While many people are astonished by the wonderful Turkish hospitality, architecture and culture during their travels, there’s one indulgence you should not miss on your luxury Turkey holidays – Turkish delight! A family of confectionry, Turkish delight is definitely a treat for any culinary connoisseur with a sweet tooth visiting Turkey; as a dessert, it’s second-to-none. While many picture Turkish delight as a gel, the luxurious varieties can include chopped dates, pistachios, hazelnuts or walnuts bound up in the gel, which is flavoured with rosewater or lemon. It’s mostly served in small cubes dusted with icing sugar or powdered cream of tartar.

Origins

Although we know this delicious confection as Turkish delight, it was originally known as lokum – and still is in Turkey. It was first created in the 15th century, and had its origins in the Ottoman Empire. It’s worth noting the recipe differed substantially from the modern recipes you’ll encounter on your luxury Turkey holidays – honey and molasses were the sweeteners, and water and flour served as the binding agents. Although no-one is quite sure who exactly introduced the confection to western society, it became available during the 19th century, when a British traveller, fond of the delicacy, purchased cases of it to be shipped back to England under the name Turkish delight.

The Name Itself

The Turkish words lokma and lokum have their roots in Arabic: they stem from the word luqmat, meaning ‘morsel’ or ‘mouthful’. The alternate Ottoman name, rahat hulkum, means contentment of the throat. In some parts of Cyprus, however, it is known as Cyprus delight! Those on luxury Turkey holidays who want to enjoy some indulgent cuisine as well as accomodation will be able to taste the genuine article on their travels. There is nothing like some genuine Turkish coffee and Turkish delight after a day spent taking in the culture and architecture of beautiful citites such as Istanbul.

Turkish Delight in Popular Culture

Many children on luxury Turkey holidays will be familiar with Turkish delight through the books (and film adaptations) of CS Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, in which Turkish delight is the confectionery of choice used by the Snow Queen to tempt the character of Edmund. There are also ‘gourmand’ perfumes that use lokum in their names, and are said to have the sweet scent of the confection. Another literary reference is in Charles Dickens’ famously unfinished novel ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’, wherein the character Rosa displays a fondness for Turkish delight, named in the story as ‘Lumps of Delight’.

Nigel Colley is the Managing Director for All Inclusive Holidays, who specialise in luxury Turkey holidays. All Inclusive Holidays has a wide variety of five star resorts to select from for perfect luxury Turkey holidays.

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Even if you’re travelling in luxury, Turkey holidays in the eastern regions are the perfect opportunity to explore a very different side of the country. The landscape is vastly different towards the Caucuses, rising into an impressive range of peaks that dominate the vista. The area has been traditionally known as the Armenian Highlands, although the local Turks in the area refer to it as Eastern Anatolia for political reasons. The most significant peak of the area is the legendary Mount Ararat.

On top of the World

Well, on top of Turkey at least! Greater Ararat has an elevation of 5,137 meters and is the highest peak in the country. If your luxury Turkey holidays take you within travelling range of the area, then take a trip to explore the dramatic landscape and snowy peaks. According to the Bible, Ararat was the area where Noah’s ark came to land.

Ararat is a stratovolcano, but it is classified as dormant and hasn’t had an eruption since 1840, and even in this case, the movement took the form of an earthquake and landslide rather than a more aggressive eruption. Although Ararat is a volcano, it has no volcanic crater and above 4,000 meters the mountain’s geology is made up of rock covered by an ice-cap – the snow and ice are permanent fixtures.

Climbing Ararat

The first recorded ascent of Ararat was undertaken by Dr. Friedrich Parrot in 1929. Parrot made the climb along with the Armenian writer Khachatur Abovian. After two unsuccessful attempts the climb was finally completed at the third attempt on the 9th October 1829. Energetic souls on luxury Turkey holidays looking for adventure might want to follow in their footsteps, and the Turkish government allows such ascents to be made of the peak. However, the government requires that all climbers have a climbing permit and use the services of a certified Turkish guide. According to some reports, the arrangements can take a couple of months to complete, so if you’d like to climb Ararat it’s best to get the ball rolling as soon as possible after you book your holiday.

The climb is long and can be exhausting at times, but there are reasonably easy routes available for climbers who have experience of using axes and crampons. The last section of the climb is permanently covered in snow and a glacier starts at around the 4,800 meter mark.

Because of the fragile politics that existed in the region for much of the last century, the area was militarised for long periods and has only been open to visitors since 2001 – meaning that if a visit is possible during your luxury Turkey holidays, then you will be guaranteed to see something a little bit special.

