Istanbul & Budrum

About the destination: Istanbul's historical significance and its incredible cultural and architectural legacy can be attributed to its ideal strategic location, spanning the Bosphorus straits that divide Europe and Asia Minor. Throughout most of its 2,500-year history, the city (initially known as Byzantium, then Constantinople, and since 1930, Istanbul) has been a cultural melting pot. Today, its population of over 13 million is predominantly Turkish, with many of its residents being recent migrants from rural Turkey, drawn by the prospect of employment and career opportunities in this dynamic, rapidly expanding city. Although Istanbul is no longer the capital of the country, it remains Turkey's economic and cultural hub - a status emphasized by its designation as a European City of Culture in 2010 and the UNESCO World Heritage recognition of many of its key landmarks. These range from breathtaking Ottoman mosques and Byzantine churches and catacombs, to the pillars of Hellenistic temples and the remnants of enormous medieval city walls. However, Istanbul offers more than just Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. A rapidly growing economy has led to a thriving arts and music scene, with an abundance of new bars, clubs, private art galleries, restaurants, and designer fashion stores.

About the destination: Bodrum is a globally recognized vacation spot and vibrant resort that is always alive with activity. Situated on the southern Aegean coast of Turkey, Bodrum attracts tourists from all corners of the globe due to its warm weather, deep-blue sea, natural beauty, stunning coves, and rich history, not to mention its thrilling nightlife. Bodrum presents an intriguing contrast between the ancient city and the contemporary resort. The Castle of St Peter, which dates back to the medieval era, is a stunning fortress that dominates the harbor area. Within the Castle of St Peter, there is also an underwater museum, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Other key attractions in the city include the Bodrum Amphitheatre, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, Myndos Gate, and Karakaya Village. There is a wealth of sights to see and activities to partake in Bodrum, including a wide array of shops and large bazaars where locals sell an assortment of goods. Evenings in Bodrum are best spent leisurely at one of the many restaurants, enjoying fresh seafood and other Aegean delicacies.