Historically rich with its medieval Ottoman period and chronicle of Gallipoli, and fashionably chic with the cosmopolitan buzz of Istanbul and celebrity getaway of Antalya, Turkey is an unmissable country that overflows with character. It is where Noah’s Ark (allegedly) landed, Santa Claus originated and Hemingway was inspired. It's a place where the yin and yang of old and new complement each other - contemporary galleries stand next to cathedrals, stylish cafes sit alongside bazaars and trendsetting bars float over turquoise waters. Travel from Istanbul through the very best of Turkey - Gallipoli, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Antalya, Cappadocia and Mount Nemrut - and discover the people, history, cuisine and landscapes that make this destination such a treasure.Highlights
Explore the continent-straddling metropolis of Istanbul, and step back in time to when it was Constantinople with the backstreets of the Grand Bazaar, the majestic Blue Mosque, and in the taste of real Turkish Delight.
Reflect on battles fought and lives lost with a moving visit to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a serene stretch of coastline where it's now hard to picture the horrors of war.
Hike into the Valley of Love in Cappadocia and be wowed by the fantastical natural sculptures of spires, domes, and pinnacles.
Be lured by the sapphire waters of the Mediterranean and laze the days away in Antalya.
Meet eyes with the ruins of the colossal stone heads that sit atop Mount Nemrut.
- You will visit the following places:
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Antalya
Antalya is a city on the Mediterranean coast of southwestern Turkey, and the capital city of Antalya Province. Situated on coastal cliffs, Antalya is surrounded by mountains. Development and investment, begun in the 1970s, have transformed the city into an international resort. It is the centre of a region with beautiful beaches, verdant mountains and a breathtaking number of ancient ruins.
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Fethiye
Fethiye is a city and district of Muğla Province in the Aegean region of Turkey. Modern Fethiye is located on the site of the ancient city of Telmessos, the ruins of which can be seen in the city, e.g. the Hellenistic theatre by the main quay. The Fethiye Museum, which is very rich in ancient and more recent artifacts, displays and testifies to the successive chain of civilizations that existed in the area, starting with the ancient Lycians. Fethiye is also home to the Tomb of Amyntas, a large and beautiful tomb built in 350 BC by the Lycians. What makes this tomb unique is its massive size and beautiful carvings.
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Konya
Konya is a major city in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. It is an economically and industrially developed city and the capital of Konya Province. Konya was also historically the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum (Anatolia) and the Karamanids. Konya is also one of the most conservative cities in Turkey with more women covering their heads with headscarves (though visitors will notice that the number of women covering is perhaps slightly above 50%). Dress modestly if you want to fit in with the local population, although not many people will bat an eye lid if you choose not to.
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Istanbul