Moon Istanbul & the Turkish Coast: Including Cappadocia (Moon Handbooks)

This Trip of a Lifetime will leave you with a new sense of wonder — and some great stories to share.

Over its 8,000-year history, Turkey's crown jewel has won the hearts of emperors and sultans. Today, Istanbul is a lively meeting place of East and West, religious and secular, traditional and modern.

In this full-color book, expert traveler Leann Murphy tells you everything you need to know to make this trip possible.

Experience the life of the city by wandering the Grand Bazaar to sampling authentic Turkish coffee and mezes.

Appreciate Istanbul’s past at the many historic and cultural sites, including the Ayasofya, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.

Plan a cruise along the Aegean Sea and the Turquoise Coast.

Make inland excursions to Cappadocia and Ankara.

Choose the best guides, tours, and means of transportation—including bus, boat, and even hot-air balloon.

Leeann Murphy has walked the labyrinth of streets in Istanbul, hiked the hills of Gallipoli, cruised the Aegean Sea from Ayvalik, visited ancient Ephesus and the quaint hillside village of Sirince, and paddled the warm waters of Pamukkale. As a professional belly dancer, she has long been infatuated with Middle Eastern culture and music, and these experiences won her heart.

Following the untimely death of her father in 2009, Leeann realized that she needed to follow her passion and moved to Turkey indefinitely. She has been feasting on the smorgasbord of attractions in the country ever since.

Today, friends consider Australian-born Leeann “Austolian” (half Australian, half Anatolian). Her life has never been so full of color, creativity, and adventure. Leeann hopes to pass on her Turkish hospitality through her writing, both in this book and at afar.com.