Nigel Colley is the Managing Director for All Inclusive Holidays, who specialise in luxury Turkey holidays. All Inclusive Holidays has a wide variety of five star resorts to select from for perfect luxury Turkey holidays .

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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If your experience of Mediterranean cruises is sitting on a vast 35,000 tonne behemoth with 800 other passengers, then you may want to allow the idea of Turkish gulet cruises change your way of thinking.

What is a gulet?

To start off with, the famous Turkish gulet is a cruising vessel that is unlikely to be similar to anything you have previously experienced. These are hand-built wooden vessels with two masts. They are specifically designed for coastal waters and are absolutely ideal for exploring the incomparable Mediterranean coastline of Turkey and some of the Greek Islands. The vessels may be anywhere between 15 and 35 meters long and contain a small number of bespoke cabins (many with en-suite facilities) where you can sleep in comfort and security.

The emphasis of these Turkish gulet cruises is on small groups, informality and exemplary service. The crew will prepare simply amazing fresh food, which will be served to you on the open deck, or sometimes on private small beaches and coves where you have anchored for the evening.

Where will you go?

There are various Turkish gulet cruises available of different durations. It is possible, for example, to take a four-day cruise, which will allow you to see secret bays and snorkelling coves which are inaccessible by road.

If, however, you can only take so much swimming, snorkelling, fishing and open air eating you have no need to worry! Turkish gulet cruises start from a number of different ports around Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, and it doesn’t matter where you start or which direction you head in, you can be sure that you are going to have the opportunity to explore some unique towns and unbelievable archaeological remains.

What will you do?

So, what might be a typical day?

Perhaps you have anchored in a tiny, isolated bay the night before and dined on freshly caught fish, served to you on deck under the starlight. The following morning, it is straight over the side for a quick swim before breakfast is served – once again, on the deck. Then, you sail into the next bay where you anchor and are taken ashore. From there, transport has been arranged to take you to ancient Greco-Roman Miletus where you will be able to see a staggering collection of ancient ruins, including the colossal and beautifully preserved theatre with its exquisitely arched entrance passageways (vomitoria). By late afternoon you are back on your gulet ready for a refreshing swim before you settle down to your evening meal.

Of course, if you prefer standing in lengthy queues to eat at a buffet bar, taking tickets out of a hat to see what table you’re getting in the dining room, or trying to avoid jabbing the person next to you with your elbow when in the swimming pool, then perhaps a conventional Mediterranean cruise will be for you.

If, on the other hand, you’d prefer to explore this part of the Mediterranean the way the ancients did, then Turkish gulet cruises may deliver the holiday of a lifetime for you.

Gordon Trevennan works for Peter Sommer Travels, a company specialising in Turkish gulet cruises and cultural, educational, and historical tours in Turkey, Greece, and Italy. Our experienced guides bring the past to life on all of the Turkey tours that we offer.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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If you would like to see the heart of this beautiful country and get a real feel for the world of antiquity, then there may be no better way of doing so than through Turkish gulet cruises.

The ancient motorways

Since before the beginning of recorded history, the eastern Mediterranean has been one of the great cradles of civilisation. Many of these civilisations have epic names that reverberate through the epochs, such as the Minoans, the Mycenaean Greeks, the classical Greeks, the Romans, the Hittites, the Venetians and the modern-day Turkish people – all have left their mark on the western coastline of Turkey and the surrounding islands.

The sea itself was frequently the only way that ancient peoples could visit and trade with (or less appealingly, make war on) each other. As such, the Mediterranean sea routes were the motorways of their time – and they have a role to play today in the form of Turkish gulet cruises.

Experiencing Turkey

If you enjoy stunning scenery, beautiful seascapes, friendly people and incomparable history, then western Turkey may be hard to beat. Few other places on Earth can offer such a vast range of historical locations and sites – and many of these are best approached from the sea.

Let’s consider just one, the world-famous Ephesus. The city was founded most likely in the Bronze Age around 1500 BC. Its history seems to have been shadowy and entered the so-called ‘dark ages’ after the collapse of the Mycenaean civilisation. The city as we know it historically was founded (or re-founded) in the 10th century BC by mainland Greeks. Although its history during the early part of this period remains relatively sketchy, it was during this time that the first temple of Artemis was built. (It was eventually destroyed around 650 BC then subsequently rebuilt and destroyed several times over the centuries.) This temple became one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Space does not allow description of the incredible history of the city through the archaic and classical Greek periods, nor the Hellenistic and Roman ages. What is undeniable, however, is that by the first century BC, it was one of the largest and most significant cities in the Mediterranean, and one that played a major role in the development of Christianity. Today, the ruins of the city are staggering to behold and well worth a visit – including locations such as the library of Celsus and the temple of Hadrian.

