Turkey travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

The aquapark is opened up to service in 1993 by Depark, is the very first water park of Turkey. Established on an area of 40.000 m². Adjacent to Dedeman Antalya is the Aquapark Dedeman where water slides and chutes which provide hours of fun for children and adults.

The park has lots of and slides ranging from gentle slopes for the toddlers in your group, to the vertigo-inducing, near-vertical.

You will enjoy the thrills and spills of the heart thumping adrenaline rush in the most fascinating sun-washed water park ever created. The park there are 23 slides, a 350 meter river with artificial waves, pools and restaurants.

Facilities: Multi Slide, Big Hole, Black Hole, Crazy River, Giant Slide, Twin – Twister Tube – Kamikaze – Spiro Tube – Hydro Tube Activity Pool, Wawe Pool, Jacuzzi.

Melekler Evi Cave Hotel is located in Urgup, Turkey. Nevsehir Airport is about half an hour and Kayseri airport is about 1 hour drive to Meleklerevi.

Its eight rooms comprise cave and standard stone-built rooms, most rooms being carved out of stone. The rooms are named Life, Dream, Peace, Hope, Pleasure, Heaven and Love.

Every room has a mini music system that is usb, mp3 and CD compatible. Bathrooms are equipped with soap, shampoo and hair dryers. Some rooms are even provided with a private stone fireplace.

With a beautiful garden and terrace!.

Facilities: 24h Reception, Laundry – Dry Cleaning Service,  Hairdryer, Direct dial telephone, Internet access, Car Rental, Bars and Cafes.

Activities: Massage, Jacuzzi, Library, BBQ Facilities, Cycling, Turkish/Steam Bath, Horse Riding.

This Goreme’s most luxurious cave hotel is for sure the best choice for demanding tourists, with spectacular views looking out towards Uchisar and Cavusin.

There are 16 rooms in the Suite section which 6 are Standard Suites, 3 are King Suites and 2 are Presidental Suites.

Spacious cave bedrooms with hand-carved furnishings and locally-made fabrics, marble-walled bathrooms with their own hamam basins, power-showers and bathtubs.

Amenities: CD Player, Extra towels, linens, bedding in room, Fireplace, Private bathroom, Wake-up calls.

The dining room and terrace have fine views of the town and the valley.

The AIR GAMES in Oludeniz, is an event for everyone from spectators to hard core acrobatic pilots. Also all new, beginner flyers are welcome. Oludeniz is a small resort village in the Mugla Province on the South West coast of Turkey on the Aegean Sea to the south and the high, steep sided Babadag Mountain, 14 km (9 mi) south of Fethiye.

Demonstrations of paragliding, skydiving, base-jumping, hangliding, para-motor flights, remote control plane shows, microlights, hard core acrobatic competitions, accuracy landing competitions. Also summer sun, beach and unbelievably turquoise sea is just in front of you. After the sunset the action does not stop, chilling out by watching snap-shots from the day in Cloud 9 and parties. Music, drinks, dancers and entertainment are until the crack of dawn.

It is becoming increasingly popular for festival goers to arrive early and get in a bit of relaxation or some sky time prior to the opening ceremony. Accommodation in Oludeniz is limited and fills up FAST so get in early. The Festival starts in 14th and ends in 18th, 2009.

Situated on a beautiful peninsula, Bodrum, home of the famous Greek historian Herodotus, is these days better known as a popular holiday resort. Characterised by sugar-white houses spilling down its hillsides, its bustling bazaars, maze-like old town, historic treasures and shop-lined marina make it ideal for action-seekers, shopaholics and sightseeing fiends. With excellent beaches, lie on the western side of the peninsula and are ideal for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. You can try your hand at water skiing, parasailing, dinghy sailing, windsurfing or perhaps the more sedate pastimes of canoeing or pedaloes. Bodrum is a very lively resort and will suit everybody. There are plenty of shops selling all the fake designer gear and fabulous leather and loads of restaurants catering for everyone. The town’s charm is well-known, attracting a diverse population of vacationers who stroll along its long palm-lined waterfront, while elegant yachts crowd the marina.

