Istanbul is a fascinating city with centuries old history and culture which has developed and morphed after the people inhabiting it over the years. Ancient capital of three empires - Roman, Byzantium and Ottoman - the city has maintained its glory, splendor and upbeat atmosphere to lure visitors from around the world. Dive into the busy street life, rich cuisine and historical past to truly experience the magic of Istanbul.
Istanbul is a fascinating city with centuries old history and culture which has developed and morphed after the people inhabiting it over the years. Ancient capital of three empires - Roman, Byzantium and Ottoman - the city has maintained its glory, splendor and upbeat atmosphere to lure visitors from around the world. Dive into the busy street life, rich cuisine and historical past to truly experience the magic of Istanbul.
The largest mosque of Istanbul stands on a hill overlooking the entire city and astonishes with its splendor and beauty. Suleymaniye Mosque was designed by the prominent Ottoman architect Sinan and ordered by Suleiman the Magnificent in the 1550s. It still retains the social buildings associated with the mosque which are worth visiting - restaurant, hamam, library and more.
The Church of the Holy Savior in Chora is known for being one of the best preserved and finest Byzantine churches in Turkey. The magnificent frescoes and mosaics depicting the life of Jesus and other biblical motives are outstanding. It dates back to the Constantine time but is no longer an active place of worship. Similarly to Hagia Sophia, it was converted into a mosque and later into the museum it is today. Chora Church may be off the beaten path but it is definitely worth seeing.
Istiklal Street is the heart of modern Istanbul attracting a few million people each day. Spreading from the historical Galata Tower district to Taksim Square, the 1.5km of Istiklal Street feature high-end boutique shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, nightclubs, bookstores, music venues, cultural spots and much more. It has been historically refereed to as the Grand Avenue of Istanbul where foreigners, intellectuals and artists gathered. Take a stroll down this busy avenue, shop, eat and check-out the historic buildings along the way whose facades feature the unique blend of Oriental and European architectural styles.
Dolmabahce Palace is the most beautiful and splendorous palaces of Turkey! It served as a home and administrative center for the late Ottoman Sultans after the Topkapi Palace. The architecture of Dolmabahce Palace is a gorgeous mix between Oriental and European. It features the largest crystal chandelier in the world, a gift from Queen Victoria. Dolmabahce Palace was a favorite of Ataturk, the father of the Republic, who occupied a small room when he visited Istanbul from Ankara, the newly established capital. This is the place where he spent his last months and where he died. In his honor, all clocks in the palace are set and stopped at the time of Ataturk's death - 9:05am.
The Basilica Cistern, once used to store drinking water for the town's population, is now an amazing place to visit and discover the underground treasures of Istanbul. Built in the 6th century over an even older basilica, the cistern has a modest entrance, but once inside, it opens up into an ancient architectural marvel with its colonnaded archways, music and soft lights reflecting in the water. Locate the column with, what looks like a thousand peacock feathers and touch the lucky one while making a wish. Don't miss the upside-down Medusa head on the bottom of another column!
Grand Bazaar, the famous indoor shopping market of Istanbul, is an incredible maze of colorful streets, filled with goods, crowds, shouting, chaos... a hypnotizing atmosphere which will completely take you in, being at the same time overwhelming and enjoyable. The enormous Kapali Carsi (the Turkish name of the Grand Bazaar) houses a few thousand shops, many cafes, restaurants, hamams, fountains and over half a million visitors per day. Established in 1461 at the end of the Silk Road, Istanbul's Grand Bazzar to this day is one of the largest indoor markets in the world and definitely one of the busiest! Part of the shopping ritual here is the bargaining... Start boldly by offering 10% of the asking price and stick to your guns!
The Topkapi Palace is an amazing 15th century complex which served as the residence of the Ottoman Sultan, his family and court. It features amazing ottoman architecture, brightly colored and artfully designed ornaments, gorgeous green courtyards along with an incredible collection of jewelry. The private women/family quarters - The Harem - is also not to be missed. The Topkapi Palace bousts some of the most magnificent views from its strategic high hill location overlooking the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. Sit back and relax at the museum cafe over the high walls while taking in the panoramic vista.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque is known for its blue Iznik tiles lining its interior giving it the nickname, Blue Mosque. Built in the early 17th century, the Blue Mosque is one of the few mosques in the world to have six minarets. Its architecture mirrors that of Hagia Sophia, located just opposite through the small beautiful park creating the interesting symmetry of the historical center. The complex houses the tomb of Sultan Ahmed I who built it and after whom the old city is named. The Blue Mosque is an active place of worship where all customs of the Muslim world are followed - conservative dresscode, no shoes and covered women's hair and shoulders; visiting times are also structured around the daily prayers. Once inside the mosque, you will be mesmerized by the gorgeous ceramic tiles and stained glass windows.
A boat ride along the Bosphorus is the absolute must do when in Istanbul! This incredible experience will stay with you for a lifetime! The mesmerizing dark blue waters, the amazing cityscape, the gorgeous palaces... It is all so magical! Take this trip between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea, between two continents and two worlds. Discover a different side of the bustling city, where everything is calm and readily displays its beauty right in front of your eyes while you can just sit back, relax and enjoy.
