Exotic escorted holidays in Turkey
Turkey, once a luxury holiday destination, has in recent years become more accessible and has grown hugely in popularity amongst travellers. It is a country rich in history and colour, with its curious blend of East and West, tradition and modernity. Turkey has succeeded in retaining all the mystique of its heritage, whilst moving forward progressively to accommodate the influx of tourists wishing to sample its sights, sounds and flavours. More and more tour operators are offering escorted holidays, providing travellers with the opportunity to sample of Turkey's various regions within one neat package, with a full itinerary and details of travel, accommodations and excursions taken care of before setting out. This might be the best way to visit the country, facilitating travel between its most interesting and important cities to make sure you don't miss out on any of the details that make Turkey the vibrant, diverse place it is.
From whirling dervishes to lunar landscapes, spice bazaars to domed temples, ancient ruins to blue mountains and coastal beaches, there is a little of everything on offer in Turkey. The most popular city is and remains Istanbul. The former capital of the Ottoman Empire boasts the enormous Grand Bazaar, with over 5,000 vendors selling everything from carpets to handbags, and the world-famous Blue Mosque, known locally as Sultan Ahmet Camii. The impressive domed structure rises high into the city skyline and its intricate, geometric artwork features a mix of Byzantine and Islamic influences. Inside, the mosque is lined with over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles in a variety of tulip designs. While you're here, look out for dance nights at the Hodjapasha Culture Center, or if you'd prefer, root out a thermal spa for a hammam bath.
Another popular tour destination is Ankara. The second largest city in Turkey and the state capital, this bustling site is crammed full of history, and traces of its diverse influences, from Hittite to Roman to Byzantine and Ottoman, are evident in the architecture at every turn. The imposing Antikabir, the mausoleum of Atat¸rk, stands at the top of a hill. A museum next to the structure contains letters, memorabilia and various personal effects, mapping out the life and times of the revolutionary first President of Turkey. For a different dose of history, try the Anatolian Civilisations Museum, which features Early Bronze Age statues and Neolithic wall paintings. Remains of 3rd century Roman baths are also here, right on Cankirri Cadesi.
If you're interested in ancient history, then you'll enjoy visiting Ephesus. Belonging in ancient times to the Ionian League, this once mighty city now lies in ruins, but a trip here transports you immediately back to a former time, when the Temple of Artemis was in its glory, and when Ephesus staked its claim as the second largest city in the world. The Library of Celsus in particular has been painstakingly restored and gives a good idea of the scale and scope of art and architecture in Turkey in ancient times.
An escorted holiday is about more than just a holiday which can be documented in a photo album. It is about experiencing the intimate details of a particular region of the world, discovering the hidden gems of each area ñ the strangely beautiful chimney rocks and underground cities of Cappadocia, the smaller bazaars of the Old Town in Istanbul - as well as the tourist hotspots. With your guide on hand and plenty of down time to stroll at leisure, you're sure to come back not just having seen, but been immersed in the Turkish culture, in all its colourful diversity. Fortunately for UK residents, there are flights to Turkey from Manchester.
WHEN TO GO
The Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean coasts have a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and wild winters. Swimming seasons: Marmara and North Aegean - June to September, South Aegean and Mediterranean - April to October. Enjoy the culture and beauty of Turkey in Antalya. Holiday somewhere special this year.
Black Sea Coast: warm summers, mild winters, and relatively high rainfall.
Central Anatolia: Steppe climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters.
Eastern Anatolia: Long snowy, cold winters with mild summers.
Southeast Anatolia: Hot summer with mild, rainy winters.
WHAT TO WEAR
Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean coasts: Light, cotton summer clothing with a warm top for evening. Black Sea Coast, Central and Eastern Anatolia: Summer wear, warmer clothing could be required for cool evenings at altitudes. Comfortable shoes are necessary when visiting archaeological sites.
Visiting a mosque: The m�ezzin calls the faithful to prayer five times a day. Before entering a mosque, Muslims wash themselves and remove their shoes. Foreign visitors are requested to remove their shoes to show respect and avoid visiting mosques during prayer time. Women should always cover their heads and arms, and wear modest clothing. Men shouldn�t wear shorts.
WORKING HOURS
Government offices: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; 1:30 pm-5:30 pm (Closed Saturday and Sundays, open daily in tourist areas)
Banks: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; 1:30 pm-5:00 pm (Closed Saturday and Sundays, open daily in tourist areas)
Shops: 9:30 am - 7:00 pm (In tourist areas, closing times vary, some close around midnight)
Covered Bazaar- Istanbul: 8:am - 7:pm (Closed Sundays)
Summer hours: In the Aegean and the Mediterranean regions of Turkey, government offices and many other establishments are closed in the afternoon during the summer months. These summer hours are fixed each year by the provincial governors.
OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS
New Year�s Day January 1
Sacrifice Festival January 9 (1/2 day) to 13 2007
National Sovereignty and Childrens' Day April 23
Atat�rk Commemoration & Youths and Sports Festival May 19
Victory Day August 30
Republic Day October 28 (1/2 day) to October 29
Feast of Ramazan 22-25 October 2006
MISCELLENIOUS
Local Time: GMT+2hours (Summer).
Electricity: 220 volts AC all over Turkey (A European adaptor will be suitable).
Tap water: Safe to drink in all cities since it has been chlorinated.
Interpreters-guides: Ministry of Tourism Offices and travel agents can provide professional interpreters/guides. Travel agents must provide a professional interpreter/guide on all of their tours.
