Top 10 things to do in Turkey

Sitting majestically in the centre of Istanbul is the Byzantine wonder of Hagia Sophia, (Aya Sofya). Built in 537 CE by Emperor Justinian, this architectural masterpiece has been a centrepiece of both Christian and Islamic religions throughout the centuries and has held the title of the World’s largest church for over a thousand years. From the outside its domed roof dominates the skyline as do the intricate minarets added to the building after the Ottoman conquest. Inside, the cavernous interior is decorated with frescos and elaborate carvings which make for an awe-inspiring experience. If you plan on visiting this must see building then be aware that men should wear trousers and women should keep their shoulders covered as this is still an active mosque.

Turkey is home to one of the most complete examples of a famous, ancient city that can be found in the whole Mediterranean region, Ephesus. You will be amazed as you wander through the remains of this once great Roman commercial centre, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 10th-century BC, most of the immense monuments, and marble column lined roads visible today are from the later Roman period. Of particular note are the Library of Celsus, a collection of frescoed terraced houses and the Great Theatre. With plenty to see and do here, make sure you plan to spend at least half a day exploring this ancient wonder.

Millions of years of wind and rain have shaped the soft rocks of the Cappadocia valleys into a wonderful vista of wave shaped formations topped by eerie pinnacles. But this is not what draws the tourists today, it's what past inhabitants carved into the rocks that make Cappadocia such an amazing place to visit. Dating from the Byzantine Era, Christian communities settled here and created homes and decorative churches within the rock formations. Whole villages were carved into the rocks and many have now become boutique hotels where you can eat and sleep inside a Turkish hillside. If you fancy an aerial view of this unusual part of the world then you will not be disappointed as this is one of the top places to take to the skies on board a hot air balloon.

As an example of opulence and wealth, Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace is hard to beat. During the 15th and 16th Centuries Sultans ran the Ottoman Empire from this truly impressive building, an empire that extended throughout Europe, the Middle East and parts of Africa. Outside there are well tended, landscaped gardens to explore, whilst inside are examples of intricate tiling and lavish decorations. Of particular note are the Imperial Council building where all state matters were decided, the Imperial Treasury with a comprehensive arms collection, a world beating collection of miniature paintings and the secretive but sumptuous Harem rooms.

Meaning Cotton Castle in English, the cascading terraces of Pamukkale look like a series of white chalk paddling pools attached to the side of a Calcite Hill. In reality this is an awesome example of nature's ability to amaze. The pools with their shallow, blue, mineral rich waters look totally out of place amongst the surrounding green landscape. The minerals in the waters have long been claimed to have healing powers and Hierapolis was established here as a spa town in the Roman Era. Remains of the ancient spa remain today and you can still see parts of the theatre, gymnasium, necropolis and grand town gates. For a small fee you can even swim in the antique pool, partaking of the water’s magical properties as the Romans once did.

On the top of Mount Nemrut in Eastern Turkey is one of the eeriest and strange archaeological sites in the Mediterranean region. Built by Antiochus I around 50 BC, this funeral dedication originally consisted of a 50m high artificial mound added to the top of this barren mountain and decorated with massive statues portraying the ancient ruler alongside statues of the Greek Gods. Now the statues have long since collapsed leaving their heads staring up from the ground and giving the whole area a strange but intriguing atmosphere. Many people choose to visit at sunrise when the mammoth effigies of long forgotten Gods slowly emerge from the dark.

Close to the resort of Antalya is the mighty Roman Theatre of Aspendos, one of the best-preserved examples of a classical age theatre in the World. Built to celebrate the rule of Emperor Marcus Aurelius this vast 15,000 seat theatre has been restored to showcase some of its former glory. Although the theatre is the star attraction there are also other noteworthy ruins worth seeing; in particular, the aqueduct, agora, stadium and byzantine basilica. Day and half day trips run regularly from all the surrounding resort locations and we strongly recommend that you consider taking the time to immerse yourself in this ancient landscape.

If you want a taste of the classical world whilst holidaying in Turkey, then head to the dramatic hilltop remains of Pergamum in modern day Bergama. Pergamum was the location of one of the ancient world’s most important libraries and was the site of a famous medical school. The ruins of the once magnificent buildings still make an impressive and atmospheric sight and the acropolis area and theatre are particularly note worthy with superb views across the surrounding countryside. This collection of Greco-Roman ruins makes for a very thought-provoking experience and should not be missed by anyone who has an interest in the past.

The city of Troy is what most people remember from their ancient history lessons at school and the reading of Homer’s Iliad. Whether the myths surrounding the Trojan Wars are true or not, here in Turkey the remains of the city are very real. The ruins include the remains of buildings dating from the Bronze Age and include parts of the city walls and fortifications, pieces of the ancient palace, Mycenaean halls, houses and Roman era monuments. There is a superb museum which recounts the chequered history of this once great city from ancient times to the modern day and includes details of the gold, silver and copper artefacts known as Priam's Treasure, which were excavated and illegally exported to Moscow where they now reside in the Pushkin Museum.

Amid the grassy plains that sit on the border between Turkey and Armenia are the remains of a once great city that dominated the area and the Silk Road trading route, Ani. Once capital of the Armenian Kingdom, Ani fell into decline during the 14th-century as earthquakes, trade wars and Mongol raids took their toll. Many of the intricate, red brick buildings can still be seen and are a moving sight as they stand proud against the surrounding steppes. Some of the best examples are the Church of the Redeemer, Church of St Gregory, the Ani Cathedral and the Manuchehr Mosque built in the 11th century and one of the first in Turkey.