TURKEY

COUNTRY TURKEY

INTRO TEXT POISED BETWEEN THE EAST AND WEST, THE ANCIENT AND MODERN, AND THE COSMOPOLITAN AND TRADITIONAL, TURKEY IS A RICHLY VARIED AND WILDLY FASCINATING COUNTRY OF CONTRASTS.

Bazaars scented with rich spices, the inviting warmth of a Hammam, the timeworn splendour and intrigue of ancient ruins, and scenery so vast and varied you’ll wonder if you’re still on Planet Earth; these are all reasons Turkey continues to enthral and delight visitors. We don’t need to tell you that this storied land has a wealth of historic sites to explore; take Istanbul’s soaring Aya Sofya which dates all the way back to the Middle Ages, the enchanting city of Ephesus which contains one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the assemblage of well-preserved archaeological sites in Antalya, for example. The home of many an ancient civilisation, there’s evidence of lost worlds around every corner here. But once you’ve finished marvelling over the jewels of times past, you’ll find that Turkey dazzles with more than just its manmade treasures.

There’s over 8,000 kilometres of coastline to explore here, and the southwest coast is one of our very favourite spots; in particular, the area known as the Turquoise Coast, or Turkish Riviera. This unwaveringly beautiful ribbon of shoreline mesmerises like no other. Jaw-droppingly-idyllic beaches meet pine-clad hills in an endless vista of green and blue, and glamorous towns and pretty villages invite visitors to enjoy the many delights of coastal life, from joining in with the yacht crowd to dancing ‘til sunrise. There’s dramatic seafront scenery, absorbing cultural sites, watersports aplenty, and delicious local cuisine all waiting to be discovered and delighted in. On the Aegean coast, the Bodrum Peninsula lures holidaymakers with its sandy shores, sailing, diving, and pine-scented woodland trails. There’s a succession of charming bars and eateries along the waterfront promenade to sample, and the city of Bodrum itself is known for its vibrant nightlife. Further along the coast, the polished town of Göcek is a boater’s paradise; watch glossy yachts and sailing boats jostle for space in the marinas, and dine on delicious Turkish cuisine in an atmospheric oceanfront restaurant.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

DISCOVER ÖLÜDENIZ A tranquil lagoon, Blue Flag beach and pine-clad mountains combine to make Ölüdeniz a picture of perfection; it’s no wonder it’s one of Turkey’s top locations for paragliding, with such awe-inspiring panorama. Beyond the beach, there’s the famous Lycian Way, one of the most scenic walking trails in the world, offering fascinating ancient ruins and staggering views.

CRUISE ALONG THE COAST Take in all the beauty of the Turquoise Coast by boat, with a daytrip along the shimmering Aegean Sea in a boat or even a traditional Turkish gulet. You’ll see the coast from a different perspective, as well as have the chance to pause at beautiful bays and beaches, snorkelling and sunbathing in stunning surroundings. Many charter companies offer trips including a traditional Turkish lunch, such as meze and freshly-barbecued kebabs, to see you through the day. BE PAMPERED AT A HAMMAM A centuries-old wellness tradition, the Turkish Hammam is a completely rejuvenating experience. It begins in a steam room where the heat will open your pores and relax your muscles. You’ll then be tended to by a therapist who will wash, massage and exfoliate your skin before a refreshing cold-water rinse. We recommend visiting a Hammam at the beginning of your trip to avoid fading that holiday tan!

VISIT BODRUM CASTLE Jutting proudly out into the sea, Bodrum Castle cuts an imposing figure. Originally built by the Knights of St John in the early 15th Century, today the castle is home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology which houses the world’s oldest excavated shipwreck along with a host of other sunken ancient and medieval ships.

GETTING THERE

Flying time from the UK is approximately four hours to Bodrum and Dalaman and just under five hours to Antalya.

British Airways: Direct flights London to Dalaman during peak season.

Turkish Airlines: Direct flights to Antalya, Bodrum and Dalaman available in the peak season. Year round connections are via Istanbul. We can also offer flights with low cost carriers from a variety of UK airports.

Note: All our inclusive holiday prices are based on Turkish Airways economy flights.

1. Six Senses Kaplankaya Bodrum (p58) 2. Mandarin Oriental Bodrum (p56) 3. Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay (p60) 4. D-Maris Bay (p62) 5. D-Resort Göcek (p62) 6. Hillside Beach Club (p61) 7 MaText Royal Belek Golf Resort (p59)

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3 ISTANBUL

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6 ANTALYA