Weekend getaway: Istanbul, Turkey

This week, the Kyiv Post recommends a quick trip across the Black Sea to Istanbul, Turkey, for the 15th annual jazz festival which will include 40 concerts at some of the best spots in Istanbul.
end flights, www.aerosvit.ua  or by Ukrainian ferry, www.ukrferry­tour.com, +380 (044) 279­7799. The ferry leaves from Odesa. Visas can be bought at the airport, but check with the Turkish embassy in Kyiv for more information (Visa department: 281­0799).

With Ottoman minarets and imposing mosques dotting the city skyline, Istanbul is a fusion of both Asian and European influences. The city straddles both continents and includes some of the most interesting cultural experiences. Whatever your preference, Istanbul likely has it. 

The cosmopolitan city offers tons of nightlife options, beaches, festivals and great restaurants. Just a two­hour flight from Kyiv, it’s the perfect weekend destination; visit the Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, take a cruise along the Bosphorous Strait, relax on one of the many beaches near the city or take a traditional Turkish bath.  Visitors should also hit up the new Istanbul Modern, a museum showing local modern art and Cihangir, a trendy neighborhood home to many rooftop patios and eateries where you can enjoy grilled meat with flatbread—a Turkish staple.

This week, the Kyiv Post recommends a quick trip across the Black Sea for the 15th annual jazz festival which will include 40 concerts at some of the best spots in Istanbul. Performers include well­known Brazilian musician Caetano Veloso who recorded the soundtrack for Petro Almodovar’s acclaimed film “Talk to Her." The festival will include a performances from Canadian­American songwriter Rufus Wainwright, his first show in Turkey. Omara Portuonda, who sang with the Buena Vista Social Club, will perform from her newest project called “Gracias.” The jazz festival will also include performances from various Turkish stars like the Taksim Trio and Pink Martini.

For more information and a complete list of performers visit www.iksv.org/caz/english. Tickets can be purchased until July 16th at the main box office at 64 Istikal Caddesi or can be reserved online at www.biletix.com or www.qaranti.com.tr. 

General tourism information can be found at Sultanahmet Square, 3 Divan Yolu.

Alexa Stadnyk can be reached at Stadnyk@kpmedia.ua or 496­4565 ext. 1092