Turkish delight

Situated at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Turkey is the treasure trove of a dozen civilisations and a diverse cultural heritage. Here the traveller will find history, antiquity, archaeology, religion, scenery, shopping and delicious cuisine. Without spending a month or more in this incredible country, it would be impossible to visit every place of interest. Here are just a few, which will surely tempt you to include this destination in your future travels:

Iconic Istanbul with thousands of years of history, beautiful architecture and exciting bazaars abounding with every kind of product. Be sure to visit Hagia Sophia, the ‘Church of Divine Wisdom’, the Hippodrome, the underground cistern of Yerebatan, the Spice Bazaar, the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi, and the most important museum of Turkey, Dolmabahçe Palace.

For a traditional night in Istanbul, enjoy ‘Dining Out the Turkish Way’ and make sure to experience a cruise on the Bosphorus.

Hagia Sophia domes and minarets in the old town of Istanbul

The surrealist landscapes of Cappadocia, a stunning area of lunar rock formations and amazing archaeological sites, is enjoyed from above in a hot-air balloon ride. While in this area, try and visit the Devrent Valley with its different types of fairy chimneys, the Pasabaglari (Monk’s Valley) with multi-stemmed and capped fairy chimneys, and the Goreme Open Air Museum where you can visit the churches, chapels and monasteries carved into the fairy chimneys between the 10th and 13th centuries and decorated with frescoes.

Cappadocia is known around the world as one of the best places to fly with hot-air balloons

On the way to Konya, you could visit the Sultanhani Caravanserai, a fortified structure built in 1229 along the trade route from Konya to Aksaray (the Silk Road leading to Persia). It is one of the best remaining examples of Anatolian Seljuk architecture.

On the way to Antalya, stop en-route to visit the mosque of Esrefoglu in Beysehir, which includes all the main elements of early Anatolian Turkish architecture and is the largest and best preserved wooden columned, roofed mosque in the Islamic World. If you visit the archaeological site of Perge and the Roman theater of Aspendos, you will experience your first contact with Greek and Roman culture. Perge was an ancient Greek city and is a large site of ancient ruins on the coastal plain with an acropolis dating back to the Bronze Age. Aspendos is renowned for its best preserved theatre of antiquity.

Follow one of the most beautiful coastal roads along the Mediterranean coast to Fethiye, located on the site of the ancient city of Telmessos, the ruins of which can be seen near the main quay.

Telmessos Rock Tombs, Fethiye

The road from Fethiye to Pamukkale passes through rural villages and farms. Pamukkale, the ‘Cotton Castle’, is a white cascade of calcite-bearing water, which formed stalactites, pools and terraces. The water is renowned for its healing properties.

Cotton Castle, natural travertine pools and terraces in Pamukkale

En-route from Pamukkale to Kusadasi, be sure to stop at the archaeological site of Aphrodisias, where the stadium is the best preserved in Anatolia. Visit the Temple of Aphrodite, the Tetrapylon, the Theatre and the museum, with its splendid exhibition of the most beautiful artefacts of ancient times.

Aerial view of ancient Greek city Aphrodisias at sunset

Originally a quiet garden where farmers harvested thyme, sage, wild roses, figs, grapes and olives, Kusadasi is known as a ‘fishermen’s village’ and is today a popular seaside resort.

A 30-minute drive from Kusadasi brings you to Ephesus, the most famous archaeological site in Turkey, epitomising Greek and Roman lifestyle. Visit the stone house of the Virgin Mary, the agora, Odeon, theatre, streets, fountains, library and monuments to the glory of their heroes – even public toilets!

Those with an interest in World War I may want to include a visit to the Gallipoli Peninsula.

The World War I battle on the turquoise coastline of Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula was symbolic for Turks, Australians and New Zealanders, many of whom trace their national identity to its tragic outcome. Both sides in the Battle of Gallipoli suffered huge losses, and today well-maintained battlefields, cemeteries and memorials dot the peninsula. The battle is commemorated on Anzac Day.