Istanbul

Located in the center of the Old World, Istanbul is one of the world's great cities famous for its historical monuments and magnificent scenic beauties. It is the only city in the world which spreads over two continents: it lies at a point where Asia and Europe are separated by a narrow strait - the Bosphorus. Istanbul has a history of over 2,500 years, and ever since its establishment on this strategic junction of lands and seas, the city has been a crucial trade center.

The historic city of Istanbul is situated on a peninsula flanked on three sides by the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. It has been the capital of three great empires, the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, and for more than 1,600 years over 120 Emperors and Sultans ruled the world from Istanbul.

As a capital of Empires, the city was not only an administrative, but also a religious center. The Patriarchate of Eastern Christians has been headquartered in İstanbul since its establishment, and the largest early churches and monasteries of the Christian World rose in this city on top of the Pagan temples. Within a century after the city was conquered, it was enriched with mosques, palaces, schools, baths (hamam) and other architectural monuments that gave it a Turkish character, while some of the existing churches in ruins were repaired, altered and converted into mosques.

Istanbul has always been a city of tolerance where mosques, churches and synagogues existed side by side. The city was adorned with a large number of dazzling and impressive works even during the period of decline of the Ottomans.

The historic city of Istanbul forms a unified whole with the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. Nowhere else can one find the wonders of nature, human artifacts, the testimony of the past and the bustle of everyday life in such close relationship. For those who will remain briefly in the city, there are day tours including the important historical sites, museums, the famous Covered Bazaar (Grand Bazaar) and its vicinity. These tours leave from the hotels or the port and visit the masterpieces on the historical promontory in half-day programs. The important sites are the Hagia Sophia, one of Galata Tower from which one can see the best view of the city; the Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus, the richest palace in the world; the famous Archeological Museums; The Turkish and Islamic Art Museum; The Spice Bazaar, and many other historical sites. The performances of belly dancers and folk dancers add color to night tours. For those who have never stepped on Asian side before, a boat trip or the bridges over the Bosphorus offer a wonderful opportunity.

These should include a visit to the Roman city walls; the well-known Kariye Museum decorated with late Byzantine frescoes and mosaics; half an hour by catamarans from the city center, are ideal places for relaxation, recreation, hiking, swimming or phaeton tours. In addition to the city tours offered by travel agencies, luxury limousine services are also available. Shopping opportunities are many and varied in Istanbul. The Covered Bazaar (The Grand Bazaar) and the well-known shops at its entrance, Akmerkez, Kanyon, İstinye Park and similar malls, the designer boutiques in Beyoğlu and Nişantasi, and the stores on Bagdat Avenue.

Hotellino Sirkeci is at your service with its suggestions about İstanbul night life and cultural tours.

Don't Leave Without
-Visiting the Mosques of Süleymaniye and Sultanahmet (also known as the Blue Mosque);
-Visiting the Hagia Sofia and Chora Museums;
-Visiting the Topkapi and Dolmabahce Palaces and the Rumeli Fortress;
-Taking the ferry up the Bosphorus and to the Prince Islands;
-Watching the panorama of the city from the Galata Tower and the Pierre Loti;
-Enjoying the cultural and artistic activities;
-Wondering and joining the life of entertainment;
-Visiting the Ortaköy;
-Riding the phaeton in Büyükada (island);
-Eating fish at a restaurant on the Bosphorus, at Kumkapı or Beyoglu Cicek Pasaji; drinking Turkish Coffee at Hotellino, and eating profiterol at Beyoğlu İnci;
-Buying a rug, jewelry, leather wear at The Grand Bazaar, Turkish delight, baklava, pastrami and candy at The Spice Bazaar;