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Turkey, surrounded by the Mediterranean and Black seas, is a crossroads of history and culture, offering rich pickings for even the most discerning traveller. Boasting ancient Greek cities with magnificent ruins, endless beaches along the Anatolian coast and the vibrant cosmopolitan city of Istanbul, Turkey has a treasure trove of attractions to pique your interest.
Turkey’s rich and fascinating history is evident throughout its diverse cities and awe-inspiring attractions. Located on the Anatolian Peninsula, the area of present-day Turkey was first inhabited during the Neolithic era, and has since been ruled by myriad cultures, including the Hittites, Greeks, Byzantines and Ottomans.
During the Neolithic era, the ancient city of Troy was established. In Troy, you can marvel at the legendary Wooden Horse replica that commemorates the epic war machine that was built in the 13th century BC. Nearby, soak in the sights in the ancient kingdom of Pergamon, which boasts the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena and the famous library.
Other history-laden cities in Turkey include the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, where you’ll see the Great Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian and the House of the Virgin Mary, and the ancient Roman city of Aspendos, where you’ll stand in wonder at the best preserved Roman theatre in the world.
In Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, history has left its mark in the ancient Greek and Roman monuments such as the Byzantine Hippodrome and the Great Palace of Constantinople. Don’t miss the picture-perfect Blue Mosque, which stands out from the crowd with its six minarets, cascading domes and blue-tiled interior, and the impressive Topkapi Palace, which has a superb position overlooking the Bosphorus. Istanbul is also sprawling with busy bazaars, appetizing restaurants, and art galleries and museums that inject intoxicating culture into the city.
Like its history and culture, the natural environment of Turkey is diverse and attractive, offering the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea to the south, the Black Sea to the north and the Aegean Sea to the west. In this single country, you’ll also find lush forests, deserts, green and snow-capped mountains, and lakes – a natural paradise shaped by millennia of earth movements. The white sandy beaches are perfect for an escape from the buzz of cities such as Izmir, Antalya and Istanbul.
If you’re seeking sun, history and culture, look no further than Turkey, where Trafalgar can take you on a trip in time to some of Turkey’s best cities.