Istanbul is the only city in the world with its foot in two continents.  You’ll find evidence of its European and Asian roots everywhere you turn.   Be sure to visit the Topkapi Palace and its preserved courtyards, or learn the history of the Byzantine Aya Sofya – once a church, then a mosque, now a museum, and a reflection of Turkey’s dual cultures.  For those looking for a more relaxing day out, soak up the sun in a café alongside the Bosphorus, where you can enjoy views of the grand antique yali (homes) that line the banks of the Black Sea.