Istanbul has to be seen to be believed. Located majestically on the strategically important Bosphorus Strait, this is the only metropolis in the world that stretches over two continents. Known as Constantinopel until 1930, the city was founded as Byzantium by Greek colonists. It was made into the eastern capital of the Roman empire in 324 AD until falling to the Ottoman Empire in 1453. With such a diverse history, Istanbul truly is a melting pot; a fascinating mix of East and West, Old and New. A must-see port of call!

Istanbul is a city of mosques. Most prominently, the Hagia Sophia was built as an Eastern Orthodox church and converted into a mosque in 1453. The huge building now serves as a museum (closed on Mondays!). Still in use as a mosque is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque across the street from the Hagia Sophia. More commonly known as Blue Mosque, it was built in the 17th century and is open to visitors.

Another sight to behold is the Topkapi Museum on the banks of the Golden Horn. More than 500 years old, the many buildings and beautiful landscaped gardens that once housed the Sultan and his harem are now home to a priceless art and jewelry collection. Don't miss the Treasury! 

Named "Europe's hippest city" by Newsweek, Istanbul is home to some of the hottest clubs, the fanciest restaurants and coolest bars. A pleasant combination of traditions and trends can be found in the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world with more than 58 streets and 4000 shops. And in between the traditional carpet sellers you will see the Fes Café, serving fancy drinks to the local in crowd in trendy surroundings. 

A popular stop on many tours is the impressive underground Basilica Cistern, capable of holding 80,000 cubic meters of water. Built by the Greeks in the 6th century, the cistern was made famous in the James Bond movie "From Russia with Love". Pictured above is the Medusa head on one of the 336 marble columns.  

Shopping in Istanbul requires some stamina as you will have to be prepared to haggle and play by the rules of the country. Look for hand woven carpets, lamps, spices, and antiques around the Grand Bazaar. And while you're there, don't forget to order a kebab and a cup of Turkish coffee.  

Istanbul is a magical place that looks to have escaped from the stories of 1001 Night, yet is far more "Western" than we had expected.

Sailing from Istanbul in the late evening, our ship made a pirouette to show us all of the city's treasures. Unforgettable!