Istanbul is one of the great and well known cities of the world and the only metropolis reaching across two different continents (Asia and Europe) separated by the Bosphorus Strait, so it is bounded by two seas, the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Istanbul represents the nearest Asian city to Europe and the closest European city to Asia with a population of more than 16 million.
There are 3 names for the same city; Byzantium (the first known name of the city in 667 B.C), Constantinople (which means the "City of Constantine in May 11, 330) and Istanbul (The modern name after 1930).
With several historic mosques, churches, synagogues and other places of worship that has challenged the centuries, Istanbul is one of those cities which people feel closer to God. You definitely feel yourself closer to God in Istanbul. Istanbul embraces all faiths, without separation and questioning. Which city except Istanbul presents the luxury of refreshing in the shade of a history? Istanbul fascinates you with its architecture and cheers you up by getting you in its palm. There is a rush in every hour of the day in Istanbul. You can see people who go to their homes after work by changing continents, and fishermen who angle between two sides of Bosphorus. One never gets bored of Istanbul. You will like to add each moment to your pocket. It is the city of dreams.
Karakoy Port - Istanbul Port is the cruise terminal of Istanbul suitably located in the heart of the city where cruise passengers enjoy the splendid Bosphorus views. Istanbul’s Karakoy is the second most visited cruise terminal in Turkey. Kusadasi, has the most calls. Its close location to ancient Ephesus makes it very popular and the port is usually in the cruises’ itinerary together with Istanbul. Daily excursions are available for the passengers to this beautiful archaeological site.
Not only for cruise passengers, Ephesus tours may be organised from Istanbul with only 55 minutes’ flight or private cars alternatively.
Ephesus is known as a “don’t miss” stop for tourists in Turkey.
