Geographically, aesthetically, culturally and historically the beautiful country of Turkey lies between Islamic Asia and Christian Europe. The country's rich history has left it with an impressive array of monuments, cathedrals and palaces that are a history buffs paradise. Other than that, Turkey shares its coasts with two of the most beautiful seas on Earth- Mediterranean and Black Sea. These two have provided Turkey with a coastline that has few competitors in beauty and adventure. Regions like the Turquoise coasts off the Mediterranean, Istanbul and Cappadocia, etc. are hugely popular travel spots that regularly feature on must visit places across the planet.

With its distinctive European modernity and Middle Eastern culture, Istanbul is truly one of the 'World cities' that defies segregation on cultural grounds. This is because the culture of Istanbul has been influenced by both Europeans and Islamic regions of Asia. The city was formerly called Constantinople (324 AD) and was the capital of the Byzantine Empire or New Roman Empire. During this time, the city was a great centre for Christianity under the Emperor Constantine the Great. The Emperor and his successors left the world with several monuments like the Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome and Old Walls of Istanbul, etc.

These historical monuments are must visits during the Istanbul city breaks or tours of the city. The city also served as a seat of the Ottoman Empire and they left the world with impressive buildings like Sultanahmet Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Even with all its majestic beauty, the true taste and smells of Istanbul can be found in its narrow alleys. If you are adventurous enough, then take a tour of the city by foot, try out its cuisines and shop for trinkets at the Grand Bazaar. When shopping in the Grand Bazaar make sure you bargain and bargain well!