Things to do
Istanbul: Istanbul is not only historic but is also fascinating and vividly alive. As such there are many unique and wonderful places to visit including the Blue Mosque, supremely elegant imperial six minaret mosque of Sultanahmet I, known because of the magnificent blue tiles. Hagia Sophia, built by Constantine and widely considered to be an architectural marvel. Topkapi Palace which was the official residence of the Sultans for more than 400 years. The Suleymaniye Mosque built by Suleyman the Magnificent and covered in fine white marble and stained-glass windows. The Grand Bazaar which is a maze of over 4000 shops. A stay in Istanbul is not complete without a traditional boat trip along the Bosphorus.
Gallipoli: Visit the Gallipoli Peninsula, the scene of one of the bloodiest campaigns of World War I in which the Anzacs laid down their lives. Visit the many sights around this area including ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, Johnston’s Jolly (trenches and tunnels), The Nek and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. Perhaps take a morning tour of the archaeological sight of Troy, home to the Trojan Horse and the legendary story of Achilles as told by Homer. Seven Churches of the Apocalypse: Mentioned by St. John in the Book of Revelations, these seven churches are all found in Turkey including Efes (Ephesus), Izmir (Smyrna), Bergama (Pergamum), Akhisar (Thyatira), Sart (Sardis), Alasehir (Philadelphia) and Eskihisar (Laodicea).
Kusadasi: See the ancient site of Ephesus, one of Ancient Rome’s greatest cities in the Western world along with its famous Library of Celsus and the House of Virgin Mary. See the city where the Gospel of John is rumoured to have been written. It is also the location where the enormous temple of Artemis, once considered a Wonder of the Ancient World, stood.
Pamukkale: The spectacular hot springs in Pamukkale, also known as the White Castle due to the lime deposits are a must visit. Discover the ruins of spa city of Hierapolis built on top of the white castle.
Cappadocia: Explore the magical landscape of Cappadocia, with its fairy chimneys and its underground cities. Enjoy an awe-inspiring balloon ride over the remarkable landscape.
Antalya: See Hadrian’s Gates, built into the city walls after Emperor Hadrian’s visit in 130AD. The areas surrounding Antalya hold some fabulous beaches and historic sites. The ancient city of Demre, once inhabited in 500BC shows many carved rock tombs peeping out from the rock face overlooking the magnificent Roman Theatre. Many day trips can be taken to the East of Antalya including Perge, once inhabited by Hittites in approx. 1500BC providing an almost complete picture of the past. Aspendos is known for the best-preserved theatre in antiquity, still used today.
Coastal Cities: Discover the picturesque coastal towns of Fethiye, Marmaris and Bodrum. Perhaps indulge in a traditional Gulet cruise along the coastline to secluded bays and beaches.