Turkey is a country with a history that traces back to the beginnings of civilization as well as friendly hospitality that greets visitors today. Straddling the line that divides Europe from Asia, it is a country where people go to study ancient societies, wander through old castles, gaze upon the stunning natural scenery, discover modern culture in the city centers and relax on the warm Mediterranean coast.

History buffs will fall in love with the multitude of ancient sites scattered around the country. It has more Greek ruins than Greece and more Roman archaeological sites than Italy, and because it served as a crossroads for Christians, Jews and Muslims, it has sacred sites for all walks of religious life, as well as a thorough collection of artifacts from the Greek, Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

On the Gallipoli Peninsula, travelers can consider the action that once took place on the Anzac battlefields, while a visit to Ephesus houses the remains of a Roman city that includes a 25,000-seat theatre. Anî, the former Armenian capital, also has a number of ruins from days gone by, and ruins from another great Roman city can be seen from Hîerapolîs.

Those hoping to spice up a holiday with outdoor adventure would be wise to seek out Nemrut Daği National Park, one of the most popular attractions in Eastern Turkey. At 2,150 meters high, Nemrut Daği’s peak is not just another mountaintop. Rather, the summit was created by a pre-Roman local king and is the site of countless statues.

Nestled deep in the heart of Turkey is Cappadocia, an area with an eerie landscape where former inhabitants lived in houses built into the cliffs and built their cities underground. Today tourists can stay in cave hotels and embark on exciting activities such as riding a hot air balloon over the landscape. The nature of the landscape results in a kaleidoscope of colors as the sun bounces off the cliff face. For even more adventure (and a stunning view of the natural beauty prevalent in Turkey), head to Ölüdeniz, where adrenaline junkies seek out Babadag for a heart-stopping but exhilarating paragliding experience.

City life is one of the highlights of any visit to Turkey. Istanbul in particular has drawn tourists from around the world in recent years that flock to its restaurants, bars, clubs and galleries. Istanbul also still shows many signs of its old ways of life, and a visit to Sultanahmet (the cultural center of the city) offers easy access to Aya Sofya, the former Byzantine church as well as the Blue Mosque, a massive structure with more minarets than any other mosque in Istanbul, tens of thousands of blue tiles and 260 windows.

Despite the growing metropolitan scene, traditional Turkish traditions can still be found in the bazaars, which are tucked into the folds of the city. Istanbul’s spice bazaar is known for its abundance of spices, nuts, honey, figs, fruit and soaps and is worth a visit for the smells alone.