How to get there?

It is possible to get to Ephesus by road; however, perhaps a more environmentally friendly and culturally sympathetic method is through Turkish gulet cruises. The gulet is a wooden two-masted vessel built to traditional standards and with onboard accommodation and dining facilities.

Cruises start from one of several Turkish Mediterranean ports and they offer various itineraries from which you can select, including coastal cruising to visit numbers of historic sites. If you are a group or larger family, you can even hire a gulet and construct your own itinerary.

Turkish gulet cruises may be quite simply the best way to arrive in destinations such as Ephesus (via its local port). The sea brought people to Ephesus for thousands of years (though, for the most part, in rather less comfort than you will enjoy on Turkish gulet cruises) and somehow it may prove to be a fitting way for you to arrive there.

Gordon Trevennan works for Peter Sommer Travels, a company specialising in Turkish gulet cruises and cultural, educational, and historical tours in Turkey, Greece, and Italy. Our experienced guides bring the past to life on all of the Turkey tours that we offer.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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Turkish gulet cruises began, in a tourist sense, in the late 1960s. Today they are increasingly popular with discerning holidaymakers. However, if you haven’t a clue exactly what a gulet is, then here is a quick overview to begin with!

Turkish gulets – yesterday

A gulet is a form of sailing vessel, although these days almost all are also equipped with diesel engines for convenience and reducing reliance on unpredictable winds. If you look through the pages of history, you’ll see a series of, at times, aggressive debates, as to the origin of both these vessels and their name. There seems little doubt that they have an ancient origin, and the design may have passed through many different peoples of both the ancient and more modern Mediterranean area.

They are typically two-masted wooden vessels. Their lengths can vary anywhere from around 15 meters up to 35 or even 40 meters. Originally used for fishing and transportation, from the late 1960s onwards they began to be used as a way of ferrying tourists around the Turkish coastline.

Turkish gulets – today

Over time, that evolved into the development of what are now termed Turkish gulet cruises. These involve spending several days living on board a gulet and cruising the beautiful and historic Turkish coastline.

The vessels are invariably superbly built and beautifully maintained. There is a range of cabins available with facilities for simple open-air dining on board. As you would expect, they are expertly crewed and contain all modern navigation and safety equipment.

Where do you go?

Of course, the whole point of taking Turkish gulet cruises is not to sit in your cabin or even to enjoy the excellent fresh food – your main objective will be to see the Turkish coastline in a way that may be simply impossible from dry land.

Cruises tend to start from a number of different departure points, with perhaps Bodrum and Marmaris being two of the better known. Where you go and what you see depends upon the cruise you select and where you start from, however, for many thousands of years the only safe and sensible way to travel along the Mediterranean coastline was via the sea. What this means is that there is a vast range of sites and experiences to encounter, almost irrespective of which direction you head in.

Just to pick a few at random:

• there are innumerable coves, bays and beaches, which are inaccessible from land, and if you have never experienced dropping anchor in your own private bay, enjoying a swim and then relaxing on your own private beach, then you haven’t lived!

• there is a huge selection of ancient coastal towns and ruins, with histories stretching back into antiquity – including locations such as Bodrum, Knidos and Bozukkale. All of these locations are stunningly beautiful and all contain historical sites or classical ruins that are well worth exploring.

Some Turkish gulet cruises can even zigzag between the Turkish coast and Greek islands such as Rhodes. On this type of holiday you can mix culture and relaxation – with the absolute certainty that you will never be bored!

Gordon Trevennan works for Peter Sommer Travels, a company specialising in Turkish gulet cruises and cultural, educational, and historical tours in Turkey, Greece, and Italy. Our experienced guides bring the past to life on all of the Turkey tours that we offer.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Belek all inclusive holidays can offer you a range of attractions – not the least of which is some superb local golfing.

Where is Belek?

Originally two small fishing villages, it is a town on the Turkish coastline that has been developed specifically to cater for the luxury end of the tourist business.

What does it offer?

In terms of accommodation, this is an up-market resort. It has a large selection of 4 and 5 star hotels and a vast beach of fine sand – a beach that some describe as the best in Turkey. As you would expect, given the luxury nature of the accommodation, the resort also offers a superb range of recreational and entertainment facilities.

