Saturday, February 26, 2011

Turkey Holidays - Cheap Holidays To Turkey - Kalkan Resort


Kalkan is a town on the Turkish Mediterranean coast. This is an old fishing town. Most of the surrounding area is undeveloped. Until 1970 it was an important harbor town. However after construction of Fethiye road its importance as a harbor port declined. Now it has emerged as a tourist resort. In the absence of mass tourism, Kalkan resort town has remained unspoilt and is a charming town on the brilliant blue sea coast. It lies snugly curled up at the foot of the Taurus Mountains overlooking the beautiful bay.

Kalkan's economy is now entirely dependent on tourism. The town has proudly and painstakingly preserved its historical distinctive Ottoman Greek Architecture. Kalkan resort town has preserved the old historic architectural style. The houses line up the narrow streets winding up from the harbor. Houses are often covered with bougainvillea of different colors and they look so pretty. Most houses are two storied and are built of stone. They often have courtyards and gardens. The houses are built so as to keep cool in summer. The windows and balconies on upper floors open facing the sea so as to get the cool breeze from the ocean. The ground floors are generally used for shops or for storage; residence is generally on the first floor. You notice decorative elements on sills between floors and on top of windows.

Good dining has always been a tradition of Kalkans and this has reflected in the very large number of restaurants in Kalkan; in fact it is said Kalkan has probably the highest number of restaurants per inhabitant as compared to other Turkish coastal towns. Roof terrace restaurants and bars of Kalkan are renowned in Turkey; it is so nice to sit at one of these harbor side restaurants and watch the pleasure boats and fishermen go about their business in the morning, or to watch them returning in the evening with their catch of fish.

Tourists generally spend the day time strolling along the bay and the marina. Swimming, diving and snorkeling in the bay quite enjoyable. There are many boat trips also available. By night time, Kalkan transforms into a bustling town; there is so much you could do. There is shopping, dining and generally strolling around by the sea side or doing window shopping. In the evening, shops come alive with T-shirts, boxes of Turkish delight, silver jewelry being sold. Turkish rugs are famous for their designs and craftsmanship, and many shops sell the rugs. Tourists find a lot of typical old style Turkish articles to buy.

Tourists and visitors to Kalkan resort town come to enjoy the laid-back relaxed life style in this Turkish sanctuary. There are a few good hotels catering to the tourists. One of the popular hotels is Hotel Pirat; it is only 80 km from Fathiye or 130 km from Dalaman airports. Pirat Hotel is overlooking the harbor and the bay of Kalkan, right at the front of hilly resort islands backed by hills and mountains. The view of the bay from the balcony is enchanting. This 136 room hotel has all modern amenities. Excellent outdoor swimming pool, children's swimming pool, sports facilities such as table tennis and billiards are available. There is provision for diving school, parasailing, jet ski, canoe, sailing and all water sports are available at the beach for a modest fee.








Sam is a travel writer. You can find more information about Turkey at Turkey Holidays

Hotels in Turkey : Icmeler Hotels and Gumbet Hotels


A Turkish Winter


For many, when it comes to family holidays, Turkey is the ideal destination for a beach break. With sun, sea and sand ticking all the boxes for a relaxing destination, it is no wonder so many people head to Turkey for their summer holidays. But if you struggle to be a beach bum, you'll be pleased to hear that there are some aspects of Turkey that are much better seen in the winter.

Snowshoe Tours

The landscape of the central Anatolia region of Cappadocia is a sight to behold in the summer months. However, it is even more so if you choose the winter months to take your family holidays. Turkey's true culture and spirit can be experienced as the snow sets in. The cones and crevasses of the Cappadocian landscape become coated in white powder, but whilst snow ball fights and snowmen will keep the children amused for a short while, a snow-shoe tour will keep them entertained for a whole lot longer. Snow-shoe tours are led by a small, local and authentic company and incorporate a number of traditional villages where you will be invited to stay with families. On the last night of your trip, you will spend the night in a converted monastery at Guzelyurt, where you will dine as the Monks once did, at long tables. Enjoy the traditional Turkish fare, as you listen to the kids swapping ghost stories in this old building, and get a taste of traditional Turkish life.

