Turkey has played a major role in the history of the Mediterranean world. Due to its strategic location straddling two continents, it has been a crucial crossroads and staging post on the trade routes between east and west. This tour combines the country's many natural wonders and man-made marvels, including the striking architecture of Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the remarkable classical sites of Troy, Aphrodisias and Ephesus, and the ancient hot springs of Pamukkale.