Istanbul

Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is the only city in the world to straddle two continents. Located on both sides of the Bosphorus, a narrow strait between the Black and Marmara Seas, the city formerly known as Constantinople has been a cultural hub for 2,500 years.

With its long history at the centre of empires, Istanbul offers a wealth of historic and religious places to explore. Key sights include Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace and the Sultanahmet Mosque (commonly referred to as the Blue Mosque), as well as the Church of St Savior in Chora (Kariye Müzesi), the entire inside of which is covered by stunning frescoes.

A visit to a Turkish bath (hamam) is a must on any visit. More than simply bathing, it's a social experience. The most famous Turkish bath in Istanbul, attracting the likes of Cameron Diaz and Kate Moss, is the Cağaloğlu Hamamı - an architectural gem near the underground cistern.

The Grand Bazaar, home to more than 4000 shops, is Turkey's largest covered market. Here you can pick up everything from traditional Turkish rugs and glazed tiles to jewellery and leather goods. Adding to the authenticity, it’s not just for the tourists, locals shop here as well.