One of the world’s truly transcontinental countries, Turkey is an astonishingly rich cultural melting pot spanning Europe and Asia. The result is a diverse and characterful landscape, where you can sail glittering Mediterranean shores, ski powdery slopes or soak in thermal spas. Few countries possess such a rich assortment of forests, mountains, deserts and coastlines to satisfy nature-lovers of every stripe – from listless loungers to adrenaline junkies.

At the centre of Turkey’s charm is its living and breathing history. With such a long and tumultuous succession of invaders, rulers and traditions, Turkey provides a snapshot into multiple dynasties, from Ancient Greece to Ottoman splendour. There are few countries in the world that you can visit with links to such well-told histories as Troy, Cleopatra and Alexander the Great. You can visit dusty hillside ruins that date back millennia or explore treasured artefacts at the Istanbul Archaeological Museums.

While history made Turkey, food sustained it. Turkish cuisine is a fun and mouth-watering affair that’s designed for sharing. No trip to the country is complete without sampling many of the regional specialities Turkey has to offer. From sweet and moreish baklava to appetising meze platters, you’re never short of a good meal. Sip on Turkish wine, nibble on sizzling street food and get to know Turkey through its cuisine.

Spend some time in Istanbul, and you’ll soon be captivated by what modern Turkey has to offer. Fashionable boutiques, cutting-edge galleries and award-winning gastronomy all describe contemporary, cosmopolitan Turkey. With its array of music festivals, theatre productions and performances, Turkey’s modern culture is every bit as captivating as its rich historical sites.

Destinations

Best time to travel

Turkey is an expansive country with regional climates that are attractive during different seasons. While there’s always somewhere to visit, no matter the month, some locations benefit from particular weather. The summer’s high season is the best for Black Sea hikes and south-coast beach stays, while the winter season brings skiing trips and low-priced city escapes. The shoulder seasons provide a happy medium to avoid crowds at major sites.

Visas, currency and restrictions