Exploring Sofia

Alexander Nevski Cathedral

Last week, I had a chance to visit Sofia for the first time where I stayed two nights. It must be one of the easiest cities to explore on foot as I actually did not need to take a bus or metro as the top attractions are very close to each other. In case you are planning a trip to this Bulgarian capital, here are some of my travel tips.

Photo Review: Hilton Sofia

Hilton Sofia Executive Lounge

Date of stay: November 6-7, 2018
Address: Bulevard "Bulgaria" 1, 1421 g.k. Lozenets, Sofia, Bulgaria
Room: King Hilton Guest Room, upgraded to Corner Executive Room Mountain View
Rate: 30K Hilton Points
How to get here: From the airport, Take M1. At Serdika Station, change to metro line towards Lozenets and get off at European Union Station. The hotel is a few minutes walk from here.

Photo Review: Ramada Sofia City Centre

Ramada Sofia City Center Business Room

Date of stay: November 5-6, 2018
Address: Maria Luiza 131 Blvd. Sofia BG 1202
Room: Guest Room, upgraded to Business Room as a Wyndham Diamond member
Rate: 52.50 EUR
How to get here: From the airport, take M2 and change at Serdika Station to the line towards the Central Railway Station. Get off at next stop, Lavov Most. The hotel is a few minutes walk.

Photo Review: DoubleTree Istanbul-Moda

Doubletree King Executive Deluxe with Bosphorus View

Date of stay: November 3-4, 2018
Address: Caferağa Mahallesi, Albay Faik Sözdener Cd. No:31, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey 
Room: Upgraded to King Executive Suite Bosphorus View
Rate: 85 Euro
How to get there: From the airport, take M1A to Yenikapi Statıon, then take Marmaray Line to Ayrilik Çeşmesi. Change to M4 and get off at Kadikoy Station

Review: Turkish Airlines Inaugural Flight, Izmir-Istanbul New Airport in Business Class

Turkish Airlines inaugural flight from Izmir to Istanbul Airport, business class meal

Flight: TK 2031
Departure Time in Izmir (ADB): 8:35
Arrival time in Istanbul (ISL): 10:05
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800 (TC-JZH)
Seat: 2A
Duration: 1h 30m
Date of flight: November 2, 2018
*Revenue ticket, Business Class flight No. 170

Turkish Airlines Inaugural Flight, Istanbul New Airport to Izmir

Istanbul New Airport

A few weeks ago, I booked a flight from the new airport in Istanbul (airport code ISL) to Izmir departing November 1. It was the only day I was available as I had non refundable hotel bookings from the 2nd to the 5th of November. To my surprise, it was actually the inaugural flight, lucky me. Here are some of the pictures from the whole experience starting with the bus to the airport, the new airport itself and the flight to Izmir.

Photo Review: Lufthansa Lounge, Boston Logan Airport (BOS)

Lufthansa Lounge Boston Logan Airport, Boston

Location: Terminal E, take elevator opposite gate E11 up to 4th floor
Access: Star Alliance Gold card holders and Miles & More HON and Senator card holders; First Class and Business Class passengers on a Star Alliance flight
Opening hours: 2pm to 10:30pm

Photography: Michael Pannagel
Date of visit: October 4, 2018

Photo Review: Iberia Business Center, Madrid Barajas T4 (MAD)

Iberia Business Center, Madrid Barajas Airport T4

Location: Terminal 4, Landside, close to VAT Refund Authorization
Access: Iberia business class passengers flying on any oneworld operated flight; oneworld emerald and sapphire status members flying on any oneworld operated flight
Opening hours: Daily, 6am to 11pm

Date of visit: October 5, 2018