Self-Catering Rentals in Aegean Region, Turkey

Author: Karen Waller

The Aegean Region of Turkey is a great holiday destination for everyone. It boasts some fantastic landscapes, beautiful cities and amazing coastlines and beaches to explore.

What’s more, this Turkish region is ideal for a holiday property rental, as it offers a great selection of self-catering accommodation for all tastes and budgets.

The Aegean Region offers so much for its visitors to see and do and, with its lovely mild climate, so it’s not surprising that it such a popular tourist area.

Izmir, which is the third largest city in Turkey, is a good base from which to visit other places in this area of Turkey. If time allows, try to catch some of the sights of this great busy city. Izmir, formerly known as Smyrna, is an important port and has a lovely bay and coastline. While you are here, try to visit Izmir Archaeological Museum, which houses some interesting exhibits.

The town of Çesme, which is west of Izmir, is also well worth a visit. It boasts some lovely golden sandy beaches. It also offers a good selection of shops, restaurants and bars etc.

Bodrum is another popular area in the Aegean Region. It was once known as Halicarnassus and is rich in history. Here you can visit Bodrum’s Castle of St Peter, which houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, and Bodrum Amphitheatre. There is plenty to do in Bodrum, which is situated on a peninsula. It has many shops, restaurants, cafes and bars and it offers a fantastic nightlife, too!

If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday, be sure to check out the resort of Altinkum, which is also in the Aegean Region. It boasts some lovely beaches, great attractions, good food and drink, an excellent nightlife – and, of course, a fantastic climate, too!

Not surprisingly, Altinkum, which means Golden Sands, is a perfect destination for a beach holiday. It has some gorgeous beaches on which you can unwind and forget all about the hustle and bustle of daily life. In fact, Altinkum, which is situated on the Aegean coast, boasts three beautiful golden sandy beaches. It’s an ideal spot for children and it’s a great place for anyone who just wants to sit back, soak up the sun and simply watch the world go by.

If you fancy doing some exercise, there’s a selection of water sports that you can enjoy here. You can try your hand at wind-surfing or jet-skiing. Or you can take a banana boat ride or hire a pedalo.

Another popular place in Turkey’s Aegean Region is Fethiye, which is a pretty coastal town and is a perfect base from which you can explore other areas. The famous Ölüdeniz Beach is only 8.5 km south of Fethiye, so be sure to check it out if you’re a beach lover!

However, if you’re looking for some ancient history and culture during your holiday, then make sure that you head to Ephesus. It is an amazingly well preserved city from Roman times. You can walk around this fantastic ancient city, step right back into history and see just what a Roman city looked like.

This is just a taster of what the wonderful Aegean Region of Turkey has to offer its visitors. The Aegean Region is an ideal holiday destination for all ages and it’s just perfect for a holiday property rental.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/selfcatering-rentals-in-aegean-region-turkey-510659.html

About the Author:
Karen Waller is a destination rep for Self Property Rental,  http://www.selfpropertyrental.com  offering a wide selection of  holiday rentals  Aegean Region, Turkey!

Spanish Holidays Losing Ground to Turkey

Author: Roger Munns

Turkey is gaining ground as a favorite holiday destination for Brits. The Cooperative Travel Group’s director of retail travel, Trevor Davis, said packaged holiday sales for Turkey have increased by 30 percent. Mr. Davis also said sales to Majorca, Spain’s top-selling holiday destination, dropped by 13 percent. Ian Hailes, head of product and development for Cosmos, offers similar statistics. Hailes said 2008 packaged summer vacation sales for destinations in Turkey were up by 25 percent while sales to destinations in Spain decreased by 6 percent.

Poor Economic Conditions

Prior to January 2008, predictions of poor economic conditions in the United States and Europe caused travel agents to cringe. Poor economic conditions, they feared, would cause business to plummet. While some families have elected to enjoy a ’stay-cation’, a stay-home-vacation, many others have not let economic misfortunes impact their vacation time. Travel expenses have caused the usual road-trip to become a flight. Some low-cost airlines have been working with travel agents to help increase their own business as well as retaining the agent’s client base. Agents are able to offer their clients less expensive flights to and from many points in Europe, making the overall cost of their vacation less expensive.

