In 2008 I visited Turkey with Ancient Kingdoms Holidays. This exotic country offered memorable sights and experiences, and I have returned much inspired from my travels.

Istanbul, with its blue Iznik tiled mosques and palaces, beautifully woven antique silks and the myriad of colours and smells in the Spice Bazaar, lay siege to the senses and show the wealth and importance of this ancient hub of trade. Istanbul has become a very lively, cosmopolitan city with endless possibilities. Contrast this with the surreal fairy tale landscape of Cappadocia and Pamukkale’s beautiful and delicate ‘White Cotton Castle’, nature’s building that well pre-dates the impressive Greco-Roman city of Ephesus.

The thought of following in the footsteps of Hester Stanhope and Jane Digby by visiting probably the oldest continually occupied city in the world and the ancient city of Palmyra held a lot of interest for me, and I was totally fascinated. Entering the narrow streets of Old Damascus with its overhanging houses took me back in time. Around every corner a new vista and treasure. Whether an old gravity defying building with no right angles or a small shop of interest. Every doorway you enter opens out into something more … much like travel with Innovative Travel.