Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a city in Turkey that "straddles" Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Yes, you are reading correctly: between both continents (bet you had no idea about the Asian part). In the "Old City" of Istanbul the cultural influences are felt everywhere due to the many, many empires that once ruled there. Oh my God if one starts "digging" in the history (pun totally intended) one can actually get lost in it! However, it is a FASCINATING one!

For instance, in the Sultanahmet district, the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome structure was for centuries the site of chariot races. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring dome and Christian mosaics. I'm telling you FEEL the history there. I mean there is so much to see it almost never ends. Wherever you start, the fascination is breathlessly endless. I kept wondering OMG I can't keep up with all this! There are many must-sees, one of them being the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, a marvel to visit, often referred to as the iconic Blue Mosque. Then another must-do is renting a boat/yacht to view the infamous Bosphorus Bridge – what a delight to see in the evenings. You can then go explore the Museum of the Innocence – just sublime. Then there is the Topkapi Palace historic Ottoman-era palace – this complex has such history and is another must-see. You will note as you visit these spectacularly iconic spots you will then realize how complex the Turkish history is with the rest of Europe. Wow, to live in that era would have been EPICALLY SUBLIME.

Lastly one MUST MUST MUST go to the Grand Bazaar. OMG it is overwhelmingly grand and epically sublime. You can easily get lost there. When you go, be prepared with money and your negotiation skills. You will be tested and you will be charmed by it all.

A bit of stats on the Grand Bazaar: it is one of the buggest, largest and oldest covered markets in the world. It has approximately 61 covered streets and over 3000 shops, which attracts about 250,000 – 400,000 visitors daily. I'm told it is listed amongst the most-visited tourist attractions in the world with annual visitors of 91,250,000 people (ugh enough said, right?!).

Montreal Event Planner has become the go-to authority in the event planning business, not only because of its reputable success, but also because of the expertise and professionalism of owner Daniela Caputo, who combs the globe on a regular basis to find the best destinations for her clients (and our readers!).

Source: Istanbul, Turkey