Istanbul is an unexpected surprise to most visitors. It is a city for all senses, an urban jungle with over twelve million people. This is ancient Byzantium, or Constantinople, city of Constantine the Great. This is where Europe and Asia meet, or where East and West intersect. Contemporary Istanbul is spread over a large area on both banks of the Bosphorus, in other words, on two continents.

For 1600 years, Istanbul was the capital to two of the world’s greatest empires; Byzantine and Ottoman. It is no longer a state capital, but it still is the historical, cultural, and financial center of Turkey.

European part of the city is densely populated with almost all the action going on. Surrounded by the Byzantine Wall, the peninsula to south of the Golden Horn is known as the “Old Town”, the 3,000 years old historical core of the city.

Itineraries on these pages will help you prioritize the many sights and attractions in both the old and new districts of this diverse city.

Istanbul - two continents, the Old Town, and Istanbul - the alternative are daily tour programs. Itineraries can be customized, and/or connected, as you request.

Istanbul - highlights is a three day itinerary that covers major attractions of the city.

Istanbul in a week will give you all these and more. We have designed this tour as an alternative for travelers who prefer to explore Istanbul in depth, and in a more relaxed fashion.