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Zeugma

Zeugma – located 11 hours (1,153 km) via car southeast of Istanbul, this magnificent ancient city, the name of which means “gate,” was founded in 300 BC on the Seven Hills by Seleucus, one of the generals of Alexander the Great. Located 10 km away from Nizip a district of Gaziantep province, Zeugma is comprised of two ancient cities connected to each other through a bridge adjoining the two cities. Formerly named “Euphrates Selevkaya”, the city became known by the name “Zeugma” after entering the patronage of the Roman Empire.

Zeugma was an important trade center of the region located on the historical Silk Road, which used to be the most crucial trade route stretching from Antakya to China in the ancient times. Recognized for its Roman mosaics throughout the world and visited with curiosity by a great number of tourists, the ancient city is divided and examined in three sections referred to as A, B, and C sections. Near to the banks of Birecik Dam, sections A and B of this ancient city have been flooded, while section C (including many ancient structures such as theaters and villas) is intended to be turned into an open-air museum. Shedding light on the Roman period and its architecture, the ruins of Zeugma embody a large cultural heritage. History enthusiasts should certainly not miss the opportunity to visit these fabulous monuments and impressive scenery on site.

Many of these mosaics are now housed at “Zeugma Mosaic Museum” (resulting from years of archaeological work that uncovered many well preserved ancient mosaics) –
(museum address: Mithatpaşa, Hacı Sani Konukoğlu Blv., 27500 Şehitkamil/
Gaziantep). This museum is located near the original excavation site.

Tour companies that provide excursions to this site are: www.anatolia-tours.com; www.gotourturkey.com; www.toursbylocals.com; www.turkeyculturaltour.com www.turkeyforholidays.com

Troy

Troy (historical site)(Tevfikiye, 17100 Kalafat/Çanakkale province) – located 5 hours via car (346 km.) west of Istanbul, Troy was one of the richest cities of ancient times, and among the worldwide popular tourist attractions. Troy is located in the heart of nature in Çanakkale province. This ancient city (whose story was brought to life by the 2004 Hollywood/ Brad Pitt film of the same name) was founded 5,000 years ago and is now inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Mentioned in many myths and legends, the magnificent city was uninterruptedly inhabited by settlers for more than 3,000 years. The city has a rich historical heritage and abounds in ancient monuments. The archaeological excavations are still under progress at Troy which is known to be the setting of Homer’s the Iliad and Odyssey.

Tour companies that provide excursions to this site are: www.cappadociatours.com; www.ctcturkey.com; www.gallipoli-tour.com; www.goreme.com; www.onthegotours.com; www.troytours.com;

Suma Beach

Suma Beach — just an hour’s drive north of Istanbul, this beach (located on the European side of Turkey and facing the Black Sea) is a popular destination for those wanting a break from the hectic pace of Istanbul. Among the activities pursued there are surfing and kitesurfing. In addition, electronic music events like “Big Burn” and “Burn Electronica” are held there during the Summer (attracting international DJs like Richie Hawtin, Luciano, Nicole Moudaber, Paul Johnson, Dubfire, and Dennis Ferrer (among others).

Solar Beach

Solar Beach (Kilyos) — with more than one kilometer long, incredible and unmatched sands, Solar Beach (located an hour north of Istanbul), a.k.a. Kilyos, provides a luxurious summer vacation for Istanbul locals with its 2,000-person capacity deck, restaurants, bars, various adult activities, water sports and unique parties. Solar Beach offers urban entertainment and vacation away from the city with its health spa, shops, succulent foods, fashion shows, workshops and jet-ski championships.

Pamukkale Thermal Pools

Pamukkale Thermal Pools (Denizli Province) – located 7 hours south of Istanbul via car (or an hour via plane), this natural wonder is comprised of terraces and travertine formed by hot springs and streams depositing carbonate minerals. Pamukkale has gained eminence for its waters believed to have curative powers and been used as a thermal bath since centuries. Noted for its extraordinary characteristics, the ancient site has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988.

Located near to Pamukkale, Hierapolis was established in 200 BC by Eumenes II in dedication to the Amazon Queen Hiera, wife of Telephos the founder of Pergamum. Moreover, Hierapolis is an ancient cite that attracts worldwide attention for its majestic buildings and monuments.

The ancient city of Hierapolis has lost its Hellenistic façade as a result of a series of earthquakes and gained a new facade reflecting the influences of Roman architecture during the reconstruction period. Among the major cities of the Byzantine period, Pamukkale became a crucial site to Christianity after one of the apostles of Jesus; St Phillip was murdered in this city. The city which fell under the rule of the Turks in the 9th century still preserves its value and significance as on its very first day.

