Two Column Articles
Sun & Beach
 

Fine, white sand beaches are a hallmark of the Algarve. Some beaches, stretch as far as the eye can see, others are nestled in coves surrounded by golden cliffs. The seas are usually aqua blue and the waters nearly always calm and warm. And while some beaches are well-known, others are virtually unexplored.


Surfing & Watersports
 

The Algarve has almost 200km of coastline and is world renowned as a surfing hotspot, 365 days a year. Other popular water sports to get the adrenaline racing include bodyboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing. Boat trips to see dolphins and visit the spectacular grottos and rock formations of Lagos are also very popular.


Three Column Articles
Family Activities
 

The Algarve is home to some of Europe's most family-focussed hotels and there are numerous activities for children, both indoors and outdoors.  Visit the theme parks and aqua parks, learn new water sports, follow in the footprints of dinosaurs, watch dolphins and whales and lots more. And with its mild year-round climate, the Algarve's a friendly destination in both Winter and Summer.


Golfing
 

The Algarve is regarded as one of the best golfing destinations in the world. With over 40 courses across the Algarve, many designed by top professionals, the region is a golfer's paradise. The courses are located across the region - some by the beach, others inland, some flat, others hilly and nearly all with stunning views and top-class facilities.


Cycling & Walking
 

The Algarve has a vast network of routes and trails for cyclists and walkers of all fitness levels and the mild weather in Winter makes this a great time to experience the great outdoors. The Via Algarvina (Algarve Way) takes you inland through the heart of the Algarve to experience the beautiful countryside and the Vicentine Route starts on the the west coast and winds its way along the spectacular coastline.


Turkey's Top Attractions

Turkey’s rich history, amazing beaches and famed hospitality are major draws for tourists.  Troy and Ephesus are the most famous historical attractions but the whole country is covered with archaeological sites.

Ephesus is one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world and is just 18kms from Kusadasi. The Celsus Library (above) is one of its most beautiful structures. 

Troy in the far north west of Turkey was the setting for Homer's epic poem  'The Iliad'

Turkey has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world with white sandy beaches stretching along its Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines.  Indeed 454 beaches in Turkey have received Blue Flag certification in 2017. 

 

Antalya is gateway to the Turkish Riviera and is famous for its beaches, Roman ruins and its historic city centre (Kaleici district).

Pamukkale in the south-west is renowned for its thermal spa terrace and Hieropolis ruins

Cappadocia in central Turkey is known for its unique moon-like landscape, underground cities and cave churches and houses carved into distinctive cone-shaped rock formations called “fairy chimneys.

And no mention of Turkey is complete without mentioning the sparkling jewel in the crown – Istanbul.  One of the greatest cities in the world Istanbul is the only city located on two continents, Europe and Asia. Hagia Sofia (above) and Topkapi Palace (below) are 2 of Istanbul's top attractions.

 

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Turkey's Mediterranean Coast

Antalya, the main city of this region is the largest city on the Mediterranean coast and is set high on cliffs with stunning mountain scenery.  It's ideal for visitors  looking to enjoy a traditional Mediterranean beach and pool-side holiday with nightlife and shopping opportunities.

Antalya’s main attraction is the Roman theatre of Aspendos, which is situated on the outskirts of the city and is one of the best preserved in Turkey. 

Side (pronounced See-day) is one of the most attractive resort towns on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Within the old walled quarter are ancient Greek-Roman temples, just outside dune-engulfed ruins and a stunning Roman theatre still used for concerts to this day. There are plenty of places to eat, drink, club and shop here too.

Kemer is a popular holiday destination near Antalya.  You’ll find white sands, green forests, aqua blue seas, and, of course, warm sun. In Kemer, you’ll get the best in contemporary entertainment, shopping and accommodation so it’s the ideal setting for a complete holiday.  

The Tahtali Cable Car is also a must do for cool mountain breezes and spectacular panoramas.

Belek:  Between Antalya and Side, you’ll find the golf resort of Belek, which has 14 beautifully landscaped courses and excellent 5 star accommodation.  It’s a destination of choice for discerning golfers from all around the world.

Alanya Located around the foot of a massive, citadel-crowned rock looming high above the Mediterranean and set against the rugged Taurus mountains, Alanya is spectacular. Alanya has lots of blue flag beaches, accommodations, good shops, restaurants and lively nightlife.

Kas & Kalkan: Kas is beautifully located in a small curving bay below rocky cliffs.  It is fast becoming an adventure sports centre, with nightlife to match and is a great location for paragliding, mountain biking and scuba diving. Kalkan is located 25 km up the coast from Kas and is a good base to explore Patara and Xanthos, ancient capital of the Lycian League, or the inland mountain settlements of Islamar and Bezirgan. 