Going Underground

If it gets too cold for you above ground, then be sure to go underground on your family holidays. Turkey's geological formations are some of the most intriguing, and the various caves you can visit are much more pleasant in the cooler months than in the height of the summer. From the Caverns of Antalya, to the Caves of Zongulduk, there is a wealth of geology just waiting to be explored. The children won't even notice the educational element of your holidays as you teach them about stalactites and stalagmites; they'll be far too busy exploring the dark corners of the cave and letting their imaginations run wild.

The Turkish Slopes

It is true that when you think of planning your skiing family holidays, Turkey is not the first destination to spring to mind. However, that is not to say that there are not some fantastic opportunities for winter sports. Turkey is in fact the perfect destination for young and inexperienced skiers, as the slopes are much less crowded than your average European ski resort. Mount Uludag is the warmer of the ski areas, and also the best equipped. However, Mount Erciyes, standing at 12,848 feet is guaranteed to have snow even in the mildest of winters. Visit in the month of March and you and the family can enjoy the winter tourism festival. Whilst the kids enjoy watching the locals take to the slopes in impressive displays, you can sip on a glass of mulled wine and watch the world go by.

So though it is generally thought of as a summer destination for family holidays, Turkey can be just as much fun in the winter. Swap the beaches and coastlines for the mountains and snow, and treat yourself to a winter in Turkey.








Davide Smith is the Destination Expert for Bargain Holidays Online, a unique holiday website which specialises in cheap, last-minute deals for family holidays Turkey as well as giving you access to over 20 million other bargain holiday deals. Book your bargain holidays with BargainHolidaysOnline.com today and save.


Friday, February 25, 2011

A Holiday of Turkish Delights


Turkey is a Eurasian country which stretches across the Anatolian peninsula in south eastern Europe. It is geographically divided into Asian Turkey (which makes up 97% of the country), and European Turkey (making up 3% of the country), with beautiful coastal areas touching the Mediterranean Sea, the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. Its coastal regions are perfect for luxury holidays in Turkey, with the Mediterranean climate providing hot, dry weather ideal for basking in the sun on the beach.

Intriguing in its own right, the arid inland area of Turkey has a harsh, continental climate, with sharp contrasts between the seasons. Though not designed for a typical Mediterranean Turkish holiday, the stark beauty of the plateau is breathtaking.

The Grace and Beauty of the Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmet Camii is situated in Istanbul, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. It is a truly unique site to visit while on a Turkish holiday, and is also a place of spiritual worship.

It was completed in 1616 by the architect Mehmet Aga, who was a student of the famous and brilliant architect, Sinan. It gets its name from the beautiful blue tiles which decorate the inside, and when the light filters through some 260 windows, the blue and green Iznik tiles lining the walls create a glorious spectacle of light.

It was the Supreme Imperial Mosque of the Ottoman Empire, and its beauty, grace, and elegant proportions represent the Islamic religion. It is a great way to experience the spirituality of the land, and is a beautiful addition to a Turkey holiday.

In the evenings, light and sound shows are held in the grounds, providing night time entertainment for you on your Turkish holiday.

The Ancient City of Pergamum

This intriguing city was established during the 8th century BC, when Aeolian Greek colonies settled in the area. As a result, its architecture is superb, and its hilltop position affords stretching views over the Caicos plain.

It was during the reign of Eumenes II in the 2nd century BC that Pergamum established itself as one of the great cultural and intellectual centres of the day. This was largely owing to the invention of pergamena (parchment) which significantly enlarged its library, the great library of Alexandria. This is an ideal place to include on a Turkish holiday as it is such a culturally rich city.

It is home to some historical greats, such as the famous Roman physician, Galen, who was born and studied in Pergamum. It is also the home of the Altar of Zeus, adding to its rich cultural history and providing some great sightseeing while on a Turkey holiday.

