Inland shores: Turkey's Lake Titicaca

Van is the republic's largest lake. More than a mile above sea-level, with dark waters surrounded by starkly beautiful steppe, it is no idle claim that it's the closest Turkey has to Lake Titicaca in the South American Andes. Arriving from the arid country around it, you feel a sense of wonder at the green pastures on its shores. It's a place of stunning natural beauty. That's why the church of Akdamar Kilisesi was built here.

This 10th-century Armenian church, adorned with remarkable carvings depicting biblical stories, sits on an island two miles from shore. To reach it, take a minibus between Van and Tatvan and get off at Akdamar harbour – from where boats head for the island (TL5/£2.20 return) when full. The views of the rust-coloured church against shimmering indigo water and snow-capped mountains are wonderful.

To spend more time on the water, take the ferry that sails daily between Tatvan and Van (four hours; TL5/£2.20).

The city of Van sits on the eastern side of the lake, only two hours from the Iranian border. A couple of miles out of town are the rather shabby ruins of Van castle – the rest were destroyed during the First World War and the Turkish war of independence. The castle itself is a bit of a disappointment but there are good views and it's free. The undulating grass mounds that surround it are all that is left of old Van. Although not much to look at, the new city is a likeable place, with an unexpected liberalism and some of the friendliest people in the whole of Turkey. Besides, who can't like a city that bases its civic pride on having the best breakfasts in Turkey, and has statues of its cats and the improbable Lake Van monster?

Where can I find out more?

The Turkish Tourist office (020-7839 7778; www.gototurkey.co.uk). Lonely Planet and Rough Guide both produce guides to Turkey. The US publisher Nisanyan has several books on Turkey including The Little Hotel Book 2005, available to order from www.nisanyan.net. Alternatively, The Western Shores of Turkey by John Freely is published by Tauris Parke.

Getting around

For inter-city transport, Turkey's bus network is extensive, modern, relatively safe and good value. Tickets can usually be bought on the day at the bus station. However, for shorter journeys, minibuses (dolmuses) are the easiest way to get around.

To self-drive around the country try Holiday Autos (0870 400 0010; www.holiday autos.co.uk); Sixt (0870 156 7567; www.e-sixt.co.uk) or Avis (0870 010 0287; www. avis.co.uk), but be warned that the accident rate is high.

For longer journeys internal flights can be good value with prices starting at less than £50 to fly from one end of the country to the other. Turkish Airways has an extensive network, although compare prices with low-cost carriers Onurair (00 90 2126629797; www.onurair.com.tr) and Pegasus (00 902124440737; www.flypgs.com), which flies to Van.

How do I get there?

There are a number of scheduled options: British Airways (0844 493 0787; www.ba.com) flies from Heathrow to Istanbul and from Gatwick to Izmir and Antalya; Turkish Airlines (020-7766 9300; www.turkishairlines.com) flies from Heathrow, Stansted and Manchester to Istanbul with onward connections to Antalya, Izmir, Trabzon and Van. Cyprus Turkish Airlines (020- 7930 4851; www.kthy.net) flies direct from Stansted, Gatwick and Manchester to Antalya, Bodrum and Dalaman and easyJet (0905 821 0905; www.easyjet.com) flies from Luton to Istanbul and from Gatwick to Dalaman.

Charter flights operate from several UK airports with services to Antalya, Bodrum, Izmir and Dalaman. Try First Choice (0871 200 7799; www.firstchoice.co.uk); XL Airways (0871 911 4220; www.xl.com) or Thomas Cook (0870 750 5711; www.thomascook.com)

Something a little more different ?

The Black Sea coast is similar to the north coast of Spain: green, lush and mountainous. It's not a coast to visit for stable sunshine or classical ruins; its charms are more subtle, found in its distinct history, cultures, landscape and a sense of remoteness.

If you're looking for something that feels far from western Turkey then Trabzon, a bustling port city at the eastern end of the Black Sea coast is not a bad start. Although difficult to describe it as an attractive city – it has an unpretentious charm. The narrow streets of the bazaar quarter near the harbour are filled with an engaging mercantile energy, it's a good place to wander and get a feel for the city's beat. The people are friendly but you'll enjoy an unexpected anonymity here not found in the rest of Turkey. The area is packed with hotels, however many of them double as brothels. Hotel Anil (00 90 3267782) is a clean, unremarkable place but at least it's run as a hotel. You can get a double with breakfast for TL60 (£26).

