This unique city, at the meeting point of Europe and Asia, located on both sides of the Bosphorus is described as a jewel by the famous French author Lamartine. Istanbul is a city of synthesis which realizes in an atmosphere of tolerance the uniting of the East and the West on the subjects of culture, art and religion, at the borders of two separate continents. The Bosphorus, which stretches out between the emerald-like slopes, the woods and the bays adorned with one thousand and one beauties, is unique. Halic Bay (Golden Horn), a horn-shaped bay located on the European side of Istanbul, is one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world.

The former capital of three successive empires, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, Istanbul today honors and preserves the legacy of its past while looking forward to a modern future. Istanbul has recently received the title of the European Capital of Culture of 2010, as designated by European Union.
It is Istanbul's endless variety that fascinates its visitors.

The museums, churches, palaces, grand mosques, bazaars and sights of natural beauty seem innumerable. Shopping in Istanbul is most likely the least expensive in entire Europe, food is varied and exquisite combining unique tastes of European, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines -thanks to the Ottoman Empire once spanned from eastern Europe to Northern Africa and deserts of Arabia-, and the fourteen million who live here mingle with a wide variety of people walking its streets. There are numerous accommodation facilities, from 5 star well-known hotels to small pensions or youth hostels and aparts, are available in Istanbul. Istanbul also has a rich program of night entertainment. Nightclubs provide splendid entertainment throughout dinner, ranging from a selection of Turkish songs to oriental belly-dancing. Istanbul is an international art and culture center.

As you recline on the western shore of the Bosphorus at sunset contemplating the red evening light reflected in the windows of the opposite shore, you may suddenly and profoundly understand why so many centuries ago settlers chose to build on this remarkable site. At such times you can see why Istanbul is truly one of the most glorious cities in the world.