The Spectacular Commagene Kingdom

Situated in Mount Nemrut, the Commagene Kingdom houses one of the most spectacular sights to be seen on a Turkish holiday. In 62 BC, Antiochus I became King of Commagene, and established the region as an important destination on the central trade route, generating an interest in the area.

He decided to build a grand funerary monument for himself, now considered a famous sanctuary. The colossal heads of Apollo, Zeus and Antiochus I rise out of the ground, along with giant conical pillars of 50m in height and 150m in diameter. This magnificent spectacle is an excellent addition to any Turkey holiday, and it is sure to be an awe-inspiring site.








Jane Wilkinson is the marketing manager for Cadogan Holidays. This multi award winning travel company has been providing tailor made Turkey holidays [http://www.cadoganholidays.com/destination.aspx?Id=F516853E-8911-49CB-B3FB-90180B00618B&show-tips=false&type=country] with inspirational experiences and the very best luxury hotels in Turkey.


Authentic Holidays to Turkey


If culture is your interest, you will perhaps crave to take a visit to the capital city and the hub of ancient civilizations as part of your holidays to Turkey. Istanbul is a miraculous city where the olden times are personified in the old stone walls, palaces, mosques, domes and minarets.

Of the many attractions in holidays to Turkey, you will undeniably desire to tour the Dolmabahce Palace, a huge Ottoman grand palace once taken by the Sultans. There is numerous to glimpse here to take up the whole of your holidays to Turkey; you can travel around scores of elaborately decorated chambers with high ceilings, chandeliers, tall pillars and magnificent cascading staircases. The fort has roughly three hundred rooms, and looking out the gigantic windows on the shore-facing side, you may even see dolphins in the Bosporus River, which washes against the walls of the palace.

Closer to the heart of the Istanbul, you'll find the Galata Tower, one of Istanbul's most famous attractions. No sarcastic spire, this is a robust stone cylinder mounting over the city. At its top, you can glance out over city from under its doorways and take in one of the preeminent viewpoints of the city; what's more, you can take a meal near the peak too. Even though from the exterior the Galata tower shows its age, having been raised in the mid-1300s, the interior is surprising, with elevators, and floors fanatical to shops, a tavern, and a night club on the top floor. Here you can fill your holidays to Turkey with the fun of cultural Turkish music, costume and folk dance that makes up the 'Turkey Show'. The programme of entertainment even includes a belly dancer and a harem show.

Holidays to turkey will advantage from the picturesque setting and the crystal blue water hardly a few steps from your hotel. The nightlife is diverse and wide spread, but stress-free and cosmopolitan, superb eateries! If you would like a wider option of eateries, nightlife and shopping head up the hill to city where prices are cheaper, and just wait for the magnificent view on the way back down to Olu Deniz Resort. The local oludeniz people are enormously obliging and welcoming and very genuine.

Hotels in Turkey has spacious air conditioned single and double bedrooms with all needed amenities. All rooms has attached with modern bathroom/shower, WC, satellite TV, telephone, fridge and hairdryer. The main bistro serves buffet style meals, and a self service poolside bar serves drinks and snacks. If you are scheduling for a beach holiday, Turkey is the top place to travel on. Keep in mind, when you organize your holidays to Turkey many of the beaches which have no lifeguards, but you can adhere it harmless by keep away from swimming alone. You will come back home with unbelievable colorful memories and sense more relaxed than you ever expected. When you take holidays to Turkey you must book a boat tour to see the coastline better also you can map your nights at a range of clubs for some added entertainment. Holidays to Turkey have been sound eminent for nightlife.








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Thursday, February 24, 2011

Enjoying a Holiday and Preserving Turkish History


Exploring the rich history and spectacular scenery of Turkey can now be done in an ecologically and ethically sensitive way, which actually can enhance the experience for the visitor, as by discovering what is away from the crowds and off the beaten track, can actually provide the holiday maker with a taste of the real, authentic Turkey.

