Istanbul, the only city in the world built on two continents, which lies on the border between Asia and Europe. So one part of Istanbul is in Europe while the other part is in Asia. These two parts of Istanbul are divided by a stretch of water called the Bosphorus near the sea of Marmara. There are currently three bridges that connect Asian Istanbul to European Istanbul.
 
From traditional architecture to the bustling market activities of the Grand Bazaar, which is nothing short of a shopping Mecca and encompasses some 58 different streets and sees up to 400,000 shoppers each day. Istanbul is home to many impressive remnants from the Turkish Ottoman Empire, such as historical mosques and grand palaces, as well as Turkish bathhouses (Hamams) and museums packed with information.

Brimming with places of interest and an endless array of Turkish culture, Istanbul's main tourist attractions combine the best of history with simple local life.

Boat trips along the Bosphorus (Istanbul Strait) are recommended, as are the wining and dining opportunities along both the Istiklal Caddesi and the Nevizade Sokak. Tourists will always find themselves drawn to the enormous Byzantine dome at the ancient Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia) basilica, which is the city's most famous monument and the biggest cathedral on the planet for almost 1,000 years.

For exciting smells and a great atmosphere, spend a morning getting lost amongst the fragrances within the Spice Market (Misir Carsisi).
 
It's impossible not to love Istanbul. 

The accommodation scene in Istanbul is buoyant, ranging from world-class luxury to cheap 2* hotels.

There are now direct flights with Turkish Airlines to Istanbul from Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and Stansted along with regular services with BA from Heathrow too. We can also offer indirect flights with carriers such as KLM, Lufthansa, Swiss and Air France.
 
Please call our European Sales Team on 0844 249 9277 for more information on flights and hotels in Istanbul.