Istanbul sits on the fringes of the Mediterranean and is a great place to visit during a cruise holiday.
Turkey’s largest city provides the chance to sample two continents in one go, with the Bosphorus River separating Europe and Asia – making Istanbul unique as the only major city to sit across two continents.
Once a capital of the Roman Empire, it should come as little surprise to see that Istanbul is a city packed with history and culture that you can explore during your time ashore.
After you head ashore, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City is well worth a visit as the place where you’ll find some of the most famous attractions that Istanbul has to offer.
These include the iconic domes and towers of the Blue Mosque, the stunning Byzantine architecture of the Hagia Sofia and the treasure-laden Topkapı Palace – which was once the royal residence for leaders of the Ottoman Empire.
You might also visit the Underground Palace that was built during the reign of Justinian 1 or take a stroll around the Hippodrome; a large square in the heart of the city.
Once you’re done touring those historical sites, then a visit to the Grand Bazaar – one of the largest covered markets in the world – is well worth a visit to pick up some souvenirs.
Hundreds of thousands of people visit the market on a daily basis, with thousands of different stalls that sell all manner of goods; so much so that you’ll stand next to no chance of being able to see it all during your time ashore.
Whilst you are in Istanbul, you’d be well advised to sample some traditional Turkish cuisine; something that will certainly prove to be a highlight of your trip.