8 Days. 4N MARMARIS 5* (AI) | 3N ISTANBUL 5* (BB)

About the destination: Marmaris is a city located in Turkey, situated along the Mediterranean coast in the Muğla province. Marmaris is renowned for its abundant cultural heritage, ancient old town, stunning natural environment, multiple modern marinas, numerous coves along its coast, and a natural harbor encircled by pine-covered hills. The old town is a labyrinth of winding narrow streets and alleys filled with whitewashed houses, set amidst a fantastic shopping bazaar. The Castle offers beautiful views from its walls and is definitely worth a visit. The coastline is perfect for water sports, sailing, sunbathing, or taking a leisurely walk along the palm-fringed promenade. Marmaris is a fashionable and cosmopolitan resort with a plethora of nightspots and restaurants. Despite being one of Turkey's largest tourist resorts, it has successfully preserved much of its allure. The hills that extend into the sea and the gorgeous bays make Marmaris truly unique.

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.