Name

Location

Description

Hagia Sophia Museum

Istanbul

This Christian basilica (the first in the Roman Empire) later became a mosque, and is now a grand museum. It is also the only building in the world to serve pagan, Christian, and Islamic religions and provides an amazing architectural spectacle of art and history that will enchant.

Ephesus

Ephesus

Visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the House of the Virgin Mary, where she may have spent her last days, and the Basilica of St. John, where the evangelist and apostle spent his last days. There are plenty of ancient ruins — Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and more — to check out, too.

Topkapi Palace

Istanbul

Now a splendid museum, the Topkapi Palace was once the home and administrative headquarters of Ottoman sultans. Besides the sheer beauty of the architecture, the museum houses Ottoman relics, armor, manuscripts and more.

Blue Mosque

Istanbul

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is gorgeous from a distance, but inside, up close and personal, it’s even more magnificent. Its blue tiled walls furnished its nickname, and the majestic architecture and stained glass windows still amaze. Built in the 1600s, it is still a place of worship, so plan your visit around other times of day.

Pamukkale

Pamukkale

This natural formation of thermal springs is set on massive, travertine terraces. “Pamukkale” means “cotton castle” in Turkish, and with its surreal white pools and turquoise waters, it’s no wonder it is the most popular attraction in Turkey.

Goreme National Park

Cappadocia

Rocks, hills, mountains, plateaus … the spectacular landscape of the Goreme National Park just amazes. But the most amazing feature is its “fairy chimneys” or unusual rock formations in which ancient people carved homes, churches, and entire underground of cities. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Aspendos

50 km east of Antalya

If ever you wanted to know what the acoustics and visuals of an ancient theatre are like, come in summer to the ancient Roman theatre here, when the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival is in session. Even if you don’t catch an act on stage, exploring the magnificent ruins is worth experiencing, as it’s one of the best preserved examples of Roman architecture. 

Pergamum

Bergama (just outside town)

Greek and Roman ruins are pretty spectacular wherever you go, but the ones here in ancient Pergamum are some of the best. From the 15,000 seat theatre set into a hillside to the Temple of Athena to the famed library (once the best in the world), the ruins give you historical perspective in a naturally beautiful setting.

Archaeological Site of Troy

Canakkale

Immortalized by Homer in the Iliad, Troy has fascinated historians, archaeologists and artists for years — its 4,000 years of history speak for itself. And yes: It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Grand Bazaar

Istanbul

First built in the 15^th century, the Grand Bazaar  is the marketplace of the Tale of 1,001 Nights. It’s one of the most memorable places to shop in the world. Its rich historical setting spans 61 streets featuring more than 3,600 shops — it’s a must-visit.