The European and Asian sides are divided by the Istanbul Bogazi (Bosphorus), the Sea of Marmara, and the Canakkale Bogazi (Dardanelles). Anatolia is a high plateau region rising progressively towards the east, broken by the valleys of about 15 rivers, including the Dicle (Tigres) and the Firat (Euphrates). There are numerious lakes and some, such as Lake Van, are as large as inland seas. In the north, the Eastern Black Sea Mountain chain runs parallel to the Black Sea; in the south, the Taurus mountains sweep down almost to the narrow, fertile coastal plain along the coast. Turkey enjoys a variety of climates, changing from the temperate climate of the Back Sea region, to the continental climate of the interior, then, to the Mediterranean climate of the Aegean and Mediterranean costal regions. The coastline of Turkey's four seas is more then 8,333 km long.

Turkey has heen called "the cradle of civilizaton" and by traveling through this historic land, tourists will discover exactly what is meant by this pharase. The world's first town, a neolithic city at Catalhoyuk, dates back to 6,500 B.C. From the days of Catalhoyuk up to the present, Turkey boasts a rich culture that through the centuries has made a lasting impression on modern civillcation. The heir to many centuries of cultures makes Turkey a paradise of information and cultural wealth. Hattis, Hittitess, Phrygians, Urartians, Lycians, Lydians, Ionians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans have all made important contributions to Turkish history, and ancient sites and ruins scattered throughout the country give proof of each civilizaton's unique distinction.

Turkey is truly where East meets West and it is precisely this mixture that makes travel in Turkey so interesting. Although its culture is imbued with a deep and reverent respect for Islam, Turkey is a country that attempts to separate the secular and religious beliefs of its citizens. While it is uncertain what the future holds for Turkey, today the country remains an excellent vacation destination and one of our best places to visit.

Istanbul - is one of the world's most interesting cities. Its unique history, literally bridging the gap between 'East" and "West", is precisely what attracts tourist to the shores of the Asian Continent.

Izmir - is a working city that serves as a convenient base to explore the Aegean coast: many prime archaeological sites are relatively close to Izmir. The city has limited attractions of its own.

Kusadasi - is a resort town with great restaurants, good hotels, and pleasant hosts. Known for its nightlife, Kusadasi is a good place for anyone interested soaking up the sun and relaxing at the beach. The city's harbor is the gateway to Ephesus for many cruise lines.

Bodrum - is a scenic town whose center is the famed Castle of Saint Peter (built by the Knights of Saint John). Bodrum has much to offer and should be considered as a base to explore the surrounding countryside.

Ephesus - an ancient city in the process of being restored, is a must see. Dating from the seventh century BC (and possibly earlier) Ephesus provides an interesting view of ancient life: the city's ruins illustrate how ancient cities worked and how the people played. Ephesus is a site that should interest anyone but it holds special reverence for Christians who believe that the Virgin Mary lived in the area at the end of her life.

Anatolia - runs across southern Turkey and contains numerous first class archaeological sites. Get a quality guidebook and "dig up" the places of interest to you. Anatolia is a wonderland!

Ankara - the capital of Turkey, is a gateway to the surrounding region. Ankara and its surrounding area are not prime tourist attractions but are worth a look if you are touring the country for a second or third time.

Although Turkey is situated in a geographical location where climatic conditions are quite temperate, the diverse nature of the landscape, and the existence in particular of the mountains that run parallel to the coasts, result in significant differences in climatic conditions from one region to the other. While the coastal regions enjoy milder climates, the inland Anatolia plateau experiences hot summers and cold winters with limited rainfall.

Season and Climate in Turkey Turkey is a year-round destination depending on your itinerary. Although the tourist "high season" (with associated higher rates) is from mid-June through mid-September, Spring and Fall are the best seasons to travel. The sun is warm and skies are generally clear. You can expect mild to warm temperatures and some rain during this time.