Istanbul is easily compared to its famous Grand Bazaar—layer upon layer of sights and sounds with delightful surprises around each and every corner. Start your visit at the icons of the city, the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The Hagia Sophia, built in 537, was the world's largest religious monument for more than 1,000 years. From the inside, its 18-story dome dotted with 40 windows and decorated with gold glittering tiles continues to impress. The Blue Mosque, just across Sultanahmet Park, is just as awe- inspiring with its 20,000 blue-green tiles, 260 stained-glass windows, and massive chandeliers. A short distance away is the refreshingly cool Basilica Cistern, containing 336, 26-foot-high columns in the space nearly the size of a football field. Even more impressive is that it was built in 532, rediscovered in 1545, and opened to the public in 1987.

After visiting the amazing sites of Istanbul, relax with the Turkish equivalent of shopping and a spa. Shopping gets no better than at the Grand Bazaar with more than 4,000 shops bulging with gold, silver, ceramics, textiles, carpets, antiques, and more. For a spa-like experience, head to a traditional Turkish bath where you will be lathered, loofah'd, and massaged into a state of pure bliss.

• Choice of accommodations
• Hotel taxes

Entry Requirements

View passport, visa, and health requirement details.