ABOUT TURKEY

Turkey is a land populated since the beginning of history by an amazing number of civilizations – pagan, Christian and Islamic – and empires – Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. No other piece of geography on earth has been home to so many different peoples over so many centuries.

The Turkish Republic, in the southeastern corner of Europe, is a land of beauty, a land of abundance, a land of great cities and quaint villages, of fertile mountain valleys, and azure seas. It’s the homeland of Turks, over fifty million of them, a proud people with a great heritage, a deep history and a smile for every visitor.

Turkey is part of Europe, but it’s not just like the rest of Europe. It has a special place in world geography, history and commerce. For centuries, the fertile peninsula called Anatolia or Asia Minor, has been a land bridge linking Europe with Western Asia. In Istanbul you can actually walk across a great bridge from one continent to the other. For thousands of years people have migrated across this beautiful land, or have sailed along its shores. Many people have stopped to enjoy its natural beauty and wealth, and have left behind wonderful treasures of art and architecture.

Turkey’s history starts in prehistoric times and includes many important events. Did you know that the Trojan War took place in Turkey? Classical Hellenic culture and art was born on these shores and great men of philosophy, science and literature lived and worked here. Rome ruled Anatolia and the Romans built hundreds of great theatres. At Ephesus, Roman audiences listened to the sermons of St. Paul as he toured the Seven Churches of Asia. St. Paul was born in Tarsus, on Turkey’s southern shore. Did you know that the Virgin Mary lived her last years here in a small cottage near Ephesus?

This fact has been confirmed by the Vatican and Pope John II personally visited this site. Also, St. John wrote his Gospel here. A great basilica once stood on this spot to commemorate his work. And of all people, Santa Claus was born here! Yes, Saint Nick (Nicholas) actually began his fabled existence during Roman times as a bishop in a city on Turkey’s south coast. He gave his first Christmas presents to the local young people. After his death he became a saint, and the Church of Saint Nicholas, in the town of Demre, commemorates his life and work. In medieval times, the Crusaders marched through Anatolia, and built romantic castles.

Walk the streets of ancient classical cities. Feel the warmth of the calcium-rich, warm waters of Pamukkale, a favorite health spa of the Romans. Explore the eerie moonscape of Cappadocia, where the early Christians carved homes through volcanic earth far up in the hills or down 7 seven stories into the earth and decorated churches right out of the volcanic rocks.

After all your exertion, you can rest and rejuvenate yourself the way the Turks have been doing for centuries; in the warmth of a traditional bath. After the bath comes dinner, which could be Turkey’s national dish, succulent roasted lamb called “Doner Kebab” which goes along with a delicious Turkish wine, or seafood fresh from the blue waters of the Aegean, the Mediterranean, the Black Sea or the Marmara Sea. Or you may choose among hundreds of hot or cold appetizers.

Discover for yourself why people say that there are only three great cuisine’s in the world; French, Chinese, and Turkish!
Imagine visiting a country where time goes back ten thousand years, a country where the mysteries of the East, the beauties of nature, and the pleasures of modern living are part of every day life.

Travel with us along Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean coasts in first class luxury. Visit Roman cities and amphitheatres, Hellenic ruins, Crusader castles, pristine whitewashed villages; see spectacular scenery and explore diverse geography; visit unpopulated sandy beaches set amidst Roman ruins; explore by boat and luxury air conditioned touring bus.