The eclectic city of Istanbul, the fantastical rock forms of Cappadocia, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and the glimmering Mediterranean and Aegean coastlines are Turkey’s biggest draws, but each region of the country has something distinct to offer. The diversity turkey soup jamie oliver landscapes, heritage and culinary culture will surprise those who have never ventured beyond holiday resorts and the beach.

Even though it’s easy to get around Turkey, the country has too much to see and do to tackle it all on one trip. Shutterstock Explore Istanbul’s ancient sights and modern neighborhoods One of the world’s greatest cities, Istanbul should be on every traveler’s must-visit list. Get the inside scoop on the latest cultural happenings all over the world delivered weekly to your inbox with our email newsletter. 500px See the stunning landscape of Cappadocia from the sky Cappadocia is a geological wonderland in the center of Turkey. Datça and Bozburun peninsulas Chilling out and getting back to nature is the order of the day on the remote Datça and Bozburun peninsulas in the south Aegean. A red-stone palace with a central domed tower. Shutterstock Behold the rugged beauty of Turkey’s far east The vast landscapes of Turkey’s far east have a remote ruggedness unmatched elsewhere in the country.

A three-hour drive south will take you to the remote İshak Paşa Palace, passing by the fabled Mt. Shutterstock Gallipoli and the North Aegean Cemeteries devoted to the tens of thousands of soldiers who died in bloody battles on the Gallipoli Peninsula during WWI are scattered around bucolic rolling hills, all the more poignant amidst such serenely beautiful landscapes. Shutterstock Soak up the Ottoman atmosphere in scenic Safranbolu Named for the saffron that was grown and traded here for centuries, Safranbolu is today popular with visitors who come to soak in its old Ottoman atmosphere. Shutterstock Bathe in the world-famous mineral waters in Pamukkale The bright-white terraces of Pamukkale are surely one of the most photographed sites in Turkey, incongruously gleaming above the rural town like freshly fallen snow. Do you need a visa to go to Turkey? Dolphins swimming in the sea waves on the background of the rays of the bright sun. September 2, 2016: Flames shooting from a mutant vehicle at Burning Man in the evening.

Isola Bella is small island near Taormina, Sicily, Italy. Narrow path connects island to mainland Taormina beach in azure waters of Ionian Sea. The overnight train takes you from Istanbul, Turkey to Sofia, Bulgaria. Cascata del Gorello also known as Cascate del Mulino. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission.