A unique country set at the crossroads of continents, Turkey offers the exotic allure of the Orient enhanced by the luxurious comforts of the west...

A potent blend of ancient and modern, Turkey’s history stretches back some 9000 years almost to the beginning of time itself. Home to many of our best-loved myths and legends, a visit to Turkey will bring to life such evocative names as Troy, Halicarnassus and Constantinople.

Yet Turkey is also a young, dynamic country, cosmopolitan and eclectic with stylish hotels, state-of-the-art technology, hip bars and sophisticated restaurants.

Istanbul is no longer the capital of Turkey, but remains the country’s cultural and business centre. It is set in a stunning location, surrounded by water – the narrow strait of the Bosphorus and the serene Sea of Marmara separating Europe from Asia. As Byzantium, Constantinople and finally, Istanbul, it has been the capital of three Empires, each leaving their mark in the form of stunning palaces, castles, mosques, churches and monuments.

Highlights

Topkapı Palace - So much to see here that you need at least ½ a day. Don’t miss the intriguing Harem, the stunning emeralds and the ‘Spoonmakers’ diamond.

Yerebatan cisterns – Explore the world under the pavements, and experience the atmosphere of the cisterns of the Byzantine city, with their hundreds of columns, artfully lit, to a soundtrack of classical music.

Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) – Marvel at its stunning mosaics and the incredible free-standing dome.

The Blue Mosque – If you only have time to visit one mosque make it this one, if you are in İstanbul for longer, take in the Süleymaniye too.

The Grand Bazaar – You will find yourself buying things you never knew you needed in this maze of literally hundreds of shops.

Take a boat trip on the Bosphorus for the best views of the city.
 
Sarköy Wine region
 

Eating out and Entertainment

Nightlife in Istanbul is a unique mix – you can find the latest chic clubs or a traditional café with cushions on the floor, where you can smoke a hookah pipe or nargile. Wherever you choose to eat, you are likely to find delicious food made from fresh ingredients, and can expect good value for money. The variety and standard of restaurants is excellent with stunning views as standard.

Istanbul’s Black Sea Coast

The Black Sea Coast of Istanbul – You will be amazed to find such beautiful beaches and green environment so near the big city. Fresh fish and warm village people are the extra bonus.

Istanbul’s Islands

The Princes Islands – If you have time, a visit to these charming islands in the Sea of Marmara, just off the coast of Istanbul is a must.
 

Cappadocia is a stunning area of Central Turkey famed for its other-worldly rock formations, subterranean churches and underground dwellings, the scale of which is over-whelming. Some 30 million years ago, a series of volcanoes erupted in this area, the largest of which was the now extinct Mount Erciyes, one of the highest in Turkey at 3916 metres. They spewed lava and volcanic ash over the landscape which, as it solidified, turned into a soft stone known as tuff. Tuff is easily eroded by the elements, and over millions of years, the wind and the rain have formed the strange rock shapes which can be seen today. Man has added to the work of nature, the softness of the tuff allowing it to be easily carved out and excavated to form subterranean dwellings and troglodyte villages, as well as underground churches. The area of Cappadocia is also famous for its carpet-weaving, wine and the distinctive red pottery of the Avanos area.

Cappadocia was a refuge for the early Christians, who escaped persecution by living and worshipping underground. There are an estimated 3000 rock churches in this region, not all of which are open to the public. Some have amazing frescoes, which have been extremely well preserved.

Highlights:

Göreme

Some of the most impressive of the churches are located in the Göreme Open Air Museum, which, for the most part, date from the 9th-11th centuries. The village of Göreme itself is at the heart of the area’s tourist industry, and many of its villagers still live in cave dwellings, some of which have been converted into pensions. Surrounding the area are the amazing rock formations known evocatively as Peri Bacaları or ‘Fairy Chimneys’. For panoramic views over the scenery of the Göreme Valley, visit the citadel of Üçhisar, the huge rock tower, which is the highest point in the area. Üçhisar and Ürgüp are two of the most popular places to stay in the area, where in recent years, a number of chic boutique hotels have opened in the old buildings and rock dwellings.

