The Blue Mosque and the Bosphorous Bridge, the Grand Bazaar and the smells of the spice market. Salted white cheese and fried fish, Turkish kebabs and sesame dough. A bridge between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is the only city in the world that stands in two different continents.

Explore the enormous courts and tiled chambers of 15th century Topkapi Palace, and marvel at the immense dome of the Haghia Sophia Cathedral – once the biggest in the world. Prepare to be stunned by the slender minarets and cascading domes of the Blue Mosque;, and walk inside to be wowed by the 20,000 blue tiles that line its ceiling. Take a tram up to the Grand Bazaar and decide which of the 5,500 vendors to buy your carpet from. Descend underground into the city’s Byzantine Cisterns and discover secret potions in the Spice Bazaar. Trace the ancient walls of Constantinople to investigate the city’s past, or visit the Modern Art Museum to find the work of Turkish artists. Take a cruise along the river and see the Bosphorous Bridge connect Europe to Asia.

This exciting and colourful city will open students’ eyes to the creative and economic relationships that exist between the European and Asian continents. With STS accommodation offered in a choice of comfortable and well-located hotels, school groups can really make the most of this unique and inspiring destination.