Turkey, the site of two wonders of the ancient world, is a country of fascinating contrasts. It's a place where antiquity is juxtaposed with the contemporary, where the familiar exists with the exotic, and where sun-swept beaches are less than an hour away from snow-capped mountains. It's a place where you can explore the ruins of Ephesus, shop for kilims (carpets) and mosaics at local bazaars, and enjoy the ancient tradition of the hamam (Turkish bath). And, in 2003, Turkey is a country that will be more accessible by boat than ever before.

An incredibly diverse flotilla of cruise ships—from plush luxury liners to massive resort-style megavessels —will ply the crystal-blue Turkish waters next year. Here's a roundup of what our favorite floating hideaways will be offering.

Winter 2002