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Blue Mosque

Istanbul

Visit Istanbul

Introduction

Istanbul is one of the most multifaceted cities in the world. Situated at the convergence of continents, this city has long been at the heart of both the Muslim and Christian worlds. A frenetic clash of culture and style, this ancient city was once Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine-Christian empire and one of the most powerful trade hubs in history.

Today the city's architecture is more Ottoman in style, with the minarets of the city's mosques dominating the skyline. Home to some of Turkey's most famous religious buildings, Istanbul prides itself as a place where east meets west; with old Christian buildings converted with a decidedly Ottoman twist.

Bisected down the centre by a stretch of the Bosporus known as the Golden Horn, this is a city of two personalities. On the European side of the strait the ancient Sultanahmet district rubs shoulders with 19th century Beyoğlu, now popular for its nightclubs and rooftop cocktail bars.

Sultanahmet

Most historic cities have an old town, but few can rival the diversity and energy of Istanbul's Sultanahmet district. Once at the heart of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires, this is the Istanbul most visitors come to see.

Spend a morning exploring the chaotic labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar, where you will have to shout to be heard over the noise of the haggling crowds; or head off early to beat the queues to the spectacular Tokapi Palace, with its lavishly decorated harem court and stunning citywide views.

One of the most visited sites in Sultanahmet is the world famous Blue Mosque, the largest and most impressive of the city's religious sites named for the vivid blue tiles that gild its interior. Nearby you will find Hagia Sophia. Initially a 6th century basilica, it is now one of Istanbul's most visited mosques.

 

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Top itineraries in Istanbul

Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

Splendours of Turkey

11-day tailor-made holiday from £2,215 pp

Situated at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Turkey is a fascinating, diverse and beautiful country, blessed with a rich history, dramatic landscapes and stunning coastline.

Morning ballooning Cappadocia

Istanbul & Cappadocia

8-day tailor-made from £2,180 pp

Discover the mesmerising sights and sounds of Istanbul, the dramatic landscape and rich history of Cappadocia and the gorgeous beaches of Antalya on Turkey's sun-drenched Mediterranean coast on this superb 11-day tailor-made holiday.

Antalya Kaleici Old Town

Istanbul, Cappadocia & Antalya

11-day tailor-made from £3,115 pp

Discover the mesmerising sights and sounds of Istanbul, the dramatic landscape and rich history of Cappadocia and the gorgeous beaches of Antalya on Turkey's sun-drenched Mediterranean coast on this superb 11-day tailor-made holiday.

Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: London to Istanbul

9-day luxury rail journey from £19,575 pp incl. flights

Each year, the Orient Express takes an exclusive few on its original route, enjoying luxury stays and curated tours in France, Hungary and Romania en route to Istanbul at the gateway to Asia.

Top places to stay in Istanbul

Six Senses Kocatas Mansions, Istanbul

Six Senses Kocatas Mansions, Istanbul, Turkey

Historic hotel

Located in the prosperous Sariyer district of Istanbul’s European side, famous for its “Pearls of Bosphorus” waterfront properties.

Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul

Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul, Turkey

Historic hotel

Stay in a 19th-century Ottoman palace on the shores of the Bosphorus River, enjoying all the requisite luxuries. Think fine-dining restaurants, elegant rooms and superb spa facilities.

Pera Palace Hotel 1892, Istanbul

Pera Palace Hotel, Istanbul

Grand & elegant hotel

A genuine slice of old-world luxury in bustling Istanbul, Turkey, this grand old icon has played host to everyone from Hemingway and Hitchcock to Agatha Christie. Today, guests can enjoy its timeless elegance alongside a luxury spa and some of the city's best dining.

Istanbul articles

Istanbul Grand Suite

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – a cabin guide

Don't know your Historic Cabins from your Grand Suites? Product manager Andy Austen takes a closer look at the different cabin types on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to make sure you select the one that’s right for you.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Murder on the Orient Express

As one of our favourite rail journeys, we’re a little protective over the Orient Express. So, take a look at the trailer for its latest film adaptation with us and see if its all-star cast lives up to expectations.

Meet our Istanbul experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0618

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0618 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ABTA & ATOL protected