Unique in its location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey is a potent combination of living history, natural wonders, world-class beaches and tantalising cuisine. A rich and tumultuous history has left countless battlegrounds, neoclassical ruins, ancient treasures and stunning churches and mosques to be explored. Its coastal landscapes offer a formidable blend of pine-clad mountains and warm azure seas while its gastronomic traditions make it one of the world’s culinary heavyweights. What’s more, the people are friendly and welcoming, particularly to Australian’s.
The generous exchange rate makes Turkey one of Europe’s best value vacation options and cements Turkey’s long-held position as a hot spot to travel. The world’s largest open-air museum, Turkey is a landscape dotted with memories of some of history’s most significant moments. From the ruins of Troy to the ruins of Ephesus, the vibrant city of Istanbul to the capital of Ankara, ancient Turkey is as old as the soul and should be savoured gently without hurry.
The magical beauty of Cappadocia with its fairy chimneys, underground cities and unique moonscape set in the stark Anatolian plains is topped only by an awe-inspiring balloon ride over this remarkable landscape. Full of otherworldly natural sites, Bronze Age homes are carved into valley walls which were later used by early Christians seeking refuge.
Famous for its brilliantly white calcite terraces overrunning with hot, milky-blue waters, the dramatic travertines of Pamukkale are a must-see if visiting Turkey. Also known as Cotton Castle, the spectacular hot springs were discovered in ancient times and can still be experience today, though these days, they have limited the pools you can only dip your feet in rather than bathe in, to aid in preserving these unique structures. Visit the nearby Archaeological Museum and the Roman ruins of Hierapolis where you can enjoy a dip in the warm waters of the Antique Pool, complete with marble columns and plinths. Hadrian’s Gates was built into the city walls of Antalya after Emperor Hadrian’s visit in 130AD.
A beautiful resort destination, Antalya is also gateway to the southern Mediterranean region known as the Turquoise Coast, aptly named for the glittering turquoise coloured waters that gently lap against the coastline. The areas surrounding Antalya contain some incredible historic sites including the ancient city of Demre. Fascinating rock-hewn Lycian tombs are carved into the cliffs here called the ruins of Roman Myra which also feature a well-preserved theatre.
Demre is also home to the original Father Christmas – a 4th century Bishop called St Nicholas who lived and worked in the town. His legendary good deeds earned him his Sainthood and the story of Santa Claus was born. Daytrips to the east of Antalya include Perge, once inhabited by Hittites around 1500BC and offering an impressive snapshot of the past. Nearby Aspendos is home to the best-preserved Roman theatre on the Mediterranean that is still used today.
The achingly beautiful coastal towns of Fethiye, Kaş, Ölüdeniz and Bodrum are perfect for relaxing, fishing, diving and cooling off in the pristine waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Indulge in a traditional Gulet cruise along the coastline, calling in on secluded bays and beaches or hike through the ghost village of Kayakoy. Located between Marmaris and Fethiye is the quaint, laid-back town of Dalyan, popular with tourists for its tranquil waterways and the impressive Kings’ Tombs of ancient Kaunos, hewn into the cliffs. They are particularly magnificent as the sun sets across them, casting off a golden glow as they reflect beautifully in the river below.
For Australian’s, Gallipoli is particularly significant as a place where one meditates on sacrifices made many years ago. A visit to the Gallipoli Peninsula is a visit to the scene of one of the bloodiest campaigns in World War I, in which the Anzac soldiers laid down their lives. You can’t help but be moved as you stand there and imagine what those young men went through as they fought for the freedom we now enjoy.
Lone Pine Cemetery, Johnston’s Jolly (trenches and tunnels), The Nek and Ariburnu Memorial are all sites as important to visit as Anzac Cove with a tour being the best way to get a full understanding of what happened on that fateful day in 1915. Most day tours to Gallipoli will also include a visit to the ancient city of Troy - home to the Trojan horse and the legendary story of Achilles as told by Homer. A fascinating place with a 4,000 year history, archaeologists have not only revealed layers of ancient cities but excavations and research have led to the discovery that the region has been inhabited for 8,000 years or so.
