Across the Greek Mainland is Turkey, one of the world's ancient countries. It is the best place to be when you want the best of two different cultures, eastern mysticism, and western capitalism. Although Turkey straddles between two opposite worlds, it clearly defines and reinforces its culture and tradition, thus earning the sobriquet “One of the Exotic Places in the World."



The abundance of old ruins in the provinces, the eerie but awesome stone "horses" of Cappadocia, beach resorts, and the metropolitan lifestyle in Turkey's top three cities–Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara–provide the best stage for a Mediterranean holiday all year round.

No global-trotting is complete without a visit to Turkey where ancient relics and some grand palaces and mosques of the Byzantine (AD 330) and Ottoman (thirteenth century) empires are still around. According to Turkey travel agencies, discovering Turkey is like taking a trip back to a past steeped in history, bloodshed, and romance.

Top Five Spots in Turkey

Turkey travel gurus recommend the following top 10 places to visit:

•Bodrum. It’s a mix of beach villages, heady nightlife, and spectacular shopping. It is here that one of the seven wonders of the ancient world is found, the tomb of King Mausolus.

•Marmaris. The resort offers a yacht marina and picnic spots but the best picnic grounds are found in the Ataturk National Park. Nearby towns offer stunning beaches for swimmers and sunbathers. Hospitality is aplenty at the shops where shopping tourists are welcomed with tea, and it is here that the best leather belts are found.

•Fethiye. The breathtaking lagoon makes a good stop for tourists who want some excellent diving. There is paragliding for the adventurers too. The nightlife is cosmopolitan, and there is traditional Turkish food to sample but there are several restaurants to suit different tastes. In the market stalls, carpets and jewelry of exquisite designs are available and the prices of Turkish products are very much cheaper.

•Altinkum. This is another resort town on the Aegean Sea with great water sports, beaches, and bars. The nearby Temple of Apollo built in the eighth century BC is one of the must-see places for history and archaeology buffs.

•Dalyan. This is an unspoiled fishing village. On the long strip of the beach, Loggerhead turtles lay their eggs. The place is also famous for the River of the Rustling Reeds, which boasts of a variety of birds and fish species.

Turkish Hotels

The Hilton hotel chain, Four Seasons, Hyatt, Conrad Hotel, Intercontinental, and the Ritz Carlton are available for tourists who want top accommodations. There are also locally owned and managed Turkish hotels, discount hotels, motels, and inns.

Tourists are advised to book in advance because the holiday season never stops in Turkey and Turkish hotels are fully-booked non-stop.

Getting There and Getting Around

U.S. tourists can get a direct flight from New York to Istanbul. The two Turkish carriers - Turkish Air and Pegasus Air offer connecting flights to Antalya, Bodrum, and Izmir. Rental cars are readily available in coastal airports. The street signs are all in English so there is no trouble finding one's way around. There are ATMs, banks, gas stations and Starbucks Cafes in almost all important places.