Turkey's Turquoise Coast

East meets West in a vibrant crescendo of history, culture, and cuisine, making Istanbul an unmissable destination.

Sitting on the European bank of the mighty Bosphorus, this 19C palace is an extravagant mix of styles and lavish decor.

One of Istanbul's top sights, the magnificent interior of this former basilica is laden with fine Byzantine mosaics and designs.

Get lost hunting for treasures and trinkets among the bustling market stalls of the Grand Bazaar - truly a world of its own!

A fairy tale in the middle of a modern city, this stunning castle is enveloped in legend and history, and took 500 years to build.

Escape Istanbul's busy streets on these idyllic islands, dotted with picturesque villas, historic buildings, and lovely beaches.

The perfect destination for a day trip, this fresh water lake is a gem of natural beauty and offers many fun activities for all ages.

Still in use today, this majestic 17C mosque is known for its sea of grand domes, six slender minarets and beautiful interior.

Soak up centuries of history as you explore the old town's lively streets, historic mosques, palaces and thronging markets.

A must for art-lovers, with exhibitions on Turkish modern art, as well as works from some of the world's best contemporary artists.

The hip, lively district of Beyoglu is the place to go for fantastic eats, drinks, shopping and trendy guesthouses.

A wonderful national park, with a unique ecosystem made up of marshlands, swamps, lakes and coastal sand dunes.

A favorite retreat of locals, this nature park engulfs gorgeous forests and a small village with a fascinating history.

Art-lovers and historians should head here for the fine collections of Ottoman calligraphy, paintings and historic artifacts.

Sitting beautifully atop one of Istanbul's hills, this majestic 16C mosque is one of the city's most revered.

A wander through this cavernous underground cistern, built in the 6C for the Byzantine emperor, is an atmospheric experience.

A waterside district, which has long been a melting pot of culture and religion, now hosts great galleries, cafes and nightlife.

Dating to 8C BC, this city boasts a variety of well-preserved Roman ruins, as well as remnants from the Ottoman and other periods.

Known for its pottery-making industry, this historic lakeside town also boasts ancient sites and recreational activities.

The Ottoman craftwork of the 17C imperial pavilion has recently been restored to its former beauty.

Taking some 60 years to complete, the domed exterior of this 17C mosque has since become a fixture of the city's skyline.

Stunning ancient coffins, statues and other artifacts reveal the magnificent artistic and cultural heritage of the city and region.

Once part of the palace gardens, this large park in the Yildiz Quarter offers shady pathways, picnic spots and peaceful greenery.

Now a bustling industrial metropolis, the Ottoman empire's first major capital is full of history, markets, parks and attractions.

Wander the historic streets of Bursa, haggle at old bazaars, dig in to Turkish treats and discover treasures of the Ottoman era.

A peaceful complex containing tree-lined gardens, historical graves and the mosque of Sultan Murat II who ruled for 30 years.

The large botanical garden offers a peaceful place to wander among flora from around Turkey and the world.

Built for the Ottoman Empire's fifth sultan, this hexagonal mausoleum stands among leafy cypress trees.

A great national park located in Western Anatolia, boasting a wide diversity of flora and fauna species, as well as a rich habitat.

A village comprised of 270 architecturally significant houses dating to the Ottoman Empire, home to a wonderful ethnography museum.

Completed in 1399, this huge mosque is an impressive and lasting monument to the beginnings of the Ottoman empire.

A grand 14C bazaar which harks back to the days when Bursa was one of the last stops on the ancient Silk Road.

Erected in honor of the sultan's son-in-law, this 14C mosque has since been rebuilt in a baroque Ottoman style.

A significant early-Ottoman mosque, built by Orhan, one of of the founders of the Ottoman Empire.

The perfect destination for a day trip, this fresh water lake is a gem of natural beauty and offers many fun activities for all ages.

Dubbed "The Bird Paradise", this park is a thriving migration stop for birds and is the perfect destination for bird-watching.

Both adults and children will love to venture out of the city center to check out the animals at this exciting zoo.

