Turkey River Cruises 2023/2024

Turkey Travel Guide

Turkey River Cruises Things To Do

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  Istanbul, Turkey

  Istanbul is an interesting introduction to Turkey's culture and history. Straddling the continent of Asia and Europe, over the Bosphorus Strait, the city reflects the ancient influences and empires that ruled the area when the city was known as Byzantium and Constantinople.

  Best Time To Visit

  Fall and spring welcome visitors who want to enjoy fewer crowds and cooler weather.

   

  You Should Know

  Most of the city's Byzantine churches still are standing, including the Hagia Sophia, which boasts a dome, built in the sixth century, and beautiful Christian mosaics. Soccer is a popular sport in the city, as is evidenced by the number of stadiums where the sport is played. Some of the sports facilities include Ataturk Olympic Stadium, Turk Telekom Arena, and BJK Inonu. Popular places to swim and enjoy water sports include the Atakoy and Florya beaches.
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  Canakkale

  Situated in northwest Turkey inside of the Marmara area, Canakkale is not as touristy as Istanbul, although it is considered a gateway to the ancient ruins of Troy and the World War I battlegrounds of Gallipoli. If you enjoy history, you will feel right at home in Canakkale.

  Best Time To Visit

  Both autumn and spring are good times to plan a river cruise to Canakkale, Turkey.

   

  You Should Know

  Kilitbahir Castle is located opposite Canakkale, where a corresponding fortress stands, from which the city takes its name. Both castles were built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet. The Military Marine Museum features naval warships on display.
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  Gallipoli Peninsula

  A river cruise to Turkey often includes a trip to the Gallipoli Peninsula, which is the site of First World War landings by allied forces. Landmark sites on the peninsula include the Lone Pine Australian Memorial and the Cape Hellas Memorial.

  Best Time To Visit

  Schedule a river cruise in the shoulder seasons for fall or spring to avoid the crowds.

   

  You Should Know

  The peninsula was once a part of the Byzantine Empire and was a stopping off point for Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey). Gallipoli served as a military camp for French and British military forces during the Crimean War in 1854. An earthquake in 1354 left the then Greek city of Gallipoli deserted. Turks from Anatolia next occupied the city, which made it a strategic Ottoman stronghold.
• 
  Pergamon

  A portal to ancient temples and theaters, the city of Pergamon overlooks the Bakircay Plain in Turkey's Aegean region. A visit to this city will give you a multilayered view of ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. The ruins include Christian, Pagan, Byzantine, Jewish, Islamic, and Roman influences.

  Best Time To Visit

  A good time to go to Pergamon is during the spring or fall.

   

  You Should Know

  A German engineer, Carl Humann, discovered Pergamon's ancient remains in the 1870s. The ancient Theater of Pergamon dates to the Hellenistic period. It features 78 rows of seats and stands at a height of 118 feet tall. At that height, it is the steepest of all the theaters of its kind. The Library of Pergamon was the second largest library in Ancient Greece, after the Library of Alexandria.
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  Izmir

  Located in western Turkey, Izmir is Turkey's third-largest city. Its rich history and heritage go back 8,500 years. Throughout its history, Izmir has been a host to a large number of civilizations, including the Ancient Greeks, Persians, Byzantines, Romans, Ottomans, and Assyrians. The city is the second fastest-growing metropolis worldwide.

  Best Time To Visit

  Schedule a trip in the spring or autumn to see Izmir.

   

  You Should Know

  The city once was referred to as Smyrna. The name was phased out in 1930 in favor of the name, Izmir. Many famous philosophers have called Izmir home, including Homer, who composed the Iliad and Odyssey.
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  Pamukkale

  One of the truly unique attractions to visit on Turkey river cruises, Pamukkale is considered a spa town because of its thermal mineral-rich waters that stream from hillside travertine terraces. The town lies adjacent to the ancient Roman city of Hieropolis, which was formed around 190 B.C. Two of the main attractions in Hieropolis include a necropolis with sarcophagi, which span just over a mile, and an ancient theater.

