If you want to see both Asia and Europe in one journey, you must make Turkey your destination. With a unique position of having land in both continents, amazing Turkey offers visitors a truly exceptional transcontinental experience. Istanbul, the only city that straddles two continents, has interesting facets that reflect its unique position. The European side boasts of such architectural wonders like the Hagia Sophia, an ancient basilica with what was once the largest dome in the world; the Blue Mosque and its imposing minarets; the enormous Dolmabahçe Palace; the imperial Topkapi Palace which affords spectacular view of the Bosphorus; and the eerie Basilica Cistern, which was constructed for water storage in case of siege of the city.

You might have had your fill of wonderful sights in the European side, but you’re bound to be awed some more once you cross the Bosphorus Bridge to the Asian side. The ornately beautiful Beylerbeyi Palace, the top of the Çamlica Hill which is a park that overlooks Istanbul where one experiences true Ottoman atmosphere, and the suburb of  Üsküdar, where one can see the magnificent palaces in the European side across the Bosphorus from an entirely new Perspective.

When done with the attractions in Istanbul, continue your fairytale journey to Ankara, the capital. With a subdued atmosphere, Ankara offers sights that will delight everyone: the Anitkabir – the hilltop mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk – and the ubiquitous Atakule Tower; the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations  and other museums; the recent vintage Kocatepe mosque; and the ruins of the Citadel, Roman baths, Temple of Augustus and Column of Julian. Just a bus ride away from the capital is the awesome Cappadocia region – considered one of the must-see places in Turkey. This area boasts of an out-of-this-world landscape, caused by natural weathering on the soft tuff stones deposited by volcanic eruptions. Thus, you’ll see up close in the cities of Göreme, Uçhisar and Nevsehir the famed conical rock formations called Fairy Chimneys, as well as cave houses, monasteries, temples as well as underground cities carved from the limestone rocks, used by early Christians as hiding places when they were being persecuted. One of the best way to see everything all-at-once is by riding one of the hot-air balloons in the area, adding to your fairytale experience. Better still, you can stay in one of the cave houses converted into hotels, quite pricey but the experience is really worth it.

The perfect way to end your fairytale holiday in Turkey is to visit the Turquoise Coast. Turkey’s Mediterranean coast boasts of some of the finest beaches in Europe as well as quaint little cities and towns offering unique attractions. The rapidly developing city of Antalya is the gateway to the Turkish Riviera, as the coast is also known. Situated in a cliff overlooking the sea, the city is quite beautiful and inviting, with winding Ottoman style streets, particularly in the old quarter of Kaleiçi. Aside from Antalya, the seaside cities of Kemer, Ölüdeniz and Fethiye have postcard-pretty beaches that promise endless fun in sun and surf. For those raring for some adventure, the small town of Olimpos near Kemer has Lycian ruins, accommodations on tree houses, isolated beach and mysterious flames that erupt from the hillside. The town is a popular beehive of backpackers as it has a very lively social scene despite the spartan offerings. Many come here just to drink away the time at the backpackers establishments, just the perfect way to end your fairytale journey.

Marice Willard is a travel writer who writes for Zencarhire.com – Zen car hire offer cheap car hire in 17,000 locations worldwide.  To search for a car hire in Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Greece, Holland and Portugal please visit Zencarhire.com