Because the specialists in travel to Turkey haven't yet (for some inexplicable reason) issued their 2009 rates, Gate 1 Travel has suddenly forged into the lead in all-inclusive winter tours of Turkey. For $1,299 per person, including round-trip trans-Atlantic air fare and fuel surcharge, and on numerous dates in December, January, February, and March, they will fly you to Istanbul and then conduct you on an 11-night escorted motorcoach tour of nearly every important site in Turkey (Troy, Ankara, Pergamum, many others), including the limestone-mountain city of Cappadocia, with its cathedral and "apartment house" carved out of rock. In addition to transportation, lodging, and sightseeing, you'll receive breakfast daily and seven dinners.

Go to www.gate1travel.com, click on "Europe," then on "Turkey," and then on "13-Day Affordable Turkey" for all the details (or just click here). I count this among the great values of the upcoming winter travel season, a top opportunity to experience the highlights of this important country, and to do so at a highly reasonable cost. Bear in mind that in the spring and summer, you would pay slightly more than $1,000 simply to fly round-trip to Istanbul.