Best of travel in 2009: castles to cuisine
Discover the places and innovations across the globe that have made their mark in the past year.
Stops all stations
Inspired by the Orient Express, Alice Russell embarks on a 4000-kilometre train journey from London to Istanbul.
The merchant of Istanbul
Grace de Morgan finds quiet hospitality in the Grand Bazaar.
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Bulging mosques with tall spires poke out from hilly Istanbul, possessing the most beguiling and spectacular waterfronts of anywhere. The only city to fall across two continents, Asia and Europe, this is a fascinating modern and historic metropolis. Gaze in awe at its spectacular Bosphorus, and shop the Grand Bazaar. Sample freshly caught fish from its harbour vendors, and find the famed harem of Topkapi Palace.