Discover Turkey's cultural riches on a Mediterranean cruise
(ARA) - The warm waters of the Mediterranean have been enticing travelers to sea-faring adventures for millennia - and perhaps today more than ever. With the ease and convenience - not to mention value - of modern cruising, the prospect of exploring the waters and countries of the Mediterranean region is almost irresistibly attractive.
There are plenty of great options for Mediterranean cruises, including offerings that focus either on the wider region or a more concentrated area. Certainly, the services and amenities aboard a cruise ship will make the trip convenient and comfortable, but many of your most memorable experiences will come when you touch down on shore in beautiful ports of call.
Many intrepid travelers are drawn to the Eastern Mediterranean, and the ancient cultures of Greece and its often less-explored neighbor, Turkey.
A number of cruise lines depart from the legendary city of Istanbul. While it's no longer Turkey's administrative capital, it remains the country's best connection to the future and the past - simultaneously cosmopolitan and steeped in tradition.
The list of must-see sights in Istanbul is long, but worth the effort. A number of them are concentrated in the Sultanahmet district. Within that area, you'll find the Aya Sofya (also known as the Haghia Sophia), built in 537. It has served as an Orthodox basilica and a mosque throughout its eventful history, but in 1935, it was made into a museum with no religious affiliations.
Just across a pleasant park is the Sultanahmet or "Blue" Mosque, a building at once imposing and detailed. Prepare for a neck ache from gazing up its soaring columns and taking in the undulating designs on the blue-tinted tiles for which it was nicknamed.
A short walk from these two landmarks is the Topkapi Palace complex. Guided tours will bring to life, in exciting detail, the lives of the sultans who lived here with their families, courtiers and servants.
Most cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean will also stop in Kusadasi, Turkey. Disembark here for another trip into the heart of history. Kusadasi itself is a popular resort city with beaches for sunning and swimming, but short side trips can lead you to some amazing sights.
In nearby Pamukkale, natural mineral deposits seeping out of the ground have created ever-expanding tiers of snowy-white travertine stone. Blue water pools on some of the terraces, and it's popular to lounge in the mineral-rich water. If you've left your bathing suit on board, simply go for a scenic stroll in this unforgettable landscape.
A short drive away are the ruins of the city of Ephesus, which was part of Greece's Ionian League and, at one point, the second largest city in the Roman empire - it's even mentioned in the Bible. Ephesus is a spectacular experience for visitors, and a day can easily be spent walking its marble-paved streets and exploring the remains of houses, amphitheaters and more.
Taking shore excursions to Turkey's incomparable sights will make an impression on you, but perhaps even more lasting will be your memories of the Turkish people. They are some of the most welcoming hosts you'll find anywhere in the world.
If you've got your sights set on a Mediterranean cruise that includes Turkey, go to online travel resources like Travelocity.com to find the best cruise deals. You'll be able to get a comparative view of the best airfare rates as well, so you can book everything in one simple step.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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