Fethiye has a natural harbour, blue waters and numerous ancient rock tombs. Outdoor activities include boat trips to the beautiful Butterfly Valley, 4X4 safaris, turtle watching and paragliding above the spectacular Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz.

Indeed, no holiday to Fethiye is complete without a visit to Ölüdeniz (below) one of the most photographed beaches in the world. This beach is sheltered by a lagoon and Butterfly Valley is a designated nature reserve.

 

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Turkey's Aegean Coast Region

Kusadasi is a lively resort with something to offer everyone. Whether you like exploring, relaxing on one of the many beautiful beaches or  bargain hunting, Kusadasi has it all.

Izmir is Turkey's third largest city and capital of the Aegean region with plenty of local attractions including the Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi), Agora, the Velvet Castle.  Izmir is also a good base for visiting other attractions in the region including Ephesus, Pergamon, Hieropolis and Pamukkale.    

Ephesus was one of the most important cities of antiquity and is, with the exception of Pompeii, the largest and best preserved ancient city around the Mediterranean.  Originally situated next to a temple devoted to the goddess Artemis, Ephesus’ location by a fine harbour was the key to its success in ancient times.

The nearby town of Selcuk, a 20 minute walk from the site, is a good base for visiting the ruins.  At the centre of the site is the Arcadian Way which was once thronged with hundreds of shops. Nearby is the elegant Library of Celsus (above) erected between 110 and 135 AD.  


Bodrum is situated in one of the magnificent bays of Muğla and is among the most beautiful areas of the Aegean region.   The city features twin bays with views of Bodrum Castle - a medieval fortress built partly with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  The city is also a gateway for nearby beach towns and resorts.

Pamukkale: The rock formations of Pamukkale are a natural wonder comprising a series of white terraces formed by hot springs and streams depositing carbonate minerals. This ancient site has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988.

Located near to Pamukkale, Hierapolis was established in 200 BC and is a site that attracts worldwide attention for its majestic buildings and monuments. 

Marmaris is a splendid holiday resort, located in the province of Mugla at the intersection of the Aegean and Mediterranean region. It will captivate visitors with its historical heritage, natural beauty, endless sunshine as well as its entertaining night life and pristine bays.

 

See our Turkey Sun Specials from €299 per person or call 01 804 7150

Highlights of Istanbul

1) Hagia Sofia - the ‘Church of Holy Wisdom’ is Turkey’s greatest treasure and is among the world’s greatest architectural achievements. During its long and eventful history, it has been a church, a mosque and finally a museum.


2) Topkapi Palace is another absolute ‘must-see’ in Istanbul.  This opulent Ottoman palace complex was home to generations of sultans and their wives, concubines and courtiers between 1465 and 1830.

 

3) Basilica Cistern:  This extraordinary underground cistern was built in the 6th century and is located opposite Hagia Sofia and features 336 columns that support the ceiling, mysterious carved Medusa-head capitals and fish that swim around the bases of the columns.

4) Suleymaniye Mosque:  Unmissable if you stand on the busy Galata Bridge and look up at the Old City skyline, Suleyman the Magnificent’s most notable architectural legacy certainly lives up to its patron’s name.

5) Blue Mosque:  With its wonderfully curvaceous exterior features, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) is one of very few mosques in the world to boast six minarets.  The inside walls of this early 17th Century Mosque are decorated with thousands of the blue Iznik tiles that give the building its unofficial name.

6) Galata Tower:  From the balcony at the top of the Galata Tower, you can get a great view of Istanbul.  Located in Beyoğlu in the modern part of old Istanbul, the tower was built in 1348 and once formed part of a sub-city belonging to the Genoese that stretched down to the Bosphorus.

7) Kariye Museum:  Also known as Chora Church, this is a tiny Byzantine building in the old city walls, that is adorned with glittering mosaics and breath-taking frescoes from the 14th century.   


8) Shopping in the Grand Bazaar:  Explore the labyrinthine lanes of the colourful and chaotic Grand Bazaar, the  best-known shopping destination on the Historic Peninsula.  Make sure to round off your trip with a visit to the seductively scented Spice Bazaar.

9) Wining & Dining in Beyoglu:  The centre of the city for eating and entertainment, Beyoglu is not to be missed.  Sample modern Turkish cuisine and see fantastic views of the Bosphorous and the Old City from the rooftop terraces of the many sophisticated bistros, cafes and clubs on offer.  


10) Bosphorous Ferry Trip:  Climb aboard one of the city’s famous ferries for the quintessential Istanbul experience and travel across the Bosphorous Strait from Europe to Asia. 




Visit Turkey - Home of History, Great Beaches & More
 

Turkey has so many fantastic things to do and see this Summer. From beautiful beaches, to outdoor activities, natural wonders, historical places, shopping, entertainment and nightlife, world heritage sites and more, your visit is sure to be unforgettable.  See our Specials from €319 for 7 nights.

 

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