When you need to escape the busy centre you can find tranquillity, good views and beautiful frescos at the Byzantine Aya Sofya museum in the west of the city (9am-6pm Tuesday to Sunday, Apr-Oct, TL10/£4.40). The church is small but its frescos and mosaics are remarkably well preserved and worth seeing.

Some city life?

While Izmir and Antalya have their own charms, nowhere comes close to the wonders of Istanbul – a city that has an intimate relationship with water. "Istanbul draws its strength from the Bosphorus," writes Turkey's Nobel Laureate Orhan Pamuk. This mighty channel, 20 miles long, is one of the world's great crossroads: broad enough for ships to navigate, narrow enough for bridges to cross.

To appreciate fully its shores, hop on a public ferry at Eminonu and buy a return ticket for TL17.50 (£7.70) to Anadolu Kavagi, a seaside town near the Black Sea. The journey takes 90 minutes each-way and zigzags between Europe and Asia. As Pamuk observes: "To be travelling through the middle of a city as great, historic and forlorn as Istanbul and yet to feel the freedom of the open sea – that is the thrill of a trip along the Bosphorus." It demands a second outing – this time take the commuter ferry from Eminonu to Kadikoy. Board a ferry to coincide with sunset and you'll see the Sultanahmet peninsula with its minarets silhouetted against pomegranate skies. At TL1.40 (60p) it's one of the world's great bargains; can there possibly be a better commute?

A good base?

A great town within striking distance of all the above is Kas, halfway between Antalya and Fethiye. It is one of those places where tourism and local-life have forged a happy marriage. It's a pretty town set around a harbour; its white-washed streets are filled with bougainvillea and jasmine and the whole place is overlooked by mountains. The "big pebble beach" at the eastern end of the town is true to its name and the water is clean. The Medusa Hotel (00 90 242 8361 440; www.medusahotels.com) has great views, a pool and a good location. Doubles start at TL90 (£40) for bed and breakfast.

Kas is also the place for adventure activities: the Lycian Way passes through; there is the sea-kayaking at Kekova, but also canyoning, mountain biking, paragliding and scuba diving can all be arranged.

I want to be more active

The Lycian Way is a 310-mile long path between Fethiye and Antalya. Travelling on foot through the landscapes of ancient Lycia provides stunning views of the Turquoise coast, swims in secluded coves and contact with Turkish village life. It is possible to do the walk, or a section of it, independently. Kate Clow, an expatriate living in Turkey who initially researched the walk, has written a guide, The Lycian Way: Turkey's First Long-Distance Walk. The best time to walk is spring or autumn, but be warned that it can be strenuous with some gruelling ascents, knee-jarring descents and the way-marking on the trail is sketchy; meaning even the savviest navigators are likely to get lost.

Recommended guides can be found along with further information at www.lycianway.com. Guided tours also exist: Exodus (0845 8639 6000; www.exodus.co.uk) has one-week trips walking from Antalya to Cape Gelidonya departing 5 October and 12 October from £641 including flights and some meals.

Where can I let out my inner hippie?

Kabak valley is a wild, special place with an alternative vibe. No concrete is allowed, so accommodation consists of simple wooden bungalows. Bathrooms and showers are usually shared. There is little to do here but settle into the rhythms of the valley, enjoy the nature and swim in the stunning cove. Many of the camps run yoga courses, although finding dates in advance can be tricky.

Turan Camping (00 90 252 6421227; www.turancamping.com) has cabins from TL40 (£18) per person half-board and is run by a young Turkish couple who have made the simple, special. If you want to be near the sea, Natural Life Camp (00 90 252 642 11 85; www.kabaknaturallife.com) with half-board for TL50 (£22), is closest. They have started running scuba-diving and underwater trekking. "The Shambala" (00 532496 08 70; www.theshambala.com) over-looks the cove; prices per person half-board start from TL30 (£13) with your own tent and rise to TL100 (£42) each in the best bungalow.

The best beach?

