Surrounded by mountains and rich in wildlife, the region along the Aegean Sea begins in Thracian (European) Turkey along the Gallipoli Peninsula, site of the 1915 World War I Gallipoli battle that claimed 500,000 soldiers. Cross the Dardanelles Strait to visit the excavation of the ancient city of Troy, where at least nine cities have been built atop the ancient settlement of Homer's Iliad. Wonder at the replica of the reputed Trojan Horse and its infamous deception.
Explore the legends, gods and achievements of Ancient Greece and marvel at Pergamum, one of the two top competing centers of civilization in the 2nd century with Alexandria. Beyond its famous library and temples to Trajan and Demeter is Asklepieion, the world's first hospital site.
Within a two-hour drive from Izmir, Turkey's 3rd largest city and a shipping center since Ottoman times, are the ruins of 50 Ionian cities including the great Hellenistic city of Ephesus. Walk the white marble streets of this ancient masterpiece and be swept away by its great Celsus Library, Temple of Diana and the colossal theater where St. Paul preached. Nearby, the House of Virgin Mary is believed to be the last home of Mary, mother of Jesus.
Moving on to the coastal resort town of Bodrum, you’ll be charmed by its waterfront medieval Crusader castle, white washed houses, resort marina and yachting center. Marvel at the final resting place for the Lycian kings of Caunus, their tombs cut into the rock cliffs looking over the ancient port city. Or take a day tour to Denizli to walk through the stadium, gymnasium and theater ruins of Laodicea, founded by Syrian King Antiochus I.
