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İstanbul, Türkiye
In a country of such immense geographic, religious and ethnic diversity, there’s
a huge amount to explore in Istanbul. Start by heading to Sultanahmet, home to
some of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Blue
Mosque. After you take in these sites, explore Grand Bazaar and head out into
surrounding neighborhoods—from hip Beyoglu on one side of town to leafy Cihangir
on another.
- Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht
- Hagia Sophia Museum
- The Blue Mosque
- Grand Bazaar
- Topkapı Palace
- Galata Tower
- Galata Bridge
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Cappadocia, Türkiye
A top destination of every traveler is Cappadocia, famous for its fairy
chimneys, moon houses and shelters. While exploring these monuments, one must
also see Göreme Open Air Museum where Haghia Sophia Church is situated. A
typical feature of Cappadocia are valleys filled with balloons that are blown by
natural gas in underground caves. You can spend some time hiking on Devrent
Valley while visiting Mount Hasan that has a 7th-century Seljuk mosque built on
it.
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Antalya, Türkiye
Beaches and traditional Ottoman pastimes like horseback riding and cayaking
await in Antalya, a historic seaport on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. The old
city is home to Kasbah, a former 17th-century Ottoman prison that has been
converted into a colorful shopping center; Kaleiçi, an Ottoman neighborhood
lined with cafés and bazaars; and Yivli Minare (Fluted Minaret), an Ottoman
mosque that dates to 1432.
- From Antalya: Taurus Mountains Full-Day Jeep Safari
- Hadrian's Gate
- Lower Düden Waterfall
- Konyaalti Beach
- Hıdırlık Tower
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Fethiye, Türkiye
This picturesque village sits on a bay surrounded by hills. While it’s commonly
overlooked in favor of nearby Çökertme, it has much to offer, including
colorful homes and delicious kebabs. The main road cuts through Fethiye like a
downtown district, with several small squares providing plenty of places to eat
and drink (and shop for handcrafted wood products). It’s also home to many shops
specializing in antiques.
- From Fethiye: Horse Riding Adventure
- Blue Lagoon Ölüdeniz Tandem Paragliding from Fethiye
- Ruins of Kayaköy
- Kayaköy
- Calis Beach
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Bodrum, Türkiye
The Greek island of Kos is less than one hour away by catamaran, but Bodrum is
an attraction in its own right. The town was founded in 800 BC and has since
blossomed into a significant historical and artistic center, with narrow
cobblestone streets lined with colorful cafes and shops. There are many places
to stay for travelers on a budget—and you can even pitch a tent at your hotel
for just $8 USD.
- Pamukkale and Hierapolis Full-Day Tour from Bodrum
- Bodrum Castle
- Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
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İzmir, Türkiye
There are many things to see and do in Izmir. The city itself is filled with
sights, including an archaeological museum, a large number of historic churches,
old castles and ruins dating back to Hellenistic times. There are several
shopping areas in Izmir where you can purchase hand-made works by local
artisans.
- Konak Square
- Kemeralti
- Kadifekale
- İzmir Agora Museum