Straddling two continents, Asia and Europe, and the former capital of three different empires, Istanbul sits at the crossroads of many cultures. You see it in the city’s landmarks such as the 15th century cathedral turned mosque Hagia Sophia whose domes and minarets are the visual symbol of the city, in the intoxicating mix of flavors, in the wealth of carpets, silks, spices and bronzes in frenzied bazaars. But the city has a new wave edge too with one of the most vibrant art, club and restaurant scenes in Europe. Elsewhere in the country, yachts sail the picturesque Turquoise Coast. And several miles inland is a very different scene, the magnificent ruins of Ephesus, one of the largest and best preserved cities of ancient Rome
