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Archive for the ‘Turkey Holidays’ Category
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.
The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.
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No matter what sort of slant you want to put on your family holidays, Turkey can satisfy even the fussiest of children (and adults!), with a range of activities to suit everyone. No matter whether your family is the type that wants to spend the entire holiday frolicking on the beach, only emerging to hit the pool; or you are a more cultured bunch who loves to soak up the history and art of your chosen destination; you will find everything you need on your family holidays in Turkey.
The Beach Bunnies
It almost goes without saying that if you are a family of beach-bunnies, Turkey is the perfect place for your next holiday. No matter where you turn, for beach-based family holidays Turkey’s Aegean Coast, Mediterranean Coast and the Turkish Riviera provide a stunning venue for all manner of activities. You can choose to spend lazy hours tanning while the children play in the warm, shallow waters of the resort towns of Bodrum or Marmaris; or you can enjoy some vigorous water-sports like wind-surfing and sailing somewhere like Cesme or Alacati. If all that sounds a little energetic for your lot, perhaps you can pack a picnic lunch and head off to explore one of the country’s most pristine stretches of sand – Patara Beach near Fethiye – voted as one of the top beaches on the world.
Craving Some Culture?
If yours is the type of family who would rather spend an afternoon in a museum than a morning on a jet-ski, then Istanbul is the ideal destination for your family holidays. Turkey’s rich cultural history is displayed in awesome splendour in the architecture, museums, bazaars and mosques of this ancient empirical jigsaw. Either take in Istanbul as a side trip or spend your entire holiday exploring this wonderful city; either way, you will have plenty to do. You can spend a whole day in some of Istanbul’s fascinating museums, with the Topaki Palace being one of the best. An impressive building, the Topaki Palace dates back to the 1400s and is only a stones-throw from the famous Hagia Sofia – another of Istanbul’s most notable landmarks – and the beautiful Blue Mosque. If you’re feeling like a cultural adventure on your family holidays, Turkey’s capital is the ideal place to lose yourself in the network of back-alleys and experience the authentic Turkish lifestyle.
A Peaceful Paradise
Of course, there are some families who just want to relax on their holidays and Turkey offers the perfect escape – a gulet cruise. What could be more peaceful than lying back on the deck of a traditional wooden sailing boat as the spectacular Turkish Turquoise Coast slips by? Ideal for even the laziest of family holidays, Turkey brings her beauty to you on a platter on a gulet cruise. You will cruise lazily through the Mediterranean calling in to various towns on the way. You can spend your days reading, swimming, diving or just sun-bathing, and your evenings dining on fine Turkish cuisine and watching the sun set over a dappled coastline. Gulet cruises are a home away from home and their facilities can rival that of a four-star hotel – a perfect way to spend a peaceful holiday with entire family.
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.
The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.
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When you’re on family holidays, Turkey‘s warm temperatures along with the enormous range of activities available can leave you with quite a thirst. So why not try one of these traditional Turkish tipples below. With alcoholic beverages for the adults to enjoy, and plenty of non-alcoholic options for the kids, there is something for everyone to wet their whistle with.
For the Adults – Turkish Coffee
Though Turkish coffee uses the same coffee beans as any other variation of coffee, the difference is in the method of production. If you need a shot of caffeine on your family holidays, Turkey’s way of making coffee will ensure that you get it. It is prepared by boiling roasted coffee beans that have been ground into a fine powder in a ‘cezve’ (or pot) of water; the coffee is then poured into a cup complete with sugar and the dregs, which then settle. This method of production results in a very dark, strong cup of coffee with a beautifully sweet aftertaste.
For the Kids – Apricot Juice
Apricot juice, known as ‘kayisi suyu’ is not only delicious tasting, but it is also very rehydrating. A pleasant change from the orange or apple juice the kids are used to drinking at home, a glass of apricot juice will not only quench their thirst but expand their tastes when it comes to fruits. After a long day in the hot sun on your family holidays, Turkey’s large and delicious apricots have never tasted better than they do in a glass over plenty of ice.
