14-Nights Absolute Turkey - Classic

Gallipoli Penninsula

The importance of the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey, cannot be overestimated. Had the British Empire's troops prevailed at the battle there, 125 mi/200 km southwest of Istanbul, World War I would have been considerably shorter and the course of modern history changed.

As it was, Turkish machine-gun fire kept the Allies pinned along the beaches on the Dardanelles strait across from Canakkale, cutting them to shreds, preventing them from gaining the heights that would have allowed control of the waterway, and effectively forestalling Allied movement on the Eastern Front.

The overwhelming majority of the Allied forces on the beaches at Gallipoli came from the Australia-New Zealand Army Corps (the ANZACs), and the place is a pilgrimage destination for visitors from Down Under, especially on or around ANZAC Day (25 April). Memorial crowds then are massive, so plan hotel and other reservations well in advance.

Most of the battlefield is now part of a national park, and the scenery—pine trees, green hills, ocher cliffs and sandy beaches—would be well worth a look even without the historical attractions that are discreetly present. The most important sites are fairly spread out, so the best way to see the area is with a car or as part of a guided tour. But anyone can take a walk along the heights, look down on the beaches and understand why the Australians and New Zealanders below had no chance.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey, first gained fame for his defense of Conkbayiri Hill in 1915. He later erected a touching memorial to the forces he helped defeat; don't miss it.

Canakkale

Ayvalik

Inhabited until 1923 by Ottoman Greeks, Ayvalik combines a beach resort (Sarimsakli, about 4 mi/6 km from town and served by regular minibuses) with a pleasant, small market town 150 mi/240 km north of Izmir. The back streets boast lovely old houses and the remains of a few old churches, currently under restoration. The chimneys of old olive-oil factories stud the skyline.

Attached to the mainland by a causeway is Cunda (Alibey) Island, a great place to have fresh fish for dinner and watch the sunset along the waterfront. The top of Seytan Sofrasi (Devil's Table) mountain is another popular spot for sunset views.

During the high season, daily ferries connect Ayvalik to the Greek island of Lesbos.

Selcuk

Pamukkale

Kas

Kekova

Kekova Island make for an excellent daytrip for visitors wanting to relax, take in some sun, swim, and explore some ancient ruins. There are several historic Byzantine ruins to see including the remains of a Byzantine chapel, and the remains of the sunken city of Lycian. Further sunken remains can be explored by snorkeling off the coast of the island.

Antalya

Konya

Cappadocia

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.