Some Belek all inclusive holidays also include a significant number of ‘in the price’ sporting and recreational activities, but those of a more specialist nature outside of your hotel may be payable separately. There is, of course, an extensive range of water sports activities that take advantage of the inviting Mediterranean right on your doorstep.

Golf

The area around Belek is renowned for golf and there are several nearby courses. Several of these are regarded as ‘challenging’ and there may be stipulated handicap requirements for entry (though these may not always be policed!) There are also courses regarded as being more moderate. All are equipped and maintained to very high standards.

It is possible to take Belek all inclusive holidays that are based solely around golfing, and other forms of all-inclusive breaks may also offer golfing concessions or special offers. The prices may vary considerably, depending upon the type of holiday you’re on.

Other attractions

If you fancy an escape from the beach or the links, the surrounding countryside is simply full of cultural attractions. Perge is a fantastic example of Greco-Roman preserved ruins, and Aspendos has a world-famous ancient amphitheatre. Side is also well worth a visit to see the ruined temples there. If you enjoy nature and wildlife, a visit to the Kursunlu waterfall is a must. There are also numerous walking opportunities – though remember to prepare well, as it can be hot at the height of summer.

Why ‘all inclusive’ holidays in Belek?

The principles of the ‘all inclusive’ holiday are well known.  Perhaps what is less commonly discussed is why – and when it is, there is often perhaps over-emphasis placed upon economies. The fact is that Belek all inclusive holidays offer the discerning traveller one thing above all else – tranquillity.

How? Even the very best hotels can have their procedures, processes and administrations.  Constantly signing bar or restaurant receipts, needing to carry cash or cards, and checking bills can all be the sort of thing you prefer to leave behind you when on holiday. You can do exactly that, to a large extent at least, when on this type of holiday. That, perhaps rather than price savings, is what attracts people to Belek all inclusive holidays.

Relax – let Belek and your holiday expert do all the hard work for you!

Nigel Colley is the Managing Director for All Inclusive Holidays, which specialises in Belek all inclusive holidays. All Inclusive Holidays has a wide variety of five star resorts for perfect Belek all inclusive holidays.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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Ask anyone what activities you shouldn’t miss on Turkey tours, and chances are number one on the list will be relaxing at the hamams, or Turkish baths. And for very good reason – there’s nothing quite as refreshing and relaxing as a hamam visit. After all, its history does blend both the Roman and Ottoman styles and traditions of comfort and luxury.

While the idea of going to public baths may be daunting for many, there’s really no reason to worry. Here are a few insights and tips to make sure your first hamam visit will be something great to remember—and something you’ll want to do again on your future Turkey tours.

Part Roman, Part Byzantine, All Turkish

The minute you set foot inside a hamam, you will realise just why a visit to an authentic Turkish bath is always top of any must-see list for Turkey tours. The architecture and interiors are definitely something to behold.

In the Ottoman period, however, these were not just places for steam bathing and ritual cleansing but were in fact social centres with traditional entertainment, such as dancing and feasting often available. (Tip: Some of the hamams you can visit on Turkey tours still offer entertainment)

Bathing, Turkish Style

To get the total hamam experience on Turkey tours, it’s best to visit the ancient, traditional centuries-old hamams such as the Cemberlitas, Cagaloglu, Galatasaray or Sulemanye hamams.

A traditional hamam will have you going through three rooms: the warm room (or tepidarium) where a continuous flow of hot air allows you to relax and start perspiring; the sicaklik (or hararet -caldarium) the high-domed hot room with a domed ceiling and sunlight streaming through the windows, as well as a large marble stone (the gobe tasi, or navel stone) in the centre where you lie to soak up steam and get your scrub, bath and the famously firm massage; then, finally, the soğukluk or cooling room (frigidarium), where you relax with a refreshing drink of tea, or maybe nap. For those set on going to the beach and working on their tan, this wonderfully exfoliating scrub and massage is one of the reasons it’s a good idea to schedule hamam visits at the very beginning of Turkey tours.

A Few Tips

If you’re intimidated by the idea of being bathed, scrubbed and massaged in public, there really is no need to worry – one of the first things you will notice when embarking on Turkey tours is that traditional Turkish culture is quite conservative, and the hamam is no different. In fact, hamams have separate sections for men and women or, in the smaller ones that do not, have different hours for men and women.

