Istanbul (Turkish: İstanbul, historically Byzantium and later Constantinople; see Names of Istanbul) is Turkey's and Europe's most populous city, (the world's 4th largest), and its cultural and financial center. The city covers 25 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. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) side of the Bosphorus, and is thereby the only metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents. In its long history, Istanbul served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330-395), the Byzantine Empire (395-1204 and 1261-1453), the Latin Empire (1204-1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453-1922). The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

Had enough of the heat? How about sitting in a snowy room where it is 10 degrees below zero? Now that is what I call relaxing. As stupid as this concept sounds, the "Snow Room" exists, and it was recently showcased in a Hotel Equipment Fair in Turkey. Plus, it will go on sale to all luxury hotels and spas starting this year.

After a slow start, bookings for Turkish flights and hotels from the UK have picked up for the 2006 summer season, according to the latest figures. When the summer holiday booking season began at the start of the year, industry analysts predicted a disappointing year for Turkey - compared to the continued growth of the last five years.

A deluxe 65-bedroom hotel in Turkey has been crowned Europe's best hotel.The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet topped a poll of readers of America's coveted Travel and Leisure magazine. Lying in the heart of historical Istanbul, this luxurious hotel has been created from a century-old neoclassic Turkish prison.The hotel is located

The southwest Mediterranean and Aegean coast is a beach lover’s paradise. Palm trees and luxury resorts line the hilly island-like atmosphere. You can arrange to go skydiving, kayaking, hiking, biking, or spend time just relaxing at a beach hotel right on the ocean. Evenings are spent walking the quaint towns tasting delicious foods.

turkey, icmeler, travel, holidays, hotels, Turkish