Kyoto is also well-known for its seasonal celebrations, like the July Gion Matsuri, which features colorful parades & traditional floats. The city's culinary delights, such as kaiseki dining, which is a multi-course meal that emphasizes seasonal ingredients, compag-slotslement its rich heritage. Istanbul, Turkey—a city that spans two continents and has a rich history—is another incredible cultural hotspot. Stories from the Byzantine and Ottoman empires abound in Istanbul, from the magnificent Hagia Sophia to the lavish Topkapi Palace. Visitors can shop for anything from handcrafted textiles to spices in the busy Grand Bazaar, which offers a sensory overload of sights and sounds. Beautiful views of the city's skyline and famous sites can be seen from a cruise across the Bosphorus Strait.