Istanbul

Istanbul   
Istanbul is one of the world’s most interesting cities.  Its unique history literally bridges the gap between “East” and “West”. Across time, Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) has served as the capital  of the Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman Empires. The city’s heritage is on display and magnificently preserved, from its famous mosques and churches (the Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Cami, and Hagia Sophia), through palaces (The Topkapi and Dolmbahce) and on to the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul is one memorable excursion after another.

Aegean Coast
The Aegean Coast of Turkey contains fine archaeological sites, beautiful beaches, great scenery, and a host of wonderful towns.

Ephesus

Ephesus
Ephesus is an ancient city in the process of being restored. Dating from the seventh century BC (possibly earlier) Ephesus provides an interesting view of  ancient life, the city’s ruins illustrate how ancient cities worked and how the people played.  Ephesus holds special reverence for Christians who believe that the Virgin Mary lived in the area at the end of her life.
Ephesus is also known as the location of the Temple of Artemis (The Temple of Diana) although there remains no trace of the temple dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess.  It is believed that the building was partially destroyed by fire and later by an earthquake.

Izmir (historical Smyrna)
Izmir is a working city that serves as a convenient base to explore the Aegean coast. Although the city has limited attractions of its own, there are prime archaeological sites relatively closeby.

Kusadasi Harbour

Kusadasi
Kusadasi is a resort town with good restaurants and good hotels. Known for its nightlife, Kusadasi is a good place for anyone interested soaking up the sun and relaxing at the beach.  The city’s harbour is the gateway to Ephesus for many cruise lines.

Bodrum 
Bodrum is a scenic town whose centre is the famed Castle of Saint Peter (built by the Knights of Saint John). In the past, Bodrum was known as Halicarnassus and the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. The tomb was destroyed by a series of violent earthquakes in the distant past.  It is said that its building materials were used to fortify the Castle of St. Peter and the city’s defensive walls.

Anatolia
Anatolia runs across  southern Turkey and contains numerous first class archaeological sites. Aizanoi Zeus Temple is a stunning, well preserved Roman temple in Anatolia, built in a Greco-Roman Style.  It is an amazing treasure, but one that is hard to find and out of the way.

Anatalya
Anatolia runs across  southern Turkey and contains numerous first class archaeological sites. A quality resort town, Anatalya is a good starting place for exploring Anatolia.

Cappadocia
Cappadocia is the area of Turkey known for it’s mystical, rock chimney dwellings and man-made cave homes.

Pamukkale

Pamukkale
Pamukkale is in Denizli Province in southwest Turkey is an amazing area of hot springs awash with calcium carbonate that has created a unique area of limestone and travertine. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a noted tourist attraction.

Nemrut Dagi
Nemrut Dagi is in eastern Turkey and is considered to be one of the most remarkable monuments in Turkey, if not Asia Minor.  Built in the 1st century B.C. as a burial mound accompanied by incredibly huge, but lifelike statues.  It is thought that the site reflects both Greek and Persian heritage.