Generally perceived as a summer destination, Turkey has a lot to offer the traveller who is prepared to forgo summer temperatures and Mediterranean resorts for stunning landscapes of snow-capped mountains, iced lakes and fairy chimneys dusted in white. Istanbul begins winding down in October as temperatures start to drop, giving way to winter cuisine of Salep (a cream drink served hot made from the root of wild orchids), mulled wine and steaming bowls of mercimek corba (lentil soup). The famous sites are still there but the crowds are not, so if you're prepared to rug up then this winter discovery is the perfect way to discover Turkey and its fascinating history.