Currency Exchange Rates

It is speculated that the current euro-pound exchange rate is also behind some of the changes in holiday destinations. The pound is doing poorly against the euro, making Spanish vacations a bit more expensive than in previous years. The currency used in Turkey is the New Turkish Lira, introduced in 2005. Exchange rates from the pound to the lira are much more favorable than those of pound to euro. For those tourists who have felt the pinch of a struggling economy, a Turkish vacation could prove to be more affordable for the 2008 vacation season. Where ever their destination, travelers aren’t letting things like the economy and exchange rates ruin their plans. They’re simply learning to budget their vacation as needed.

Low Cost Airlines

Although packaged vacation sales to Turkey have been top sellers in 2008, low-cost airlines are reporting more flights to Spanish destinations being booked than last year. More than 4,000 flights have been booked to Palma, Majorca alone according to reports by the Palma airport.

Top Selling Packaged Vacations for Summer 2008

Dalaman, Turkey tops the list as the number one packaged vacation spot for Europeans for 2008. Following closely behind is Majorca, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands. The third destination is the Greek island of Crete. Turkey makes two appearances on the list, as Bodrum makes the list as the number four vacation destination for Europeans in 2008. Algarve, Portugal rounds out the top five packaged vacation destinations for summer 2008.

Ignacio Vasallo, director of the Spanish Tourist Office dismisses claims that Spain is losing ground as a favorite vacation destination. He said, ‘The big picture is that Spain is going to have 15.5 million UK visitors this year.’ Spain has a lot to offer each tourist who visits and the tourism office officials show no signs of worry that Spain may be losing ground, for whatever reason.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/spanish-holidays-losing-ground-to-turkey-581948.html

About the Author:
Information about the Spanish holiday island of  Lanzarote  is available at yourlanzarote.net

European airlines with  cheap Lanzarote flight  deals are on-line, and the Lanzarote guide also has other  Lanzarote holiday  tourist details.

Transcontinental Turkey: Holiday Deals

Author: Amber Mike

Turkey lying as it does partly in Western Asia and partly in South Eastern Europe is transcontinental. It has the Mediterranean sea to the south, the Aegean sea to the West and the Black sea to the north. A varied history with many different civilisations making it their home at different times has left Turkey with a fascinating heritage full of history and archaeology, but also an ability to move with the times enabling it to become very much a part of the modern world as well. This gives a great feeling of modern and ancient sitting side by side, and a wonderful culture where the two exist happily together.   The climate around the coast is temperate with hot dry summers and mild winters. Wonderful beach resorts daub the coastal regions of this wonderful country, with sparkling blue seas, virtually never ending sunshine and an incredibly beautiful coastline. Hospitality here is paramount and a warm welcome awaits everyone travelling to Turkey making this a very popular package holiday location with many holiday makers every year especially as Turkey is still one of the cheaper destinations in the Mediterranean.   If you find yourself bored with the beaches, there are many places in turkey worth visiting. At Dalyan there are the Lycian rock tombs which are cut into the rock face and are incredible to see particularly if viewed from the river below. A trip on the river will take you past these and on through the river marshes to the mud baths where you can pamper yourself in the mud and sulphur pools here before enjoying a river side lunch.   Turkey’s largest City is Istanbul, and it is one of Turkey’s top city destinations. A wealth of historical sites are here from the 17th century Blue Mosque (known for it’s blue tiled interior), to the Dolmabahce Palace built in the mid 19th century which was the first European style palace built in Istanbul. Fourteen tons of gold leaf have been used to decorate it’s ornate gilt ceilings, and in the centre hall there is a chandelier which was a gift from Great Britains own Queen Victoria. If you fancy trying a bit of traditional Turkish lifestyle, you could visit a hamam for a traditional Turkish bath, and perhaps follow it up by visiting the streets and haggling for some of the many bargains to be had here. Perhaps you’d like to fill your evening watching belly dancers while eating a traditional Turkish meal and sipping your raki. Finish off your meal with a proper Turkish coffee, but make sure you let them know whether you’d like it sade (plain), orta (with some sugar) or sekerli (very sweet) as it’s brewed with the sugar already mixed in with the coffee granules. When you drink it, be careful to make sure you stop before you find yourself with a mouthful of coffee grounds, and if you’re lucky, you;ll be able to find a local who will tell you your fortune.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/transcontinental-turkey-holiday-deals-752796.html

