Although Istanbul is not the capital of Turkey it is the largest city. Istanbul is perched right on the border between Europe and Asia and was originally known as Byzantium and then as Constantinople.

This is a unique city of with a blend of cultures and religions and is home today to around 12 million people.

The cities history dates back to ancient times, A.D. 658 when it was called Byzantium after the commander of the Megaras, Byzas. The city developed swiftly and became a massive trade centre and was then the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Today Istanbul has become the countries most important tourism, trade and industrial city.

In this expansive, continent dividing city you can walk the streets where crusaders once marched; marvel over the mosques that are a inspiring symbol of this great city; gaze in to the sultan’s harem; and seek out bargains in the Grand Bazaar.

Summer in Istanbul can get very hot and is probably not the best time to visit as you will also have to contend with the hordes of tourists as well. Visiting this magnificent city is probably best from April to June and September to October, the spring/autumn months. Temperatures at these times of year range from 16-25°C and the humidity is not too high either, making it much more pleasant experience to discover all that Istanbul has to offer. The winter months of November to February are when you will find the highest rainfall possibly getting 30-40 inches per month.

The historical heart-beat of the city is Sultan Ahmet, which is the oldest part of the city and centred on the Byzantine Hippodrome. There are many ways of exploring the city but it is extremely easy to explore on foot, as most of the interesting sights are within close proximity to one and other. If all the walking and heat get too much then there is always a handy tea garden on hand to relax and refresh before continuing your discovery of the city.