From the ancient sands of Egypt, arriving in Turkey marks a fascinating shift in both history and infrastructure. This journey through Ankara, Izmir, and Istanbul perfectly weaves together deep historical exploration, from Byzantine ruins to Ottoman palaces, with an extensive survey of the country’s diverse rail and public transit systems.
Ankara: Capital Foundations
Arriving from Egypt via Turkish Airlines, the trip kicked off at the JW Marriott Ankara, featuring excellent indoor and outdoor pools. The historical deep-dive began with the Republic Museum, the Museum of the War of Independence, and Ankara Palas, followed by a climb to Ankara Castle and a visit to the remarkably rich Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. A city walk to Kuğulu Park and the Atatürk Mausoleum rounded out the cultural sites.