TURKEY

Turkey (Türkiye in Turkish) is a wonderful bridge between Asia and Europe, with a rich blend of ancient history, diverse cultures and some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. This transcontinental crossroads has been shaped over centuries by the rise and fall of monumental empires such as the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman dynasties, leaving a rich legacy that can be seen in every corner of the country.

Istanbul is the cultural and historical heart of Turkey, located on the Bosphorus Strait. The city’s skyline is punctuated by architectural masterpieces such as the monumental Hagia Sophia, the striking blue-tiled Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) and the sprawling hilltop Topkapı Palace. Visitors can explore the maze-like alleys of the historic Grand Bazaar, or cross the strait between the two continents, besides the imperial treasures.

Ephesus, on the western coast, is one of the best preserved ancient Greco-Roman cities of the Mediterranean. Its marble-paved streets allow visitors to relive antiquity, marveling at rumbling vestiges such as the famous façade of the Library of Celsus, the majestic hillside theater, and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis.

Cappadocia in Central Anatolia is a surreal, otherworldly landscape formed by ancient volcanic eruptions and wind erosion over centuries. Cappadocia is known for its fairy chimneys, deep canyons and ancient underground cave cities and is also a world-class destination for sunrise hot-air ballooning.

Pamukkale, known as the “Cotton Castle,” is a dazzling, stark-white series of travertine terraces that tumble down a hillside, filled with warm, mineral-rich thermal waters. Above these natural wonders lie the sprawling ruins of the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis.

Turkey’s history goes back over 10,000 years, from the neolithic wonders of Göbekli Tepe, believed to be the world’s oldest temple site, to the rugged battlefields of Gallipoli. It was the final stop on the legendary Silk Road, a refuge for early Christian pilgrims, and the imperial seat of the mighty Ottoman Empire. Today, this deep history merges with modern excitement to make Turkey a country that never fails to fascinate travelers, culture-lovers and explorers.