Turkey

Istanbul

Istanbul is one of those cities that earns the superlatives, where the floating dome of the Hagia Sophia still produces a genuine physical reaction when you step inside. For a meal worth a ferry crossing, Çiya Sofrası on the Asian side serves regional Turkish cooking in a no-frills setting where the daily menu changes based on what's in season. For something quieter than the Bosphorus tourist boats, the Princes' Islands ferry takes families to pine-covered islands where cars are banned and the whole pace slows down. Buy an Istanbulkart on arrival for seamless travel across the metro, tram, bus, ferry, and funicular. FamiVentura's Istanbul guide offers 15 picks per category, 2-day and 5-day itineraries, a neighbourhood guide, and a survival guide for a city where two continents meet at every turn.