About the Author:
These are just a handful of the destinations that Turkey Holidays have to offer. For further info on Turkey locations, have a look at Antalya or Dalaman Holidays.

Turkey Holidays Give A Blissful Mix Of Color

Author: Direct Traffic

East and West, vibrant and relaxing, ancient and modern; Turkey holidays are jam-packed with the colourful contradictions that have given the country a growing and glowing reputation as one of the central hubs of European tourism.  Taking over the mantle from the more traditional trio of France, Spain and Italy, Turkey holidays can give you all the weather, culture and activities you could possibly desire.  The bustling cultural capital of Istanbul is about as vibrant as it gets. Forget New York as the city that never sleeps, Istanbul is the city that never sleeps and makes sure all its neighbours are up enjoying the party too.  Part of the reason why Istanbul is so lively is it’s one of the great cosmopolitan melting pots of the world. The city is unique in that it straddles two continents bringing together Europe and Asia with all the delights of both cultural backgrounds.  If you’ve been on Turkey holidays before but never been to Istanbul, then you’re in for a treat. The city – whilst not the official capital of Turkey – is the throbbing, beating heart of the nation with some of the best landmarks and certainly some of the best food on offer anywhere in the country.     Turkey holidays   are not just about the major cities however. Outside of   Istanbul , the smaller and quieter destinations of Dalaman and Bodrum have a much more tranquil and serene pace of life. Bodrum is one of the yachting capitals of the world and a magnificent port city to visit.  The traditional Turkish wooden sailing boat, the gulet is an excellent mode of transport and a great way to see some of the more hidden treasures Turkey has to offer. Secluded golden beaches await keen sailors as they travel along the coast.  For the sports enthusiast, Turkey holidays can provide some of the premier water sports facilities in the world with excellent opportunities for sailing, water skiing and wind surfing. Further inland at Mount Ararat you can take climbing, hiking and mountain biking excursions.  Another bonus with Turkey Holidays is that practically no price is fixed and almost everything can be bargained for. The locals positively relish in the art of haggling, so you can save yourself a packet by effectively negotiating you way to good prices for anything from food and drink to your gift souvenirs.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/turkey-holidays-give-a-blissful-mix-of-colour-801135.html

About the Author:

Turkey Holidays: The Past, Present And Future Of Holidaying In This Tremendous Country

Author: Nicky Pilkington

For decades Turkey has been stigmatised by its past as a poor Muslim country, not exactly making it the top holiday destination for people who wanted to travel abroad somewhere sunny. While to a certain extent, Turkey is a poor country, it is definitely now on the up, and to highlight this is Turkey’s admission into the European Union for the first time.
Turkey, like anywhere, has its good and bad parts. Whilst much of Turkey’s large cities and towns may be ghettoised there are parts to visit which are a pleasure to be in. For the most part, Turkey isn’t renowned for its excellent urban tourist attractions but for its beautiful countryside and beach resorts – of which Turkey has an abundance of.
Turkey holidays are also famously cheap, meaning you can get much more for your money. Strangely, in a world where courtesy and friendliness between humans seems to be declining with each passing year, Turkey bucks the trend like no other country I have ever visited and the people are as warm and welcoming as the beautiful sea which surrounds the country.
Turkey is perhaps most famous for it’s sight seeing opportunities and is perhaps the most unique country in the world when it comes archaeological sites. Whilst in many countries the traces of the many great civilisations which have swept through the world have faded over time or vanished completely, Turkey has some of the most fantastically preserved archaeological remains from the Roman, Byzantine and other civilisations which have risen and fell throughout the worlds history.
One of the most popular places in Turkey for holidays is the Mugla / Bodrum region, which lays on the south-west coast of Turkey and one of the finest hotels you will find in this region, is the four-star Azka Hotel. A big hotel with over 180 rooms, and situated in the tree-lined hills overlooking the sea not 20 meters away, it is one of the most idyllic locations for a Turkish holiday. In this particular hotel there is satellite television which of course is good news for those who don’t speak Turkish but wish to keep up to speed with events and news back home. Air conditioning, mini bars and balconies are all features of this amazing hotel. There is also plenty of leisure facilities such as outdoor and indoor pools, saunas, Turkish baths and Jacuzzis, gym, tennis courts, squash, billiards and diving and more. The Azka Hotel is also within a mile away from the city centre which gives you further opportunities to explore and experience Turkish culture.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/turkey-holidays-the-past-present-and-future-of-holidaying-in-this-tremendous-country-78513.html

