1. Istanbul
An incredible amount of history crammed into one city. Aya Sofia continues to awe as it did in the 6th Century, when it was a church; the Blue Mosque, nearly as awesome, is steps away; and so is Topkapi Palace, home of the sultans. That’s just for starters.
2. Ephesus
One of Alexander the Great’s generals got it going, but what’s there today reflects the glory of Rome–much of it as it was (well, sort of) when Antony and Cleopatra, and later the apostles Paul and John, walked its marble streets. You can too.
3. Pamukkale
If you’re drawn to mineral spas, you may share the Romans’ attraction to the thermal waters here and the cotton-colored natural terraces that add to the draw. Plus more ruins, at Hierapolis and Aphrodisias.
4. Konya
Off the usual tourist track, and that’s too bad: Mevlana Museum, set in the former 13th Century mosque that’s also his tomb, stands here as a tribute to a free-thinker and the whirling dervishes he inspired.
5. The Northeast
Those with a sense of adventure and a love of the trek will find what they’re looking for, and more, around Dogubayazit, near the Iranian border and Mt. Ararat, by tradition resting place of Noah’s Ark. More good stuff farther north.
6. The Turkish Mediterranean
The hub, and the development, is centered on Antalya, but the slickness hasn’t reached all the little coves and villages along the sea. This is history and beaches, and a slower pace than coastal delights of Spain and France.
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For more information on Cappadocia and the rest of Turkey, contact the Turkish Government Tourist Office in New York at 212-687-2195; www.turkey.org.
