With such a vast country comes a variable climate, which changes from region to region, and from season to season. The best months to enjoy a luxury holiday in Turkey, particularly on the Aegean or Mediterranean coast, are from June to late-September. Highs in the 30s degrees are typical, but brisk sea breezes provide much-needed natural cooling.

To see the sights of Istanbul, consider visiting between April and May or October and November for the ultimate luxury city break. You'll still benefit from warm and sunny days, but the weather is more comfortable for sightseeing tours during these months.

From 'meyhanes taverns', where meze is eaten to sound of live music, to traditional 'ocakbaşıs' restaurants serving the finest meat kebabs, Turks love to eat out. On the weekends, this is especially so - and making a reservation is a must if you plan to eat at high-end restaurants.

Turkish cuisine is inspired and influenced by Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean culinary traditions. Although a secular state, it is considered polite for visitors to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages in public during the period of Ramadan, so keep this in mind if your holidays in Turkey coincide with this religious event.

British passport holders need a visa to enter Turkey, which can be bought through the official Republic of Turkey e-Visa website. Cruise ship passengers can stay for up to 72 hours without a visa. Visit GOV.UK for more information.