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Turkey straddles two continents, extending into southwestern Asia, and reaching across the Bosphorus straits to grab a firm hold on Europe’s southeastern border. Its summers are characterized by arid heat, its winters by balmy rain.

Turkey is an exotic tapestry of ancient history and modern industry. One of the oldest cities in the world, Catal Hoyuk, is currently under excavation here. Istanbul, Ankara, and other Turkish cities are modern manufacturing centers for such commodities as textiles, iron and food. Turkey hosts a tempting hoard of intriguing destination choices: Istanbul’s bustling conglomeration of ancient architecture and open air markets, the surreal moonscape of Pammukale’s limestone thermal springs, the daunting trek up Mt. Ararat, reputedly the resting place of Noah’s Arc. In Cappadocia one can tour the eerie depths of ancient underground cities, or gape in awe at the bizarre geological formations of the Devrent Valley. Bargain hunters can haggle their way through a myriad of markets in search of Meerschaum Pipes, Kilims or rare Ottoman books. Lounge lizards can luxuriate in a traditional Turkish bath, while adrenaline junkies can jolt their heart rates in paragliding over the Ölüdeniz lagoon.