For the Adults – Ihlamur
Ihlamur is a herbal tea, which is more commonly known as linden flower tea. Made from the dried leaves of lime flowers, the tea is renowned for its healing properties, and is often used to cure maladies such as upset stomachs, nerves, or coughs and colds. So if you feel slightly queasy as you get used to the different foods you’re eating, or you’re feeling uncomfortable about the flight home, this is just the drink for you. Perfect for keeping you healthy and balanced while you’re on your family holidays, Turkey’s finest herbal tea is not only useful, but also very pleasant and sweet tasting.
For the Kids – Ayran
Ayran is a salty, yoghurt-based drink that is particularly good for rehydration due to its high water content. Though the sound of this drink may not instantly appeal to the kids, when they see a tankard of Ayran with its frothy head over-spilling, they will more than likely want to have a taste. Often flavoured with ingredients such as mint or cucumber, Ayran is not only good for the digestive system, but tastes delicious.
For the Adults – Raki
Raki is something you are bound to come across on your family holidays. Turkey’s national drink, this spirit is not only strong, but incredibly tasty. Made from grapes, the spirit is flavoured with aniseed and often served alongside fish or mezze dishes as an appetiser. It can be drunk neat, or poured over cold water and ice depending on whether the children have been put to bed yet or not. This is certainly a drink which captures the Turkish spirit.
So, if you’ve worked up quite a thirst on your family holidays, Turkey’s traditional beverages are just the thing to cool you down and rehydrate you. With something for everyone to enjoy, you will never be stuck for something to drink in 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.
The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.
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| Turkey is a beautiful and unique country at the gateway of Europe and Asia. If you’d like to see it without being channelled along the regular tourist pathway, guided Turkey walks are the way to do it.
Turkey – A land of history and myth Turkey has long been a land of fable and mystery, sitting between Europe and the Middle East. Its story goes back to the very beginnings of recorded history. • The Hittites who, from their capital of Hattusa (modern Bogazkoy), developed a sophisticated civilisation from the 18th century BC • The Trojans – a people celebrated by Homer. Regarded for a long time as mere poetic legend, archaeological excavations at modern Truva have indicated multiple ancient cities that have stood on the site going back to the period of the Trojan war • The Greeks and Romans – both civilisations colonised and built extensively in large parts of what is now modern Turkey • The Byzantines, who kept the Roman empire alive in the East for almost 1000 years after it had disappeared from Western Europe. Turkey and the Turkish people have now formed a modern state that is proud of its status but is also always mindful of the great legacy of its history. Travelling in Turkey and Turkey Walks Beautiful as Turkey is, it has to be acknowledged that it’s not always that easy to get to some of its most interesting locations of historic and natural beauty. Many of its ancient sites are understandably protected and access may be controlled. If you want to see them, you may need to know exactly how and when to go. In other cases, it’s easy to miss something if you’re wandering around on your own. Not only that, but driving in a foreign city can be intimidating and stressful – perhaps not things you want on your holiday. That’s where the idea of Turkey walks comes in! Seeing Turkey as it’s meant to be seen Today many visitors to Turkey are really seeing the country, by setting off on their own two feet as part of guided walks. Accompanied by expert tour leaders, Turkey walks offer the possibility to see those parts of this magnificent country that would be difficult or perhaps even impossible to experience from cars or coaches. The guided walks may be around a city such as Istanbul with its museums, art galleries, café culture, and of course, the world famous church (now museum) of Hagia Sophia. Guided tours may be the only real way to explore the streets and avenues and get that taste of the exotic where East meets West. Alternatively, Turkey walks could be in the mountains getting a taste of Turkish rural culture and cooking; or perhaps along coastal cliffs and paths looking out for flora and fauna. Of course, no visit to Turkey would be complete without visiting one of the many ancient sites such as Troy. Having your tour leader explain the things you’re seeing can only make the experience that bit more enjoyable and memorable. Turkey walks – not just for athletes! If you’re on a guided walk in Turkey, the organisers are professionals that understand the differences between people. There are many options available from holidays where the walking is gentle and only a relatively small proportion of your break, up to more demanding schedules for experienced walkers. You can choose an option to suit your fitness level and interests. You’ll not be expected to push yourself beyond your limits or what you find enjoyable. Guided Turkey walks offer something to suit most tastes and budgets. Trying it could change the way you think about all your future holidays. |
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While on Turkey walks with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.
