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Istanbul
Spanning Europe and Asia, Istanbul is spectacularly situated
on the Golden Horn peninsula. It is bustling, cosmopolitan,
and its eventful past as a capital of the Roman, Byzantine
and Ottoman Empires has left a rich legacy. Mosques, museums,
magnificent palaces, the colourful waterside life and the
bazaars combine to create a compelling atmosphere.
Istanbul is three distinct cities. The old
city, with parks and gardens, includes Topkapi, the palace
of the Ottoman sultans overlooking the Sea of Marmara and
the Bosphorus; the Blue Mosque, the only mosque in the world
with six minarets; St. Sophia, once a Roman cathedral, later
a mosque and now a museum; and the Byzantine cistern supported
by 336 Corinthian columns.
 Across
the Golden Horn, in stark contrast, is modern Istanbul, Pera,
equipped with large hotels, spacious squares and international
nightlife. On the third shore lies Uskudar (Scutari), the
Asian part of Istanbul, where Florence Nightingale nursed
the sick during the Crimean War.
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Ankara
The hub of a vast, central plateau - the cradle of the ancient
Hittite and Phrygian civilisations - is the modern metropolis
of Ankara. Kemal Ataturk supervised the construction of Ankara,
a capital to replace Istanbul, in this hither-to underpopulated
region during the 1920s and 1930s. Memorials to this national
hero abound and the mausoleum of Ataturk dominates the new
city. Ankara was, however, built on the site of more ancient
settlements and it is fitting that the Museum of Anatolian
Civilisations, built under the ramparts of the Citadel, should
house such a unique and magnificent collection of Neolithic
and Hittite works. There are also reminders of the area's
more recent past - as part of the Roman and Seljuk Empires
- and many fine mosques, some dating back to the 12th century.
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Antalya
The region surrounding Antalya is also known as the "Turquoise
Coast" or The Turkish Riviera, due to its almost year-round
sunshine and a magnificent coastline of secluded, sandy bays.
It is also a region steeped in history and legend as portrayed
by its ancient mosques, citadels, fortresses and gates.
Antalya is the principal resort of the Mediterranean magnificently
situated atop the high cliffs of a wide crescent-shaped bay
surrounded by the towering peaks of the Toros Mountains. It
is an attractive city with shady palmlined boulevards; a prize-winning
marina and picturesque Old Quarters called Kaleici with narrow
winding streets and quaint old wooden houses next to the city
walls.
Colourful, exotic plants, trees and flowers are arranged
in an extraordinary blend of old style architecture within
modern settings. This display of nature in the sunshine, the
shimmering water of the bay and the mountains in the background,
hand in hand with the rich historical beauty of the region,
make Antalya the ideal choice for a holiday.
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Izmir
The magnificent coast of ancient Ionia, one of the earliest
cradles of western civilisation, boasts many important sites
and picturesque resorts. It is thought that the remains of
Troy lie along this coast. Of the nine levels of the excavated
settlement mound, the sixth is supposed to be the Troy depicted
in Homer's Iliad. The ruins of the great city of Pergamum
(modern Bergama) lie to the south of Troy. The city was once
famous in antiquity for its splendid library. Visit the sanctuary
of Asclepieum and the two fine temples, the acropolis and
the redbrick basilica. Izmir, the birthplace of Homer, is
Turkey's third city and an important port. A modern metropolis
with many large hotels, Izmir lies in a beautiful curving
bay and is surrounded by terraced hillsides. As a result of
earthquakes and a great fire, there are only a few reminders
of old Smyrna - Kadifekale, the 4th century fortress situated
on top of Mount Pagos. The fortress affords a superb view
of the city and the Gulf of Izmir, the Roman agora with some
well preserved porticos and the statues of Poseidon and Artemis.
Cesme is one of the worlds many popular resorts in the Izmir
region, and is noted for its excellent beaches, thermal springs
and 15th century fortress. The picturesque port of Sigacik,
the ruins of the ancient Ionian city of Teos and the sandy
beach at Akkum are all situated between Izmir and Cesme.
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Sardis
Sardis which holds a prominent place in mythology (King Candaules,
Gyges and the Queen). Sardis felt the influence of the Seven
Churches of Revelation. Highlights will be the 3rd century
A. D. Synagogue, Gymnasium, House of Bronzes, Temple of Artemis,
and of course the Church.
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Pergamon
A royal city indeed, Pergamon makes an appearance in history
in 399 B.C. Among the impressive structures of this city we
will see the Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysus and the 200,000
volume library which was surpassed only by that found in Alexandria
at the time. The Asclepieum of Pergamon was a famous health-centre
where methods of treatment included blood transfusions, music
therapy and meditation.
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 Pamukkale
Located 20 kilometers from the town of Denizli, Pamukkale
is one of the most important highlights of Turkey, unique
in the world. The site is named in Turkish as "Pamukkale",
that means "cotton castle", parallel to the glorious
and spectacular view of the site. The dazzling white calcareous
castles are formed by limestone-laden thermal springs, creating
the unbelievable formation of stalactites, potholes and cataracts.
Waters in the terraces are the sediments of the springs with
calcium bicarbonate in 33C. Waters, containing mainly calcium
salts and carbon-dioxide, run off the plateau's by depositing
calcium while carbon-dioxide disappearing. The marvellous
landscape of Pamukkale has been created by this gradual formation,
leaving a cotton-like image. Located above the theatre of
Hierapolis, the mineral water sources from the thermal springs
of Cal Mountain. It is collected in a pool, known as the "Sacred
Pool" of ancient times, where you can swim amidst the
historical remains of Hierapolis. The Sacred Pool is now located
inside Pamukkale Hotel.
The water of Pamukkale is famous for its benefits to the
eyes and skin; and its curing properties to the ills of asthma,
rheumatism, as well. The remains of the ancient Hierapolis
are situated on the back of the thrilling white terraces,
standing wondrously in the area. The fairyland Pamukkale is
a 'must-see'.
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Kusadasi
Kusadasi, one of Turkey's principle holiday resorts, offers
an excellent environment for an unforgettable holiday. Situated
on the west coast of Turkey- 90km south of Izmir, Kusadasi,
is reputed to be one of the most attractive cities of the
Aegean, as it is close to the important historical sites including
Ephesus, Didyma, Priene, Miletos-the principals of ancient
times, and ideal for sightseers.
Numerous powdery sandy beaches with warm & clear waters,
providing a peaceful atmosphere, allow a great variety of
water and beach facilities. Windsurfing, water skiing, sailing
and beach volley are only a few choices for lovers of the
active life. After sunbathing restfully during the day, the
city awaits the superb sunset. As the sun sets, the attractive
cafes and restaurants through the palm-lined boulevard, get
busier. It is a great delight to watch the comings and goings
of the yachts and ships against the panoramic view of the
sunset, or a drink before dinner. The restaurants, serving
a variety of fresh seafood & fish and Aegean specialities,
offer a delicious meal in Kusadasi. Dancing and entertaining
at a lively bar or a disco until dawn, may end an ideal day
in Kusadasi.
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