Vacanta Istanbul si Pristina

About the destination: Istanbul's historical significance and its incredible cultural and architectural legacy can be attributed to its ideal strategic location, spanning the Bosphorus straits that divide Europe and Asia Minor. Throughout most of its 2,500-year history, the city (initially known as Byzantium, then Constantinople, and since 1930, Istanbul) has been a cultural melting pot. Today, its population of over 13 million is predominantly Turkish, with many of its residents being recent migrants from rural Turkey, drawn by the prospect of employment and career opportunities in this dynamic, rapidly expanding city. Although Istanbul is no longer the capital of the country, it remains Turkey's economic and cultural hub - a status emphasized by its designation as a European City of Culture in 2010 and the UNESCO World Heritage recognition of many of its key landmarks. These range from breathtaking Ottoman mosques and Byzantine churches and catacombs, to the pillars of Hellenistic temples and the remnants of enormous medieval city walls. However, Istanbul offers more than just Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. A rapidly growing economy has led to a thriving arts and music scene, with an abundance of new bars, clubs, private art galleries, restaurants, and designer fashion stores.

About the destination: Pristina is a rapidly evolving city that exudes a sense of optimism and potential, despite its congested streets and inconsistent architectural styles that may not make it immediately appealing. More of a provincial town than a grand city, Pristina is an unexpected choice for a national capital, yet it feels more cosmopolitan than many Balkan capitals due to the significant UN and EU presence there. Beyond the bustling city center, with its international eateries and trendy cafes, you'll find yourself in the charming Turkic hillside neighborhoods that have shaped the city for centuries. Here, the call to prayer still echoes from minarets overlooking the city's terracotta rooftops, and the lively bazaar continues to be the hub of daily life.