Istanbul

Istanbul

Located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Istanbul is a bustling metropolis filled with exotic sights and sounds. It has long been an important center of culture because of its geographical significance. In Ancient times, it was a major center of commerce in trade on the silk roads. It later became a capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. The famous Orient Express had its point of terminus right in the Taxim district (the European Quarter) of this legendary city.

Where is it?

Istanbul is probably the most famous city in Turkey because of its strategic location. The Sea of Marmaris is a water-way between the Medeterraenean Sea and the Black Sea. The land forms a bridge between the two continents of Asia and Europe. It has always been a place where cultures meet and it boasts a great number of conveniences for travellers. It is an ideal place to start your Turkish Holiday.

What to do and see:

There is so much to see and do in Istanbul that a week would be packed full of excursions. The essential places such as the Topkapi palace, the Sultanahmet Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Dolumbahce Palace, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice market should not be missed. Other exciting excursions include a local ferry to Büyükada, one of the Princes’ islands where traffic is not allowed and a tour of the island is done by fayton (horse-drawn carriage).

Taksim Square is a bustling centre and a good place to find a restaurant in the evening. The Grand Bazaar is a delightful place for shoppers to go treasure-seeking.