Turkey cruises are available across all seasons through the eastern Mediterranean ports of Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Turkey is well known for its beautiful coast lines, ancient monuments, natural fortress, treeless plateau, capes, and bays. Some of the major tourist attractions and related activities for the cruisers in Turkey are given as follows.
Istanbul
Istanbul is a famous port of call for cruise ships sailing through the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Sultanahmet (the old city of Istanbul) has the legendary St. Sophia Church, Suleymaniya Mosque, Blue Mosque (with a very ancient German Fountain near to it), and the Topkapi Palace. Cruise to the Bosphorus gives a glimpse of Camlica Hills, Rumeli Fortress, Bosphorus Bridge, Dolmabahce Palace and 400-year-old Spice Bazar.
Eyüp Sultan Mausoleum is known as the Holiest part of Istanbul City. A German Church (that was built in Germany using iron and then installed in Istanbul) is an added attraction of Istanbul. Sunrise at the Marmara Sea is a very beautiful sight. Along the Marmara Sea, tourists can cruise to Büyük Ada, one of the seven Princess Islands. In Büyük Ada, the ride on horse-drawn carriages and the lunch at Fish restaurant are quite memorable.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia (the land of beautiful horses) is the new name of the Biblical land Tabal. It is a land of rock-hewn churches and chapels with beautiful landscapes and houses. Fairy chimneys are constructed on the cone-shaped monoliths to protect the Tufa (a soft rock formed by the lava and ash of Volcanoes) from wind erosion. Göreme Open Air Museum, Pigeon Valley, Monk Valley, Uchisar Castle, Derinkuyu Underground City, and Cavusin Village are some of the other tourist destinations. Cappadocia is enriched with Assyrian and Ottoman civilizations.
Ephesus
Ephesus was once the capital of Roman Asia, and it the most important commercial centre of Anatolia. It is also the home town of the Greek Philosopher Heraclitus. Ephesus is preserved as Greco-Roman Classical City and is known as one of the ancient seven wonders for its classical art and architecture. The famous temple of Artemis attracts visitors to Ephesus. Virgin Mary spent her last days in Ephesus and spread Christianity. Both Christians and Muslims worship in the chapel of St. Mary.
Pergamum
Pergamum is an ancient city on the Aegean Coast of Anatolia and is considered to be one among the seven churches in the book of Revelation in The Holy Bible. This city is known for its cultural activities and antiquity. Pergamum was prosperous during the Hellenistic period, and it had the richest library in the world. It is also the main center of medicine and healing.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is a very ancient city that stands as the evidence of the Calcolitic and Bronze periods. In 333 BC, Alexander the Great invaded Pamukkale (Hellenistic period). Heiropolis Archeology Museum exhibits the ruins of Beycesultan. The major attraction of Pamukkale is the flow of water over the white rocks that resemble snow.
Gulf of Gokova
Gulf of Gokova coastline is a part of Milas, MuÄla, Ula, Bodrum, Marmaris and Datca districts. The Cleopatra Island is well known for its beach made of seashells. The Orak Island is a favorite sport for swimming enthusiasts. Mazi Bay has a beautiful village providing jeep safari, and Cokertme is an attractive bay with a fisherman's village. Halikarnas Disco is world famous. Catii Lagoon, Oraklar, Mersincik, and Karacasogut are some of the exotic dining places.
Other tourist places
Miletos, Priene, and Didyma are some other famous tourist places in Turkey. Miletos is a thin strip of land surrounded by four harbors. Priene was a member of Ionian Confederation of cities in Smryna (modern Izmir) region in 300 BC. Ancient Didyma got fame and wealth by the sacred sanctuary of Apollo and an Oracle.