Visit the epicentre of ancient history’s most powerful empires.

Istanbul is a city of history, marking the legacy of some of the most powerful empires. Situated on the Bosphorus peninsula between Europe and Asia, the Turkish city is the former capital of the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire.

For the adventurous traveller, there is so much to explore in Istanbul. Given its years of empirical rule, there are many historic sights, including the UNESCO-listed Topkapi Palace, a fifteenth-century palace which contains one of the country’s most impressive museums, and Hagia Irene, an Eastern Orthodox church which now hosts classical concerts and art exhibitions.

The city is also a fabulous place for foodies to take a holiday, with opportunities to enjoy authentic, delicious Turkish foods such as döner, pide, mercimek kofte, and borek.