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Istanbul, Turkey

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Well known for its hospitality and friendliness , Istanbul sits at the cradle of cultures and civilizations connecting Europe and Asia to civilizations that have reined the lands for centuries. It is a magnificently unique city that has been capital to many civilizations from past to present and still continues to be home to residents from all over the world. The city has accumulated a large cultural heritage through a line of succeeding empires and civilizations kept alive by the historical and cultural monuments and sites built throughout the countryside since the ancient times.

Istanbul is particularly rich in monuments bearing traces of diverse religious cultures. According to Christianity, pilgrims travelling the route of the seven holy churches including Ephesus, Izmir, Bergama, Salihli, Alasehir, Denizli and Akhisar are considered to have fulfilled their duty of pilgrimage.

One of the most precious and diverse treasures of Istanbul is the Turkish cuisine. The variety of dishes offered by the blending of the culinary cultures of many communities and civilizations is limitless.

A tour of Istanbul is definitely worth the time. Beginning your tour at the historical peninsula, you can sightsee many monuments belonging to civilizations that had settled here. The Grand Bazaar, Nuru Osmaniye, Çemberlitas, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Archaeological Museum are among the major venues you may particularly enjoy sightseeing.

Worldwide famous cruise ships visit the major ports of Turkey on their route. Passengers of these cruise ships have the opportunity to visit and explore the port and city centre of Istanbul, Izmir and Kusadasi.

Eminönü is a convenient place to buy souvenirs and gifts that will remind you of your Istanbul experience all through life. For bigger shopping tours you may prefer to go to the great shopping centers in the districts nearby.

If you prefer to be carried away by the beat of the night you may consider visiting Kalamış, Fenerbahçe, Moda and Caddebostan located on the Anatolian side. Likewise, the coast of the European side, such as Ortaköy, Kuruçeşme, Bebek, Tarabya and Suada offer popular entertainment venues with doors open to guests until early sunrise.

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