Istanbul is the only great city in the world that spans two continents, Europe and Asia, and its history is as rich as its setting. As the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, it left behind some of the most remarkable monuments on Earth. Today, ancient churches stand beside glass towers and centuries-old bazaars sit in the shadow of modern malls. The Bosphorus Strait divides the city, linking the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea, and a boat ride along it reveals a skyline of domes, minarets and palaces.

Visit the Hagia Sophia, a former church and mosque that has stood for nearly 1,500 years, then step into the Blue Mosque and descend into the eerie Basilica Cistern. Tour Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans, and lose yourself in the Grand Bazaar and the fragrant Spice Bazaar, where shopkeepers chat and bargain. Up close, Istanbul is wonderfully busy, full of sights, sounds and smells. Try street food like doner kebab and simit, sip Turkish tea and coffee, and enjoy the lively restaurants and nightlife after dark.

Istanbul is a popular cruise port and a major flight hub. I'll plan your sightseeing with skip-the-line entry and an expert guide, and pair Istanbul with Cappadocia or the Turkish coast.