In addition, no one actually walks around totally naked – upon choosing the services you require and making your payment, you will be given a large square of cotton or silk to cover up with, called a peştemal. Some people prefer to wear their underwear (or even bathing suits) underneath. You will also be given wooden clogs, called takunya, to wear, but be careful while walking with them—they can be quite tricky over wet and soapy hamam floors. A last tip – don’t be alarmed if your attendant starts yelling in the sicaclik – he or she is just driving away the djinn that is said to hide in the steam.

Gordon Trevennan works for Peter Sommer Travels, a company specialising in cultural, educational, and historical Turkey tours as well as gulet cruises and charters in Turkey, Greece, and Italy. Our experienced guides bring the past to life on all of the Turkey tours that we offer.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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Ask anyone who’s ever been there before—you can go on any number of Turkey tours and still not see everything there is to see! This wonderfully multifaceted nation between Europe and Asia offers an almost endless wealth of sights and experiences for the traveller and it’s almost impossible to decide where to begin. Still, we all have to start somewhere, so here’s a basic list for the first-timer traveller in Turkey.

Istanbul

With its rich history as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, it comes as no surprise that Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city (and its cultural and business centre), is where many first-time visitors begin their Turkey tours.

Istanbul straddles both Europe and Asia, and there’s no better way to make sure you see both sides than a boat ride on the Bosphorus. This trip will show you some of the most stunning vistas to be seen on Turkey tours— distinctive skylines with turreted roofs and minarets, views of palaces, 15th century fortresses and Ottoman mansions.

Other must-visit places on the Istanbul leg of first-timer Turkey tours are:
• Topkapi Palace- the heart of the Ottoman Empire. Come early, and make sure you visit the Harem along with its four courtyards.
• Haghia Sophia – known as the jewel of the Byzantine Empire, a wonderful showcase of its art and architecture. With 30 million gold tesserae, it’s one of the most impressive sights you will experience on your Turkey tours!
• The Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Spice Market – brush up on your bargaining skills! With at least 4000 shops, restaurants and more, everyone knows shopping is a must on Turkey tours.
• Cosmopolitan Istanbul – Turkey tours just aren’t complete until you find out why Istanbul has been called “the world’s hippest city” by the top trend spotters!

Ankara

Turkey’s capital, having grown into its identity as a modern international city, tends to be underrated as a destination on historical and cultural Turkey tours. Still, with a regional history dating back to the Hatti civilizations of the Bronze Age, there is no dearth of sights to see in Ankara. Here are a few things you shouldn’t miss:
• Museum Of Anatolian Civilisations – over 200,000 artifacts from the early Bronze Age onwards, including a collection of tablets with translations that provide an insight to life in ancient times.
• Citadel of Ankara – the city’s symbolic structure sits on top of a hill and provides not just prime examples of traditional architecture but a 360 view of the city below.
• Ataturk Mausoleum – First time visitors on Turkey tours should take time out to visit the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.

Where To Go Next?

There’s practically no end to the choices of where to go next in Turkey. Tours can take you to great adventures in varied, yet equally stunning landscapes Take your pick from experiences such as hot air balloon rides over Cappadocia, sailing tours to picturesque islands and submerged cities, or ski on wonderful powdery slopes in the morning and swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean in the afternoon if you want! With so much to see and do, chances are, you’ll already be planning your next several Turkey tours even before your first one ends.

Gordon Trevennan works for Peter Sommer Travels, a company specialising in cultural, educational, and historical Turkey tours as well as gulet cruises and charters in Turkey, Greece, and Italy. Our experienced guides bring the past to life on all of the Turkey tours that we offer.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Everyone knows that above ground family holidays Turkey offer plenty of opportunity for sun, sea and sand. However, if the bright sun is dazzling your eyes or you’re simply looking for something a little more unique, why not head underground?

Istanbul’s Cisterns

Istanbul is a sprawling mass of beautiful Byzantine cisterns that exist from the time when Istanbul was known as Constantinople and even James Bond has paid them a visit. The city has hundreds of gloomy cisterns, but the grandest of all these and the only one worth visiting on your family holidays Turkey is the Basilica Cistern, also known as the Sunken Palace Cistern. The Basilica Cistern covers 2.4 acres and can hold over 21 million gallons of water. Its sheer size means that it is easy enough to get lost in; so keep an eye on your little ones.

Although, when James Bond visited in the film “From Russia with Love”, we imagine that getting lost, or remaining hidden, was his main intention. In a scene, Sean Connery is seen sailing past a forest of marble columns and these are in the Basilica Cistern.

