was so pleased I was here in the “off season” as the crowds of tourists in the summer would be a real turn off.  

Amazing city walls

You can walk around the entire city on top of the ancient walls, it takes about 1.5 hours and is well worth the effort. If you visit Dubrovnik and want a fantastic apartment look no further than Karmen apartments.  The location is perfect and the price is very reasonable indeed. Marc the owner is very helpful and a hive of information. Staying here is like staying in your own home, the furniture, atmosphere and comfort is simply fantastic.

Outside the walls

You can see why some scenes from Game of Thrones was filmed here.

Great Dubrovnik video clip

Mostar Bosnia-Herzegovina

  Bosnia was never part of my original plans until a couple of people suggested I should go as it was so close to where I was in Dubrovnik. I’m pleased I took their advice as Mostar turned out to be a real surprise packet. The Old Bridge was the jewel in the crown, it was destroyed in the war around 1993 and rebuilt.  

Opposite the Bella Vista restaurant

This reminded me of a mini version of Table mountain in Cape Town, in fact it was exactly one year ago when I was there.  My hotel by the river is in a terrific location and the nice couple Arnela & Adis running the hotel booked me a car to do a 3 hour tour of the area for $70 aud. The funny thing was they said “we are not busy today can we come with you?” So as it turned out I had 3 personal translators and tour guides including Admir the driver. The Vila park only costs about $35 per night if you book through Agoda.

Adis, Arnela & Admir

Admir is a great taxi driver who will charge you the correct price, he speaks German & the local language but only a little English. You can phone him on +387 62 600 260, or if you are local 062 600 260.

Next stop Sarajevo

 

Another bus trip, unusual for me when travelling to take so many buses, however you certainly see a lot more of the country. These guys gather every day to play chess in the square, lots of shouting from the spectators as they give advice to the players.

Avaz Twist Tower

  The tallest building in Sarajevo, they have a lookout on the top floor which gives you a great view of the city.   My hotel in Sarajevo was in a perfect location with a good price, even though the rooms & breakfast were average I would stay at the Kovaci Hotel again.

Unforgettable Eastern European Odyssey

I bought a nice leather bag for only $15.

 

 

The final stop Budapest

What a fabulous city, so many photo opportunities particularly at night with all the lights. Buda Castle above is a beautiful example.

Hungarian Parliament

For a reasonably priced hotel in the perfect location book the Promenade City hotel through this Agoda link.  

Buda Castle

What a super city Budapest was.

 

Thanks for visiting my Unforgettable Eastern European Odyssey post, come back any time.

Farewell.

 

First stop Istanbul

Second stop London

Third stop Zagreb

Fourth stop Split

Fifth stop Dubrovnik

Sixth stop Mostar

Seventh stop Sarajevo

Eight stop Budapest

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• Hong Kong 2014

• Bradford on Avon

• Coogee Beach Australia

• Pattaya Thailand 2013

• Amazing Iguazu Falls

• New York City

• Buddhist Temple Asakusa Tokyo

• Pattaya live webcam

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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