Pay a visit to the tombs of the two founders of the Ottoman Empire, located in a small park.

Once home to a school for Islamic religious studies, the museum is now dedicated to Muslim artwork and crafts from the 14C-16C.

A historical domed mosque constructed in the late 14C by Ottoman sultan, Bayezid I.

Linked to the legendary King Midas, this archaeological site boasts Phrygian remains and an elaborately carved stone monument.

One of Turkey's oldest cities, Eskisehir is rich with historic and archaeological sites, as well as several intriguing museums.

Surrounded by sea and mountains, the large port city of Izmir is becoming known for its lively, forward-thinking cultural scene.

One of the Izmir's main attractions is the lively city bazaar, with its abundance of fine Turkish goods and culinary delicacies.

Wander the streets and take waterfront strolls as you spy out ancient relics and sample the restaurants and bars of the city.

Relics from millennia of history in the Izmir Gulf can be seen at this museum, including ornate coffins and ancient statues.

Built in the 16C, the city center's largest mosque has some interesting interior design features typical of Izmiri style.

Turkey's most famous historic site, this ancient city dates to 10C BC and is home to several illustrious archaeological findings.

A quaint little town boasting an authentic atmosphere and fantastic nightlife, Alacati also offers many water sport activities.

Home to a huge range of animals from around the world, Izmir's wildlife park is fun day out for adults and children alike.

Located in an exquisite early-20C building, the gallery has a range of changing exhibitions from Turkish and international artists.

A blue-tiled mosque with examples of both Iznik and Izmir tiles adoring its pretty interior and good views over the local area.

Explore the ruins of an ancient Roman settlement, built for Alexander the Great and rebuilt in 2C after a huge earthquake.

Comprised of a lush forested peninsula and a large delta, this national park is one of the most biologically diverse parks in Turkey.

Saturated with history and mythology, this national park is full of animal, lush verdure, and spectacular mountain routes.

A museum showcasing historical art and craftwork from the region, including treasures from the Roman and Neolithic eras.

Take a break from sightseeing for a fun few hours on the rides and fairground attractions at the city's mini theme park.

Built in 1901, the historical clock tower that sits at the center of bustling Konak square was designed in an ornate Ottoman style.

Head to the bustling historic district of Alsancak for great shops, eateries, bars, city squares, museums and hotels.

Perfect for nature lovers who favor the waterside, this resort town boasts gorgeous beaches and spectacular views of the region.

The peaceful pace of life and pleasant whitewashed abodes of this old Aegean fishing town make it a popular getaway spot.

Head here and take the red brick elevator up to the hilltops for great views out over the gulf and the sprawling coastal town.

Dating to the 17C, this beautiful church is Izmir's oldest Christian house of worship, and boasts a stunning ornate interior.

Blending Greek, Roman, and Byzantine architecture, this ancient city boasts a theater with remarkable friezes, a library, and more.

Believed to be the house where the Virgin Mary spent the last days of her life, this site is a popular pilgrimage site.

The sparkling waters, beaches and relaxing atmosphere of this Mediterranean coastal town make it a highly popular getaway spot.

Wind your way through streets lined with Greek-style whitewashed houses, ducking into cafes and absorbing the Mediterranean feel.

This beautifully-located 15C castle houses the Underwater Archaeology Museum and boasts fantastic views of the surrounding area.

Take a dip in the gorgeous Mediterranean waters and relax on the sand at the city's beach.

Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the foundations of this 350 BC tomb can still be seen.

Ruins of an ancient settlement, featuring a terraced temple of Zeus and noted for its intriguing almost-Hellenistic architecture.

Once a thriving ancient city, this village is dominated by the majestic Besparmak Mountains that offer great hiking and climbing.

Over 2000 years old, this ancient, 13,000-capacity, open-air theater continues to be used for events in the summer months.

Sitting on the headland, the location of these crumbling old windmills offers pleasant views out over the city and bay.

Once the house of Turkish music legend Zeki Muren, this is now a museum opened in his honor.

