UK
One of the world’s great cities, Istanbul is a must for those interested in Roman history, Anatolian culture and Mediterranean cuisine. A bridge between Europe and the East, the city is a microcosm of the country at large – a melting pot of cultures where at every turn there is something new to encounter and discover. What’s more Istanbul, like much of Turkey, is a short hop from the UK and, on the whole, can be visited the year round.
For those wishing to explore further afield, the Aegean coastline, south of Istanbul, passes some of the greatest classical sites of the Mediterranean – Troy, Pergamum and Ephesus – reaching the azure seas of ‘Turquoise Coast’. Alternatively travel inland to central Turkey home to the unique natural rock formations, rock-cut churches and underground cities of Cappadocia or towards the Black Sea, ancient Amasya and the picturesque Ottoman town of Safranbolu.
Travel to Turkey has recently been simplified and from the 10th April 2014 all travellers to the country will need to obtain a visa prior to arrival by applying online via the Turkish government website evisa.gov.tr.