Ihlara Vadisi

Located to the west of Niğde, this stunning gorge is 10 kms long and some 80 metres wide. Popular for trekking it is home to over 60 churches, the majority of which were built in the 11th century. Most of these are not open to the public but of the 12 or so which are, some of the most important are the Eğritas Kilesesi.

Underground Cities

There are hundreds of underground cities in the regions. Two of the most impressive are Kaymaklı, which has 8 levels, and Derinkuyu, which reaches down to 55 metres. They were used by the Christians fleeing persecution in the 7th century, who created a self-sufficient environment, underground, including bedrooms, kitchens and storage rooms.  

Other highlights of a visit to the area include the picturesque Soğanlı, Valley, which is much quieter than the other sights, with its many houses, tombs and churches, displaying excellent examples of Byzantine painting.

Horse-riding is a popular way to explore this region and a hot air balloon ride over the surreal landscape will prove to be a unique experience.
 

Urgup
The unfortunately named Urgup is probably the busiest of the small towns in the vicinity of the Cappadocian sites. It's possibly the tastiest as well, recent development has mushroomed leaving a grim legacy of poorly designed and serviced buildings. The road down into the town however does take you past some pleasant rock carved dwellings, accommodation and restaurants. It's worth wondering around the old town for a taste of what the place must have been like before we all arrived.

This said it does offer services, such as banking, which are a little scarce elsewhere. It has a scattering of hotels and pensions of varying degrees of sophistication and a couple of good places to eat. The town has also a certain night life with small bars and discos.

Avanos

Avanos is set on the banks of the Kizilirmak, the Red River, which gets its name from the clay that it deposits. This clay has provided Avanos with pottery for centuries and the town is still dominated by this industry despite the inroads that tourism has made in the area. The main street has numerous shops and workshops selling plain and decorated pots and plates and you can watch the potters at work using kick wheels, the design of which has remained unchanged for generations. Many of the workshops will encourage you to have a go yourself. It's harder than it looks.

Avanos is a possible base for exploring Cappadocia with accommodation and services available at reasonable rates. The town has retained some of its charm and is a pleasant place to spend half a day or to stop for lunch. The town has a tourist targeted Hammam (Turkish bath) which is popular with tour groups and is also close to the Selcuk built Yellow Caravanserai, a restored Han (travelers 'service station'), and the Özkonak Underground city, a smaller version of those at Derinkuyu and Kaymakli.

Today Avanos is also famous for its carpets and textile.

Uchisar

If you're not looking for a party Uçhisar makes an excellent base from which to explore the unique Cappadocian landscape. It's a sleepy little town, less dominated by the tourist trade than Göreme or Avanos and with an atmosphere that can fool you into thinking you're in Turkey in the late 70's rather than the late 90's.

There are some pleasant mid-range and cheap hotels and pensions here and food is acceptable at several establishments. Uchisar's Kale or fortress is visible for miles around and has become the town's major tourist attraction, offering, as it does, fine views over the surrounding countryside.

Uchisar is also a good place to begin a walking tour from because it's down hill in every direction and because you can take in Pigeon Valley, named for it's myriad nesting holes carved to encourage said birds.

Ephesus  is the areas most prominent attraction. Known as Efes locally, the site is quite probably the best-preserved Roman city in the Mediterranean and Turkey’s most visited place after Istanbul. The majestic Library of Celsus and the 25,000-seater Great Theatre are among its most memorable attractions. The city also housed the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World though unfortunately, little remains of the once-impressive marble structure. The Blue Cruise – surely the most relaxing way to spend a holiday. Leisurely days cruising and lounging aboard a luxury Turkish gulet.

Pergamum  the breathtaking ancient Greek city perched precariously atop a plunging promontory. Located near the city of Bergama, in the North of the region.

Ölüdeniz  Arguably the finest beach in Turkey, a spectacular natural lagoon backed by magnificent maountain and forest scenery. Thrill-seekers will delight at the opportunity to tandem paraglide from the 2km-high summit of Mt. Babadağ.