14-Nights Absolute Turkey - Classic

Canakkale

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.

Bergama

Bergama is the site of the ancient city called Pergamon and is usually seen on a two-day tour of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor or on an Aegean sea cruise. The place 180 mi/290 km southwest of Istanbul merits a visit because of its impressive ruins, which can be seen in several hours.

The ruins include the acropolis with its Altar of Zeus, palaces, gymnasiums, temples, the world's steepest amphitheater, the Asclepion (ancient medical center) and a now-empty library (it once held 200,000 volumes). Note the familiar symbol of medicine on the base of the Serpent Altar; Pergamon was the home of early medical theoretician Galen, whose teachings held sway for 1,500 years. Unfortunately, the most spectacular treasures from Pergamon can't be seen there—they're at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, Germany.

Selcuk

Cappadocia

Pamukkale

Antalya

Konya

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.