A Journey between Magnificent Ruins & Myths

Antalya is the 'capital' of the Turkish Mediterranean Coast. It is a sprawling modern city, but Old Antalya which surrounds the Roman harbour, with its historic museum, and the many buildings - now restored as homes, boutique hotels, inns and restaurants - that date back to Ottoman and even Roman times, give it its own distinctive atmosphere. There are numerous fascinating archaeological sites to visit, or take a day excursion to one of the wonderful National Parks, and even experience some white water rafting, or you can simply enjoy the dramatic sea and mountain views. Read more about Antalya, Turkey

Paphos is a coastal harbour city in the SW of Cyprus, with a population of 33,000. It is a popular tourist destination with many modern resorts, new international airport, smart restaurants, and shopping areas across the city. The economy is based on tourism and agriculture (bananas, grapes and tobacco). Read more about Paphos, Cyprus

Kusadasi is a resort town on Turkey's Aegean coast and the centre of the seaside district of the same name. While best known as a starting point for visiting Ephesus, once one of the most beautiful cities in the world with a history dating from 3000 BC, there’s also a delightful range of activities in town. Places of interest include: the City Walls, of which one gate remains to-day; the peninsula at the end of the bay with its castle and swimming beaches; several aqua parks with wave-pools and white-water slides; Ladies Beach, once segregated but now open to all; and Dilek Peninsula National Park. Read more about Kusadasi, Turkey

Mytilene lies at the SE edge of Lesbos, a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. The town sprawls around two broad bays divided by a promontory, crowned by the Gateluzzi fortress. The moment you arrive at the large port, the city of Mytilene will win your heart with its air of dolce vita. Read more about Mytilene, Greece

Istanbul (Byzantium from 660 BC, Constantinople from 330 CE, and Istanbul since 1930) is the largest city in Turkey and the fifth largest city proper in the world. It has dominated the Straits of Bosphorus, in the NW of the country, for 25 centuries, and as Constantinople was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. It was a metropolis of stunning splendour when the great capitals of Europe were mere villages and is the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents. Read more about Istanbul, Turkey