| As one of the world's most culturally unique | | | | smaller and less cosmopolitan than Istanbul, |
| holiday destinations, it's hard to pin down Turkey | | | | Ankara is home to many museums, important |
| into any specific continental camp. On one hand, | | | | Roman archaeological sites and a range of public |
| it's strongly rooted in its Middle Eastern origins and | | | | parks. Moreover, Ankara is home to Turkey's |
| still basks in its rich Ottoman heritage. On the | | | | foremost performing arts organisations, including |
| other, Turkey is a fiercely modern, secular state | | | | the Turkish State Opera and Ballet, Turkish State |
| that bridges the divide between Europe and Asia | | | | Theatre and the Turkish Presidential Symphony |
| with ease. However, the only real way to | | | | Orchestra. |
| evaluate this intriguing country's significance to the | | | | And if fun in the sun is what you're after, make |
| modern world is to visit - and any holiday in | | | | sure that you spend some time on the "Turkish |
| Turkey is guaranteed to be an unforgettable one. | | | | Riviera". The Turkish Riviera is the name used to |
| Turkey's diverse geographical regions mean that a | | | | denote Turkey's Antalya Province and Mugla |
| visit to the country could incorporate a city break, | | | | provinces, and offers tourists several hundred |
| mountain trek and seaside holiday all in one. Fly to | | | | kilometres of sandy beaches and sparkling blue |
| Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, and experience its | | | | waters. With a range of ancient fishing towns, |
| stunning cityscape, vibrant arts scene and exciting | | | | harbours, memorial tombs and coves found along |
| café culture. Take in Turkey's diverse | | | | the shore, the Turkish Riviera is one of the |
| museums and art galleries, including the Istanbul | | | | country's most beautiful - and most visited - |
| Modern, Istanbul Archaeology Museum, the | | | | destinations. |
| Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum and the Pera | | | | As a result of Turkey's newfound popularity with |
| Museum. | | | | holidaymakers, its beach resorts and city hotels |
| Or if you're interested in finding some valuable | | | | tend to be quite costly. So if you're hoping to |
| antiques while you're on your holiday in Turkey, | | | | take a trip to Turkey without blowing your bank |
| don't miss The Grand Bazaar, which dates back | | | | account, it's probably a good idea to look up villas |
| to 1455. Of course no trip to Istanbul would be | | | | in Turkey, which you'll often be able to rent for a |
| complete without a visit to the Haghia Sofia, a | | | | lower price than other forms of accommodation. |
| spectacular building which was one of the greatest | | | | Many villas in Turkey come complete with |
| Christian Cathedrals of the Middle Ages before | | | | swimming pools, gardens and space to sleep |
| being converted into an imperial mosque in 1453. | | | | upwards of four people, so can come in especially |
| Today, it is known as the Ayasofya Museum. | | | | handy of you're on holiday with a large group of |
| Additionally, make sure you visit Turkey's | | | | friends or family - so you'll all be able to enjoy the |
| often-overlooked capital of Ankara. Although | | | | magic of Turkey together in comfort. |