Istanbul is a city of contrasts and contradictions; as
the dawn arrives, late night revellers make their way home from bars and nightclubs,
while others heed the call to prayer; Donkey carts jostle for space with top
of the range cars; The European side boasts opulent mosques and palaces while
the Asian side holds western-style suburbs. Istanbul is where East meets west
and Europe meets Asia.
The east of the city is Asian Istanbul, while the west is European Istanbul,
with the Bosphorus flowing from the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea, offering
a natural north-south divide. Wander around the old city, in the European side
of the city, and discover a literal treasure trove of delights, both visual
and aromatic; the ornately gilded and tiled Topkapi Palace, the blue tiled
Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque) and elaborate obelisks, monuments and statues
of Hippodrome.
While the whole of Istanbul is a visual cavalcade of delights, one of the
most beautiful areas has to be that of the Golden Horn. The horn shaped bay,
which lies on the European side of the city, is one of the world's best natural
harbours, and is lined with parks and promenades. An early evening walk along
its stunning expanse will reward strollers with an awe-inspiring sunset.
No visit to Turkey would be complete without a Turkish bath. There are many
to choose from in Istanbul, but one of the best and most atmospheric is the
Cemberlitas Hamami, which was designed for Nurbanu Sultan, wife of Sultan Selim
in 1584.
Essential Information:
Currency:
Turkish Lira
Local
time:
GMT+2
Main
language:
Turkish, English is widely
spoken
Electricity:
220V
Shopping:
Famous for handcrafted rugs,
local markets are great bargain haunts.
Transport:
By private vehicle
Cuisine:
Turkey offers both traditional
Arab and Western cuisine. Turkish coffee is a must have at numerous café's.
Infants are not provided with a seat. If your baby is more than 6 months old, you may book a seat for him/her listing him/her as a “child”. More information is available at carriage of infants.