The beautiful Bodrum Peninsula suits holidaymakers interested in a subdued and relaxing atmosphere. Enchanting villages, with guest-houses and small hotels on quiet bays, dot the peninsula. Not far from town, you can swim in absolutely clear, tideless, warm seas. Underwater divers, especially, will want to explore the numerous reefs, caves and majestic rock formations. The waters offer up multicolored sponges of all shapes and sizes, octopi and an immense variety of other aquatic life. One of the most beautiful beaches on the Bodrum peninsula, Karaincir, is ideal for lively active days by the sea and relaxed, leisurely evenings with local villagers. Finally, Akyarlar enjoys a well-deserved reputation for the fine, powdery sand of its beach, it’s also considered as one of the best beaches in the world.

The people of Turkey are very friendly and are very helpful as well. There is no beach as such but you can go to the nearby resorts of Gumbet or Bitez if you fancy a day at the beach. You also have the big open air disco Halikarnas. The weather in May was excellent, not too hot like the summer months. This is an excellent holiday resort. The evenings in Bodrum are for sitting idly in one of the many restaurants, dining on fresh seafood and other Aegean specialties. Throw in endless Turkish and international restaurants, and the hyperactive nightlife offered by the old town’s music bars and clubs, and you’ll be spoilt for things to do and enjoy. Afterwards night clubs (some with cabaret) and superb discos keep you going until dawn.

Two meters under the narrow streets of Bodrum lies 5000 years of history. A few monuments attest to this history: Underwater Archaeology Museums of the world, Castle of Crusaders, the Myndus Gate, the Roman theatre and the Mausoleum one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The most prominent feature of Bodrum must be the Castle of St. Peter. Whether entering the town by land or sea, one cannot help but be struck by the Castle’s sturdy presence. The Castle of St Peter with its amazing maritime museum is fascinating, alternatively stroll through the marina with its charming boutiques and elegant yachts. One of the world’s best preserved monuments from medieval times, it stands as a solid testament to the Bodrum area as a place worth defending.

Bodrum holidays don’t mean missing out on the beach. The nights are longer, the drinks more enjoyable. And then there is love in Bodrum … You have to experience it to truly understand the attraction of Bodrum. Wherever you’re staying, just hop on a dolmus to discover the local, lovely bays indented into the coastline. Sunny, sandy and equipped with fun watersports, they’re ready and waiting whenever you fancy lazier days. Also worth a visit is Pamukkale, one of nature’s phenomena where hot mineral waters flow down the mountain and have solidified to form snowy white pools. As you might expect, boat trips are widely available and you can even take your passport and take a trip to the nearby Greek island of Kos.

The ancient city of Ephesus (Turkish: Efes), located near the Aegean Sea in modern day Turkey, was one of the great cities of the Greeks in Asia Minor. Ephesus, located 600km (373 miles) southwest of Istanbul, is one of the grandest and best-preserved ruins of the ancient world. According to evidence dating from around 1400 BC, the Hittites were the first to settle the site, which they named Apasas.
From the entrance at the Eastern gate of the city, there is the Eastern Agora, Odeon, the Temple of Domitianus, Polio Fountain, Trajan Fountain, Scolastica Bath, hillside houses, the Temple of Hadrianus, Celsus Library, Lower Agora, Marbled Street, Grand Theater, Arcadianus Avenue and the Church of the Virgin Mary. Near Ephesus is the house of the Virgin Mary.

The archaeological probes launch in 19 century in Efes. With searching the wreckages of the Temple of Artemida. At this the first parts of the ancient city are being struck. After the ending of 19 century major austrian antiquaries from the austrian archaeological institute hold ruins and unveil huge parts of the city, largely public buildings, but Large private homes, between that so called “houses of the southern dim hill brae” in which worthwhile tessellations are being found.

