Turkey: Regions and Routes

Why go

The Bosphorus, Sea of Marmara and Dardanelles divide the European and Asian parts of the country. Beyond that familiar crossing, Turkey's geography changes quickly: Greek and Roman sites line the Aegean, while central and eastern Anatolia hold older settlements, high plateaus and mountain landscapes. The contrasts reward a focused regional trip.

What to look for

• Istanbul sits beside the Bosphorus, the strait between European Thrace and Asian Anatolia.
• The Aegean coast includes the ancient city of Ephesus.
• Central Anatolia rises into a plateau between northern and southern mountain ranges.

Useful to know

• Choose a region before building an itinerary; the coast and inland plateau have different terrain and seasons.
• Pack for rain on the Black Sea coast even when planning a summer trip.