Beautiful, exotic and home to the most welcoming people in the world, few countries can match Turkey for its rich history, gorgeous coastline and spectacular scenery. Istanbul fuses western and Islamic culture, food and traditions while the honeycombed hills and caves of Cappadocia boast landscapes that even Tolkien couldn't have imagined. Further south, pine forested slopes swoop down to sparkling beaches; brochure-cover perfect and blissfully clean.
Two decades after my first trip to Turkey, it's still my summer holiday destination of choice. For me, it offers the perfect mix of lazy beach days and time exploring; walking the beautiful Lycian way, drifting between islands on a gulet, and the ultimate guilty pleasure - bartering in the markets for fake handbags! Early evening, with the call to prayer echoing in the mountains, a cold Efes to hand and the sun starting to set, there's nowhere in the world I'd rather be.
5 holidays match your criteria.
Rated One of ‘The World’s Tastiest Cruises’ - The Sunday Times (UK) November 27, 2011
An expert-led gulet cruise exploring the cuisine and culture of Turkey.
Turkey's dazzling South-West Coast is the perfect holiday destination for families, couples and groups of friends. Stunning beaches, superb food and welcoming locals, Turkey's coastline never fails to delight its visitors.
A self-guided hike on the Lycian Way. Walk from a mountain restaurant to the saddle of Mt. Olympos (Tahtali), then via the Chimaera to Cirali (the ruined city of Olympos) and Adrasan to the Gelidonya lighthouse.
An expert-led gulet cruise combining walks along the Lycian Way, rated by The Sunday Times as one of the ten best walks in the world, with archaeological, cultural and gastronomic adventures in Turkey.
This is a dream trip for walkers and sailors alike, with fabulous swims and stunning archaeology thrown in for good measure.