One of the most amazing ruins in Efes is the huge amphitheatre with a 24.000 seat capacity and superb acoustic effects. The ruins also include a gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsus.The nearby town of Selcuk is dominated by a Byzantine citadel which stans close to the 6th century basilica of St. Jhon, supposedly built on the site of the apostle’s tomb.The 14th century Isa Bey Mosque, next to the basilica is accessed through its typical Seljuk portal.

The Efes museum which houses many of the artifacts, artwork, and statues found in the Ephesus site. Particularly interesting was the exhibit on the gladiator graveyard. Archiologists had discovered the graveyard a few years back and were able to determine many of the gladiator’s causes of death. A part of the site, St.John’s Basilica, was built in the 6th century AD, under emperor Justinian 1 over the supposed site of the apostle’s tomb. It is now surrounded by a Turkish town, Selcuk.

The rock formations of Pamukkale are a series of natural shelves and ridges, terraces that have been turned white from the solidified chalky calcium deposit sleft behind as the thermal waters tumble into further basins clinging to the cliff edge below. These impressive mineral hot springs are somewhat similar to the Mamoth Hot Springs in Yellostone Ntl Park, but those are much bigger and more impressive. There you are welcome to take a bath in the various natural ponds. The first thing you will see is a rock platform over 100 m in height rising up from the plain. The slopes of this hill, which look from a distance like a great white speck, are covered with large numbers of pools and terraces. As you come nearer, you will begin to see this natural phenomenon, which resembles a frozen waterfall, in greater detail.

Pamukkale is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in Turkey. The scientific explanation is that hot thermal springs pouring down the hillside deposit calcium carbonate, which solidifies as traversing. If you take off your shoes, you can gingerly roam the terraces or paddle in the pools. The Turks have dubbed this geological fairyland Pamukkale, or “cotton castle“. Here, in a landscape fascinating in its own right, the action of various mineral springs which contain calcium oxides has left fantastic concretions on the traversing structures. The resulting effect is spectacular: these mineral-rich waters have dripped down over a series of terraced levels designing bizarre solidified cascades, dazzling in their radiance and changing their color according to how the sunlight strikes them.

Pamukkale is a very famous tourist attraction of Turkey, and tourists travel from the coast of Antalya and the Aegean Sea to this place as it is one of two World Heritage Sites in Turkey, together with Hierapolis. Only a few other places in the world are somewhat similar. Deriving from springs in a cliff almost 200 m high overlooking the plain, calcite-laden waters have created at Pamukkale an unreal landscape, made up of mineral forests, petrified waterfalls and a series of terraced basins. At the end of the 2nd century B.C. the dynasty of the Attalids, the kings of Pergamon, established the thermal spa of Hierapolis. The ruins of the baths, temples and other Greek monuments can be seen at the site. The big attraction is a vast white cliff side with scallop-shaped basins of water and frozen waterfalls. It looks as if it’s made out of snow or cloud or balls of cotton. The Turks have dubbed this geological fairyland Pamukkale from pamuk for cotton and kale for castle. For thousands of years a deep underground spring has been pouring out streams of hot, mineral-saturated water. As it has flowed down the mountainside the steaming water has hollowed enormous circular basins in the earth, and the water’s rich mineral content has coated them in a smooth layer of dazzlingly-white calcareous rock. To the ancients such beauty could only mean that the place was sacred to the gods. Built near the natural hot springs, the grand city of Hierapolis attracted a steady stream of pilgrims, who came to bathe in the curative waters. Pamukkale is located 250 km from Izmir and 20 km from Denizli. Most of the hotels are in Karahayit, 5 Ian north of Pamukkale. The water is 42-56 C, the pH is 5.98, similar to Pamukkale, but the water has more iron content.