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The popular resort of Antalya is a Mecca for family holidays, Turkey. With sandy beaches, family entertainment and an historic past, there’s something that will appeal to every member of the family. Whilst Mum will no doubt want to try an authentic Turkish hamman experience and the kids will want to visit one of the island’s vibrant water parks, we also know that Dad will want to head to one of the resort’s many museums at some point during his holidays.
Antalya’s museums tell an interesting tale of an old town inhabited by the Hittites and whose ruins have helped give a complete picture of Turkey’s turbulent past. This town can be visited by excursion and makes for a truly fascinating day out.
On family holidays, Turkey, Dad will more than likely suggest a visit to a museum at some point, to give the family a dose of culture. The Antalya Museum is the largest in the resort and, if Dad chooses this venue, you can expect to see fascinating artefacts, such as ancient Byzantine icons and statues that come from a city founded in 1500 BC. The city known as Perge makes for a popular excursion from Antalya, with plenty of attractions on the way home to suit even the most ardent of history haters.
Your tour guide will most likely tell you that Perge is the birthplace of beer, so for Dad, visiting the ancient town is almost a pilgrimage. However, there’s no ancient pub amongst the remains which consist of a theatre, a temple for Artemis and two churches. St. Paul the Apostle and St. Barnabas both visited the town to preach Christianity and this is recorded in the Biblical Book “Acts of the Apostles.”
Pilgrims and hikers recognise Perge as the starting point for St. Paul’s Trail, which leads north up through the Anatolian plateau. The most photographed item in Perge is the Hellenstic-Roman Gates, which are particularly unusual for the time period. Through the gates are the remains of a colonnaded street, containing the remnants of a bath and a stunning agora. The nearby acropolis situated on a hilltop offers a stunning panorama of all the ruins and the view is well worth the short climb.
Now that you’ve visited Perge, you’re in an ideal location to take a trip to Aspendos. The town with the best preserved amphitheatre can be visited on your family holidays, Turkey as it is located close-by. Until recently, the theatre was still open for concerts and events. This stopped after some damage appeared to building from fitting modern theatrical equipment. There are plans to create a new venue in Aspendos to continue the history of open-air theatre in town.
The next stop on your family holidays, Turkey, is the scenic Kursunlu Waterfalls, where you can cool off and forget about history for the time being. These tropical falls are located in the middle of a pine forest and whilst here you can enjoy camel rides and a family picnic. Standing underneath the Kursunlu waterfalls, whilst the water hammers down around you, is an amazing experience and one that makes for a fantastic photograph.
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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As a popular tourist destination many people thinking of taking family holidays, Turkey believe that there is a little of the country that hasn’t yet been explored. The beaches of Bodrum, the Aegean at Antalya and the culture of Kas have all been extolled to the foreign visitor and as such people from all over the world are flocking to take a holiday in Turkey.
However, there is a corner of Turkey that remains hidden to the rest of the world; the southeast. Bordering Iran, Syria and Iraq this is an area where many are reluctant to take their family holidays. Turkey, however, is relatively safe from the threat of terrorism and whilst the FCO advises against all travel to certain states in the southeast, the destinations mentioned below are all safe for travel. Though, as always, guests are advised to remain vigilant and be aware of their surroundings.
While the southeast remains unpopulated by the tourist market taking family holidays, Turkey, it has attracted pilgrimages of Christian, Jewish and Muslim religions for centuries. During biblical times the region was a crossroads of civilization and home to the Patriarch Abraham. You would be forgiven for thinking that little has changed since this time; the Sunday church services are still conducted in Aramaic (the language of Jesus) and the main industry is traditional agriculture and irrigation.
