Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is Europe's most populous city (the world's 4th largest city proper and 20th largest urban area) and Turkey's cultural and financial center. The city covers 27 districts of the Istanbul province. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait, and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn, in the northwest of the country.

Part of Istanbul's great attraction is its unique position on two continents, divided by the Bosphorus. Most of the population live on the European side; the Asian sector is reached via the high-level Bosphorus Bridge, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge or by ferry. With 13 million inhabitants Istanbul offers all the excitement of a cosmopolitan city. Its numerous monuments, mosques and museums, plus the famous Grand Bazaar, make it one of the world's great destinations.

Things to See & Do

* Okapi Palace
* Hagia Sophia
* Yerebatan Sarayi
* Sulemanye Mosque
* Sultanahmet Square

General information

Cruise Season - Feb to Dec
Currency - New Turkish Lira (YTL)
Language - Turkish
Land Area - 98.2 sq km.
Population - 13,000,000
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT/UTC plus two hours
International Country Telephone Code - European side + 212 Asian side +216

Port Location - Istanbul is the principal port of Turkey, located at the mouth of the Bosphorus on the Sea of Marmara and comprising several ports. Passengers disembark at Karakoy piers.

Transport Links - Istanbul can be reached by air, bus and train from most major European countries.