Spend 14 amazing days visiting the glories of Turkey. Start your journey in the city of Istanbul, Turkey's largest city. Istanbul - formerly called Constantinople - served as a former capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. You will then travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula to learn the history of the WWI campaign that resulted in over 200,000 lost lives. After crossing the Dardanelles strait, which separate Europe and Asia, you will continue to the port city of Canakkale, which will serve as an excellent base to visit the archeological site of the ancient city of Troy. Mentioned in the Book of Revelations, Pergamum's origins date back to the 16th century BC. Its library, which was one of the best in the ancient world, was pillaged by Marc Antony so that he could gift Cleopatra the library's best treasures. Next onto the seaside town of Kusadasi, an excellent base for touring the Roman ruins of Ephesus (Turkey's equivalent of Pompeii). Ephesus also has an interesting history with early Christians. You'll then travel east to the city of Pamukkale, home to widely-frequented thermal springs and the remarkable ruins of the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis. En route to the coastal city of Antalya, you'll stop in the ancient Greek city of Perge. Alexander the Great, St. Paul and St. Barnabas all spent time in Perge, which was considered one of the wealthiest and most beautiful cities in the ancient world. While touring its ancient ruins, see its famous Temple of Artemis as well as its acropolis. Continue traveling northeast towards the city of Konya. En route, stop in the ancient city of Aspendos. St. Paul traveled here when he (along with the other apostles) began to spread Christianity to Western Europe. Afterwards proceed to Konya, often considered a religious center of Turkey. From here you'll travel east to Cappadocia, a region of immense historic and cultural heritage. Before returning to Istanbul, you will visit Turkey's capital city of Ankara, which is home to the Turkish government, the State Opera and Ballet, and the amazing Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Your exciting tour of Turkey will finish back in Istanbul, where you will have a final day to explore this vivacious, cosmopolitan city.
