TURKEY BECKONS
Turkey has something for everyone. If you are a historian, or a foodie, or an adventurer, or just want a small chill out break, this country is top of the list. The good thing is that you can plan a break in Turkey from a period of 4 days in Istanbul to a whole month!!!!!
Most people limit their trip to just Istanbul. And that is fine too. 4 days of seeing the sights which blend history with fable and intrigue, the beauty of simply being there and walking the streets aimlessly, exploring the grand bazaar and enjoying the food, is an excellent summary of what turkey has to offer. Sights such as the blue mosque, the great Hagia Sofia, the hidden ancient churches, the underground Cistern Basilica, the victorian Dolmabahce Palace, the famous Galata Tower and so much more. Throw in a day of the Grand Bazaar and you have it all. And yet you don’t….
Istanbul is the only city that traverses two continents and the Bosphorous is the strait that joins the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Take a cruise on the Bosphorous and for those who like their exclusive time, hire a yatch and sail down to where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea, anchor and swim in a cove and make a day out of it. Take in a concert if you are musically inclined, or walk into a nightclub for anything from Jazz to the latest in Turkish pop. The less crowded areas on the Asian side have an equal intrigue if one has the time and Istanbul is not limited to the historical peninsula only, just as a trip to turkey should not be limited to Istanbul alone. From here one can plan an extension of the trip depending upon the kind of interest one has. For the adventurers, there is the Mediterranean coast with places like Oludeniz, Marmaris, Fetiye, Gocek, all quaint towns that offer the best beaches, sports and the ever present history. Or take a blue Cruise into the untouched Islands of the Mediterranean on a traditional Gullet for a few days and drift away. Antalya in the southern Mediterranean, is a city with Blue Waters and beaches flanked by large luxury resorts. Of course the Aegean Sea coast has its own attraction with Bodrum, Kusadasi, Cesme(from where you can see the Greek Coastline) and the beautiful beaches, along with Ephesus, Pamukale and its calcium springs and the all popular Cappadocia with its fairy chimneys and the famous hot air ballooning. For those who want to just base out of Istanbul, there are beautiful one day trips to ancient towns nearby that are less touristy and amazingly beautiful. Turkey has it all. Give us your time line and your interest so we can custom make you trip to turkey an unforgettable one!!!!!!
Turkey Pics & text courtesy: Ms Sangita Garg
Experiences
Blue Mosque, Istanbul
Ottoman-era mosque that was constructed with Blue tiles hence the name. One of the most majestic sites of Turkey.
Bosphorus Cruise, Istanbul
Take photographs of the city, palaces, wooden mansions from the water, while cruising below the bridges of Istanbul.
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
One of the oldest and largest bazaars in the world, with over 4000 shops spread across 64 streets. You can find Jewellery shops, carpets and leather goods, pashminas and local fabric and of course the Souvenir shops.
The Basilica Cistern, Istambul
The largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul.
Turkish Hammam, Istanbul
Istanbul hosts several historical Turkish Baths for men and women, either in separate sections or with separate timings.
Vialand, Istanbul
A fun theme park with a number of rides and roller coasters along with a shopping mall where you can shop and dine.
Taksim Tram
The Istanbul nostalgic tramways are two heritage tramlines in the city of Istanbul, Turkey. The city has two completely separate heritage tram systems, one on the European side, the other on the Asian side.
Gulet Cruises, Bodrum
These are pleasure sailing wooden vessels and because of their broad beam, they create expansive deck space. Turkish Gulets are air-conditioned with every convenience and luxury. They come in many sizes and can be chartered for 2-10 people.
Pamukkale, Turkey
Famous for the so-called ‘Cotton Castle’ which is formed of white calcite terraces overrunning with warm, mineral- rich waters on the mountain above the village.
Kusadasi, Turkey
Mainly a cruising port but popular with its lovely beaches, sun, cool breezes, restaurants serving delicious Aegean food and top-quality hotels.
Ephesus, Turkey
Ephesus is an ancient Roman city. Its excavated remains reflect centuries of history, from classical Greece to the Roman Empire – when it was the Mediterranean’s main commercial center.
Hot Air Ballooning, Cappadocia
Experience the sunrise views of Ihlara Valley as you are floating gently through the sky with amazing views of the largest canyon.
Underground Cities, Cappadocia
Built to protect the ancient inhabitants, the underground cities allowed thousands of people to live their lives in total secrecy.
Uçhisar Fortress, Cappadocia
This fortress is dominated by a 60 metre high castle-mountain which is carved in the original rock formation.
Duden Waterfalls, Antalya
The beautiful water falls consist of two cascades, the upper part is nearly 50 feet (15 meters) tall and 65 feet (20 meters) wide.
Land of Legends Theme park, Antalya
Theme park – Water park all in one. Located in Belek region, there are about 40 unique water slides and numerous pools for all ages.
