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| Istanbul, Gallipoli, Canakkale, Troy, Izmir, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Kusadasi, Anatalya, Konya, Cappadocia, Ankara, Bursa | |||
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| Throughout history, Turkey has been home to some of the world's greatest civilizations and religions. Start with three nights in Istanbul, with extensive touring of the city. Visit Gallipoli, known for its key role in World War I. Travel to Troy, where remains of nine earlier cities have been excavated. Also visit Pergamon, whose Temple to Apollo is dramatically situated on a hilltop. Spend two nights in Izmir, your base for touring the ancient city of Ephesus and nearby Selcuk. Drive to Pamukkale, where cascading mineral water has formed a terrace of salt cliffs; the remains of the ancient city of Hierapolis are atop the hill. En route visit Sardis, the Lydian capital city, where early Judaism and Christianity thrived. Continue south to Antalya, whose imposing coastal position made the site a popular stop for Crusaders. Travel on to Cappadocia, visiting Konya en route. Visit the tomb of Mevlana Celalladin Rumi, the founder of Sufism. Continue on to Cappadocia, where an otherworldly landscape was the site of early Christian communities, and trade routes connected the Mediterranean to the Far East. Tour the many attractions in the area before flying to Ankara for a night. Visit the Anatolian Civilizations Museum and Gordion, the ancient capital of Phrygia. Fly to Bursa, the first Ottoman capital, known for the superb Green Mosque and Mausoleum, and for the high quality silks the city produces. Return to Istanbul for a day at leisure or touring some of the many neighborhoods. | |||
| This is simply a suggested itinerary and can easily be customized to suit your schedule, budget, and interests. |
