UNITEAM TUR
for unforgettable memories
ISTANBUL bridge between asia and europe
1. Culture Vultures
Coveted by empires across the centuries, straddling both Europe and Asia, Istanbul is one of the world's great metropolises. Founded around 1000 BC, the colony of Byzantium grew into the Byzantine Empire's great capital of Constantinople and after the Ottoman conquest of the city, retained its glorious place as the heart of their empire. The city (officially renamed Istanbul after the founding of the Turkish Republic) is liberally scattered with glorious remnants of its long and illustrious history, and the sightseeing here will impress even the most monument-weary visitor.
As well as the big four (Aya Sofya, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar) leave enough time to explore the many other sights. Although many tourist attractions are located in, or near, the old city district of Sultanahmet, there is a dazzling array of other tourist attractions throughout the further reaches of the city
2. Shopoholics
Istanbul located at the edge of Silk Road and the junction of Europe and Asia, has been a great location of trade and shopping through the centuries. Starting with the Geneosian Colonies in Istanbul and following Greeks, Jews and Turks carried out a rush trade activity in Istanbul which made it one of the most popular business, fair, congress and trade centers in the world today. All these trade affairs in the city crowned with unique places of shopping such as Grand Bazaar, Egyptian Bazaar, Arasta Bazaar, Sahaflar Bazaar (Book Market) and traditional local markets which all are alive today. In addition to that, present day Istanbul having a peak time for shopping malls and centers where the world famous brands like Zara, Massimo Dutti, Cacherel, Calvin Klein, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger and more present their latest products. These new and modern shopping centers have large dining halls including local and international restaurant chains
3. Romantics
Ever seven hills and surrounded on three sides by water, Istanbul is breathtakingly beautiful. The audacious architecture measures up to the city's natural charms: Ottoman minarets crown a skyline constructed on Byzantine foundations, while water ferries scoot between Bosphorus suburbs of wooden villas. Sultanahmet – with the holy trinity of Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque – provides the eye candy, but for the food of love you need to escape this overpriced enclave. Hit the heights of the rooftop restaurants of Beyoglu as an alternative.
