Istanbul is truly a world city, a city which everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. It is an enchanting blend of Eastern and Western culture, a vibrant, modern city, with a unique identity. Its rich past coexists alongside its youthful exuberance. Although no longer the capital of Turkey, Istanbul still remains the country\'s cultural and business centre.

It is a city of contrasts, bustling with the cacophony of 21st century life, and is yet aching... Details

The Bosphorus

Some of Ýstanbul\'s finest vistas are to be seen from the Bosphorus. If you have time it is well worth spending at least half a day viewing the sights and savouring the atmosphere. You can take a guided tour on a small boat, or Turkish Maritime Lines (TDÝ) runs a good value public ferry service which leaves two or three times a day and does the full round trip as far as Anadolu Kavaðý, the nearest village to the Black Sea on the Asian side, and back to E... Details

The Princes Islands

Those who are staying for a little longer in Ýstanbul, should really set aside a day to visit these charming islands in the sea of Marmara, just off the coast of Ýstanbul. The picturesque scenery of wooded hills, charming beaches and authentic Ottoman mansions, combined with the tranquil atmosphere, make for a pleasant contrast to the city itself. Easily reached by ferry or hydrofoil, the ambience of the islands seems worlds away. Büyük Ada, or "Bi... Details

The region known as Cappadocia includes the centres of Ürgüp, Göreme, Avanos, Üçhisar, Derinkuyu, Kaymaklý and Ihlara. It is a stunning area of other-worldly rock formations, subterranean churches and underground dwellings, the scale of which is over-whelming. The area is also famous for its carpet-weaving, wines and the distinctive red pottery of the Avanos area. Cappadocia was a refuge for the early Christians, who escaped persecution by living and worshipp... Details

Goreme and its environs, located ten kilometres from Nevþehir, are thought to have been used as a necropolis during Roman times by the inhabitants of Venessa (Avanos). The Göreme region is often referred to as the "belief centre". The Göreme Open-Air Museum is where the "educational system that unified all the ideas of Christianity" of St. Basil the Great and his brothers, was born. In the Tokalý church, the Convent of Monks and Nuns, the Chapel of St. Basil, and the Elmalý, Yýl... Details

Urgup, near Göreme, is a famous city with wines, as its historical places and natural beauties. Whether your wine is served to you in a rustic earthenware pitcher or an elegant crystal goblet, it will be an experience that you'll never forget. Although some local winemakers have adopted modern techniques of wine-making, there are still many that remain faithful to the ancient and time-proven methods. ... Details

The stunning white terraces of Pamukkale and the neighbouring site of Hierapolis are situated inland, close to the town of Denizli. They can be reached from most of the coastal resorts on a one or two day trip but Kuþadasý is the closest - approximately 4 hours drive away.

Pamukkale literally means 'cotton castle' and is one of Turkey's most impressive natural wonders. It is made up of a series of white travertine terraces cascading down a cliff, which is almost 200 metres high. The h... Details

This unique ancient city was named after Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love. The origins of the city could be traced back to the late Neolithic ages. Following the rise of the Roman supremacy in the region during the 2nd century BC, a holy attribute had been added to the city. Aphrodisias is located 38 km south of Nazilli, in the Geyre village of the Karacasu district. Despite the devastating effect of a major earthquake in the 7th century AD that had hit the city, it is a very well-prese... Details

Ephesus, which was one of the twelve Ion cities, developed as a result of the union of Ionian immigrants and the natives living near the temple of Kybele. Afterwards, the spectacular temple, which was built for this Goddess (who would later assume the name of the Greek Goddess Artemis), would become famous through its recognition as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Like the other Ionian cities, Ephesos was ruled by Lydia, Persia, Macedonia and lastly by the Roman rulers. T... Details

Pergamon is located 100 km from north of Ýzmir in the Bakýrçay river basin, Bergama is one of the Turkey's oldest civilized settlements, which has been inhabited from pre-historic times through the Ionic, Roman and Byzantine civilizations. It has yielded archeological treasures whose importance is recognized world-wide.To the southwest of Bergama, Asclepion, an important health center of the ancient world, the acropolis founded on top of a steep hill (300 m) and the Temple ... Details

