İstanbul

Augusta, Antonina, Nova Roma, Byzantion, Byzantium, Constantinople and finally İstanbul...

These exciting names inwoke the mysterious and enchanting past of the city. Istanbul is a combination of the old and new city, of Islamic and Mediterranean cultures in a captivating atmosphere. Istanbul is located partly in Asia and partly in Europe. Its geographical position, as well as its rich history, are responsible for a fascinating melting pot of cultures. Tourists are flocking to experience this magical city, full of contrasts, for themselves, making it the 5th most popular tourist destination in the world. Istanbul offers an unforgettable experience for its travelers, with its colorful daily city life and dynamic nightlife. The beautiful silhouette of the city combines historical sites and monuments suc as Roman aqueducts, Byzantine churches, Venetian towers, Ottoman palaces from the Byzantine, Ottoman and Turkish periods. The skyline is a contrast of monumental minarets skyscrapers and plazas. While the Historical Peninsula and the Bosphorus will make you fall deeply in love with the city. Istanbul is also one of the most lively metropolises in the world (with more than 15 million residents) that offers a variety of intercontinental events, international film, music and theater festivals, international biennials and more than 80 museums and plus art galleries showcasing its culture, arts and history; including painting, sculpture, photography and more.

As for gastronomy, it means that you are one step away from tasting the delights of Turkish cuisine, from hot and spicy Anatolian fear to Aegean dishes freshly cooked with olive oil. Istanbul offers a wide range of Turkish cuisine at a variety of eateries from cades to luxury restaurants.

The nightlife in Istanbul has really come alive in recent years and the locals will all tell you that the nightlife spreads out in all directions throughout the city.

As for shopping, the variety of traditional and modern wares offered at the original Ottoman historical bazaars and modern shopping malls, makes the city a shopper's haven. The world famous Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi) is one of the greatest historical malls in the world, with over 4000 shops. The Egyptian Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) is a colourful the scene of spices, dried fruits, basketry, jewelry, drapery and haberdashery for you to explore.