About the Author:
You are welcome to visit our website for more information on  Turkey Holidays .

Essential Ingredients For a Holiday in Turkey

Author: Shereena Lingiah

Turkey is a fascinating destination, a country that mixes traditional Islamic culture with a cosmopolitan European vibe, where ancient ruins sit along side upmarket beach resorts. When you are planning a holiday in Turkey, you get to select which ingredients to use to tailor make the experience to your liking. Here are a few of the ‘flavours’ you have to choose from to create the perfect holiday to Turkey – use as much (or as little) of each as you please…

Ancient Culture

Turkey is blessed with a treasure trove of archaeological delights. Numerous ancient civilisations, including the Greeks, Romans and the Byzantine Empire, have ruled over Turkey at one point or another, and some of the finest surviving ruins from these cultures are to be found here. Highlights include the cities of Troy and Ephesus, and if you are a history buff on a holiday to Turkey, this is one flavour you won’t want to miss out on!

Stunning Beaches

Turkey is fast becoming one of the most popular beach holiday destinations in Europe, and it is no wonder: the stunning Mediterranean coastline is rich with beaches and resorts that bask in the blazing sun during the summer months. The resorts range from naturally beautiful Olu Deniz to the bustling Marmaris, picturesque Kalkan to idyllic Akyaka. If you are going on a holiday to Turkey, you are sure to find a resort that is perfectly suited to your needs.

Exhilarating Istanbul

Nowhere else in the country is Turkey’s cultural blend more readily apparent than in its capital city. Istanbul is a vibrant destination, where ancient mosques rub shoulders with boutique shops. Haggle for souvenirs in the Grand Bazaar, stroll along the old walls of Istanbul, marvel at the wonders of the Sultanahmet Mosque, or simply relax over a potent cup of Turkish coffee in a traditional café – the city has a distinct flavour that it is impossible to forget, and whether you visit for a day or a week, don’t exclude Istanbul from your holiday in Turkey.

Exciting Activities

While Turkey is better known as a beach, culture and city break destination, there are plenty of activities to keep more adventurous holiday makers occupied. Golfers on a holiday to Turkey should head over to Belek – this beach resort has been especially designed as a modern day golfer’s paradise, with a dozen courses situated in a stunning location.
If you’d prefer to explore the country on foot rather than in a tour bus, the Lycian Way is the essential walk to take. Rated as one of the best footpaths in the world, the 500km route weaves along the Turkish coastline from Fethiye to Antalya, taking in spectacular beaches, mountains, and ancient Lycian ruins along the way.
Finally, if you’d like to travel in a more relaxed fashion, take a Gulet cruise along the coast – a cruise on one of these traditional wooden motor yachts is one of the most popular activities for a holiday to Turkey.

If these ‘ingredients’ have managed to whet your appetite, it is no surprise; Turkey is truly one of the most exciting and unforgettable destinations for a holiday in Europe.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/essential-ingredients-for-a-holiday-in-turkey-843602.html

About the Author:
Shereena Lingiah is the Marketing Manager for Anatolian Sky, a company offering comprehensive advice and accommodation options for your  holiday in Turkey . They provide holidays to North Cyprus and Turkey, including the entire Anatolian region.

