Exotic, sun-drenched and packed with history, the vast country of Turkey straddles two continents and channels influences from both its European and Asian culture. From the bustle of Istanbul to tiny fishing villages along the sparkling Aegean coast and regions of unspoiled natural beauty, it’s a place which epitomises intrigue – and is perfect for luxury travel in the summer months.

Istanbul

Although it’s often the best known city in Turkey, Istanbul isn’t actually the capital city. Despite this, however, there is definitely not a lack of culture or luxury travel experiences to be found amongst its streets. Sitting on the Bosphorus River, this large metropolis is situated half in Asia and half in Europe – and often reflects the cultural dichotomy shared by the country as a whole.

There’s no better place to see this mix of cultures than in Sultanhamet, the central district whose skyline is dominated by Istanbul’s two most fabulous monuments. The Hagia Sophia Church is a stunning example of Christian Byzantine architecture and a masterpiece of mosaics and minarets. Meanwhile, the adjacent Blue Mosque is laid out in the traditional Ottoman style, with domes and archways offering elegant harmony.

Archaeological museums abound in the city, thanks to its long history, and the Museum of the Ancient Orient and Museum of Archaeology are both worth a visit for further insight into Turkey’s ancient heritage. No trip to Turkey is complete, however, without a trip to the Grand Bazaar. Wandering amongst the tiny shops, a bewildering range of smells, sights and sounds assault your senses like nowhere else on earth.

Ankara

Often overlooked by visitors to Turkey, the small and inviting capital of Ankara is very different to extravagant Istanbul. Here, the highlights are a series of impressive Roman remains to the north of Hisparki Caddesi and the attractive Byzantine citadel, known as Hisar. This maze of alleyways is best enjoyed at sunset, when it becomes an atmospheric evocation of the ancient Turkish world.

Feeling refreshingly unspoiled throughout, Ankara offers a taste of the old life in Turkey, away from the bright lights of Istanbul. Hammans (Turkish baths) are another essential luxury experience which can be enjoyed here – relax in the steamy saunas and hot water, but be prepared to be scrubbed rather vigorously if you opt for the full treatment!

Cappadocia

In central Turkey, the large rural region of Cappadocia provides another contrasting view of this intriguing country. In this amazing landscape of stone cliffs and twisting mountains, the troglodytes made their homes under the earth in a perfect example of simply living with nature.

Today, the caves are typically occupied with visitors enjoying the amazing scenery, but that doesn’t detract from the uniqueness of the place. The most spectacular experience is definitely floating over the landscape in a hot air balloon. Hiking amongst the caves, sampling fine food and exploring ancient frescoes are also excellent ways to experience Cappadocia.

Tom Ingrams is a travel writer who specializes in the higher end of the market, with an eye for the very best luxury travel experiences around the world.

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Currently Turkey is one of the Europe’s leading Travel Destinations with Great resorts. Most of the Tourists love to be spent at Turkey for their annual holidays. All the Travelers feel comfortable with the facilities over there in Turkey.

Especially the following are the major places to spend holidays in Turkey….

Marmaris

Bodrum

Dalaman

Marmaris

Are you looking for the exiting resorts and a Great relaxing holidays to enjoy with your family then Marmaris is the right place with all facilities. Marmaris is possibly the most European of all the Turkish resorts, although a venture into the Old Quarter shortly reveals a really conventional Turkish air. Old men seat in the shadow playing backgammon just yards from the more advanced bars on these affront.

Beautiful coastline, friendly people, good fresh foods and delicious local wines, that could easily compete against many European vineyards.. In the last few years, Marmaris has given headway with the rapid development of its infrastructure, parks and recreation and continuous construction of modern facilities. Many tourists having visited Mamaris, go back to their homeland, after falling in love with its charming bay.

Bodrum

It was built on the ruins of the ancient city of Halicarnassus during the early 15th cent. A popular tourist resort, the town’s notable landmark is a 15th cent. castle. It is also a center for underwater archaeology in the Mediterranean.

