Istanbul

Istanbul is a great city at the meeting point of Europe and Asia, once the capital of three empires. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern are all within walking distance in the historic Sultanahmet district.

Take a boat trip along the Bosphorus and see the city from the water. The Grand Bazaar with more than 4,000 shops is one of the oldest covered markets in the world. Turkish cuisine — kebab, balik-ekmek, baklava and Turkish tea — adds a special flavour to your trip.

Things to do:
See Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
Boat trip along the Bosphorus
Visit Topkapi Palace
Shop at the Grand Bazaar
Enjoy the city view from Galata Tower

Best time to visit: April – June, September – October
Average cost: 50–100 USD / day