Didyma is one of the most beautiful holiday resorts on the Aegean coast of Turkey. Located on a peninsula, where the Büyük Menderes River reaches the sea, the resort has secluded coves, golden sand beaches, natural harbours and nearby Lake Bafa. The important Ionian cities of Miletos and Didyma, home of the famous prophet in ancient times, are also near Didim. The Temple to Apollo at Didim was one of the most sacred places of antiquity. Though many times loot... Details

The Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park, which has a total area of 33,000 hectares, was founded in 1973 and is on the United Nations list of Parks and Protection Areas. It is located within the province of Canakkale, on the southern edge of the Gelibolu Strait, upon the European shore of the Dardanelles (Canakkale Bogazi).

From Edirne and Istanbul, it can be reached from the Tekirdag and Gelibolu highways. From Canakkale, there are ferries to Kilitbahir and E... Details

The ancient city of Troy, famous as the site of Trojan War that Homer described in his epic poem The Iliad, was inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998.

With its four thousand year history, it is one of the most famous archaeological sites of the world. It is located on the lower slopes of the Mount Ida of antiquity, within the boundaries of Canakkale province.

First mention of Troy was made by Homer in his epic poem The Iliad, where it is the an... Details

The city of Bursa, southeast of the Sea of Marmara, lies on the lower slopes of Uludag (Mt. Olympos of Mysia, 2543 meters). The city derives its name from its founder King Prusias of Bithynia. Its previous antique name was Prussa ad Hypium. It subsequently came under Roman, then Byzantine rule before falling to Orhan Gazi in 1326, when it became the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Many important Ottoman buildings remain.

Known as "Green Bursa", the city is filled... Details

Bodrum is a paradise for its climate, sea, natural beauty, magnificent coves and history, A world renowned holiday and entertainment peninsula, as well as for its modern nightlife where the show goes on until sunrise. Its many resorts and hotels cater for every need of their visitors. Since the dawn of the time, Bodrum, known in antiquity as Halircarnasus, has amazed human beings, and carried imprint of many cultures and civilizations, including the Carian, L... Details

Gumbet
Named after the domed water-cisterns that speckle the countryside near-by, Gümbet is the closest beach to Bodrum - just 10 minutes away by car - and is very popular with British holidaymakers, many of whom choose to stay here close to the beach and venture into Bodrum at night. As it has grown in popularity, however, Gümbet has developed in its own right and now offers a wide choice of lively bars and restaurants, popular with a young crowd. Its long sandy beach is l... Details

Izmir, the city which is home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World...
"I am 8,500 years old..." says the city of Homer...
The legendary female warriors, the Amazons, founded Ýzmir, or Smyrna as it was called in Ancient Times, according to one story. Alternatively, according to another tale, the Lelegs established it. The city is located on the Aegean Coast in the west of Turkey, and the city is the biggest and most important settlemen... Details

Cesme , a small village for all summer activities, half an hour drive to Izmir.
Selcuk, a few hours by bus or train to the south of the city, includes Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House. It is also a few kilometers away from Kuþadasý.
Tire, takes only an hour to arrive from the city center, a typical Aegean town, you can visit Turkey's biggest open town market on Tuesdays and have a good lunch in Kaplan with typical Aegean foods and famous meatballs of Tir... Details

Marmaris is one of Turkey's most popular resorts, which attracts lots of British holidaymakers, many of whom return year after year. It is a favourite with families and young couples alike. It is in a stunning setting, its geography remarkably similar to that of the fjords, with pine-clad hills dropping steeply to the sea, jagged inlets and tiny rocky islets off the coast.

