İstanbul

When Michael Palin visited Istanbul in his 'New Europe' series, he says that you have a true sense of arrival in one of the worlds truly great cities. He's bang on.

The Turkish capital is, as you would expect given its history, a real melting pot of cultures, sounds, sights and smells. Packed to bursting point with people from all walks of life living together in this baking hot crossroads between the mystical East and modern West.

The minarets and domes of the Blue Mosque are the epitome of Istanbul. The imposing holy site rises up from the top of a hill - the call to prayer strikes you in a way that instantly calms your mood - its all very impressive!

Like I said, East meets West - the yellow cab's remind you of a scene in New York, yet Turkey's vibrant, Eastern flag spices up the picture. The Turks love their flag - it flies literally EVERYWHERE!

Journey's end... After a month on the continent, it was finally time to head for home - and what better place of departure than this fabulous city. Istanbul left it's mark on me - I'm desperate to return!