Phaselis (daily 9am-7pm) will take some beating. Here Lycian and Roman ruins nestle among the pine trees of a small isthmus, little crescent bays are on each side and the blue smudge of Mount Tahtali overlooks it all. Pay the TL5 (£2.20) fee and spend the day swimming in the crystal clear waters. The Sundance Nature Village, (00 90 242 821 4165; www.sundancecamp.com), a mile or two south, is a chilled-out place to stay u o overnight. Half-board prices start at TL27 (£12) per person for basic "tree-houses" rising to TL67 (£30) for top of the range bungalows, based on two sharing. Horse-riding is also available, starting at TL30 (£13) for one hour.

More recent places of interest?

Kayakoy, a place where a sad sense of absence hangs in the air, may not be an obvious choice for a holiday itinerary but it's unique, evocative and memorable (daily, 9am-7pm; TL5/£2.20). Kayakoy, or Levissi as it was known, was home to 2,000 or so Ottoman Greeks at the beginning of the 20th century, but the Turkish War of Independence (1919-1923) and the subsequent Treaty of Lausanne led to the forced repatriation of Greek and Turkish communities living outside the newly defined borders of their respective countries. Kayakoy was abandoned and never re-populated so its churches, schools and streets still exist in an eerie time-warp. Wander the streets alone at sunset for a powerful experience. Kayakoy is only five miles from Fethiye and easy to get to; minibuses (TL2.50/£1.10) run 7am-10pm in summer.

This is a seismically, as well as politically, active land. Following massive earthquakes in the second century along Turkey's Mediterranean coast, the land dropped by up to six metres into the sea and the port of Kekova became the "sunken city". It's a captivating sight. To visit Kekova you can take one of the boat excursions that depart from Kas or Kalkan – simply walk along the harbour in the evening as the crews will be touting for business. They're good value with prices around TL40/£20 for a full-day including food, however boats are not allowed too close to the ruins.

To get a better view, try a sea-kayaking trip. Bougain-ville Tours in Kas (00 90 242 836 3737; www. bougainville-turkey.com) runs trips for all levels that include lunch and transfers for TL55 (£26). They'll pick you up from your hotel in Kas or Kalkan and drive you to Ucagiz, a charming seaside village. (If you want to stay, Onur Pension, 00 90 242 8742071; www.onurpension.com, has a stunning location on the water's edge and double rooms from TL40/£18, bed and breakfast.)

When the water's choppy it can be a strenuous paddle across the bay to the ruins, but you should arrive at Kekova before the boats from Kas. From there you paddle across to Kalekoy (formerly Simena), a tiny hamlet with an impressive Byzantine castle and a Lycian necropolis. Great Lycian sarcophagi now tower out of the cobalt-blue shallow waters. In the wake of the earthquakes their occupants found themselves literally sleeping with the fishes as cemetery became bay.

What about Less manicured sites?

Olympos could fit the bill (always open, the TL2.50/£1.10 fee is collected only during daylight hours). These Lycian and Roman ruins may not be as extensive or complete as those at Ephesus,but herein lies their appeal as what they lack in prestige is made up for by the thrill of exploring overgrown paths and stumbling on magnificent Roman arches or crumbling temples.

The decaying tombs and shattered columns lying among twisted roots evoke a poignant melancholy that the more polished sites have lost. You can wash away sweat and historical reflections in the lovely bay at the eastern boundary of the ruins. Olympos is about two hours by road from Antalya or Kas. There are frequent minibuses (TL10/£4.40) to the Olympos turn-of, then on to the village and ruins (TL3.50/£1.50).

I want to go and see some ruins

It's difficult not to. Turkey's geo-political importance has attracted so many settlers, conquerors and traders over the centuries that you literally find yourself tripping over their legacies. On the Aegean coast Ephesus (8am-7pm daily May-September; 8am-5pm October-April; TL10/ £4.40) is a worthy world heritage site with some of the best preserved Roman ruins in the Eastern Mediterranean. At its peak in the first and second century this city was second only to Rome in the empire's pecking order.

The crowd-pleasers today are the breathtaking Library of Celsus and the enormous open-air theatre, but it is the sheer quantity and density of the other ruins, from residential houses to public latrines that allow glimpses of urban life under Emperor Augustus. An audio guide (TL5/£2.20) helps to fill in the background.

Only one-fifth of the original city has been excavated: it seems likely that it was once home to at least 200,000 people. If your visit coincides with that of a cruise ship to the nearby port of Kusadasi then you'll be ably assisted in imagining what a population of that size looks like. For a more intimate appreciation of the ruins arrive at 8am sharp or late afternoon. Start at the southern entrance, walk down through the ruins and exit from the northern one.