Important Facts On Turkey Travel

Author: James Yee

One part of Turkey is part of Europe, while the rest is geographically situated in West Asia, (also called the Middle East). Many languages are spoken in Turkey, such: as Greek, Armenian, Kurdish, Arabic and their official language, Turkish.

Travelers that come from Western Europe are not required to have a visa, except those coming from the UK. It is still possible to travel to Turkey by means of a train from Europe, albeit not very practical. This is done by those who are driven by the romantic notion of traveling by train, made famous by the movie the Orient Express.

Arriving by plane is the fastest way to get to Turkey, and the most practical. Taxi services are widely available outside of the airports to welcome tourists.

It is a delight to travel around Turkey by bus. The buses offer accommodation equipped with air-conditioning and a great crew that attends to the needs of the passengers. They also offer food and drink. In addition to rest stops at restaurants every couple of hours or so.

Visitors who plan to drive while visiting this country should be very careful while on the road. Road accident rates are high in Turkey, especially, since their roads are often left in poor condition.

Things to do while in Turkey.

- Turkey offers a great cuisine derived from Arabic and Mediterranean style. These dishes often contain meat such as lamb, which is a staple meat in turkey. A lot of spices are also used in their dishes. Turkish coffee is a very popular drink that must be sampled while visiting.

- Travelers who are planning to go to Turkey during winter can take advantage of the numerous ski centers that are available. Rafting and yachting are also popular activities there, perfect during the summer and fall season.

- Tourists who want to absorb the culture and get better acquainted with Turkey’s history can visit some of their famous landmarks such as: Topkapi Palace, Ayasofya Museum, Mt. Nemrut and the ancient City of Troy.

- Turkey is also famous for their diverse wildlife. It is one of only a few countries in the world that has preserved their ecological equilibrium. Many rare species here are protected by the government.

- The natural landscape of this country is a treasure. Visitors can go on hiking trips to partake in this wonderful outdoors experience.

It is predicted that on March 29, year 2006, a total solar eclipse will take place in Turkey. So those who want to experience this phenomenon should schedule their vacation around this time

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/important-facts-on-turkey-travel-138895.html

About the Author:
James Yee enjoys traveling and photography. Click here to get your Free Weekly Travel Deals :   Turkey Travel

Things To Do On  Holiday In Turkey

Author: Andrew Gibson

Turkey is one of the most beautiful places in the world and is a hub of art, culture and history that dates back several hundred years ago. Many tourists go to Turkey on a family holiday and stay in a holiday villa with swimming pool.

It is the land where eastern culture meets western culture, and is filled with destinations you would never find anywhere else in the world. It is an ideal holiday destination with its long list of attractions and places to visit. Staying in a family holiday home rental in Turkey is perfect if you are looking for fun, sun and a bit of culture.

The first thing that you should think of when you are on a holiday in Turkey is a Turkish bath. This has been in Turkey for several years and became famous when people did not have facilities in their houses and would go out in public to take a bath. It has become a tradition and is present in almost all the neighbourhoods in Turkey.

Many holiday makers stay in a holiday villa in Turkey and explore this beautiful country. Many tourists take a boat cruise on the Bosphorus. While on this ride, you will be able to see so many amazing sites that you would be confused as to where to look. On this ride, you would be able to see the famous Selimiye Barracks which was the place where Florence Nightingale worked, Rumeli Hisari, the beautiful Topkapi places and many more historical sites.

Golf is now becoming very popular with tourists who go on holiday to Turkey. You can now stay in a self catering apartment or holiday villa and play golf on many of the excellent golf courses that have sprung up in Turkey.

Many families go on holiday to Turkey and stay in self catering apartments or holiday villas. Some of these holiday villas have swimming pools and spectacular views and over look the stunning coastline. Turkey is a place to go on a family holiday if you want to enjoy sun and sand.

For lovers of the outdoors, you can go on holiday to Turkey and rent a self catering holiday cottage. These holiday cottages can be used as a base to explore the local countryside hiking and walking. At night you can then enjoy and sample the local food and entertainment.

