10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World - October 2025

An intensely beautiful and haunting novel from Elif Shafak about the wonder of life, the mystery of death and the strange space in between. Set in Istanbul, this Booker-shortlisted novel really captures the essence of Istanbul and will be the focus of our book club discussion. Elif Shafak is the best-selling Turkish-British novelist of best-selling books such as “The Forty Rules of Love”, “The Island of Missing Trees” and her current best seller, “There are rivers in the sky”.

So much is included: flights to Istanbul, transfers, 4-star accommodation at Hotel Sumengen, a converted Ottoman Mansion situated along the banks of the Bosphorus Strait, a few minutes from the Blue Mosque, as well as two days of tours, guided by a local tour guide. Highlights include a visit to the Hagia Sophia Mosque, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome Square, Topkapı Palace and Galata Tower as well as Dolmabahce Palace, Egyptian Bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Sultan Suleyman Mosque. Followed on the final day with an early evening boat trip on the Bosphorus.

I've partnered with Friendship Travel, a trusted travel specialist with over 25 years of experience in crafting exceptional holidays for solo travellers.  Friendship Travel will handle all the details, from booking flights from various UK airports to arranging your travel plans if you're based overseas.

To book this trip, click to the Friendship Travel site and complete their booking form.