  Best Time To Visit

  The aforementioned Travertine Pools are open, during the year, from April 15 to October 2, 8:00 am to 9:00 pm, and from October 3 to April 14, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. You will need to pay a small entrance fee. You can also visit the Antique Pool in Hieropolis, open from November through March, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, and April through October, 8:00 am to 7:30 pm. Again, entry requires a small fee. Don't forget to bring a towel.

   

  You Should Know

  In neighboring Hieropolis, the Antique Pool is known for its Roman columns, which are found below the water. The columns were submerged after an earthquake. Shoes are not allowed to be worn on the terraces of the Travertine Pools.
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  Konya

  Konya is certainly one city you will want to include on a river cruise to Turkey. This conservative Turkish city, located south of Ankara, lies in the Central Anatolia region. The city is the pilgrimage site for Surfis, who visit the tomb of Jelaleddin Rumin, the founder of the Mevlana order. The tomb is located in the city's museum.

  Best Time To Visit

  Set time aside to visit Konya during the spring or fall, when river cruise prices are lower.

   

  You Should Know

  The Alaeddin Mosque, built in the 1100s, sits amidst the green landscape and parks of Alaeddin Hill. Watch whirling dervishes whose whirling is a form of dhikr, or remembrance of God. A dervish is a common name for someone who is an initiate of the Surfi Muslim sect who, like a Christian monk, takes a vow of poverty. Whirling or spinning is the dervishes' way of worshipping God.
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  Antalya

  A well-known popular Turkish resort city, Antalya is marked by its Old Harbor, flanked by yachts, and hotel-lined beaches. Known as the gateway to the southern Mediterranean area (the Turquoise Coast), the city also features important historical treasures.

  Best Time To Visit

  Because Antalya can get quite crowded, plan a visit during May or October when you won't feel the press of the crowds and you can enjoy pleasant temperatures.

   

  You Should Know

  Antalya once served as a major Roman port city. Hadrian's Gate was constructed in Antalya to honor the emperor of Rome's visit in 130 A.D. View the harbor from Hidirlik Tower, built in the second century.
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  Ankara

  The capital of Turkey, Ankara is situated in the country's middle Anatolia region. The city places a great deal of emphasis on performance arts, and therefore is the base for the State Opera and Ballet, a number of national theater organizations, and the Presidential Symphony Orchestra.

  Best Time To Visit

  Plan a visit to Ankara from March to May or September to November, preferably during the earlier part of these periods.

   

  You Should Know

  Anitkabir, overlooks Ankara. The structure is a large hilltop mausoleum. Inside the city landmark lies the remains of Kemal Ataturk, present-day Turkey's first president. He declared Ankara the country's capital in 1923. 5-star accommodations average around $59 per night.

Turkey River Cruise Packages

Turkey River Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• What Are Turkey River Cruises?

  You probably can see more of the country on a Turkey river cruise than other river cruise offerings. Turkey river cruise itineraries include travel to various Turkish ports-of-call, including the major cities of Istanbul and Ankara. Some river cruises run to Budapest Hungary while others travel to and from Athens, as well as other Greek cities. What you choose will depend on the amount of time you set aside for travel and your budget.

• What’s Included on Turkey River Cruises?

  To customize your Turkey River cruise, contact a travel representative. Typically, all meals are included on Turkey river cruises as well as gratuities and airport transfers. You also receive complimentary Wi-Fi and Internet access on board the ship and can enjoy all the beverages you like, including soda, coffee, and tea. Luxury accommodations are part of river cruise packages.

• What’s the Best River Cruise Turkey River Cruises?

  The best Turkey river cruise is one that will meet your plans with respect to off-shore excursions and scheduled destinations. One of the best river cruise providers to contact about Turkey river cruises is Scenic Luxury Tours and Cruises.

• How Much Do Turkey River Cruises Cost?

  An all-inclusive Turkey river cruise that departs in the month of May and lasts about 14 days runs about $7,600. Ask your river cruise provider about discounted unpublished pricing.