Turkey is also a country full of magnificent architecture and historical sights. Many families come on holiday to Turkey and take a break from the sun and the sand and leave their holiday villa for a day to explore some of these stunning ruins. It is also a popular holiday destination for lovers of water sports with some great holiday homes for rental right by the side of the beach.

Many holiday makers return to Turkey on a family holiday year after year staying in a holiday villa or self catering apartment. They return for the ideal climate, beautiful beaches and clean clear sea.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/things-to-do-on-holiday-in-turkey-391648.html

About the Author:
Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It is one of the fastest growing on line holiday home rental websites. To see an example of why Direct Holiday Bookings is growing so rapidly have a look at  Holiday Villas in Turkey

Ten Essential Things To Do When You Visit Turkey

Author: Jonathan Williams

Turkey has long been a controversial country in the long line of history. Being a mediator between Asia and Europe, Turkey has had a culture of its own – influenced both by its European neighboring countries as well as its Asian neighbors. For this, you will surely enjoy Turkey – the arts and letters, the museums, the vacation destinations, and the historic sites.

1.) Turkish Concerts and Operas

Having a culture distinctly of its own, Turkey has developed a liking for concerts and operas that are truly world class. Enchant yourself with the dazzling collaboration of Western classical music infused with Ottoman music. The result is a sound uniquely their own.

2.) Films in Turkey

Your visit to Turkey will never be complete unless you get to watch a Turkish film. Turkish films are truly world-class, having earned itself accolades and praises from international award-giving bodies. Also, Turkey holds its very own film festival celebrated in Istanbul.

3.) Museums in Turkey

Because of the very rich history of Turkey, a lot of museums can be found in the place. In these museums, you actually get to see artifacts found in Turkey. Some of the most famous museums in Turkey include the Museum of Anatolian Civilization and the Ethnographic Museum where Roman and Greek artifacts are on exhibit.

4.) The Cave Dwellings

A direct manifestation of the rich cultural tradition of Turkey is its cave dwellings, found in Central Anatolia Goreme, Turkey. What’s so distinct and unique about these cave dwellings is that people are still living in these houses built by Christian monks around 4 A.D. You can just imagine the resilience of these houses.

5.) Roman Ruins

Turkey was once under the rule of Roman Empire. Until now, you can feast your eyes on the marvel of Roman structures left in Turkey. These ruins are found all over Turkey, the most notable of which is the ancient city of Adora, found in South Central Turkey.

6.) Mosques

Because Islam has been the official religion of Turkey from then until now, some of the most notable and architecturally laudable mosques can be found in Turkey. The Suleymaniye Mosque and the Blue Mosque are both found in Turkey. The signature domes of the Byzantine architecture are ever impressive in Turkey.

7.) Greek Ruins

As if the presence of Roman ruins is not enough, wait until you bear witness to another historic place in Turkey. In Western Turkey are the legendary ruins of the city of Troy. Indeed, this makes Turkey a place you must visit, especially if you are a history buff who loves learning about the early roots of civilization.

8.) Nature Trips

A trip to Turkey will not be complete unless you visit the nature-friendly areas around the country. One is Lake Van, located in the eastern part of the country. Because it is a lake, you will find the place to be very relaxing where you can spend a quiet time alone. In Turkey is also the world-famous Mount Ararat, known for its perfectly shaped peaks.

9.) Shopping in Turkey

Turkey is the place to be if you are a shopaholic. Here can be found the Grand Bazaar which provides roof for over 4000 shops for different purposes – food, fashion, technology, books, and many other things. What you are looking for can surely be found in Grand Bazaar, found in Istanbul.

10.) Foods in Turkey

The key to Turkish food is simplicity, and you will especially love the fact that the foods commonly served here are either filled with spices or herbs. These, after all, are prolific in Turkey. Also, anchovies are one of the best cooked foods in the country.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/ten-essential-things-to-do-when-you-visit-turkey-329422.html

About the Author:
Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV – the place to share  travel videos . Visit   http://www.destinationguide.tv/turkey   to view or share  Turkey travel videos .