Turkey

The city of Istanbul (which is commonly misconceived as being the capital), in the west of Turkey has been the point of contact between Eastern and Western cultures since 660 BC. In modern times the city is one of the largest growing metropolitan areas in the world, with a vast 5,343km² of sprawling coastal urban area filled with the beautiful domes and minarets of the city's mosques. The Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, and Cistern all attract large amounts of visitors during the summer months, but a cunning traveller will find the city to be much calmer away from the peak months.

However, Turkey's tourism isn't limited to its beautiful city. The coastal areas of the country are increasingly attracting westerners looking to spend a few weeks on the beach, and the breathtaking hot-air balloon rides over the Cappadocia rock formations provide a once in a lifetime sunrise