Places whitneyn Wants to Go

Naturally protected city carved from a rock face.

Live a night as a Byzantine King, with a minibar and private jacuzzi.

A Turkish ghost town abandoned in a population exchange with Greece.

An abused and forgotten metropolis, abandoned for centuries.

A deadly ancient portal to the underworld.

A Lycian city of the dead carved into the hillside of Southern Turkey, complete with startlingly human touches.

These tombs were built into the side of a mountain so that ancient angels could reach the dead.

Roman ruins top white travertine terraces formed by ancient hot springs.

In this historic region, homes and churches are carved into ancient volcanic rock formations.

A meow-velous tribute to a beloved street cat, made famous on the internet.

A tiny park in the middle of some big power politics.

Housed in an old British jail, this spot serves up Georgian, Russian, and Ukrainian specialities with a side of Turkish history.

This crucial gathering spot along the "hippie trail" still displays old notes between traveling beatniks and backpackers.

A sixth-century Byzantine cistern hidden below a modern carpet store.

No one is sure if the world's fourth-largest diamond had been found in a rubbish heap or was pawned by Napoleon's mom.

Ancient serpentine sacrifice holder that has stood the test of time.

Legend says if you stick your thumb in the hole and it gets wet, your wish will be granted.

This eatery re-creates dishes from the Ottoman Empire so you can dine like a sultan.

A small etching on the white marble parapet was written in runic script by a Viking mercenary.

Step back in time and witness the fall of Constantinople.

This museum was invented in a novel before being made real by the author.

Turkish adventurer antiques in the heart of the Grand Bazaar.

Five sultans and their families rest in eternal splendor, teeming with overlooked beauty and drama.

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.