11-Nights Treasures of Turkey

Istanbul

This centuries old capital guards the slender waterway between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, and is the doorway between the East and West. Visitors can explore remnants of Byzantine Constantinople in the Sultanahmet district, where you will have the chance to see ancient splendors, such as the Haghia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. At night the city boast a lively nightclub scene and excellent Turkish dining options that may include cultural entertainment and dancing. Istanbul also features splendid shopping malls, boutiques, and hand crafted items can be found all over the city.

 

 

Fethiye

Fethiye is one of the most popular beach resorts and marina along the Turkish coast. Along the beaches visitors can participate in fun water sports as well as paragliding, cliff jumping, and bird watching. The city is also known for its rock tombs elaborately carved into the cliffs.  The tomb of Amnytas is built in Doric architectural style and is well worth visiting. A short boat ride away is Koturumsu, where visitors can explore waterfalls flowing across valleys, and where you will find thousands of colorful butterflies.  

Marmaris

Despite the many tourists, Marmaris has managed to retain its charm. Marmaris is in the deep recesses of a pretty bay, framed by pine-clad mountains. The sheltered harbor provides ideal anchorage for boats, which are protected from the stiff breezes out at sea. Secluded coves around Marmaris offer nice beaches with hotels and resorts. Many visitors use Marmaris as a starting point for trips to Caunos, an important ancient city famed for its rock tombs. Attractions include the statue of Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic. Also interesting to see is Menzilhane, an Ottoman version of a pony express station, dating back to the days of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, who ordered the station built in 1545. Beyond that, one can spend a lazy day in the sun or join locals and fellow visitors in a waterfront taverna. It's fun to stroll along the palm-lined waterfront promenade. Approximately 10 minutes away are good, sandy beaches, backed by green mountains. The clear waters of the Aegean are ideal for swimming and watersports, including scuba diving offered at Hotel Mares.

Aphrodisias

The remarkable, ancient Roman city of Aphrodisias, 280 mi/450 km south of Ankara, was dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Located near the village of Geyre, the ruins merit at least half a day of exploration. See the old walls, theater and stadium (it could hold more than 30,000 people), and be sure to visit the museum, which contains several interesting sculptures found at the site.

Pamukkale

One of the most interesting geological sites in Turkey is in the town of Pamukkale, the "cotton castle" of terraced pools caused by cascading calcium rich mineral springs. From the edge of every terrace and every step in this fascinating natural phenomenon that has gradually formed throughout the ages hang brilliantly white stalactites, and you can hear the joyful splashing of the waters of the hot springs as they cascade down over slopes where their flow is impeded only by clumps of oleanders. You can also visit the ancient ruins of Hieropolis here, an interesting archaeological site.