City of art and history synthesis, Istanbul is exceptionally situated on both sides of the Strait of the Bosphorus that separates Europe from Asia. In turn called Byzantium and Constantinople, and in spite of the proclamation of Ankara as the new capital, the old city of the sultans is still the biggest one, the biggest port, the economical financial and cultural center of the country. Istanbul ranks high in the World Heritage. The most prestigious places within the Byzantine walls, the historic centre (comprising the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque, the surroundings of both the Suleymaniye Mosque and Molla Zeyrek Mosque), have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Istanbul will fulfil the travelers eager for discoveries.

In so many ways, Istanbul truly is a unique city. Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus Strait, which places it in Europe and Asia at the same time. In keeping with its geography, the personality of the city can feel contradictor. Istanbul is a place of great tradition, great meaning, and great change.

Istanbul is also a place of unparalleled beauty. Alphonse de Lamartine, perhaps the most romantic of the French poets, visited Istanbul in the 1830's. He wrote that in Istanbul, God, Man, Nature and Art have conspired to create the most marvelous view that the human eye can contemplate on Earth.

Come and experience Istanbul for yourself.

Contents provided by Guide Martine