| Exotic, sun-drenched and packed with history, the vast | | | | your senses like nowhere else on earth. |
| country of Turkey straddles two continents and | | | | Ankara |
| channels influences from both its European and Asian | | | | Often overlooked by visitors to Turkey, the small and |
| culture. From the bustle of Istanbul to tiny fishing villages | | | | inviting capital of Ankara is very different to |
| along the sparkling Aegean coast and regions of | | | | extravagant Istanbul. Here, the highlights are a series of |
| unspoiled natural beauty, it's a place which epitomises | | | | impressive Roman remains to the north of Hisparki |
| intrigue - and is perfect for luxury travel in the summer | | | | Caddesi and the attractive Byzantine citadel, known as |
| months. | | | | Hisar. This maze of alleyways is best enjoyed at |
| Istanbul | | | | sunset, when it becomes an atmospheric evocation of |
| Although it's often the best known city in Turkey, | | | | the ancient Turkish world. |
| Istanbul isn't actually the capital city. Despite this, | | | | Feeling refreshingly unspoiled throughout, Ankara offers |
| however, there is definitely not a lack of culture or | | | | a taste of the old life in Turkey, away from the bright |
| luxury travel experiences to be found amongst its | | | | lights of Istanbul. Hammans (Turkish baths) are another |
| streets. Sitting on the Bosphorus River, this large | | | | essential luxury experience which can be enjoyed |
| metropolis is situated half in Asia and half in Europe - | | | | here - relax in the steamy saunas and hot water, but |
| and often reflects the cultural dichotomy shared by the | | | | be prepared to be scrubbed rather vigorously if you |
| country as a whole. | | | | opt for the full treatment! |
| There's no better place to see this mix of cultures than | | | | Cappadocia |
| in Sultanhamet, the central district whose skyline is | | | | In central Turkey, the large rural region of Cappadocia |
| dominated by Istanbul's two most fabulous monuments. | | | | provides another contrasting view of this intriguing |
| The Hagia Sophia Church is a stunning example of | | | | country. In this amazing landscape of stone cliffs and |
| Christian Byzantine architecture and a masterpiece of | | | | twisting mountains, the troglodytes made their homes |
| mosaics and minarets. Meanwhile, the adjacent Blue | | | | under the earth in a perfect example of simply living |
| Mosque is laid out in the traditional Ottoman style, with | | | | with nature. |
| domes and archways offering elegant harmony. | | | | Today, the caves are typically occupied with visitors |
| Archaeological museums abound in the city, thanks to | | | | enjoying the amazing scenery, but that doesn't detract |
| its long history, and the Museum of the Ancient Orient | | | | from the uniqueness of the place. The most |
| and Museum of Archaeology are both worth a visit | | | | spectacular experience is definitely floating over the |
| for further insight into Turkey's ancient heritage. No trip | | | | landscape in a hot air balloon. Hiking amongst the |
| to Turkey is complete, however, without a trip to the | | | | caves, sampling fine food and exploring ancient |
| Grand Bazaar. Wandering amongst the tiny shops, a | | | | frescoes are also excellent ways to experience |
| bewildering range of smells, sights and sounds assault | | | | Cappadocia. |