This timeless architectural masterpiece of Emperor Justinian has been admired ever since it was built in the 6th century. For a thousand years, Hagia Sophia remained the largest Christian cathedral in the world. To this day, its magnificent gold mosaics fascinate the visitors with their beauty. Converted into a mosque and later into a museum, Hagia Sophia tells the story of Istanbul in the most vivid way.
Cappadocia, a land like no other where nature and humans have created wonders! The moonlike landscape with fairy chimneys, cones, pillars, muchrooms and pinnacles of soft rock, tuff formed from volcano eruptions, is one of the most incredible places you could visit in your lifetime. For thousands of years people have made this wonderland their home and used its natural richness to build a living and defend from enemies. The Cappadocia valleys are now honeycombed with stonehouses dug into the tuff, tunnels and networks of huge settlements spreading wide and a few stories deep into the rocky ground. Home to religious orders and monastic communities over the centuries, nowadays Cappadocia displays some of the world finest examples of early Byzantine religious arts and frescoes.
Cappadocia, a land like no other where nature and humans have created wonders! The moonlike landscape with fairy chimneys, cones, pillars, muchrooms and pinnacles of soft rock, tuff formed from volcano eruptions, is one of the most incredible places you could visit in your lifetime. For thousands of years people have made this wonderland their home and used its natural richness to build a living and defend from enemies. The Cappadocia valleys are now honeycombed with stonehouses dug into the tuff, tunnels and networks of huge settlements spreading wide and a few stories deep into the rocky ground. Home to religious orders and monastic communities over the centuries, nowadays Cappadocia displays some of the world finest examples of early Byzantine religious arts and frescoes.
Asia is such an incredible destination with countless treasures to discover. Here are some of the best places to visit where natural beauty, cultural diversity and outstanding architecture will make the experience absolutely unforgettable.
Asia is such an incredible destination with countless treasures to discover. Here are some of the best places to visit where natural beauty, cultural diversity and outstanding architecture will make the experience absolutely unforgettable.
Myrtle Beach is the ultimate family vacation destination! The center and entertainment mecca of the Grand Strand with miles of beautiful brown-sugar colored sandy beaches that invite for all day fun-in-the-sun and reveal breathtaking scenery at night for all romantics taking a quiet walk. Sit by the water and enjoy an outstanding meal or go on a shopping spree. Take the family and venture to the classic amusement parks or learn while you play at the cool museums. Why not a great round of golf by the scenic oceanfront?! Whatever you do, you'll create wonderful memories for a lifetime!
Myrtle Beach is the ultimate family vacation destination! The center and entertainment mecca of the Grand Strand with miles of beautiful brown-sugar colored sandy beaches that invite for all day fun-in-the-sun and reveal breathtaking scenery at night for all romantics taking a quiet walk. Sit by the water and enjoy an outstanding meal or go on a shopping spree. Take the family and venture to the classic amusement parks or learn while you play at the cool museums. Why not a great round of golf by the scenic oceanfront?! Whatever you do, you'll create wonderful memories for a lifetime!
Situated along the Danube River, Budapest is an architectural treasure of a city where Neoclassical, Baroque, Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings shape the mesmerizing outlook of Hungary's capital. Not by accident is it called "Paris of the East"! The outstanding cuisine, hipster ruin pubs, chic cafes and trendy restaurants welcome visitors and provide a place to sit back, enjoy and take in the unique atmosphere of Budapest. Famous for its thermal baths, Budapest has been a favorite healing and pleasurable soaking place ever since the Romans. The rich history of the country is also concentrated and commemorated throughout the capital where traces of World War II, communism and turmoil can still be seen but they are overshadowed by the new beginnings, symbols of liberty and prosperity.
Situated along the Danube River, Budapest is an architectural treasure of a city where Neoclassical, Baroque, Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings shape the mesmerizing outlook of Hungary's capital. Not by accident is it called "Paris of the East"! The outstanding cuisine, hipster ruin pubs, chic cafes and trendy restaurants welcome visitors and provide a place to sit back, enjoy and take in the unique atmosphere of Budapest. Famous for its thermal baths, Budapest has been a favorite healing and pleasurable soaking place ever since the Romans. The rich history of the country is also concentrated and commemorated throughout the capital where traces of World War II, communism and turmoil can still be seen but they are overshadowed by the new beginnings, symbols of liberty and prosperity.
Lisbon, a colorful and vibrant city, known for its wonderful year-round weather, beautiful Manueline architecture and Fado music. It is an incredible destination where hill top vistas, waterfront promenades and historic monuments compete for attention. Meet the friendly people and embrace the true cafe culture to experience Lisbon as it was meant to be experienced.
Lisbon, a colorful and vibrant city, known for its wonderful year-round weather, beautiful Manueline architecture and Fado music. It is an incredible destination where hill top vistas, waterfront promenades and historic monuments compete for attention. Meet the friendly people and embrace the true cafe culture to experience Lisbon as it was meant to be experienced.