Underground Cities in Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a must visit destination on your family holidays. Turkey’s mass of fairytale chimneys are more commonly viewed from above ground where hot air balloons are the common means of transport. If you want a slightly more unique Cappadocian experience then why not head underground? Subterranean towns extend seven to eight levels into the ground and the largest and most impressive of these towns is Kaymakli. This ancient Hittite city consists of rolling doors that prevent intruders from entering and even elaborate churches carved into the rock. These underground cities are unusually cool and can provide a welcome respite to Turkey’s immense summer heat.

Caving in Turkey

If your family has a feel for action and adventure, then family holidays in Turkey are the perfect place to get adventurous. Almost one third of Turkey is covered by underground caves and the best place in the country for caving is the Taurus region. This region begins at the Aegean Cost and continues through to Iran and the east. Caving is also known as spelunking and with over 40,000 caves; Turkey is a spelunker’s paradise. The longest cave is Pinzrozu Cavern, located 16km west of Beysehir Lake. However, the deepest cave is the beautiful Cukurpinar Sinkhole in Anamur.

Stay Under the Sea

If you still haven’t had enough of Turkey’s underground, then why not stay underneath the sea on your family holidays, Turkey? Istanbul’s underwater hotel has been rumoured since 2008, but whispers are that it’s due to open at the end of 2010. The seven-star hotel will consist of a number of underwater capsule rooms each 550 square feet. The resort is owned by Poseidon Resorts, who are building a similar resort in Fiji. However, the Turkish hotel will sit on the Bosphorus Strait, with the Sea of Marmara to the South. All rooms will have excellent underwater visibility and guests may be able to make out reef sharks, dolphins and sea turtles swimming past their bedtime windows.

About The Author:

Davide Smith is the Destination Expert for Bargain Holidays Online, a unique holiday website which specialises in cheap, last-minute deals for family holidays Turkey as well as giving you access to over 20 million other bargain holiday deals. Book your bargain holidays with BargainHolidaysOnline.com today and save.

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Everybody hopes for a holiday that will stick in their memories for years to come. And what better way to be sure that you remember all the best bits than to bring home plenty of mementos. If you’re looking for souvenirs to bring back from your family holidays, Turkey has the perfect items that will help you remember your holiday forever. From trinkets, to accessories to ornaments, at a Turkish market you will find a wonderfully wide range of souvenirs to take home with you.

Blue Eye Trinkets

A symbol that you are likely to see time and time again on your family holidays, Turkey’s glass blue eye is of great significance to the locals. Legend dictates that the blue eye will not only bring you years of success and luck, but also that it can ward off evil and protect you from sinful beings. You will see blue eyes incorporated into mosaics and building work, and also hanging in shops or in people’s homes. If you want to take a little piece of Turkish tradition home with you, there are many different ways to get a blue eye of your own. Often set into jewellery and ornament designs, and seen prominently in various artwork, there are plenty of ways to own your very own authentic Turkish blue eye.

A Magic Carpet

Whilst you would certainly remember a magic carpet ride for the rest of your life, we can’t guarantee that this is something you’ll be able to find on your family holidays. Turkey is however, particularly renowned for its impressive weaving. Carpets and rugs from Turkey are known around the world for having some of the most beautiful and eye-catching colourings and designs. They are also well-made and will last for years. So if you think you’re going to suffer from post-holiday blues on your return from your family holidays, Turkey can come home with you in the form of a fantastic woven carpet for your front room.

Lots of Leather

As I’m sure you will notice during your family holidays, Turkey has long had a popular and successful leather trade. For many years, leather has played a prominent role in both local clothing and lifestyle. Some of the most enjoyable and most durable souvenirs are those that are made of leather. From belts and jackets, to wallets, handbags and purses, there is lots of leather to choose from. Not only are leather goods from Turkey very well-made and authentic, they are also a great deal cheaper than the leather sold in Europe or America. So, if you’re after souvenirs that you can carry with you everywhere you go when you get back from your family holidays, Turkey’s leather industry is the answer.

For souvenirs to bring back from your family holidays, Turkey has an abundance of authentic goods that will not only brighten up your home, but will remind you of what a fantastic holiday you had every time you look at them. Don’t forget to save some money to go shopping for souvenirs at the end of your trip to Turkey!

About The Author:

Davide Smith is the Destination Expert for Bargain Holidays Online, a unique holiday website which specialises in cheap, last-minute deals for family holidays Turkey as well as giving you access to over 20 million other bargain holiday deals. Book your bargain holidays with BargainHolidaysOnline.com today and save.

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