MAIN Travel Middle East Turkey

Byzantine beauty: Hagia Sofia

A blend of Middle Eastern and European, modern and ancient, Turkey borders Bulgaria and Greece to the west, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia to the northeast, Syria, Iraq and Iran to the southeast.

With miles of beautiful coastline, Turkey is a summer paradise of dazzling beaches, the most famous of them at Antalya on the Mediterranean, a particular favorite of European tourists who wouldn't even dream of a stop in Istanbul.

The country's largest city, Istanbul impresses with a stunning variety of architectural wonders including the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, the Byzantine beauty of Hagia Sophia and the ancient wonder of Roman temples.

By day, make your way to the 15th century Kapali Carsi bazaar for some traditional haggling over current bargains, or by night head out to the glimmering hubbub of Istanbul's discos, clubs & restaurants.

Other places of interest clearly show off the breadth and depth of the country's tourist industry including fascinating tours of the ancient cities of Troy, Ephesus, Tarsus, Konya, Samsun, Erzurum, and Trabzon.

The historic Aegean ports of Izmir and Bodrum are additional must-sees and - for an attraction of Biblical proportions - don't miss Mt. Ararat, widely believed to be the landing place of Noah's Ark ...

More about Turkey travel & tourism around the Web:

Turkey Welcomes You - The official travel guide packed with information on top regional attractions including downloadable travel brochures covering the Aegean & the Black Sea, Istanbul & The Marmara and more, plus a hotel guide, practical travel tips, related links.

Turkey Travel Information - Expert tips on what to see and do with travel on Mt. Ararat, Gallipoli Peninsula, the capital at Antalya, and more plus maps & photos, practical travel tips, related links.

Turkey Travel Planner - Author of the Lonely Planet and Frommer's travel guides shows you further around with insider tips on what to see and do, 'been there' advice on hotels & restaurants, itinerary planner, maps & photo gallery.

Top Ten Turkey - Like it says, with information on top attractions, cities, museums, and things to do, with essential Turkish phrases, suggested hotels, maps, photos, related news & travel links.

Istanbul Official City Guide - The city from A-Z with travel details on districts, churches, mosques, Turkish baths, palaces & monuments, along with hotels, clubs & restaurants, tips on getting around, weather facts, maps & photos.

also see in Wine -> Wine Tours in Israel, Lebanon & Turkey