Literally and figuratively, Turkey straddles the boundary between Europe and Asia. Istanbul (known in mediaeval times as Byzantium and then Constantinople) is itself divided into Asian and European sectors by the Bosphorus waterway, now bridged so that the continents are physically as well as politically linked. Turkey has now throw in her lot with Europe to join the E.U.  

Turkey is a land of extremes: Ancient cultural tones and Islamic tradition vying with a modern secular outlook. Scenically it is much varied as well, there is a great environmental  contrast, with deserts, salt lakes, high mountains (including Mt. Ararat), volcanic regions, the vast plateau of Anatolia (the name means ‘land of the rising sun’) and a long and rugged Mediterranean coastline with delectable beaches and rocky coastal inlets.

We offer for summiteers and strong walkers, something more original than Kilimanjaro? Climb Mounts Kackar (3937m/12913ft) and  Mount Ararat (5165m/16941ft )on our classic mountain camping tour. If you find an itinerary as good as this with any other operator for less, then we will eat our boots!..and yes, you have time to visit Istanbul and Lake Van.