Hot air balloon over fairy chimneys

See the fantastical landscapes of Cappadocia spread out beneath you in the soft light of dawn, as your balloon rises up into the sky.  There is no other place on earth you'd rather be!

Whirling Dervishes

The whirling ceremony of this Sufic sect, is a means of freedom from earthly bondage and abandonment to God’s love.

Bosporus boat ride

Taking a boat trip up the Bosporus, the strait dividing Asia and Europe, is a highlight of any visit to İstanbul, whether you take it during the day, or at night.

Call to Prayer

A muezzin calling the faithful to prayer from the top of a minaret has a timeless, evocative quality that will stir your senses.

Tea for two

Tea is not so much a national drink as it is a ritual. Enjoy a cup or two as you chat with locals in a tea house, or while haggling in a bazaar.

Sunrise at Nemrut

Colossal statues of gods and a megalomaniac king adorn the top of Nemrut Dağı, a mountain in central Anatolia. It is a magical place to see the sun rise over the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Sunset at Pamukkale

Experience the travertine pools of this "Cotton Castle" and see the colours of the formations change from red to pink to orange.

Shop the bazaar

There is nothing quite like meandering at your leisure through the warren of covered passageways that make up Istanbul's bazaar. Get lost in the crowds and stop to examine the wares. Enjoy a cup of tea while bargaining over your next purchase.

Sleep in a cave

While people used the underground cities of Cappadocia to escape marauding armies for centuries, you can experience life underground by sleeping in a cave hotel.

Hike to a monastery

The Greek Orthodox monastery of Sumela clings to a cliff wall south of the Black Sea Coast, high above dark woods and a gushing stream.  Hike up through forests and alpine meadows, finally arriving to the complex and enjoying a spectacular view.

Hamam experience

Be ready to get scrubbed down, massaged and showered in a traditional hamam experience.  Enjoy hours soaking in hot and cold pools, or just laze around and chat with locals.

Step back in time

Lying as it does at the crossroads of civilizations, history is big in Turkey.  From old Ephesus to 10,000 year-old Göbekli Tepe, and from Hagia Sophia, the spiritual heart of Byzantium, to the Blue Mosque, Turkey is at the heart of history and in the maelstrom of empires.

Hit the beach

Beaches abound in Turkey, but some of the best are found on the south-west coast.  Reach them by boat, by vehicle or on foot and enjoy some well-deserved R&R.

Cruise the Turquoise Coast

Board a gulet, a traditional wooden ship, and sail the azure waters of the south coast.  Snorkel, kayak or swim from the boat, find a hidden beach in a forgotten cave, or hike to a clifftop for a spectacular view.

Kayak over ruins

Destroyed by an earthquake in the second century, rebuilt and then abandoned due to foreign incursions, the ruins of Kekova now lie underwater and make for a fabulous trip by sea kayak.

Walk the Lycian Way

The ancient ruins, deserted beaches, scented pine forests and rocky coastline of the Lycian Coast in Turkey's south, make for great hiking country.  Add to that the almost limitless hospitality of the local villagers, and you have an experience like no other.

Eat your heart out

The Ottoman gave us such classics as imam bayaldi ("the priest fainted"), but modern Turkish cuisine relies on simple combinations and few ingredients. Staples include cheeses and yogurt, fresh produce and great cuts of meat. A typical meal begins with mezes (appetizers) followed by mains of roasted meats or meatballs.