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Turkey is truly where East
meets West and it is precisely this mixture that makes travel in Turkey so
interesting. Although its culture is imbued with a deep and reverent
respect for Islam, Turkey is a country that attempts to separate the secular
and religious beliefs of its citizens. While it is uncertain what the
future holds for Turkey, today the country remains an excellent vacation
destination and one of our best places to visit.
Many
travelers think there is little to Turkey outside of Istanbul and Istanbul
is a hard act to follow. Crossing the Bosporus into Asia Minor,
however, leads you into an exotic and exciting country. Read our
recommendations on the best places to visit in Turkey and then make your
reservations to explore this most alluring country.
Read our sections on Turkey
Travel Information and
Facts on Turkey to complete your basic preparation
for vacationing in Turkey.
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Names in Teal are regions
of the country.
Places in Bold are unusually attractive destinations.
Places in plain text are of significant interest to many travelers.
If you are interested in finding out more about
Turkey, its people, history, economy and geography, visit our section
Turkey
Country Facts
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If you plan to travel in Turkey,
read the information you need to know visas,
driving, health care, and more in our section
Turkey
Travel Information. |
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Istanbul (click
for our mini-guide)

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Istanbul is one of the world's most
interesting cities. Its unique history, literally bridging the gap between 'East" and
"West", is precisely what attracts tourist to the
shores of the Asian Continent. Across time, Istanbul (or is it
Constantinople) has served as the capital of the Byzantine, Roman, and
Ottoman Empires: the city's heritage is on display and magnificently
preserved. From its famous mosques and churches (the Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Cami, and Hagia Sophia), through palaces (The Topkapi and
Dolmbahce), and on to the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul is one memorable excursion
after another.
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Aegean
Coast
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The Aegean Coast of Turkey contains
fine archaeological sites, beautiful beaches, great scenery, and a host of
towns that are excellent destinations. The Aegean Coast is an area of Turkey
you should research, as it is a rich travel destination.
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Izmir ( historical
Smyrna)
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Kusadasi
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Kusadasi is a resort town with
great restaurants, good hotels, and pleasant hosts. Known for its
nightlife, Kusadasi is a good place for anyone interested soaking up the sun and relaxing
at the beach. The city's harbor is the gateway to Ephesus for many cruise lines.
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Bodrum
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Ephesus (click for Ephesus mini-guide)
Ephesus, an ancient city in the
process of being restored, is a must see. Dating from the seventh
century BC (and possibly earlier) Ephesus provides an interesting view of
ancient life: the city's ruins illustrate how ancient
cities worked and how the people played. Ephesus is a site that should
interest anyone but it holds special reverence for Christians who believe that
the Virgin Mary lived in the area at the end of her life.
- Ephesus is also known as the location of the Temple of Artemis (also
called the Temple of Diana), which was one of the Seven Wonders of the
Ancient World. Like all of the Wonders, except the Pyramids at
Giza, there remains no trace of the temple dedicated to Artemis, the
Greek goddess.
It is believed that the building was partially
destroyed by fire and later by an earthquake.
Anatolia
Cappadocia
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Most travelers have seen pictures
of the mystical, rock chimney dwellings, and man-made cave based cities in
Eastern Turkey. Cappadocia is the area of Turkey known these dwellings
and a very interesting place to visit.
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Ügrüp
is a good town to
base your exploration of the area. The Goreme Valley is a
must see. Hire a guide to benefit from the riches of this area.
Ankara

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Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is a gateway to the surrounding region. Ankara and its surrounding
area are not prime tourist attractions but are worth a look if you are
touring the country for a second or third time.
If you need information about another travel destination, try Googling our site or the Web
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Many visitors to Turkey prefer to travel as part of a tour
or a cruise and leave the difficulty of planning vacation travel to
an agency. |



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