Turkey

Mediterranean and Aegean Coast

The area around the Aegean Coast is the main tourist region in Turkey with beaches and clear seas galore. Tourists flock to the resorts of Bodrum, Gumbet, Altinkum, Kusadasi and Izmir for the sun, sea and sailing and to enjoy the hospitality and the simple cuisine of the region. For a bit of culture visit the well-preserved ruins of the city of Ephesus or the remains of the ancient city of Troy, complete with a recreated Trojan horse.

Black Sea Coast

Black Sea Coast is an excellent place to go for a good mix of sea, sand and ancient architecture. Istanbul is the highlight of the region, a bustling metropolis with a rich culture. Iconic buildings such as the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are recognised the world over. Further along the coast are lovely beaches as well as an abundance of charming villages and ruins from throughout Turkey's rich and varied history.

Central Anatolia

Ankara, the capital of Turkey lies in this central Anatolia region. As a relatively new city built upon an old one Amkara combines Turkey's long history with modern design and the result is an interesting and sophisticated destination. To the southwest is Turkey's Lake District with quaint villages and bird watching galore. Elsewhere there are a huge number of ruined cities and areas of historical interest to explore, including Catalhöyük, the second oldest town in the world.

Eastern Anatolia

For more adventurous tourists, the largely undiscovered eastern parts of Turkey will offer Biblical and Islamic history, and Kurdish and Armenian culture, and as well as snow capped mountains, lakes and waterfalls. The area between the two rivers of Tigris and Euphrates is apparently the original Garden of Eden, or why not visit the caves of Cappadocia, were people have been dwelling in caves hewn from the soft rock since 500 BC.