Delightful Turkey

For the intrepid, Turkey’s myriad of other-worldly landscapes beckons. Witness the austere beauty of the Anatolian plateau, and natural calcium carvings and glowing mineral springs of Pamukkale. Discover too the surreal twisted rock formations and jaw-dropping ancient cave churches of Cappadocia – a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise adds extra magic to this fantasy setting. Turkey is a must on any adventurer’s bucket-list.

The starting point for your urban explorations should definitely be on the banks of the romantic Bosporus amidst the dizzying whirl of Istanbul. Practise your haggling skills amidst the heady aromas of spices and leather at the world’s oldest shopping mall, the Grand Bazaar.

Explore the winding alleys of colourful fashionable districts such as Galata, Balat and The Sultanahmetpeninsular, where you’ll spend hours gazing in awe at the Blue Mosque. Don’t miss too the big-ticket sights of beautiful Hagia Sophia, extravagant Topkapı Palace and the ethereal Basilica Cistern. Then round off your enthralling day tucking into some of the freshest cuisine you’ll ever taste: graze the night away on a traditional meze banquet, or sample contemporary Turkish gastronomy imaginatively conjured up by some of the world’s most gifted chefs.

Whether you’re looking for World Heritage Sites, tucked-away side-street curiosities or superb dining, Istanbul delivers! The city brims with festivals too; come in June and you’ll witness a world-class line-up of classical musicians performing at the Istanbul Music Festival.