The Pamukkale hot springs flow at a rate of 400 liters per second. The various facilities can accommodate about 6,000 people a day which amounts to 600 liters of water per person per day.
Pamukkale is both, a magical and spectacular natural site, unique in the world and with its ancient ruins it is perhaps the most attractive spot for tourists.

Goreme which have the old names of Korama, Matiana and Maccan is 10 km far away from the center of Nevsehir province. The valley created from volcanic rocks is famous with the chimney rocks resulting from the erosion made by the natural factors to these rocks and with the historical richness. It has been an important religious place together with the intensive emigration of the first Christians escaping from the pressure of the Roman soldiers. The population escaped from the pressures has made many abbeys, churches and houses in the volcanic rocks from the valley where they were able to hidden easily. In our days in Goreme are found Elmali Church, Saint Barbara Church, Carikli Church, Tokali Church and Hidden Church and all of these are open air museums. In the churches there are scenes from the life of Jesus, descriptions of the saints who written the Bible and pictures of Saint Barbara and Saint Georgius.

Anatolian Houses is a luxurious new boutique hotel located in the fairytale-like surroundings of Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel is built within the cave formations that are part of Cappadocia’s historical structure. This exclusive hotel features just 11 Suites and 2 Deluxe Suites. Each suite houses unique works of art, both old and modern. Furniture has been specially selected among pieces from different eras in history to give the look of Anatolia with the harmony of past and present. Explore the narrow streets where you can stroll by locally owned shops and houses. The amazing cave architecture makes your heart skip a beat! Cappadocian soil is extremely fertile, and a tour of the region will reveal numerous vineyards in and around the valleys. Famous for its local wines, Cappadocia is a major producer. At the end of the day, you can pour a glass of wine from the fountain in the hotel’s courtyard and sit back and enjoy the amazing sunset!

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
11 Suites and 2 Deluxe Suites. Each suite houses unique works of art, both old and modern. Furniture has been specially selected among pieces from different eras in history to give the look of Anatolia with the harmony of past and present.
Presidential Suite
King Suite
Deluxe Suite
Suite

AMENITIES & SERVICES
At the hotel: Airport transfer, Meeting room, Internet room, Laundry service
In your room: Telephone, Digital broadcast, LCD TV, Minibar, Hairdryer, Safebox, Floor based central-heating system, Fireplace, Jacuzzi (in many suites), Bath tubs with hydro massage (in 4 suites), 1 room with shower only

ACTIVITIES
On-site: Indoor/Outdoor heated swimming pool, Spa & Wellness Center, Turkish bath, Sauna
Nearby: Hot Air Ballooning, Trekking, Horseback Riding, Rafting, Skiing

Valencia
All eyes will be on Valencia later this year when the Spanish city hosts the coveted America’s Cup, the world’s biggest and most prestigious yachting event. Valencia is the first city in Europe to stage the race, despite the event’s long history. Already a popular short break destination with savvy travellers, Valencia benefits from a great location a short hop from the resorts on the Costa Blanca and is well served by no-frills airlines. But it is a charming city in its own right, home to the original paella, and it offers an exciting mixture of old and new, with cutting edge modern architecture and traditional baroque barrios. Check out the futuristic looking Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (the City of Arts and Sciences) designed by local architect Santiago Calatrava, featuring Europe’s largest state-of-the-art marine park, complete with a 30m- (98ft-) long shark tunnel, a dolphinarium, huge fish tanks, a colony of Humboldt’s penguins, and a very surreal underwater restaurant . The harbour area, Europe’s largest urban regeneration project, will be at the centre of the action during the Cup.
Beijing
As the rest of the world awakens to the tourism potential of the Chinese giant, interest in the country is growing and visitor numbers to China have rocketed. But while Shanghai and Hong Kong have traditionally stolen the limelight, it is Beijing which is set to draw the crowds in the next few years.
The capital has been undergoing a breathtaking urban makeover since being named host city for the 2008 Olympics and the buzz is almost palpable. The city’s facelift has spawned some amazing buildings, not least the Olympic venues themselves, and particularly the National Stadium, or Bird’s Nest, designed by Herzog & de Meuron at a cost of over US$400 million. The Water Cube (aka National Aquatic Centre), Paul Andreu’s new egg-shaped National Opera House and the huge new Norman Foster-designed terminal at Beijing Capital Airport will also dazzle visitors.
Old-time favourites such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, or the Temple of Heaven are being given a makeover too. The city’s infrastructure has been improved, thousands of trees and shrubs have even been planted to brighten up streets and squares, new hotels are opening every week (most recently Westin, Ritz-Carlton and InterContinental), and more direct flights than ever now serve the Chinese capital. Beijing is most definitely one of Asia’s most exciting cities.

