[custom_adv] Climbing the hills around the Golden Horn and overlooking the beautiful Bosphorus, Istanbul cradles the wonders of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires, from the breathtaking Topkapi Palace where sultans and their harems redefined the word ‘decadence’, to the looming Hagia Sophia – part cathedral, part mosque and totally breathtaking. [custom_adv] Today, the indulgent lifestyle once enjoyed only behind closed palace doors is available on every gilded street. Istanbul has some of the coolest bars and clubs – whichever continent you’re standing in – as well as fashion-forward shops and delicious cuisine fit for a sultan himself. [custom_adv] Climbing the hills around the Golden Horn and overlooking the beautiful Bosphorus, Istanbul cradles the wonders of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires, from the breathtaking Topkapi Palace where sultans and their harems redefined the word ‘decadence’, to the looming Hagia Sophia – part cathedral, part mosque and totally breathtaking. [custom_adv] Today, the indulgent lifestyle once enjoyed only behind closed palace doors is available on every gilded street. Istanbul has some of the coolest bars and clubs – whichever continent you’re standing in – as well as fashion-forward shops and delicious cuisine fit for a sultan himself. [custom_adv] Delight yourself with a cultural city break to Istanbul, the historic heart of the popular Eurasian escape of Turkey. [custom_adv] Walk the UNESCO-listed streets of Istanbul and watch the layers of a bygone era unfold, as physical reminders of Greek, Persian, and Venetian rulings linger with the silhouettes of the old Roman city of Constantinople. [custom_adv] Stretched across continents and endowed with so many diverse, contrasting philosophies, it’s only fitting that Istanbul earnt its prestigious title as one of the ‘Cultural Capitals of Europe’ in 2010. [custom_adv] This fascinating diversity extends well past it cultural background too, with a culinary heritage that takes influence from nearby Mediterranean and Middle Eastern nations to create an incredible trans-Eurasian fusion cuisine. Locals take food and drink seriously here, and the restaurants in Istanbul promise to be the best across the country. [custom_adv] Fill up on the city’s signature dishes of marvellous mezes, juicy kebabs and succulent seafood while you’re there – you won’t be disappointed. Take an adventure on the historic Silk Road railways, make a splash in the Bosphorus strait (between the Black and Marmara Seas), or simply stand amazed by the city’s magnificent arts and architecture - a holiday to Turkey has something for every traveller. [custom_adv] Turkey's largest city lies at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. In its 2500-year history, Istanbul has been the home of civilizations that flourished for centuries. Their influence is evident in ancient Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques and palaces. While its cultural origins have been preserved, the city also embraces contemporary art, modern cuisine, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle.