History and Nature in Turkey

Often overlooked, Turkey's second largest city and capital is dynamic, cultured and teeming with lively spots to explore.

Head to this peaceful park to escape the bustle of the city center, relax and admire the abundance of greenery and fountains.

A pleasant patch of inner-city green, famous for the swans for which it's named.

At the center of the city, this is a great place to stroll among Turkish families, people watch, and soak up the local atmosphere.

Out towards the airport, this park is packed full of fun attractions, including an Olympic pool, restaurants and a huge pond.

Culture, cafes and modern art from across Europe are fast making this one-time train depot the cultural hotspot of the city.

Animals, an in-house brewery, fresh dairy products and great restaurants make this a fun day out for both adults and children.

Stroll through this rejuvenated historical district, admiring the traditional architecture and browsing in shops.

One of the world's largest, this young but impressive mosque has become an emblem for Ankara.

One of Europe's largest tunnel aquariums offers a vast array of underwater creatures from the rivers and seas of the world.

The medieval citadel sits perched on a rocky peak at the heart of the old town, with some good views of the city.

Sitting atop a rocky mound, the city's historic center is a great place to wander, keeping an eye out for ancient relics and ruins.

A must for most Turks, the impressive mausoleum of modern Turkey's founder is also home to museums and a huge courtyard.

For those interested in seeing an opera or ballet performance in Ankara, this is the place to go.

Get a taste for Turkey's rich artistic history through the fine collection of paintings and sculptures here.

Get a taste for Turkey's rich and complex history through the artifacts of this excellent museum.

This 15C mosque was built to honor a Muslim religious figure and poet. It is one of the most admired in the city.

Beautifully situated among fantastical rocky peaks, the small, laid-back town of Goreme has a unique, otherworldly feel.

A UNESCO site, this collection of religious buildings, carved from rocky outcrops by Byzantine monks, is a must-see attraction.

Mix with the locals and experience the rustic charm of Goreme as you wind through the beguiling lanes of the old town.

Favored by travelers, the town boasts boutique hotels and great nightlife along with cave dwellings and quaint handicraft shops.

Famed for its uncanny rock formations shaped like mushroom-topped fairy chimneys, this valley offers a glimpse into another world.

Offering stunning landscape shaped over centuries by erosion, this national park is home to rock hewn villages dating to the 4C.

A small village of stone-carved houses, famed for a surrealistically beautiful citadel set on the highest point in Cappadocia.

Over 200 villages of cavernous dwellings are carved into the rock formations of this region, evoking its millennia-long history.

The highest summit in its mountain range, Mount Erciye is truly awe-inspiring in its beauty and is popular with winter sports fans.

The perfect mix of old and new, this busy city boasts ancient architecture and culture, along with a thriving modern university.

The prefect place to relax while exploring the city, enjoy this park, home to Japanese architecture and plants.

Stroll through this charming park, enjoy the greenery and admire the historic sites dotted throughout.

Wander through this exciting city, taking in the ancient sites, while enjoying the young university atmosphere.

Important to those who appreciate Dervish culture and teachings, this is the final resting place of Rumi's teacher, Semsi Tebrizi.

A national park in a historically significant region, famed for the Beysehir Lake set in its heart and dotted with over 30 isles.

A wonderful experience for all ages, this science center offers interactive learning activities, a planetarium, a cafe, and more.

A unique archaeological museum, home to a wide range of artifacts, including the skeleton of a little girl, jewelry, and pottery.

Learn about the life and works of Persian Sufi mystic Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi at this mausoleum.

Dedicated to the history and culture of the region, this excellent museum is known for its collection of Turkish rugs.

Formerly a Christian basilica, the church itself dates to the 11C, with most of today's design being from the Ottoman period.

Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant night life, Alanya is also home historic charms such as an ancient castle.

Accidentally discovered in 1948, the air in the cave is extremely humid and gives it its reputation as the "asthma-cure cave."

An active shipyard since the 14C, it was originally designed so that Sultan Aladdin Keykuba could be "the sultan of two seas."

Built on top of Byzantine and Roman fortresses, this ancient castle dates to the 13C and majestically overlooks the town.

Take a stroll through the lovely gardens, rest in the shade, and admire the beautiful plant life.

Beautifully bedecked with crystalline limestone, this wonderful cave offers over 155m of pathways for exploration.

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

With collections dating back to 250 BC, this interesting museum also features a lovely garden with artifacts and statues.

Known as a symbol of the city of Alanya, the tower was completed in the 13C and today houses the local ethnography museum.

Spend the day splashing around at this exciting water park, which promises to be fun for both adults and children.

Wander through this vibrant town, taking in the sites, and enjoying the thriving night life.

Estimated to be at least a million years old, this cave is certainly one of Turkey's oldest and offers 400m of subterranean mystery.

Climb up the 180 steps carved within the mountain to discover an 11C fortress, home to ruins of a citadel, a mosque, and dwellings.

Go for a swim in the clear blue sea, relax on the sandy shore, and have a great day out at Alanya's lovely beach.

An ancient Greek city resting on a coast and a bustling center, Side offers the most remarkable archaeological sites in Asia Minor.

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

A fantastic seaside resort, popular for its clear blue beaches, vibrant nightlife, and easy access to spectacular nature.

Hit the streets for a taste of local color, enjoying the bustling center during daytime, and the vibrant club scene at night.

An open-air museum presenting the traditional lifestyle of Turkish nomads. Be sure to taste the delicious bread made on the spot.

Comprised of several unspoiled bays and breathtaking natural surrounding, Kemer is certainly a great destination for beach lovers.

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

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

Ride the funicular up to the summit of this gorgeous mountain, and prepare yourself for the stunning views you will find at the top.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hike through the stunning canyons in the unique park, where rushing blue waters will stream past you.

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

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

A wonderful little town not far from the popular Fethiye, Dalyan is known for its gorgeous nearby beaches and a mellow ambiance.

Comprised of little coves and 12 islands, Gocek is a wonderful resort town, known for its beaches, marinas, and lively atmosphere.

Two summits separated by a flood valley, visitors enjoy hiking and para-gliding to fully soak in the amazing views.

The former capital of Lycia, this site boasts remarkable archaeological remains, among them the wonderfully decorated Harpy Tomb.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Centered on the mythological Ida Mount, this national park offers spectacular views and rich valleys for a perfect nature retreat.

Resting near major archaeological sites, Selcuk is a vibrant city featuring many historic buildings, churches, and a mosques.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Ancient gates and sections of the fortified walls which once defended the city can be found in the older parts of town.

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.

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

The lush greenery, placid ponds, and colorful flowers of this city park make it popular with locals and visitors alike.

Wander peacefully and picnic among the flowers and trees of these former palatial gardens, now one of the city's oldest parks.

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

Standing on an islet in the Bosphorus is one of Istanbul's most unique sights: an 18C tower with a long and colorful history.

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

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

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

Opened in 2011, the city aquarium boasts a huge variety of underwater life in conditions closely matching their natural habitats.

Sitting on a tree-clad bank of the Bosphorus, this 15C Ottoman fortress has three handsome towers and views out over the strait.

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

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

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.

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

Get a taste for Turkey's fine architectural heritage through the vast array of scaled-down models at this open-air attraction.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

An impressive 14C tower which marks the city skyline and offers great views out over the urban landscape.

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.