| The stunning nation of Turkey is the one country in | | | | these beautiful towns you can charter boats to bob |
| the world where east truly meets west - because | | | | about on the Mediterranean and Aegean seas whilst |
| the country is located in South-eastern Europe and | | | | basking in the summer sunshine. |
| spans such a large geographic landmass that it also | | | | 3) Castle hoping. Along the south coast in Turkey |
| reaches into South-western Asia. | | | | there are crusader castles in towns such as Bodrum |
| As a result, Turkey is a nation of mixed cultural and | | | | and Alanya and you can explore these stunning ruins |
| historic flavours, a country where the modern | | | | and the museums they now house...getting to learn |
| skyscrapers of Istanbul stand alongside the minarets | | | | more about how this is one nation that has been |
| of ancient mosques, and where holiday makers can | | | | fought over for generations because of its stunning |
| experience a whole host of flavours, sights and | | | | beauty, its geographic importance and because of |
| events in just a short visit. | | | | the wealth of natural resources it is home to. |
| If you're thinking about where to go for a weekend | | | | 4) Sun, sea and sand sampling. Turkey's Riviera is |
| break, a summer holiday getaway or for a holiday of | | | | world famous as a summer holiday destination and it's |
| a lifetime, there are a million reasons to visit Turkey - | | | | not surprising...enjoying a summer season that spans |
| and in this article we will explore five of the best | | | | from March through to November and an extremely |
| reasons for you to look a little more closely at this | | | | temperate winter season, you can enjoy the |
| country of contrasts. | | | | beaches, the surf and the stunning sunshine when on |
| 1) Culture and retail therapy in Istanbul. Side by side | | | | holiday in this part of the nation. |
| on the streets of Istanbul you have the most | | | | 5) Sumptuous cuisine and excellent wine. Turkish |
| luxurious shopping malls in the world with grand | | | | cuisine is all about using the very best locally grown |
| bazaars where peddlers vie for your trade as they | | | | produce and cooking it simply to ensure the natural |
| sell locally grown produce. As a backdrop to the | | | | flavours are maintained. You can enjoy a meze, |
| eclectic mix of retail delights on the streets of | | | | which is a meal of many tiny offerings of local dishes, |
| Istanbul you have legendary landmarks such as the | | | | followed perhaps by a traditional fish dish or kebab, |
| Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia - and so no matter | | | | and you can wash the whole lot down with a bottle |
| what you prefer doing when on holiday, you are sure | | | | of Turkey's finest red or white wine. The food and |
| to find thrills and experiences to delight you in | | | | drink available in Turkey is exquisite and of very high |
| Istanbul. | | | | quality...but watch out for the deserts which are |
| 2) Sailing the sun-drenched seas off the south coast. | | | | highly addictively sweet! |
| The southern coastline of Turkey is known as the | | | | If you're looking for a stunning nation in which to |
| Turkish Riviera. It is home to famous resorts such as | | | | explore history, culture, leisure pursuits and |
| Bodrum, Alanya, Antalya and Side and from each of | | | | landscapes, give Turkey a look in 2008. |