Forming a bridge between Europe and Asia, Turkey offers students a unique opportunity to experience the fusion of Eastern and Western civilisations. Living museums and archaeological sites reveal artefacts that date back to the stone-age, and modern mega-cities embrace the twenty-first century whilst valuing the continuity of culture.

Visit Istanbul, one of the largest cities in the world, where Ottoman palaces stand next to contemporary art galleries, and traditional tea gardens are just as popular as the stylish new coffee shops. Travel through a country scattered with ancient battlegrounds, mountain-top temples, castle ruins and Roman theatres. Learn about the legend of Troy, the ancient capital of Asia and the iconic artwork of the Byzantine Empire.

Turkey presents an excellent opportunity for students to research Europe’s geographical and historical relationship with Asia, and to experience the vestiges of ancient empires in an appealing and exceptionally hospitable nation.

Key Information

Travel: STS offers tours to Turkey via aeroplane, with flight times of around 3.5 hours from the UK. In-country travel is efficient with decent roads.

Accommodation: STS offer a range of 2 and 3 star hotels on a full-board basis.

Weather: A vast country, with several climatic regions, as a rule, coastal areas enjoy mild winters and hot, humid summers, with inland areas experiencing greater extremes. The spring and autumn terms are particularly pleasant times to visit Istanbul.

Spending money: Entrance costs vary between attractions and personal expenses are at the discretion of schools.