Tour companies that provide excursions to this site are: www.goreme.com; www.jasminnetour.com; www.pamukkaletours.com; www.tours4turkey.com; and www.yukitour.com

Nemrut

Nemrut (Adıyaman Province) – located 14 hours (via car) or 1 ½ hour flight east of Istanbul, this is a magnificent historical site located on the eastern Taurus mountain range and the 8th Wonder of the World bearing the most valuable monuments of the Kingdom of Commagene. Situated on the Arsameia antique road, Nemrut, 2,206 meters in height, looms over the whole territory encompassing the Firat river crossing and plains. The tumulus and sanctuary include also stone carvings of gods. The eagle head is one of the most well-known and intriguing carvings. UNESCO has inscribed Mount Nemrut on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 and called the site the 8th Wonder of the World. Note: the road to the summit is only open from mid-April to mid-October because of heavy snow the rest of the year.

Tour companies that provide excursions to this site are: www.alaturkaturkey.com; www.goreme.com; mesopotamiaturkeytours.com; www.nemruttours.com; www.tours4turkey.com.

Marmaris

Marmaris (Mugla province)(beach town) – located 9 hours via car south of Istanbul, Marmaris (located within the Turkish Riviera) is a splendid holiday resort with a history dating back to 12,000 BC. Surrounded by a lush green forests of pine trees and the deep blue sea stretching in front of it, Marmaris bedazzles its visitors also with its splendid marina. Thanks to the excavation works conducted in the region, it is possible to follow the traces of a variety of civilizations that have settled and ruled the area since ancient times.

Named Physkos in the ancient times, the seaside town is located in the province of Mugla at the intersection of the Aegean and Mediterranean region. Due to the variety of harbors and bays located in the area, Marmaris has been a central port of maritime trade for centuries. Offering different natural wonders and tourist attractions in every corner, Marmaris has a mild Mediterranean climate. While the summers are hot and dry the winters are mild and rainy. It is possible to enjoy the sea also during off-season as the humidity in the air is quite high.

Kuşadasi

Kuşadasi — founded by the Ionians and formerly known by the name Neopolis, Kusadası has been the cradle of culture and art throughout centuries. Although the exact time of foundation of this antique city is unknown, it is for sure that this pearl of the gulf was established by the Ionians under the rule of Ephesus. Engaged in trade and maritime, the Ionians provided a major contribution to the enrichment and development of the region.

Home to many civilizations, the first settlement in Kuşadası was situated by Yılancı Burnu (Cape of Ophiuchus). One of the major seaports of the ancient times connecting Anatolia to the seas, Kuşadasi is also fairly rich in cultural and historical heritage. Situated in the older town of Kuşadasi, the castle is the shining star of the antique city. Some parts of the fortifications surrounding the castle have survived up to the present day. Apart from its scenic beauties Kuşadasi harbors a variety of restaurants offering specialties unique to the Aegean region. Offering a clear blue sea, beautiful beaches and many natural and historical beauties Kuşadasi continues to be a major holiday destination for all vacationers looking for a perfect holiday.

Kaş

Kaş (seaside resort town) — one of the major cities of Lycia and located in the western part of Antalya, Kaş is a natural wonder which impresses visitors with a spectacular geography. Also known as “the Land of Light, “and the residential area of many ancient cities, Kaş is a peaceful seaside resort located by the crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus Mountains in the background. Bearing the traces of the most spectacular ancient civilizations such as the Lycian, Greek and Roman civilizations, Kaş is surrounded with landmarks and ruins shedding light on the history of antiquity.

The yachts, fishing boats and gullets docked at the splendid harbor will make you want to set sail while the delicacies of the local cuisine offered at various restaurants will delight your taste buds. A congenial location for a variety of sports the geography of Kaş is particularly suitable for underwater sports. You will be tempted to get into your wet suit and swim with the fishes. For those interested in diving excursions, one can contact the following websites:

Kartepe

Kartepe (ski resort) – located 1 ½ hour (110 km) east of Istanbul, this is one of Turkey’s major ski resorts. Located on the peak of Samanlı Mountains located in Kocaeli province in the Marmara Region, Kartepe is the closest ski resort to Istanbul. Kartepe may be a suitable option for those are thinking of spending their winter holiday by taking time out in nature and engaging in winter sports.