Cruise Holidays To Istanbul

Overview

Of its three names over three centuries: Byzantium, Constantinople and Istanbul, it is the former that best conveys the sense of the city as one of the most incredible places on earth – a confluence of Islam and Christianity. Straddling the mighty Bosphorus, Istanbul is a vast melting pot that draws on the miracle of humanity and its art forms from all over the world.

Rising up from the Golden Horn, the skyline is an unforgettable silhouette of minarets, domes and towers. And over it all wafts the sound of muezzins calling the faithful to prayer. Cruise ships dock on the European side, close to the Galata Bridge, from where plentiful, inexpensive taxis take you to the myriad attractions on offer.

Concealed within the labyrinth that is the Grand Bazaar are almost 3,000 shops, 66 named streets and a thousand alleyways. Other sights not to be missed are the inimitable Dolmabahçe Palace; Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmet; Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent; Hagia Sophia; and Hippodrome Square, once a huge stadium where four-horse chariots would race. Highlight of any visit to Istanbul is the incomparable Topkapi Palace, filled with priceless diamonds, emeralds, and gold.