Bodrum, Turkey is located in the southwestern Aegean Region of the country. Bodrum has changed drastically over the past years, it has gone from a humble fishing town to a booming touristic heaven for Europeans. This island also known as the island of Gokova is a place which you will not want to leave once you start liking it. The clear translucent waters that keep lapping on the sandy beaches is a treat in themselves. It also allows one to see the rich marine life that lives beneath.

Dalaman

Dalaman is an area of natural beauty. It is located between the sea and mountains and benefits from its proximity to many areas of interest both historical and geographic interest (e.g. Dalyan mud baths, ancient tombs etc).

In other words Dalaman is located in the Mugla Province in the west of Turkey. It is the perfect beach holiday with stretches of white and gold sand. A portion of the town is situated near the Dalyan River surrounded by beautiful mountains. What keeps tourist coming back here is the mouth watering Turkish cuisine as well as international cuisine, well equipped water sports facilities, nightlife and just like any other cities in Turkey, Dalaman has its share of rare archaeological sites.

Dalaman town itself has many shops, resturants, bars and tea gardens and is growing quickly due to the investment in the area. Dalaman has its own huge natural beach, although not overly commercial ‘yet’ it is still pleasant and hosts lots of wildlife. The town is ideally situated for lots of resort areas but perfect if you prefer a quieter place to base yourself.

Stop thinking about how was the Turkey holidays. Just go and see, It’s a Great experience with pleasure.

About the Author: For More information http://www.bookme2.co.uk/holidays_turkey.phtml. Hemanth is a Travel Writer. He loves to travel different places in the world and happy to share his feeling around the web.

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The nightlife of a city is something that almost all British tourists enjoy, but if you want something a little different than popular French restaurants or drunken Spanish resorts, then Istanbul comes as highly recommended for its night haunts. If you’re thinking of heading to Istanbul, or you want to find out more about the nightlife of the world’s third largest city, then this article should give you the seeds for a great night out.

Where to Eat

Arriving in Istanbul on a Saturday night with the agenda of meeting plenty of English people and getting drunk will more than likely leave you culture shocked. The summer periods are touristier than other times of year, but it’s not particularly easy to find many English speakers in the popular area of Taksin. That said, it’s still worth going to one of the plush Turkish nightclubs, but to begin with it’s recommended to visit an area of bustling cafes located about halfway down the Istiklal Caddesi, which is the main commercial road linking Karakoy to Taksin Square. Just head to Halkbank (a Turkish bank on the street) and you’ll be in the right place.

Once there you’ll be spoilt for choice with packed cafes and outdoor seating filling up much of the roads. You’ll also be confronted by numerous street food sellers, market stalls and bartering waiters attempting to usher you into their restaurant. Most of the restaurants are very similar, with a fish and kebab menu (around 10 YTL – £4) as the main feature, but it’s worth finding one that sells beer for less than 4 YTL (£1.75), as this is a night out, after all. Once your stomach is filled, and a few tasty Efe’s lagers consumed, it’s time to get the bill and head across the street.

Where to Drink

For those who want a seriously sophisticated night out, then you may want to sample dinner at the 360 Istanbul, which is located close to the noticeable House Café on Istiklal Caddesi. But seeing as you’ve already eaten for a bargain, the 360 Istanbul is still recommended for at least one drink. They don’t come cheap at 20 YTL (£8) per cocktail, but seeing as the plush bar is located at the top of a commercial block, the 360-degree view of the city skyline is spectacular.

Where to Club

Keeping in the local area is the cool night club called Roxy on the nearby Siraselviler Caddesi . It’s closed during the week, but on the weekends it’s a bustling hotspot for students and rich kids, while not being too offensive for British tastes. For one thing, all of the music is straight from dance floors back home! Drinks don’t come cheap – at about 20 YTL a pop and entry is a whopping 40 YTL – but it’s worth going here just once to get a feel for a true Turkish after hours club. You won’t be disappointed by its cool demeanour.

About the Author:

Go Travel Insurance provide cheap holiday insurance and travel insurance for residents of the UK and Ireland.

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