This year it has been one of the most popular destinations for UK holidaymakers.

But the multitude of beach resorts with their Irish-style pubs and latte-serving cafes for which many opt have little to do with the rich and varied sights, sounds and smells of this half-European, half-Asian country.

Never before have I seen such a blend of east and west.

We began our adventure in Istanbul, a city where fashion and modernity are comfortably interspersed with beautiful Mosques on every corner and bustling ancient markets, and where there is always, always time to sip a glass flute of sweet black tea.

It is worth queuing at the magnificent six-domed 17th century Blue Mosque to go inside and see the perfectly formed patterns of lilies, carnations and tulips on the 20,000 tiles adorning the walls. Women should remember to bring a headscarf.

Nearby stands the Christian church Aya Sofia, a symbol in itself of cultural blends shown by the Islamic architectural influences of domes and minarets.

The building, which dates from 537AD, is impressive in itself, but even more so are the intricate mosaics of Jesus and prophets inside.

No visit to Istanbul would be complete without wandering through the city's famous covered markets.

The Spice Bazaar is a work of art and wondrous to see, even if you buy nothing.

Piles of spices, dried fruit, loose teas of numerous varieties, cheeses, honeycombs, sweets, soaps, crafts and chess sets.

The Grand Bazaar is the world's biggest covered market with 4,000 shops under one roof. You would walk five miles if you browsed every one.

The dizzying arena houses leather, clothes, shoes, textiles, jewellery, ceramics, crafts and gifts, with nooks and crannies housing cafes, restaurants, banks and prayer rooms, and numerous entrances spilling the market on to the streets.

Beyond the city, our guided tour took us south along the Aegean coast to the First World War cemeteries at Gallipoli, where 160,000 Allied troops and 86,000 Turks were killed.

We explored the legendary city of Troy, of Helen and the horse fame, the ancient cities of Pergamon, Ephesus and Hierapolis, and the bizarre and dazzling calcium terraces and geothermal springs of Pamukkale.

It is no exaggeration to say I was awe-struck by the ancient structures we wandered around, most of which were in stunning surroundings in the mountains or overlooking turquoise sea.

It was incredible to think these sites are so old and to imagine people working, living and going about their daily lives some 1,000 or more years ago.

But my favourite place, by a close margin, was Pamukkale.

The landscape is so odd yet so beautiful – the terraces look like icicle-covered snow hills, yet you can dip your feet into the warm geothermal waters that spring up along the different levels. It is surreal.

By the end of the trip, we had become accustomed to constantly hearing the melodic call to prayer five times a day, yet this conservatism co-exists with colours and vibrancy and a sense of enjoying life everywhere.

I came back having consumed more sweet delights than I should have, as well as some of the freshest fish I have tasted and largest mussels I have seen, beautifully soft pitta bread and plump and juicy dates and figs.

Yes, Turkey can offer warm sand, clear blue sea and tasty kebabs, but there really is so much more to explore, learn and discover.

Sundari travelled on an eight-day guided tour, starting and ending in Istanbul, run by Fez Travel. Visit www.feztravel.com