Elite Travel & Services: Istanbul

Istanbul Turkey

Istanbul's historical significance and its incredible cultural and architectural legacy can be attributed to its ideal strategic location, spanning the Bosphorus straits that divide Europe and Asia Minor. Throughout most of its 2,500-year history, the city (initially known as Byzantium, then Constantinople, and since 1930, Istanbul) has been a cultural melting pot. Today, its population of over 13 million is predominantly Turkish, with many of its residents being recent migrants from rural Turkey, drawn by the prospect of employment and career opportunities in this dynamic, rapidly expanding city. Although Istanbul is no longer the capital of the country, it remains Turkey's economic and cultural hub - a status emphasized by its designation as a European City of Culture in 2010 and the UNESCO World Heritage recognition of many of its key landmarks. These range from breathtaking Ottoman mosques and Byzantine churches and catacombs, to the pillars of Hellenistic temples and the remnants of enormous medieval city walls. However, Istanbul offers more than just Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. A rapidly growing economy has led to a thriving arts and music scene, with an abundance of new bars, clubs, private art galleries, restaurants, and designer fashion stores.

Recommended airport

Istanbul Airport (IST)

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EURORIENTE: FROM CONSTANTINOPLE TO ATHENS 11 Days

7 Destinations 6 Transports 10 Nights

Holidays package

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From US$2,682 Total Price

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Destinations: Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Turkey, Izmir, Chios Island, Athens

EURORIENTE: TÜRKIYE, CHIOS AND ATHENS 12 Days

7 Destinations 6 Transports 11 Nights

Holidays package

Image - EURORIENTE: TÜRKIYE, CHIOS AND ATHENS 12 Days

From US$2,793 Total Price

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Destinations: Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Turkey, Izmir, Chios Island, Athens

EURORIENTE: TÜRKIYE, ATHENS AND SANTORINI 14 Days

8 Destinations 8 Transports 13 Nights

Holidays package

Image - EURORIENTE: TÜRKIYE, ATHENS AND SANTORINI 14 Days

From US$3,942 Total Price

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Destinations: Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Turkey, Izmir, Chios Island, Athens, Santorini Island, Athens

EURORIENTE: TÜRKIYE, ATHENS AND SANTORINI WITH MYKONOS 16 Days

9 Destinations 9 Transports 15 Nights

Holidays package

Image - EURORIENTE: TÜRKIYE, ATHENS AND SANTORINI WITH MYKONOS 16 Days

From US$4,561 Total Price

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Destinations: Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Turkey, Izmir, Chios Island, Athens, Santorini Island, Mykonos, Athens

EURORIENTE: CHARMS OF TÜRKIYE AND THE GREEK ISLANDS 16 Days

9 Destinations 8 Transports 15 Nights

Holidays package

Image - EURORIENTE: CHARMS OF TÜRKIYE AND THE GREEK ISLANDS 16 Days

From US$4,008 Total Price

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Destinations: Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Turkey, Izmir, Samos, Mykonos, Santorini Island, Athens

EURORIENTE: GRAND TOUR OF TÜRKIYE AND GREEK ISLANDS 17 Days

10 Destinations 10 Transports 16 Nights

Holidays package

Image - EURORIENTE: GRAND TOUR OF TÜRKIYE AND GREEK ISLANDS 17 Days

From US$5,820 Total Price

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Destinations: Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Turkey, Izmir, Chios Island, Athens, Santorini Island, Crete (Crete Island), Rhode Island, Athens