The first stop on your family holidays, Turkey, should be Harran with its beehive shaped mud houses. This was where the Patriarch Abraham lived before moving onto towards the Promised Land. It also believed that Adam and Eve set foot in Harran after being expelled from the Garden of Eden. The famous beehive shaped houses are thought to have stood for at least 3,000 years and were constructed entirely without the use of wood. On your family holidays, Turkey your children are likely to be fascinated by these unusual structures and how cool they are inside, despite the surrounding desert temperatures.
Whilst Harran, with its ancient history, is likely to be a hit, one place that your children are bound to enjoy on your family holidays, Turkey, is the city of Kahramanmaras. Known locally as Maras, the city makes a unique ice-cream that doesn’t melt in hot weather. This may sound like an invention from Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but we can guarantee that your children will love it. The ice-cream is made with a special Arabic gum that stops it from melting and, rather bizarrely, shop-keepers used to hang it from hooks in front of their shops as it contained so much body! Nowadays, the sweet desert is sold by vendors in traditional Marash dress and comes in a whole host of flavours. We recommend the pistachio, as the salty nut is one of the area’s key exports.
Nearby Sanliurfa is the birthplace of Abraham. The cave in which he was born is a key pilgrimage point for Muslims, but can be visited by those all faiths. There is plenty to see and do in Sanliurfa on your family holidays, Turkey from the sacred pool at the Throne of Nimrod, filled with Koi carp, to the town’s museum. If you want to take home a traditional Turkish rug or some sticky Baklava then check out the sprawling medieval bazaar. This Aladdin’s Cave of treasures has plenty of souvenirs to tempt you with and we know that your family holidays, Turkey won’t be complete without a special souvenir of the secret southeast.
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.
The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.
If you’re looking for accommodation for your family holidays, Turkey has a range of weird and wonderful places to stay that will make your holidays stand out in your memory for many years to come. So sure, spend some of your trip in that nice hotel with the pool and the beach close by; but why not take a couple of nights to explore somewhere a little different.
Gamirasu Cave Hotel
You may already be staying at a hotel but for a night to remember on your family holidays, Turkey’s Gamirasu Cave Hotel is well worth a visit. The hotel is found within an old Byzantine monastic complex, nestled in a valley where peace and tranquillity prevail. On arrival, stretch your legs and make the most of the quiet, country air on the 7 kilometre trail which stretches from the hotel down to the river. Or make the most of the wide, open spaces in the walled gardens of the monastery and build up your appetite for dinner. One of the hotel’s highlights is the authentic Turkish cuisine that is served for both dinner and breakfast, using ingredients that are sourced from the local area as much as is possible. This hotel, dug out of volcanic rock, is certainly a piece of Turkish paradise.
Hole up in the Homestays
If you want to infuse a bit of culture into your family holidays, Turkey’s traditional lifestyle is a good place to start. All kids like camping, so you can be sure that they will enjoy the experience of lodging in a homestay. Village accommodation is often opened to visitors by farming families, who will welcome you into their nomadic tents with open arms and good traditional Turkish fare. More exciting and interactive than any trip to a petting zoo or farm, the farmers will allow you to have a go at milking their sheep and rolling the bread for breakfast. Once you’ve had a taste of the traditional lifestyle and made some life-long friends, you can bed down on home-made mattresses in the tents. Or, for those who would rather sleep under the stars, mattresses will be arranged around a dung-burning fire, keeping you warm as you watch out for shooting stars.
Wake up to the Waves
One of the main reasons to visit this beautiful country is to make the most of the warm waters on your family holidays. Turkey boasts some of the clearest and bluest waters you will ever see, so why not spend a night floating out on the ocean? Gulet cruises are run from all over Turkey, and can be as long or as short as you like. During the day, enjoy jumping off the deck into the sea, or take a canoe into the numerous coves along the coastline and explore the shores. You might even grab a snorkel and sample the sea life in the shallows. As the sun goes down, climb aboard and enjoy the food and entertainment provided by the crew as you look forward to waking up to the sounds of the waves the next morning.
