Turkish Air and Istanbul
Detroit to the World: Flying Nonstop with Turkish Airlines
Greetings, friends! We’re off on a new adventure! First stop, Istanbul (one of our favorite cities), and then onward to Cairo. This trip marks my very first time flying Turkish Airlines across the pond, and there’s some exciting news for Detroit travelers: Turkish Airlines now offers nonstop service from Detroit to Istanbul!
For those of us who prefer to skip the hassle of multiple layovers, this is a game-changer. The direct flight saves time and makes both business and leisure trips far more seamless.
But what really sets Turkish Airlines apart is the journey itself. In Business Class, expect spacious seating, world-class service, and menus inspired by the best of Turkey and global cuisine—it’s truly fine dining at 35,000 feet.
Another perk worth noting? The Turkish Airlines Stopover Program. Travelers connecting through Istanbul can enjoy complimentary hotel nights in the city. Yes, you read that correctly; free accommodations that make it easy to explore Istanbul while en route to your final destination.
With one of the largest networks in the world, Turkish Airlines can connect you from Istanbul to nearly anywhere—just like us heading to Cairo. For Detroit flyers, this new nonstop route opens doors to endless possibilities with ease, comfort, and style.
If you’d like more details about this experience or the flight itself, feel free to reach out.
Ciao for now…
A Return to Park Hyatt Istanbul – Maçka Palas
I am delighted to share my return to the Park Hyatt Istanbul – Maçka Palas, a hotel that immediately makes you feel like you’ve arrived somewhere special. Nestled in the chic Nişantaşı neighborhood, often compared to Paris’s Left Bank, this property is a beautiful blend of contemporary design and historic charm.
The rooms are spacious, light-filled, and elegantly understated, with luxurious details like deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers that make unwinding a true pleasure. What I love most is how the hotel feels more like a private residence than a large property. It offers both sophistication and warmth.
Dining at the Park Hyatt is always a highlight, with modern Turkish cuisine and cocktails on the terrace. This time, however, we opted for a delicious dinner at a small local restaurant just across the street. Afterward, we made our way up to the rooftop bar, where the evening turned magical with tasty cocktails and live music from a solo cellist serenading guests under the stars.
Being in Nişantaşı means you’re just steps away from luxury boutiques, art galleries, and lively cafés. It makes for the perfect base for exploring Istanbul. If only we had more time!
The Park Hyatt Istanbul is not simply a place to stay. It is an experience of refined hospitality woven seamlessly into one of the city’s most stylish districts.
Istanbul: A City That Always Beckons
Feeling fortunate to be back in Istanbul, a city that never ceases to enchant. For first-time visitors, it is where East meets West, and every street seems to tell a story that spans centuries. For those returning, there is always something new to discover, an intimate café tucked away on a quiet corner, a striking contemporary art installation, or a modern reinterpretation of classic Turkish cuisine.
For sightseeing, a few highlights stand out above the rest: the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, the vibrant and bustling Grand Bazaar, a serene Bosphorus cruise, and the dazzling beauty of the Blue Mosque. Art enthusiasts will also want to set aside time for the Istanbul Modern Museum, a contemporary treasure along the waterfront.
This marks my fourth visit to the city, and a fifth is already on the calendar. What continually draws me back is the extraordinary energy of Istanbul: the deep layers of history, the warmth of its people, and the way tradition and modernity weave seamlessly together. Whether wandering through spice-scented markets, sipping tea with locals, or standing in awe of Byzantine mosaics, the city feels both timeless and vibrantly alive.
If you have yet to visit, make it a priority. And if you have already experienced Istanbul, trust me—you will find yourself longing to return.