Situated where the two continents of Asia and Europe meet, Turkey has coastline on many of it's borders, with the Mediterranean Sea to the south, the Aegean Sea to the west and the Black Sea to the north. Turkey is primarily a Muslim country, with a range of Islamic customs and etiquette influencing Turkish way of life. Turkey is a very much family orientated destination, with villas in Turkey luxuriously styled for couples and young families alike. For eating out, children are welcome in many of the fine restaurants in the country, while helpful and friendly staff in hotels and dining establishments are happy to provide amenities and facilities to make sure everyone has a great time.

With a range of tour operators and travel companies offering a range of either active or tranquil breaks in Turkey with a strong green ethos, discovering a natural, vibrant side of this diverse country is easy to do and has plenty of choices. For walkers, Turkey has many great regions to explore and experience its culture, nature, and society. The Kachkar Mountains are a stunning and a great place for walking holidays and spotting wildlife, and there is a range of guided walks and adventure holidays that can be as slow or fast paced as you like. With lakes, woodland areas, wildlife and some excellent local dishes, this area is a fabulous place for a great eco-holiday, and fun for couples as well as families.

For coast lovers, the delights of Kusadasi include some incredibly beautiful coastal villages and beaches, while there are a fantastic range of sports and leisure activities to try. Diving, fishing, cycle tours and cultural trips are available in the Kusadasi area. For added style and class, the Turkish Riviera also offers a range of water sports and sights to see, with stunning locations like the salt lake at Cappadocia and the fascinating open-air museum of Goreme. The Turkish Riviera combines some outstanding locations for a range of leisure and sporting activities with a range of some excellent and varied opportunities to discover Turkey's culture and history.

Turkey is a paradise for water sports lovers. Beneath the Taurus Mountains, the Mediterranean coast of Turkey is a playground for sailors, divers and windsurfers. With pine forests and citrus groves, and some great places to stay such as a range of luxurious villas, Turkey truly features some stunning locations. Here you can discover the ancient cities of Aspendos and Side and a range of important historical sites.

A place of rejuvenation and health since Roman times, Turkey holidays are as much about well being as they are about escape, with a great choice of natural spas in the Marmara and Aegean regions. Warming thermal treatments and de-stressing massages, as well as rich mineral mud baths, are all available in natural environments rather than in artificial spas and health clubs in many other locations.








If culture and history need to be part of your next holiday then holidays in Turkey would be an ideal choice. Mark looks into the choice of villas in Turkey and how the country is reducing the impact of tourism.


Turkey Holiday Rentals and Private Accommodation


Vacationing in a country that bridges the great continental land masses of Europe and Asia can be unforgettable. Most tourists vacationing in Turkey often go back there to savor the flavors again. Surrounded by sea on three sides and its capital Istanbul resting on the Bosphorus Strait, the magnificent view of the sea on either side is simply beautiful and breathtaking. Istanbul was the capital of the Ottoman Empire for a few hundred historical years.

Turkey integrates an internal body of water also known as the Marmara Sea. Located in North-West Turkey, the Uludag Mountain is one of the most well known ski resorts in the area. The coast line of South-Western Turkey on the Aegean Sea, also known as the Turkish Riviera is home to Izmir, the largest city in Turkey. The Turkish Riviera houses many modern styled holiday resorts like Kusadasi and Bodrum.

The most important historic attraction of Turkey is the remnants of Troy that can be found along the northern and central areas of Aegean region. One can see 9 Troys that were built over different periods on top of the previous ones. As all of us know, the very popular and famous historical love story of beautiful Helen and Paris of Troy had caused wars in this region in ancient times. As a reminder of the Troy war lies herein in the form of a replica horse that was used as the final strategy to culminate the war.

Ephesus, also known as the Asia Minor in the Roman times is still evident in this region. The wonderful library that still stands along with the enormous open-air entertainment theatre and the ancient houses alongside the harbor attract great many vacationers year after year and remind us of the civilization that flourished once upon a time. Another important site to visit is the last house of Virgin Mary situated on Bulbul Dagi near Ephesus. This holy shrine attracts thousands of Christians and Muslims yearly. Not far from here is the grave of St. John the Evangelist who is said to have come to Ephesus with St. Mary in her last years.

