Pamukkale is home to Türkiye’s ‘cotton castle’, named for the fascinating formation of cascading white travertine terraces filled with aquamarine mineral-rich thermal water. One of just a handful of white terraces found in the world, the beauty and healing properties of this natural phenomenon have been attracting visitors for thousands of years. Just above the white terraces of Pamukkale, on the hilltop, are the ruins of Hierapolis, a city founded by the Greeks around the 2nd century BC and later ruled and enhanced by the Romans. Researchers have also found ancient remains from the Iron Age as well, so life here long predates the Greeks too. Unfortunately, this remarkable site,…

The ancient ruins of the city of Ephesus, Türkiye, which are over 2,000 years old, is one of my favorite Roman ruin sites. They’re stunning, even if you’re not into history. This ancient city achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 2015. It’s also the home of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Temple of Artemis, the Church of St. John, and the House of the Virgin Mary. This post covers the top things to see and do in Ephesus. About Ephesus There are several legends of Ephesus with the most interesting being that it was founded by the Amazons, the great female warriors, and named after their…

Istanbul, with its brilliant Byzantine and Ottoman mosques, palaces, and fountains, the Roman Hippodrome, modeled after Circus Maximus, the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets, and more, all sitting near the coast of the Bosporus and Black Sea, is full of dazzling sights and fascinating things to do. This post covers the best things to see and do in Istanbul. About Istanbul Istanbul was once known as Byzantium and then Constantinople, when it became the capital of Rome and the largest and wealthiest city in Europe. Today, it remains one of the largest cities in Europe, something that surprises many people. It’s also one of the largest…

Antalya, Türkiye was the home of several magnificent ancient Roman cities after Attalus III bequeathed his kingdom to the Roman Republic in 133 BC to avoid bloodshed after his death. Perge, or Perga, located about 14 miles (23 km) northeast of Antalya Old Town, was one of those cities. Perge was once the capital of Pamphylia (where Antalya is centered today) and renowned as one of its most beautiful cities. The most impressive ruins at Perge are Roman, but life here actually dates back to ancient Greek times, and even farther, to the Hittites in the 15th century BC, and even the Bronze Age. This post covers the top sites…

Want to know how to get to Tunek Tepe so you can see the fabulous panoramic view of Antalya from its peak? Maybe you’ve been mesmerized by the stunning Taurus Mountains while you’ve been on your trip in Antalya and you want to get closer? Or maybe you just want to escape the heat for a few hours from a place that’s a little cooler? Either way, heading over the Tunek Tepe is a great way to spend a few hours and see the city from the different perspective. There are two cable car rides in Antalya, Tunek Tepe and Olympus. This post covers the details of Tunek Tepe, how…

The amazing natural wonderland of Cappadocia really is a must-see when visiting Türkiye. Its landscape, unlike any other, has miles and miles (and miles) of fanciful fairy chimneys and stunning wrinkled ravines. And as one of the world’s largest and most beautiful cave-dwelling complexes, some older than 3,000 years old, its history is incredibly rich and diverse. This post covers the top things to see and do in Cappadocia. About Cappadocia  Cappadocia’s stunning landscape started millions of years ago when nearby volcanos erupted, blanketing the area in up to 30’ (10 m) of ash. After this, a millennium of water and wind carved out the spectacular valleys and dynamic rock…

Antalya, on Türkiye’s stunning southern coast, makes a great getaway, with many things to see and do. With its brilliant beaches and gentle turquoise waters framed by the beautiful Taurus Mountains, its charming old town Kaleiçi, picturesque old harbor, fabulous Roman ruins, and more, it’s an enchanting place to visit for relaxation and discovery. Brief History Of Antalya Antalya gets its name from King Attalus II of Pergamon, who is considered to have founded Antalya around 150 BC (although ruins here predate this). Known for his naval prowess, Antalya served as the base for his formidable fleet, which was key to his military successes and political power. This area later…

If you’re interested in learning about the history, people, and culture of unique places, Turkey (Türkiye) is an excellent choice. Every city I visited here was amazing, and exceeded my expectations, but so did its people. They’re gregarious, frank, engaging, and passionate about their country. Conversations do not feel superficial in any way. You feel like you’re making instantaneous friendships with the people you meet here. I also learned many things about the history, some of which I had either forgotten, or never learned. Did you know the ancient city of Troy was in Turkey (Türkiye)? That iron was discovered here by the Hittites in the 15th century BC? Or…