26 March 2010 18:45
Top 10 Turkish delights
After your pilgrimage to Gallipoli for Anzac Day there’s an aeon of treasures and delights to discover in Turkey.
By Vanessa Wallace
There is no better way to pay tribute to the Australian heroes who fought at Gallipoli than by making a pilgrimage to the place where it all happened.
When a lone bugle plays the Last Post on ANZAC day, you will be hard pressed to find a dry eye in the crowd. It is a moving, once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed.
Though whilst visiting Gallipoli, it is well worth exploring the rest of Turkey which in addition to its breathtaking scenery is a history buff’s delight.
Nearly every major empire has conquered, occupied and left its trace on Turkey. As you walk through unspoilt countryside it is not uncommon to come across hidden ruins of ancient civilisations. Interestingly, more than half the places referred to in the Bible are located in modern day Turkey, from Noah’s landing on Mt Ararat to Ephesus, one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world where on the city outskirts the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her final years.
In Istanbul, be sure to check out the Haghia Sophia, a great masterpiece of Byzantine art, once the largest church of its kind located next door to one of the world’s most beautiful mosques, Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), known for the stunning blue tiles illuminated by the sunlight of 260 windows.
But if you want to witness something truly inspiring, head east to Mt Nemrut. The gigantic heads of Apollo, Zeus and Antiochos I at sunrise are breathtaking.
In addition to the historical sites, there are plenty of other activities to do in Turkey, from relaxing on stunning beaches, to windsurfing, diving, paragliding, rock-climbing and hot air ballooning just to name a few. Continued below ...
Top 10 delights of Turkey
1: Stay in the tree houses in Olympos.
2: Hide in WWI trenches in Gallipoli.
3: Stroll the ancient streets of Ephesus.
4: Shop at the Grand Bazaar at Istanbul.
5: Play like a child in the mud baths of Koycegiz.
6: Join the ANZAC Day anniversary at Gallipoli.
7: See Istanbul and Cappadocia under snow in winter.
8: Sail the Mediterranean and sleep under the stars on a hand-made Gulet.
9: Walk through thermal waters in the travertines of Pamukkale.
10: Sleep in caves and explore underground cities in Cappadocia.
Vanessa Wallace is a manager with Fez Travel - one of the largest ANZAC Day tour operators, offering tours to Gallipoli and the rest of Turkey both on ANZAC day and throughout the year. Visit www.feztravel.com
More on Turkey and Anzac Day
Anzac Day travel guide
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them
Commemorate Anzac Day & explore Turkey
Report from Gallipoli on Anzac Day 2009