| Istanbul is Turkey's largest city, and former capital. It is | | | | and is certainly worth visiting on a walking holiday in |
| located on the Bosphorus Strait, and hosts the natural | | | | Turkey. |
| harbour, the Golden Horn. This fascinating city is the | | | | Istanbul plays host to many beautifully designed |
| only metropolis in the world to be situated on two | | | | mosques, and stopping at some of these will give you |
| continents, straddling both Europe and Asia. Culturally, | | | | cultural and historical insight into Istanbul's Islamic world |
| this city is rich and diverse, and it has been chosen as | | | | while on walks in Turkey. Take some time to stop at |
| the European Capital of Culture 2010. This intricate city | | | | the famous Blue Mosque, and admire the Iznik tiles of |
| is best explored on foot, and a Turkey walking holiday | | | | the Sulemaniye, Rustem Pasa and Sokollu Mehmet |
| will allow you to do just that. | | | | Pasa mosques. |
| Warm Summer Walking in the City | | | | Stop at the old capital of the Eastern Roman Empire |
| Istanbul's climate is a combination of the oceanic | | | | on your Turkey walking holiday, as you admire the |
| climate of the Black Sea, the humid continental climate | | | | lasting evidence of Constantinople. There are several |
| of the Balkan Peninsula and the Mediterranean climate | | | | Roman structures which are interesting to see, such |
| of the south west. In summer, your walking holiday in | | | | as the Valens Aqueduct, the Hippodrome of |
| Turkey will involve many hot days in Istanbul, with the | | | | Constantine and the Basilica Cistern. |
| average temperature being about 28Ës and the | | | | The many different styles of architecture visible in |
| humidity level being high. | | | | Istanbul make for excellent sightseeing opportunities on |
| A walk along the Golden Horn River will be lovely on a | | | | a Turkey walking holiday. |
| warm day, as you marvel over the region's history, | | | | Visiting the Local Markets on Your Walking Holiday |
| with the old city of Istanbul's European area and | | | | One of the most interesting activities to do when on a |
| Beyoglu sitting on each side of the river. | | | | Turkey walking holiday is to visit the vibrant local |
| Interesting Architecture in Istanbul | | | | markets of Istanbul. Breathe in the scents at the Spice |
| Istanbul's amalgamation of cultures is clearly visible in its | | | | Bazaar, and spend time wandering through the flower |
| diverse architectural designs. With structures ranging | | | | and fish markets. The Grand Bazaar is a great place |
| from mosques, synagogues and churches, to palaces, | | | | to visit if you want to pick up some Turkish items on |
| castles and towers, you have a dynamic array of | | | | your walking holiday in Turkey. From Turkish carpets to |
| beautiful structures to view while on your Turkey | | | | pottery to cotton and wool clothing, you can spend |
| walking holiday. | | | | hours browsing through the many shops offering an |
| Across Istanbul you will see Byzantine architecture. | | | | interesting variety of wares. |
| The church of Haghia Sophia (commonly referred to | | | | From scenery to architecture to eclectic markets, |
| as Aya Sofya) is situated on Sultanahmet Square, and | | | | Istanbul is an excellent city for a Turkey walking |
| was designed by Isidour and Anthemius in 532AD. This | | | | holiday. |
| is one of the best examples of Byzantine architecture, | | | | |