Two great empires, the Ottoman and the Byzantine, are at the heart of Turkey’s rich inheritance.  Its amazing confluence of cultures offers visitors the very best of all worlds in terms of history, cultural heritage and thriving towns and cities.  Turkish Airlines serves nearly 250 world-wide destinations non-stop from Istanbul’s International Airport and flights are good value, so Istanbul makes for a great stop over.

Bestriding the divide where East meets West, Istanbul is an extravaganza of splendid mosques and opulent palaces, historical and contemporary museums, a bustling port, bazaars, invigorating hamams and fabulous food.  Further afield remarkable experiences await, such as Cappadocia’s underground cities, the moving history of Gallipoli, the ancient marvels at Ephesus and Troy and the geological phenomena of Pamukkale and Goreme.