Turkey

Turkey has witnessed several of the world’s greatest empires and retains a strong connection to its Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. This melting-pot of cultures has manifested itself as cuisine that is much-loved worldwide, incredible architecture that straddles the Bosporus’s Eastern and Western styles, and a holiday destination you’ll remember for a lifetime. The perfect example is Istanbul, the country’s historic centre. Visit the Hagia Sophia, the 15th-century Tokapi Palace, once home to the region’s greatest sultans, and the famous 17th-century Blue Mosque.

If you prefer lounging in the hot sun, Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean coastline boasts some of the finest beach resorts in Europe where turquoise waters and white sands open on small fishing villages or hotel-ridden towns. Antalya beckons you onto the Turkish Mediterranean Riviera with life and party vibes, whereas the peninsula of Bodrum on the Aegean offers relaxation and blue seas. Other popular destinations include Goreme in Cappadocia, a semi-arid region littered with ruins and stunning landscapes, or Kusadasi, a resort town on the Aegean with gorgeous beaches and the ruins of Ephesus mere steps away.