Destinations

Hattusas is over 4,000 years old and was capital of the Hititties.

 Istanbul (Byzantium, Constantinople) is the only city in the world built on two continents and is the crossroads of the ancient civilizations. 3,000 years ago it was home to  ancient fishing villages and since has been a capital three times: Byzantium 657 B.C., Constantinople 324 and Istanbul 1453. Today it is a melting pot with over 10 million inhabitants of different cultures and religions working and playing in chaotic harmony. Istanbul is divided by the Bosphorous, a wide water strait connecting the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea. Two suspension bridges connect Europe and Asia. Fortresses, palaces, historical mansions and countless other points of interest line up the busy Bosphorous. The southern end leads to the mystical Golden Horn.  Nearby is one of the greatest architectural  creations in the world, Aya Sofya the Church of Holy Wisdom (Basilica St. Sophia). Many consider it as the "Eighth" Wonder of the World: Built by the Byzantium Emperor Justinian circa 535, it is awesome in size, still the biggest basilica in the world and contains well preserved Byzantine mosaics. It is influenced by Roman and oriental characteristics. Adjacent is the site of the Hippodrome that once held 100,000 spectators of chariot races and gladiators. On the site are the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi and fountain of Willhelm II.  The Byzantine (Sunken) Cistern built in 532 was once used as a huge water storage. Today it is an eerie underground maze of dimly lit walkways with Medusa heads, 336 columns, carp in the water and classical music playing in the background. St. Chora originally built in 5th century, has splendid mosaics and mural paintings depicting biblical scenes starting with Adam and Eve.

In 1453, Fatih the Conqueror took over the city and made it the capital of the Ottoman Empire. During his reign Fatih Mosque and the Topkapi Palace were built. Today the legendary Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman Sultans, is a museum displaying the Emperors personal artifacts, lifestyle, Harem, armory, priceless treasures including the 84 carat Kasikci diamond and a huge collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelains. Other majestic palaces include Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi. The Sultan Ahmet Blue Mosque is known for its 20,000 exquisite blue Iznik tiles and 260 stained glass windows. Suleymaniye Mosque with its breathtaking vast dome and architectural ingenuity is the largest mosque in Turkey. The great architect Sinan's tomb is located here along with his emperor's, Suleyman the Magnificent. Kapali Carsi, Grand Bazaar, is the world famous ancient bazaar. It consists of a maze of covered streets housing over 4,000 small artisan shops selling precious handmade rugs, jewelry, leather goods, souvenirs, etc. and restaurants. There are an endless number of things to see and do in Istanbul.