ISTANBUL

The Greeks, Persians, Romans and Ottomans all fought over Istanbul, a city strategically located at the crossroads of continents and at the end of the Silk Road. Today, it is graced with a glut of historic monuments from the Byzantine masterpiece of Hagia Sophia to the glittering Blue Mosque and the opulent Topkapi Palace. Wherever you wander, you’ll be struck by the complexity of its heritage, the vibrancy of its people, and the seamless blend of old and new as shoppers wander between souqs and malls, diners enjoy modern food with ancient roots, and art lovers seek out timeless icons as well as world-class contemporary works.