The gate of europe

The insiders’ guide

Stretching across two continents separated by the Bosphorus Strait, this ancient Silk Road city was once the capital of both the Christian Byzantine and Islamic Ottoman empires. Crumbling hammams rub shoulders with striking contemporary buildings, while the call to prayer from Hagia Sophia mosque can be heard from the 15th-century Grand Bazaar, as well as Michelin-starred restaurants. Istanbul is sewn together by a series of storied districts, which results in a varied hotel scene. Relive the Ottoman heyday in a Sultanahmet townhouse; book a boutique stay fuelled by cafes and galleries in Karaköy; or check in among the designer stores of Nişantaşı.

Self-catering has all the benefits of staying at home, but the joys of being away. For a shortcut to the best places to stay, here are some we’ve tried and tested

BEST KNOWN FOR ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST INCREDIBLE WILDLIFE SPECTACLES — THE GREAT MIGRATION ACROSS THE SERENGETI — THIS EAST AFRICAN NATION OFFERS MANY EXTRAORDINARY TRAVEL EXPERIENCES, FROM MOUNTAIN CLIMBS TO CULTURE-RICH STAYS ON TROPICAL ISLANDS

In a region shaped by its volcanic heritage, a few big names dominate the wine scene, but Campania has so much more to offer in terms of grapes and wine styles that can only be found here

A cycling trip around Italy’s ‘heel’ sees our writer discover a corner of the country where it pays to take it slow and savour every bite of burrata