The last remaining gate of what was once the defensive walls of the ancient settlement of Myndos.

A favorite summer retreat for many travelers, this village is a lively destination graced with gorgeous beaches, shops, and cafes.

A popular sea-side resort town, Didim is known for its beautiful beaches, as well as its ancient ruins.

Famous for the Egyptian spherical seashells comprising its unique sands, this island is the perfect destination for beach lovers.

This excavated city retains many historic treasures from its times as a major Greek port, such as temples, a theater, and more.

A slice of paradise, Fethiye has stunning blue waters, pine-covered hills, beautiful bays and a laid back feel.

Stroll among the ruins of the ancient city of Telmessos, dating back over 2000 years, which pepper the historic heart of Fethiye.

Situated beside the harbor, this 2000 year-old open-air Roman theater once allowed for 6000 spectators.

Perhaps Fethiye's best-known site, this large tomb and its striking temple-front were carved into the rocky hillside in 350 BC.

The rolling, tree-covered hills, sumptuous sands and crystal waters of Fethiye's beach will help you forget your woes.

Let your imagination roam as you explore the ruins of this once-thriving city, glimpsing its vibrant past through cracks of time.

Explore the hiking trails surrounding this abandoned village, as well as the 3,000 still standing dilapidated buildings.

The city's museum is largely devoted to Lycian relics from the ancient settlement of Telmessos that once stood here.

Zip round the colorful slides and cool down in the pools of this hotel water park, which promises to be fun for all ages.

Dating to 4C BC, this marvelous tomb boasts intricate ornamental stone carvings, an inner burial chamber, and a few statue ruins.

Framed by magnificent mountains and famous for its beautifully clear water, this natural park is the perfect beach getaway.

Known for its stunning beaches, protected lagoon, and nature reserve, this Turkish town is an idyllic getaway.

Explore these ancient Lycian ruins, which are located along Turkey's longest stretch of uninterrupted beach.

Ruins of an ancient Lycian city popular with travelers, where one can find an Ottoman citadel, a grand theater, tombs, and more.

One of the main nesting areas for the endangered loggerhead turtle, this protected area is also of cultural and historical significance.

Turkey's largest Mediterranean coastal city is home to some of the country's finest beaches, and is dotted with historic sites.

Antalya's historic heart is a beautiful mix of ancient relics, Ottoman architecture, small hotels, boutique shops and restaurants.

One of Turkey's largest and best museums is an absolute must, helping to convey the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Check out the impressive sand sculptures at this amazing beach-side attraction.

A series of magnificent waterfalls which span a section of the Duden River, the last of which cascades into the Mediterranean.

Hike through a pine forest to reach this 1,000m high city, whose splendid theater and historic relics uphold a unique atmosphere.

Set amidst historically famed regions, this national park offers an exciting variety of outdoor activities and archaeological sites.

The best of Antalya's bustling beaches is just a short hop from the center, offering sun, sea, sand and beach-side bars and cafes.

Check out this huge aquarium for a glimpse of the wild and wonderful creatures that inhabit the world's oceans.

The tower and ruins at this site once formed a Roman temple which went on to play a huge part in the religious history of the city.

The two beautifully renovated buildings that make up this museum house exhibits of the region's artistic and cultural traditions.

Visit these ruins not only for their rich history going back to the 4C BC, but for the wild and beautiful surrounding nature as well.

Comprising ancient archaeological sites, a seashore, and mountains, this national park has something to offer everyone.

Stroll through this large park with fantastic views of the city's ancient harbor and the sparkling seas of the gulf.

This coastal tower is thought to have been built by the Romans and has since been used as a battlement and lighthouse.

The finest architecture from around Turkey can all be seen here in the scaled down models of this open air attraction.

Head to Tunek Tepe for views out over the surrounding hills and Antalya Gulf.

Dating as far back as the 7C BC, this ancient ruined city retains several original Lycian features.

A great national park centered on the 400m-deep canyon, stretching along the Kopru River and famed for its archaeological remains.