On the Road
From Sardis in northwest Turkey, adventurers with a penchant for the hum of a motor can travel the Persian Royal Road alongside the ghosts of Darius the Great, Herodotus and Alexander. Pit stops into history are plentiful, and those inclined can follow it all the way to Iran.
Riding the Rails
Begin this trip with a visit to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul before hopping on board the Taurus Express, Turkey's version of the Siberian Railway. Pass along the sea, over mountains and through valleys on this trip from the ancient capitol to the Syrian border.
Anchors Away
Set sail along Turkey's Turquoise Coast, where you can snorkel over sunken ruins or take day trips to sites of ancient cities. On the Lycian peninsula, you can easily charter a small boat for groups or join one of many pre-arranged tours.
Down Stream
Raft down one of the fast-flowing rivers worldwide, the Coruh River in far northeastern Turkey, and take in the wild and the ruined of the ancient Byzantine Empire.
Afoot and Afield
The ancient rock churches of Cappadocia provide the perfect setting for a traveler who wants to spend a few days hiking. The Ihlara Valley is more commonly trekked, but there is plenty of space out here to hoof it. Alternatively, rent a car for a few days and hit the sites early to avoid crowds.
Article Written By David J. Harvey
David J. Harvey has worked as a journalist since 2006, while earning a degree in political science and writing at the University of California, San Diego. He has written and edited for the UCSD "Guardian" and the AUC "Caravan" in Cairo, and currently freelances with San Diego's "Uptown News."
