ISTANBUL

Istanbul

Turkey Quintessentially Eastern, with its glittering mosques, crushed velvet night-spots, smart hotels and beautiful vistas, Istanbul is ideal for a romantic city break. The city's modern side is making itself heard as well, from glamorous bars and restaurants to the new Istanbul Modern Gallery.

What to See

AGHIA SOPHIA

 Ayasofya Meydani, Sultanahmet, Istanbul. If you only see one thing while you're here, make it Aghia Sophia, the Byzantine cathedral church built by the emperor Justinian in 537AD which dominates the Istanbul skyline as well as the city's architectural history.

ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM 

A tour through the history of the city, from ancient origins to the fall of Byzantium.

ISTANBUL MODERN

The city's latest architectural icon and one of the key icons of the new-mood city, this privately-funded gallery occupies a waterfront warehouse and stages revolving exhibitions of modern Turkish art.