If you’re wondering where to go on your next vacation, why not opt for a trip to exotic Turkey? As the base of early Christianity, it boasts a line-up of sites and landmarks you won’t want to miss. Its regal architecture will transport you to the era of the sultans while the gamma of souks and shops will render you speechless.

If starting out in Istanbul, you’ll want to visit the Church of St. Savior known for its magnificent mosaics; or St. Sophia Church, an iconic blue-colored mosque that dominates the landscape. You’ll want to experience the lavishness of the Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans for more than 400 years.

At just a short drive from town you can explore Homer’s Troy as described in the Illiad. You may continue to Alexandria Troas where Paul set sail on his second missionary trip and to Pergamum, the site of the impressive Seven Churches of Asia. You’ll come across the Acropolis with the altar of Zeus, a great number of palaces and the biggest synagogue of Asia Minor.

And if you’re traveling this far, how about signing up for one of the many holy land tours offered on the Internet? By doing so you’ll get the chance to visit sumptuous locations such as Caesarea, once the capital of Judea during Roman times or the site of the Armageddon in Megiddo or perhaps the Bahai Temple in Haifa, best known for its gorgeous Persian gardens. You‘ll get to stay at a Kibbutz, float on the waters of the Dead Sea and witness the remains of a second century synagogue in Capernaum. If you choose the lengthier tours, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at Tabgha where the miracle of the loaves and fish took place according to scriptures. You’ll be driven to Nazareth to the Church of the Annunciation and to the Roman Theater, recently discovered in Beit Shean. You’ll enjoy the scenery as you drive along the banks of the Jordan River to Jerusalem, an unforgettable destination.

In Jerusalem, you’ll get to pick among an impressive list of important historical and biblical sites. From King David’s tomb to the room of the Last Supper, there’s plenty to see.

You won’t dispute that a vacation to this part of the world is an experience you won’t soon forget.