Selcuk, two miles away, is the nearest town, and has plenty of accommodation and eating options. Taxis from here to the southern entrance cost TL10 (£4.40), minibuses to the northern entrance for TL2.50 (£1.10). The Ephesus museum in Selcuk is worth a visit (summer 8.30am-7pm daily, closing for an hour at noon; TL5/£2.20 entrance; opposite the tourist office). It gives helpful context to what you've seen; there's a new section on gladiators and on a hot August day it's got the best air-conditioning in Selcuk.

Water, Water Everywhere?

Which other country has more than 5,000 miles of coastline spread between four different seas? Turkey's includes the Aegean, Mediterranean, Marmara and Black seas, but the country's shores don't stop there: inland there are dozens of lakes, including the mighty Lake Van, 10 times larger than Lough Neagh, the biggest lake in the British Isles.

Turkish shores offer sumptuous scenery, breathtaking beaches, the greatest concentration of historical ruins in the country and the opportunity to do as much or as little as you want.

The Complete Guide to: Turkish shores

A dream location for explorers and history lovers, the coastal areas of Turkey are packed with ruins and idyllic beaches. Ben Crichton offers advice on making the most of your trip...

Pamukkale / Denizli

PAMUKKALE AND THE HIERAPOLIS ANCIENT CITY

Pamukkale; was added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list because of the glorious and beautiful white travertines and the historical values of HierapolisAncient City. For the cottony view offer

s a unique taste, Pamukkale called as the 8th wonder of the world. Pamukkale is in Denizli which was situated at the western part of the Turkey. A magnificent Pamukkale and mysterious Ancient City Hierapolis waiting for visitors with it's unique travertines, ancient Roman theatre, ancient pool, thermal hot springs, monumental tomb of St.Philippe who is descipe of Jesus, most magnificent Necropolis of Anatolia, earthquake tracks which was caused to collapse the ancient city,. Temple of Apollon, fountains WELCOMES to the official web page.

Cappadocia

Most travelers have seen pictures of the mystical, rock chimney dwellings and man-made cave homes in eastern Turkey. Cappadocia is the area of Turkey known for these dwellings and is a very interesting place to visit.

Ürgrüp is a good town to base your exploration of the area because of its size and the quality of the facilities offered. The Goreme Valley, which is the center of the cave homes, is a must see. Take a tour or hire a guide to benefit from the cultural richness of this area.


We have additional recommendations for you that might be just the ticket if you are considering a second visit to Turkey, or are just the adventurous type.

Bodrum

Bodrum is a scenic town whose center is the famed Castle of Saint Peter (built by the Knights of Saint John - The Hospitallers).  Bodrum has much to offer and should be considered as a base to explore the surrounding countryside. 

• In the past, Bodrum was known as Halicarnassus and the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. The tomb was destroyed by a series of violent earthquakes in the distant past.  It is said that its building materials were used to fortify the Castle of St. Peter and the city's defensive walls.

Kusadasi / Aydin

• Kusadasi (Bird Island) is a resort town with great restaurants, good hotels,  numerous beaches and pleasant hosts. 
• Known for its nightlife, Kusadasi is a good place for anyone interested soaking up the sun and relaxing at the beach.  You may want to see the Byzantine Castle on the actual Bird Island (for which the city is named), as its museum is interesting, though not spectacular. 
• The city's harbor  is the gateway to Ephesus for many  cruise lines.

Izmir (Historical Smyrna)

• Izmir, known in the ancient world as Smyrna, surrounds a large bay and is working city that serves as a convenient base to explore the Aegean coast: many  prime archaeological sites are relatively close to Izmir. 

• The city has limited attractions of its own, but offers a number of reasonable hotels and good food (including local dried figs).  The city has an interesting archaeology museum (the Izmir Archaeology Museum) and another dedicated to Ataturk, the "Father of Modern Turkey."

