Istanbul is the only city in the world that sits on two continents. It is a fusion of the East and West, and has a rich and detailed history dating back to 3000 BC. Since its beginnings, the city has been used as a trading passage and has been known as a centre for world trade since the Byzantine era. It sits on seven hills, with one half of the city in Europe and the other half in Asia, separated by a body of water known as the Bosphorus.

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Istanbul is a shopper’s paradise. Long are the days of selling slaves. Today, stalls sell beautiful Turkish trinkets, rugs, spices and jewellery. It is a thriving city, and although no longer the capital of Turkey, it still holds a great importance throughout the country.

There are many places to visit here which tell the story of Istanbul’s past. You will find countless museums, monuments, mosques and palaces, all rich in history. Art enthusiasts will also be impressed by the many art galleries that can be found throughout the city.

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Dining opportunities in Istanbul are endless. There is a wide variety of cuisine, ranging from traditional kebabs and mezze to Chinese dishes and American-style take-away.

Accommodation is in abundance, with hotels located throughout the entire city. They range in price and standard, with prices always being cheaper if you are travelling during the low season (between October and March). There are many types of hotels to choose from including: luxury, business, standard and guesthouses. Business visitors tend to stay in hotels located in and around Taksim Square, the hub of the business district, while if you are looking for luxury, the best hotels can generally be found in the historic Sultanahmet district. Regardless of where you stay in Istanbul, you will always find that the service you receive is excellent and the people are incredibly helpful and friendly.