They say Greenwich is the center of the globe, but we’d like to make a case for Istanbul.  Formerly Constantinople, along with a dozen other monikers that came and went with their respective fallen empires, Istanbul has a history more storied - and dare we say - more epic than Homer’s trilogy. Chances are you’ve heard it before: a destination where east meets west. But “meets” hardly captures the essence of this chaotic cultural mosaic. History and modernity collide in a whirlwind of ideologies with Istanbul sitting in the eye of the storm. Here continents can be hopscotched within city limits, but we suggest taking it slow and with a few afternoons spent huddled around a backgammon table. 

With a human history stretching back across millennia and a multitude of landscapes to explore, Turkey is a choose your own adventure. Sleep in a monastic cave in Cappadocia'sfairylike tuvas or unwind in thermal hotsprings.  Hit the mediterranean to sail on a gulet in the Aegean sea or laze away your days on the country’s azul coastline amid endless platters of mezze. A visit to this larger than life destination will leave you feeling as if you bit off more than you could chew. Pro tip: Turkey needs more vacation days than you think.

Turkey's Otherworldly Wonders

Turkey holds a full hand of historic riches. Its ruins from ancient empires, forts and castles forged by sultans and crusaders, Byzantine basilicas and Ottoman-built mosques, bazaars and caravanserais are all a reminder that this country straddles the boundary between Europe and Asia in culture
as well as geography. Today, Turkey’s maneuvering to position itself as a regional leader, combined with its geopolitical location, perpetually leads it into disputes with both neighbors and global powers. Internally, discord between conservative traditionalists and liberal progressives continue to divide Turkish society. None of Turkey’s troubles keep visitors away for long, as the Mediterranean’s beaches, a human history stretching back across millennia and its multitude of landscapes have an enduring appeal.

Its multitude of landscapes have an enduring appeal.

Turkey has a history more storied - and dare we say - more epic than Homer’s trilogy. With a human history stretching back across millennia and a multitude of landscapes to explore, a visit to this larger than life destination will leave you feeling as if you bit off more than you could chew.

Customized travel to Turkey. Soar in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia, get lost in bazaars in Istanbul, and get hyped on Turkish coffee. Local travel. Responsible travel.