Vacationers coming to Turkey, especially the ones who return year after year have an option to cut their costs by avoiding expensive hotels and using vacation rentals in the form a Turkey villa, condo, farmhouse, cottage, apartment, hotel or even a Turkish castle as per their needs and requirements. Many Turkish people love to rent out their regular apartments, villas, cottages or condos on a weekly basis due to their basic need of finances.

Many of these vacation rental options come with staff and are available in near proximity to major tourist attractions across Turkey. Moreover, after the new laws of the government has enabled foreign investors to invest in Turkish real estate, making the vacation rentals more popular and available. As a regular vacationer to Turkey, one may contemplate buying a condo or a villa there and renting it out to other vacationers when they do not need it. Added to these new laws, Turkey's progress on the issue of its adaptation into the E.U is being speeded up due to the government's efforts to improve living standard. This is contributing further to the tourism industry by making available more and more foreign owned vacation rentals.

Turkey is evolving and is set to get expensive. Plan your vacation to Turkey today!








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For Family Holidays Turkey Has it All


No matter what sort of slant you want to put on your family holidays, turkey can satisfy even the fussiest of children (and adults!), with a range of activities to suit everyone. No matter whether your family is the type that wants to spend the entire holiday frolicking on the beach, only emerging to hit the pool; or you are a more cultured bunch who loves to soak up the history and art of your chosen destination; you will find everything you need on your family holidays in turkey.

The Beach Bunnies

It almost goes without saying that if you are a family of beach-bunnies, Turkey is the perfect place for your next holiday. No matter where you turn, for beach-based family holidays Turkey's Aegean Coast, Mediterranean Coast and the Turkish Riviera provide a stunning venue for all manner of activities. You can choose to spend lazy hours tanning while the children play in the warm, shallow waters of the resort towns of Bodrum or Marmaris; or you can enjoy some vigorous water-sports like wind-surfing and sailing somewhere like Cesme or Alacati. If all that sounds a little energetic for your lot, perhaps you can pack a picnic lunch and head off to explore one of the country's most pristine stretches of sand - Patara Beach near Fethiye - voted as one of the top beaches on the world.

Craving Some Culture?

If yours is the type of family who would rather spend an afternoon in a museum than a morning on a jet-ski, then Istanbul is the ideal destination for your family holidays. Turkey's rich cultural history is displayed in awesome splendour in the architecture, museums, bazaars and mosques of this ancient empirical jigsaw. Either take in Istanbul as a side trip or spend your entire holiday exploring this wonderful city; either way, you will have plenty to do. You can spend a whole day in some of Istanbul's fascinating museums, with the Topaki Palace being one of the best. An impressive building, the Topaki Palace dates back to the 1400s and is only a stones-throw from the famous Hagia Sofia - another of Istanbul's most notable landmarks - and the beautiful Blue Mosque. If you're feeling like a cultural adventure on your family holidays, Turkey's capital is the ideal place to lose yourself in the network of back-alleys and experience the authentic Turkish lifestyle.

A Peaceful Paradise

Of course, there are some families who just want to relax on their holidays and Turkey offers the perfect escape - a gulet cruise. What could be more peaceful than lying back on the deck of a traditional wooden sailing boat as the spectacular Turkish Turquoise Coast slips by? Ideal for even the laziest of family holidays, Turkey brings her beauty to you on a platter on a gulet cruise. You will cruise lazily through the Mediterranean calling in to various towns on the way. You can spend your days reading, swimming, diving or just sun-bathing, and your evenings dining on fine Turkish cuisine and watching the sun set over a dappled coastline. Gulet cruises are a home away from home and their facilities can rival that of a four-star hotel - a perfect way to spend a peaceful holiday with entire family.








Davide Smith is the Destination Expert for Bargain Holidays Online, a unique holiday website which specialises in cheap, last-minute deals for family holidays Turkey as well as giving you access to over 20 million other bargain holiday deals. Book your bargain holidays with BargainHolidaysOnline.com today and save.