Discover Turkey

Turkey's magnificent metropolis straddles two continents, offering a unique blend of Byzantine grandeur and Ottoman splendor. From the iconic Hagia Sophia to the bustling Grand Bazaar, Istanbul captivates visitors with its rich layers of history and vibrant modern culture.

Cruise the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia, explore ancient palaces and mosques, and experience the city's legendary hospitality. Istanbul stands as one of the world's great cities, where every street corner tells a story spanning over 2,700 years.

Once the crown jewel of the Roman Empire in Asia Minor and home to over 250,000 inhabitants, Ephesus stands today as Turkey's most spectacular archaeological site. This ancient metropolis, where the Apostle Paul preached and the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her final years, offers an unparalleled journey through Greek, Roman, and early Christian history.

The magnificent Library of Celsus, with its towering facade of Corinthian columns and marble statuary, once housed 12,000 scrolls and served as a tomb for the Roman senator Celsus. Walking down the marble-paved Curetes Street, you'll pass terrace houses with intricate mosaics and frescoes that rival those in Pompeii, offering glimpses into the daily lives of Ephesus's wealthy citizens.

The Grand Theater, carved into Mount Pion and capable of seating 25,000 spectators, witnessed everything from gladiatorial contests to Paul's famous sermon that sparked riots among the silversmiths. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once stood here as the largest building in the ancient world, drawing pilgrims from across the Mediterranean.

Born from the ashes of ancient volcanoes Mount Erciyes and Mount Hasan, Cappadocia's otherworldly landscape defies imagination. Over millions of years, wind and water carved the soft volcanic tuff into towering fairy chimneys, hidden valleys, and labyrinthine cave systems that early Christians transformed into churches, monasteries, and entire underground cities.

The region's crown jewel experience is the sunrise hot air balloon flight, where hundreds of colorful balloons drift silently over the lunar landscape at dawn. From above, you'll witness the full majesty of Love Valley's phallic rock formations, the pink and gold hues of Rose Valley, and the honeycomb-like cave dwellings that still house locals today. No photograph can capture the ethereal beauty of this aerial ballet performed against one of Earth's most extraordinary backdrops.

Beneath the surface lies an even more remarkable world. The underground city of Derinkuyu plunges eight levels deep, once sheltering 20,000 people with its sophisticated ventilation systems, wine cellars, stables, and chapels. The Göreme Open-Air Museum showcases over 30 rock-cut churches adorned with Byzantine frescoes that have survived since the 4th century, making it Turkey's most visited museum outside Istanbul.

Pamukkale, meaning "Cotton Castle" in Turkish, is one of Earth's most extraordinary geological phenomena. For over 14,000 years, mineral-rich thermal springs have cascaded down the mountainside, depositing calcium carbonate to create brilliant white limestone terraces that resemble frozen waterfalls or cotton fields. This natural wonder attracts over 2 million visitors annually who come to witness and experience this unique landscape.

The thermal springs maintain a constant temperature of 35°C (95°F) and are believed to possess healing properties that have drawn visitors since ancient times. The Romans built the city of Hierapolis directly above the springs, creating elaborate bath houses and temples dedicated to the god of health. Today, visitors can still bathe in the famous Antique Pool, where submerged ancient columns create an otherworldly swimming experience among Roman ruins.

The ancient city of Hierapolis, perched atop the white terraces, offers a fascinating journey through Roman and Byzantine history. Its well-preserved theater, necropolis with over 1,200 tombs, and massive ancient baths showcase the prosperity this sacred site once enjoyed. The combination of natural wonder and archaeological treasure makes Pamukkale unique among Turkey's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.