If you’re looking for somewhere a little bit different to stay on your family holidays, Turkey has plenty of unusual but incredible accommodation to choose from.
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.
The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.
Unforgettable Experiences for Turkey Family Holidays
In terms of family holidays, Turkey is about as good as it gets. With a combination of sun, sea and sand that will keep every member of the family in the holiday mood, this holiday is likely to be one that is remembered. But why not throw in a few unforgettable experiences, just to make sure that it goes down in family history.
White Water Rafting
The Coruh River in Turkey has long been rated one of the world’s top ten rafting rivers by professional rafters. A trip downstream is definitely something that you won’t forget in a hurry. No prior experience is required so this is an adventure suitable for every member of the family, provided they are able to swim. The route down the river is fast and thrilling in places, particularly when you come up against the rapids. However, there are also calmer stretches of water, during which you can enjoy the stunning scenery of the mountain passes through which the river runs. For a memorable excursion to remember on your family holidays, Turkey’s most impressive river is the place to go.
Hot Air Ballooning
If you want to see the country from a slightly different perspective on your family holidays, Turkey never looks better than when you’re looking down on her from above. Hot air ballooning is available in the area of Cappadocia, in central Anatolia, and is well worth a morning or afternoon of your holiday. High up in the sky you can look down and see the distinctive landscapes, spotting the natural features that have been shaped by wind, weather, and volcanic eruptions. You’ll also see remnants of the various histories that Turkey has collected over the years, with landmarks harking back to the Hittites, the Byzantines, and even the early Christians. What better way to see Turkey, than with a bird’s eye view? This will be an addition to your holiday that will not be forgotten in a hurry.
The Whirling Dervishes
One way to ensure that your family holidays in Turkey are never forgotten, is to make sure you really see something of the culture. What better way to discern what the real Turkey is like than through dance? If you’re lucky enough to see a ceremony put on by the Whirling Dervishes, either in Konya or Istanbul, you will begin to wish you were from Turkey yourself. The Whirling Dervishes are members of the Mevlevi Order, and performers of the famous ‘Sema’ dance. As they dance around you in a whirlwind, you cannot fail to appreciate the grace and skill of their movements, which symbolise the human being’s spiritual journey upwards, powered by love and intelligence to reach perfection. This is a show that will have all members of the family enraptured.
So for family holidays, Turkey really is the place to go. Relax in the sun, bathe in the sea and bask on the sand, but before you head home be sure to try any one of these once in a lifetime experiences.
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.
The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.
So far on your family holidays, Turkey has provided you with sun, sea and sand for the best part of your trip. But it seems a shame to go home without having shown the kids some of the fantastic culture on offer in this fascinating country. The majority of the country’s citizens are currently Islamic, but there is a wealth of rich history of other religions and politics surrounding the country. This means that a trip to Turkey can offer you experience of systems of beliefs and history that are very different from your own. So capture the kids before they head down to the beach, and show them the real Turkey with some of Istanbul’s finest buildings.
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art
Found in Istanbul, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art is a treasure trove of beautiful artefacts. The museum lies in the foundations that remain of a palace built by the Grand Vezir to Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, Ibrahim Pasha. Pasha met his downfall when the Sultan’s wife labelled him a traitor for not supporting her son as the next candidate for the Sultancy. He was killed and his wealth seized by the Imperial Government. What is left of Pasha’s palace today makes a wonderful home for the collection of artefacts that make up the museum. From religious art, to Turkish carpets, to Nomad’s tents; this museum will take you on a whistle-stop tour through Turkey’s history. When it comes to cultural family holidays, Turkey does not disappoint.
Topkapi Sarayi
Topkapi Sarayi Palace as it is perhaps better known, is an essential inclusion on the itinerary of family holidays. Turkey’s Ottoman Sultans inhabited this palace for nearly 400 years, surrounded by hundreds of servants, concubines and children. Take a few strides in their footsteps as you wander through the harem, into the beautiful and spacious grounds and through any one of the four enormous courtyards. In the third courtyard, you’ll find the treasury; bursting at the seams with incredible gems, pieces of gold and a spectacular collection of artwork, this is well worth a look.
Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia)
Ayasofya, also known as the Church of Divine Wisdom is quite a sight to behold, particularly when you see it lit up after dark. This church was built to outdo the enormous Church of St Polyeuchtos, which it did with little trouble. It then remained the largest church in existence, until the construction of St Paul’s Basilica in Rome over a thousand years later. By far the most impressive building you are likely to see on your family holidays, Turkey’s greatest building was proclaimed a mosque following Mehmet’s conquest of the city in 1453. However, in 1935 it was re-established as a museum, and it remains such to this day. One room is still designated for prayer, and you will hear the call-to-prayer filling the area at certain times of the day. The intricate mosaic tiling found inside the building, only add to its splendour. Undoubtedly Turkey’s most impressive building, the Church of Divine Wisdom is not to be missed.
A perfect location for family holidays, Turkey offers everything from warm weather to stunning sunshine and beautiful beaches. But the finest places you’ll find to visit are those that take you back through Turkey’s history, and allow you to really enjoy the fascinating culture of this country. Be sure to get your kids their fill of culture before you let them drag you back to the beach.
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.
The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.
Ways to Stay Wet on Your Family Holidays to Turkey.
Ah, the annual family holiday to the Mediterranean. You can tell yourself you’re going for the culture and the scenery (and you won’t be disappointed in that); you can tell yourself you’re looking forward to the food and the odd cocktail or two (and you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice in that department); but come on now, let’s be honest. What you’re really looking forward to most is the endless supply of sun and sea, the most important part of everyone’s family holidays. Turkey can supply both in abundance and there is a seemingly endless array of family-friendly resorts to choose from. As a holiday destination, Turkey can cater to every taste and budget and once you arrive, there’s no shortage of ways to ensure you lap up as much of the beach culture as possible.
Swimming
Well this one is a no-brainer. Whether you’re an Olympic athlete in disguise or a toddler who’s never seen the sea before, the warm, clear waters which lap Turkey’s coastline are ideal for everyone on their family holidays. Turkey’s beaches are very safe with gently shelving shorelines, and their protected waters make for an inviting way to spend your days paddling in the shallows or doing some serious swimming.
Wind Surfing
Perhaps more the domain of Dad or an older child, windsurfing can be a great sport to undertake on your family holidays. Turkey is renowned as one of the best places in the Mediterranean to windsurf, with mild temperatures and near perfect wind conditions in the bays and peninsulas around Bodrum and Antalya.
Rafting and Canoeing
Not strictly beach culture, but keeping your feet wet nonetheless, rafting is becoming a popular pastime in Turkey. Although perhaps not something that immediately springs to mind when planning your family holidays, Turkey’s rivers are actually rated as some of the best in the world for white water rafting, for both beginners and veterans. For the adrenaline junkie families out there who like to play hard, there are many opportunities to safely take on the might of Turkey’s most exciting rapids.
Diving and Snorkelling
You don’t have to be a qualified dive-master to enjoy the underwater delights on your Mediterranean family holidays. Turkey has some wonderful sites to explore, from diving ancient shipwrecks and secret caves, to simply donning a snorkel and flippers to marvel at the colourful and curious fish close to shore. There are many companies who offer one-day dive courses for adults and quite a few who specialise in children’s diving too.
Poolside Pleasure
The beach is one thing, but a pool party is quite another! There’s a lot to be said for the convenience that an onsite pool can offer. There’s nothing that kids on holiday love more than a barbeque around the pool after a hard day on the beach!
Bubbles and Bubbles
Finally, one for the Mums and Dads seeking some alone time on their family holidays in Turkey. What could be a more enjoyable way of relaxing than to jump in a warm spa on the deck at your resort? Enjoy the view as the sun sets over the Mediterranean, with a glass of champagne, as you congratulate yourselves on the most wonderful family holiday you’ve had in years. Lovely!
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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