Oman
Travellers to the Middle East seeking an alternative to Dubai are increasingly heading for Oman, which offers stunning unspoilt scenery (think deserts, tranquil oases, rugged mountains and peaceful beaches) and rich cultural heritage, with friendly locals and year-round sunshine thrown in for good measure. Scuba-diving, sailing, dolphin and whale watching are all popular activities here, but it is adventure travel which draws intrepid visitors. So if you fancy spending the night under the stars on a desert safari or sailing along the coast on an old-fashioned dhow, this might be just the destination for you
Virginia, USA
2007 marks America’s 400th anniversary, or the settling of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America, in 1607. The entire state will be celebrating this turning point in history this year, with events including the sailing of a newly commissioned replica Godspeed from Chesapeake Bay up the James River, recreating parts of the original route sailed by the first settlers; a World of 1607 Exhibition; the America’s Anniversary Weekend in May; and a host of other celebrations throughout the year
London
London is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and 2007 promises to be yet another exciting year for visitors. The new O2 (formerly known as the Millennium Dome) will be opening in July and is touted as the most technically advanced music, sport and entertainment venue in the UK. The iconic new Wembley Stadium is also reopening later this year: it will be home to the England football team and can seat a whooping 90,000 spectators. The Grand Départ of the Tour de France, held for the first time ever in the capital, is set to draw the crowds in the summer, and so is the blockbuster Tutankhamun exhibition, featuring over 130 of the great pharaoh’s magnificent treasures, later on in the year. Meanwhile train travellers can look forward to the unveiling of the brand new St Pancras Eurostar terminal in November. The Channel Tunnel Rail Link will cut the journey time to Paris down to 2 hours 20 minutes.

Bulgaria and Romania
These two countries in Eastern Europe will be joining the EU in 2007. Served by an increasing number of no-frills airlines from Western Europe, Bulgaria and Romania are popular with second home owners and ideal for those looking for a more off-the-beaten-path kind of holiday. Boasting 16 UNESCO World Heritage sites between them, as well as unique wildlife, fascinating folklore and up-and-coming ski and seaside resorts, Bulgaria and Romania offer fantastic value year round. Little wonder they are growing in popularity

Liverpool
Liverpool will spend 2007 celebrating its 800th anniversary before taking on its role as European Capital of Culture in 2008, so there will be lots going on in the city by the River Mersey. A four-day extravaganza of pageantry and street entertainment will take place in late August this year to celebrate the granting of the city’s first charter in 1207. Over 300 events are planned, including plenty on the city’s best-known export – Beatlemania. Coincidentally, the famous Cavern Club on Mathew Street, where The Beatles first made their name, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. And a brand new Hard Day’s Night Hotel
Turkey
Turkey has been a popular destination with Brits on package holidays for years, but it is redefining its image and reinventing itself as a hip destination, with new trendy hotels attracting young moneyed travellers. The five-star Hillside Su in Antalya created a bit of a stir when it opened in 2004 , as did the Adam & Eve, also in Antalya, last year. On the other hand, the new easyJet London-Istanbul route, launched in summer 2006, now puts this vibrant, fascinating city within reach of budget travellers attracted to Istanbul’s rich past and culture

Best places in Turkey