Bursa
Spread before Mount Uludağ, this sophisticated Turkish city’s distinctive identity pervades its vast landscape, thanks to its prestigious Ottoman history. Besides Uludag’s popular skiing slopes and trails, royal monuments linger and astound, from the Yeşil Cami’s calligraphed pillars to the Grand Mosque’s contemplative pomp. Home to classic shadow-puppet characters Karagöz and Hacivat, hamams and thermal baths, and iconic dishes like İskender kebap, Bursa boasts eminent experiences fit for a king.