There is a wide choice of accommodation, from five star luxury to self-catering apartmen... Details

In history Fethiye was known as the "Untouched Virgin of the Lands Lights" and today it is as if all the magnificence of the entire Mediterranean was concentrated in the bay of Fethiye : Its islands ,coves, long sandy beaches, and the entire riches of its history and natural beauty are before yopu to explore .With its excellent seas, highly developed facilities, and entertainment beyond belief, it is a paradise that caters to your possible requirement for remarkable holiday. The... Details

Oludeniz is the archetypal picture-postcard beach backed by dramatic pine-clad hills. Literally translated as 'dead sea', the stunning lagoon is a protected area, ensuring that its natural beauty is preserved. There is a small entrance charge to use the lagoon beach and only non-motorised watersports are allowed. The main resort beach is a long stretch of coarse sand and shingle beach known as Belceðiz. Most of the houses, built in the traditional local Muðla style, are set back... Details

The nearest beach to Fethiye is Calis beach, a pebble and coarse sand beach in a beatiful setting, which can be reached by boat or dolmuþ from the town center. The seafront promenade with its hotels and restaurants is closed to traffic during the summer, making it safe for children. The resort has expanded around the beach, and has a relaxed feel popular with families and older couples. ... Details

Saklikent Gorge
Known in Turkish as the 'hidden city' Saklikent is a stunning mountain gorge some 44 kms from Fethiye, a narrow opening stretching an incredible 18 kms into the rockface of Mount Akdað. A wooden walkway has been constructed above the icy cold waters of the mountain springs of Gökçesu and Ulupýnar. If you are feeling particularly brave you can take a dip here, but otherwise the waterside cafes provide a relaxing break and a chance to enjoy the spectacular setting.... Details

Olympos is located on the Antalya-Finike road. In order to go to Olympos, it is necessary to make a turn from Ulupinar, when a sign pointing to the ruins can be seen. A narrow but beautiful road leads to the beach of Olympos. In order to get to the ruins, one must pass the creek and walk a little on a wide beach which will take you to the creek that passes across Olympos. Olympos was set up in the Hellenistic period. Coins from the city, which were printed in the second century ... Details

Kemer, this important tourism region is located in the southwest of Turkey, 42 km south of Antalya. This region has grown very fast in this field, especially within the last 15 years and has added new 5 star hotels and vacation villages into its structure.

Besides the great holiday villages around the district, many big and little hotels are in a position to answer all kinds of accommodation requirements.

During the trip from Antalya to Kemer, which takes 4... Details

Antalya, the Turkish Riviera is the most stunning part of Turkey's Mediterranean coast. It is typical of Turkey, a thriving modern city, with a historic heart in the centre of Kaleici within the old city walls. This area has seen something of a renaissance in recent years, with many of the wooden Ottoman mansions being restored and turned into boutique hotels. No cars are allowed in the narrow streets of the old town so it is a good place to soak up the atmosphere around th... Details

Phaselis: The three harbours of this Lycian port city were once a major commercial centre. In the shelter of Mount Tahtalý, it is a popular stopping off point for yachts, and its clear waters and sandy beaches are popular with sun-seekers. The remains are mostly Roman and include a theatre, baths, aqueducts, Hadrian's Gate, an agora and an acropolis.

Perge: Just 18 kms from Antalya, Perge was an important city in Pamphylia and was visited by St.Paul during his ... Details

Xanthos, which was the capital of Lycia between 700 and 300 BC, is known as the largest administrative centre of Lycia during antiquity. Letoon, which was Inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List together with Xanthos in 1988, was one of the most prominent religious centres of antiquity.

Xanthos (Arrina) is where Serpedon lived. Sarpedon encouraged Prince Hector during the Trojan War by writing a poem to him. The site is on the road between Fethiye and Kas, 46 km f... Details

The ruined city of Termessos, lying 34km west of Antalya, in a rugged mountain valley, was founded by the Solymi people, from the interior of Anatolia. Among the important remains are, the 4200-seat theatre and the Roman stele that Augustus had built at the beginning of the first century AD. The Odeon and the covered meeting hall, has seating for 600 people. The five interconnecting underground cisterns were used for the storage of water and olive oil.

Other important... Details

Konya is one of the first inhabited cities in the history of mankind, and still contains traces of many ancient civilisations which gives it the atmosphere of a museum city. Because of its locations in the middle of the barren Anatolian steppe, it used to be one of the most important trading centres on the Silk Road. The fertile land around the city means Konya is also the heart of Turkey's grain industry, with farming a major industry. Steeped in tradition, it is one of the mos... Details