Turkey

In Turkey, cultural beacons await and natural diversity reaches levels rarely seen in Europe. Istanbul, on the shores of the Marmara Sea, is an incomparable historical treasure trove with the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace as three of the rousing city’s many must-see attractions. The ancient city of Ephesus is one of the best preserved ancient sites in Turkey. Other grandiose structures from an unforgotten Roman and Hellenistic past include Homer’s Troy, the acropolis at Pergamum, the 12000-person Roman stadium at Perge and the 2000 year-old theatre at Aspendos. The fairy chimney landscapes at Cappadocia are spell-binding. Mixed forests cover the northern Pontic Mountains, while temperate rainforest can be found on the coast of the Black Sea. A host of Eurasian raptors call Turkey home; many migratory bird species pass through in spring and fall. A touch of Antiquity and stunning natural beauty await in this gateway country between Europe and Asia.