Ephesus / Izmir

• Ephesus, an ancient city in the process of being excavated and restored, is a must see.  Dating from the seventh century BC (and possibly earlier) Ephesus provides a detailed, authentic view of  ancient life: the city's ruins illustrate how ancient cities worked and how the people played. 
  • Ephesus is a site that should interest anyone but it holds special reverence for Christians who believe that the Virgin Mary lived in the area at the end of her life.
  • Ephesus is also known as the location of the Temple of Artemis (also called the Temple of Diana), which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. 
    • Like all of the Wonders, except the Pyramids at Giza, there remains no trace of the temple dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess.
      It is believed that the building was partially destroyed by fire and later  by an earthquake.
• See our Ephesus PhotoGuide for photos of what you will see in Ephesus, as well as additional details on this important destination.

Ephesus (Efes) is believed by many to have existed since the 11th century B.C., although historic records of the town can be traced back only the 7th century B.C. Ephesus is regarded as one of the premier archaeological sites in the world. It is a well preserved (most building are reconstructed) and extensive site, possessing a wide variety of buildings. In addition, there some unexpected finds including a well- preserved latrine and an advertisement for a brothel carved into the paving stones.

Although now located inland, Ephesus was originally a port whose harbor and river silted-up to such a degree that the location became landlocked. Many visitors to this area think they will see the grand Temple of Artemis (a Greek goddess), which was regarded as one of the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World". Unfortunately, the Temple of Artemis was destroyed and its location is marked by a single column. It is well recorded, however, that the cult of Artemis was a force in the early history of Ephesus.

A view of an ancient aqueduct and one of the many public bath areas in Ephesus.



The history of Ephesus involves an amalgam of nations including the Persians, Greeks (Alexander the Great captured the town in 4th century BC),Romans and eventually the Turks. At one point Ephesus was a noted Christian enclave. St. Paul and St. John visited the city and the Virgin Mary's final home was a short distance from Ephesus. The town was destroyed by the Goths in the 3rd century AD and never again regained its glory.

These gates, next to the Celsus Library, marked the entrance to the Agora, which served as both a marketplace and a meeting place. The gates date from the 4th Century B.C.


A guided tour is the best way to see Ephesus, although you may want to return on your own to spend more time. In the nearby town of Selçuk, the Ephesus Museum contains many of the treasures excavated from the site. (Open in summer from 08:30 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 19:00. In winter, the museum closes at 17:00- Tel. +90 232 892 60 10).

You can find many of the treasures from Ephesus in Vienna, Austria at the Ephesus Museum in the National Library Building. The Austrian Archeological Institute was allowed to excavate the site with the approval of the Government of Turkey. See our Vienna Guide for more detail.

The Celsus Library, reconstructed using its original materials, is located in one of the most interesting sections of Ephesus. The two-story building once housed a great library that was destroyed in the 3rd century A.D.

Located to the south of Ephesus is what is believed to be the last residence of Mary, Mother of Jesus. The present building is thought to have been constructed over the foundations of the original house, which, according to legend, was built by St. John the Baptist.

Most tourists see Ephesus during an excursion from a cruise. If you are on a cruise tour, your that time will be limited. We urge you to see as much as you can during your brief visit. If you can control your schedule, you will want to spend the night in Selçuk, Izmir or Kusadasi to allow an entire day wandering the Ephesus site.

During summer the heat can be very oppressive at mid-day, so be sure to take water, wear a sun hat and use a good quality sunscreen.

Topkapi Palace / Istanbul

Topkapi Sarayi (Topkapi Palace) was built by Mehmet the Conqueror and dates from 15th century. It served as the primary royal palace for the Sultans and royal families of the Ottoman Empire until the mid-19th century.

Topkapi Palace, sits on the edge of the old city overlooking both the Bosporus and the Golden Horn. Although Topkapi was extended and rebuilt several times during the Ottoman reign, the architectural styles make for a pleasant blend. This is the one site in Istanbul that seems to capture the imagination of all visitors to the City. It is, also, the most popular attraction in Istanbul.

The Palace complex, which is surrounded by over five kilometers of walls, was established when the capital of the Ottoman Empire was moved here following the conquest of the city in 1453. The Palace was abandoned in 1853 when the Dolmabahce Palace was constructed. Topkapi was converted to a public museum in the 1920s, shortly after the War of Turkish Independence.

View of one of the rooms in the Harem at Topkapi Palace. Entry is limited and the interior of the Harem can be seen only if you take the Harem tour. ©ThereArePlaces or Its Suppliers


The palace was used for state occasions but also served as the private residence of the sultans and their harems (their wives, families and various staff). Because of this relationship, Topkapi offers the visitor a number of distinct views of the lives of the Ottoman sultans.

