Istanbul Itineraries
easyshoot/shutterstock
- Natural Beauty
- Archaeology
- Food and Wine
- Beaches
- History
This Trip's Top Experiences:
Many travelers tend to bypass the islands of the Northeastern Aegean in favor of glitzy party places like Mykonos and Santorini. They don't know what they're missing. The seductive islands hugging the coast of Asia Minor capture the essence of Hellenic culture and history, as well as provide an easy gateway to Turkish destinations such as the ancient Roman city of Ephesus.
europeexpert /Fodors.com member
- Archaeology
- Beaches
- Architecture
- History
- Natural Beauty
This Trip's Top Experiences:
Many people come to Turkey to see the stunning ruins, while others are drawn by the siren call of the beaches. This itinerary, starting and ending in Istanbul, will satisfy both, and you'll see some of the greatest preserved ancient sites in Turkey. Some happen to be nestled along beaches, and others are just a short detour from a boat ride and sunshine.
Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism
- Archaeology
- History
- Natural Beauty
- Museums
This Trip's Top Experiences:
Take in the best of Greece and Turkey by following this classic route. Beginning at, well, the beginning—antiquity, that is—you'll explore Athens's classic monuments. From there, traverse the Greek Islands, with stops in picturesque Santorini and glitzy Rhodes, before heading for Turkey's mainland. Ancient ruins and stunning views abound in Antalya and Cappadoccia and lead to your final stop, Istanbul.
Amer Kapetanovic/iStockphoto
- Archaeology
- History
- Natural Beauty
This Trip's Top Experiences:
Turkey is a cultural crossroads where the world's major three religions (Islam, Christianity, and Judaism) have coexisted for centuries. It's not uncommon to see a mosque next to an ancient church or synagogue. On this trip, you'll explore some of the most important religious sites in Turkey. Keep in mind that Turkey's bus network is more comprehensive than its train network.
