Easyjet airlines start flying from London Gatwick to Istanbul on the 12th December. Just in time for you to be able to go to Istanbul and start off your Christmas shopping!

The flights go to the Asian side of Istanbul and land at Sabiha Gökçen airport.

To find out how to get from Sabiha Gökçen airport to the city centre please see the link below

 http://www.gtahotels.com/cityguide/turkey/istanbul/from_the_airport_and_around_the_city/getting_from_the_airport_to_istanbul-266.html

 For Christmas shopping in Istanbul head for Taksim or Cevahir which is a large indoor shopping and entertainment  centre.  If you want more upmarket shopping and expensive gifts then head to Nisantasi which is an area that atracts the rich and famous.

If you want to take back something a little more traditional then head for the Grand bazaar in Sultanahment or the Spice bazaar in Eminonu.

A pleasant day can be spent on the Asian side.  Just take the ferry from Eminonu to kadikoy where you can wander around the shops and enjoy a glass of tea at the harbourside.

Do remember that winters in Istanbul are cold and if you are lucky you may get to see some snow.

Suggested local gifts to take back are;

Lokum ( Turkish delight ) Pismaniye ( A cotton candy type sweet) Tea glasses, shawls and what about a Tarkan CD!

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