Turkey is so diverse it could almost be described as a continent rather than a country. In the west, mountains and pine forests frame a staggeringly beautiful coastline. The central steppe has the peculiar rock churches and underground cities of Cappadocia as well as the cosmopolitan capital of Ankara. The east has biblical rivers, a fabled mountain and haunting cities and palaces. Then, there is the magnetism of Istanbul. Turkey's location straddles Asia and Europe. The three great Empires that ruled the country for thousands of years left a legacy of enchanting cultures and more ancient sites than even Italy or Greece can boast. Historians flock to the sites, many of which are easily accessible to travelers. Major areas dealt with in the guide include Istanbul, Thrace and Marmara, the Aegean Coast, the Mediterranean Coast, Central Anatolia, Cappadocia and the Black Sea Coast. The author tells where you can walk in the footsteps of St. Paul, how to take part in the local festivals, the best spots to learn voga or visit a Turkish bath. Learning experiences include art classes and cooking courses.