Place to see: Erzurum, Erzurum, Turkey

About this place:

A peaceful city in the mountainous East Anatolia region. Far away from the chaos of Istanbul, Erzurum offers a taste of traditional Turkish culture. There is also plenty of shopping for carpets and antiques, often at much cheaper prices than the more touristy areas. A ski resort is nearby, and excellent trekking, mountaineering, and rafting can also be had in the area.