Istanbul is the only city, in the world that embraces two continents, one arm reaching out into Asia, the other into Europe. The former capital of three successive empires – Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman – the city is a fascinating mixture of past and present, old and new, modern and traditional. The museums, churches, palaces, mosques and bazaars, and the sights of natural beauty seem inexhaustible.

In addition to its unique historical and cultural background and innumerable attractions, the modern hotels, exclusive restaurants, night clubs, cabarets, bazaars and shops make Istanbul a superb site for meetings, conferences and conventions.

Main events in istanbul
June-July: The International Arts and Culture Festival
April: The International Film Festival

Major Sights in istanbul Places To See Things To Do
Topkapi Palace, Ayasofya Museum, Sultanahmet Mosque (The Blue Mosque), the Underground Cistern, the Grand Bazaar, and many other palaces, mosques and museums.

Tours and Excursions in istanbul
The Treasures of Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar (half day).
Two continents (half/full day).
Cross the Bosphorus, visit Camlica hill and the pine forests on the Asian side, and Beylerbeyi Palace, return to the European side by bus via the Bosphorus Bridge.
Highlights of Istanbul (half/full day).
Suleymaniye Mosque, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, Haghia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar, .
Istanbul by night.
Turkish cuisine dinner, floorshow and belly dancing.

Access
Access istanbul by Air: Sabiha Gokcen Airport, Istanbul International Ataturk Airport, 20 km from the city centre.
Access istanbul by Road: Direct bus connections from all parts of Turkey.
Access istanbul by Rail: Connections to European capitals as well as to Ankara, Izmir and East Anatolian cities.
Access istanbul by Sea: Connections to European ports and a port-of-call for Mediterranean cruises.