Istanbul

At the crossroads of cultures

A city that is at the junction of Europe and Asia, Istanbul has been a meeting point of myriad cultures for centuries. Begin your discovery of the city with a visit to its most important silhouettes - Maiden’s Tower and Gala Tower. For a glimpse of Istanbul's rich heritage, stroll through Aya Sophia and the Blue Mosque, then pay a visit to the Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern. City tours by bus are available for those who'd like to see it all in a few hours.

For some irresistible bargains, make a trip to the bustling Grand Bazaar that spills over with carpets, antiques, incense and spices. A boat trip across the Bosphorus Strait is also a must-do. Sail past spectacular palaces, summer pavillions and mansions that border the shores. If you happen to be there in summer, you can even book a Bosphorus tour that starts at IDO Wharf and goes all the way to Anadolu Kavagi.

Istanbul enjoys all four seasons, with hot and dry summers, pleasant spring and fall and cold winters. The best time visit is spring, early summer and autumn. A number of direct flights connect you from Dubai to Atatürk Airport in Istanbul, Turkey’s largest airport. To get the best deals on airline tickets to Istanbul and to book your holiday package, visit dnatatravel.com.