Istanbul on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Istanbul, one of the most fascinating, exciting and cosmopolitan cities on earth, was the original destination of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express on its maiden voyage in October 1883.

Istanbul, the gateway between East and West, is bounded on the north and the south by two seas, the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, respectively.  The western half of the city lies in Europe while the eastern half is situated in Asia; in between the two halves flows the Bosphorus Strait.  Istanbul, representing the Asian city nearest Europe and the European city closest to Asia, is a leading port whose importance is stressed by the age-old trade routes passing through the Bosphorus.

This unique location is evident in the atmosphere of this beautiful city. The Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires have all claimed Istanbul, leaving a city of multiple religions and cultures, which to this day exist side by side harmoniously. The Roman viaducts, built to carry water from the city's outskirts to the palace, remain intact, jostling for space alongside glittering Mosques and the Grand Bazaar complex, almost a city in its own right.

The city has also been nicknamed "The City on Seven Hills" because the historic peninsula, the oldest part of the city, was built on seven hills (just like Rome). The hills are represented in the city's coat of arms with seven mosques, one at the top of each hill.

The smell of exotic spices will lure you into the bazaars and the view of the Golden Horn at sunset will leave you wishing to return. This is the heart of Europe with an Eastern flavour. Turning 360 degrees at any one point in this city will uncover treasures which traverse centuries, continents and empires, like no where else on earth.

See how the sultans of the Ottoman Empire lived with a visit to Topkapi Palace. The famous Blue Mosque with its six minarets and the Hagia Sophia Mosque, now a museum, dominate the skyline. Discover the small village areas of Istanbul where fishermen mend their nets and life moves at a much slower pace.

A visit to Istanbul must include a genuine Turkish bath. The bath house, a marvel of smooth, age-worn marble, welcomes men and women at different times of the day. The specialist attendants will massage your steam-softened skin for the ultimate in relaxation.

The lighthouse of Leandros, or Kiz Kulesi, is a must for the romantic at heart. Leandros was forever lost at sea when swimming to visit his lover, Hera, the priestess. This lighthouse stands where his lover would hold her torch aloft, to draw him towards her and remains today as a symbol of light for lovers.

Relive that historic journey to this gateway between East and West - ancient Constantinople - where artistic treasures of Christian and Islamic culture exist side by side. A true taste of the golden age of travel.

Please note that we can also offer a Paris to Istanbul Journey or Istanbul to Paris Journey on the Golden Eagle Danube Express.