Topkapi houses fine collections of Ottoman artifacts including imperial jewels, porcelain, armor and weapons (although some are so jewel encrusted (for example to famous and gorgeous Topkapi Dagger) that it is doubtful they were used for fighting. In addition, the Topkapi museum includes holy relics of the Prophet Mohammed that are revered throughout the Islamic world.

Note that there is a great interest in the Harem and, if you intend on visiting the areas once shared by the royal family, you must buy a ticket for the Harem tour. Entry to the Harem is limited and you should attempt to make a reservation to visit as soon as you arrive in Istanbul.

Topkapi is open from 19:00 to 17:00 every day except Tuesday with the ticket boots closing an hour earlier. Note that the hours can vary by season so check locally. As noted above, the Harem is a separate tour and ticket. See theofficial website for detailed information on visiting.

Everywhere you look in Topkapi Palace you will see signs of luxury and the immense wealth of the Ottoman Empire. The decorative detail is astonishing .


If you need information about another travel destination, try ourDestination Guide Index or Googling ThereArePlaces.

Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the world's most interesting cities. Its unique location, literally bridging the gap between 'East" and "West", and unique history as a Christian and then Islamic city, is precisely what attracts tourist to the shores of the Asian Continent.

Across time, Istanbul (once named Constantinople) has served as the capital of the Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman Empires: the city's impressive heritage is on display and has been magnificently preserved.

From its famous mosques and churches (the Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Cami, and Hagia Sophia), through palaces (The Topkapi and Dolmbahce), and on to the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul is one memorable excursion after another.

See Our Istanbul Travel Guide for details and photos of the many attractions in this spectacular city.

Istanbul, Turkey's largest city (its population is estimated at approximately fifteen million), is divided by the Bosporus, an 18 mile long, narrow channel that links the Black Sea with the Sea of Mamara. The western shore of the Bosporus marks the eastern edge of Europe while its eastern shore marks the beginning of Asia, the world's largest continent. The majority of Istanbul's population resides on the European side of the city and this is, also, where you will find the attractions of interest to most travelers.

Istanbul is a city of aliases. It was known as Constantinople when it was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, although originally it was called Byzantium. In1453 Constantinople was conquered by the Ottomans and, eventually, was renamed Istanbul. Mehmet the Conqueror made the city the new capital of the Ottoman Empire (replacing Edirne) and Istanbul became the home of the most powerful Islamic empire in world history.

After reaching its peak power in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the Ottoman dynasty slowly deteriorated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was abolished in 1922 after the war of Turkish Independence. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who led the victorious forces in the War of Independence, is regarded as the “father of modern Turkey” and remains a popular historical figure for the Turkish people to this day. He moved the capital for Turkey to Ankara and it was not until the 1950's that Istanbul regained its global importance.


From Viator Tours
The majority of the celebrated antiquities of Istanbul are found on the “European” or western side of the Bosporus and concentrated to the south of the famous "Golden Horn", an 8 km (4.8 miles) long, natural port located on a deep, freshwater estuary.

There is some debate as to whether the name of the Golden Horn derives from the shape of the estuary or the fertile soil and abundant fishing that was associated with this area in the past. Although modern boats can dock here with ease, in Byzantine times the entrance to the Golden Horn was blocked by a chain that was used to deny access to enemies or those in disfavor with the emperor.

The Golden horn separates the Old City (Sultanahmet) from the more modern Beyoglu. You will want to spend the majority of your time in the Old City, but you will find that major shopping areas, many great restaurants and the Dolmbahce Palace are to the north across the Galata Bridge in Beyoglu.

Travel using conventional taxi’s or water taxis. Istanbul is a great town for walking but the different sections of the city are far apart. Do not hesitate to grab a taxi when the day grows hot or the distance to walk back to your hotel is too long. Eventually you are going to want to see the eastern side of the city and a water taxi is just the ticket.

Arriving in Istanbul is accompanied by sensory overload, as it is truly the place where East meets West. If you arrive by boat, the view from the docks is a feast for the eyes, as the combination of architectural styles assault the senses.

While one expects mosques to abound in Istanbul, the profile of the Old City, dominated by massive domes and minarets reaching for the sky, is spectacular. It is hard to arrive in Istanbul from the sea, without feeling that you have arrived at a place of significant historic and modern importance.