Turkey

Split into 7 different regions, each offering something different, Turkey has something for everyone. Whether its art, history, archaeology, nature or a relaxing beach holiday, you will not be disappointed with Turkey.

Activities

There is so much to do in Turkey you will never be bored. From cruises to treks and ballooning to kayaking you will have an action packed holiday. www.turkishadventure.net offers some brilliant packages from activity weeks to paragliding.

If you want a holiday where you can put your feet up or if you have children, there is also plenty to do. Beaches, swimming pools, golf courses, markets, sailing and boat cruises are all popular forms of entertainment. Of course there is also much, much more to do as well.

Nightlife

It is a common misconception that you wouldn’t dream of going to Turkey for its nightlife. However, the range of night – time entertainment is wide and varied from traditional male – dominated birahanes to techno and rave nightclubs. Cicek Pasaj in Beyoglu, Istanbul is likely to be the most lively and varied place for dancing through the night. The top discos have summer locations along the Bosphorus where you can enjoy beautiful views while partying well into the night.

As well as this, Kusadasi is famous for its Bar Street which is full of Irish and British pubs if you prefer somewhere a bit closer to home.

Eating Out

Turkey is ranked among the top 5 countries in the world for its fine cuisine. It’s easy to stick to British food whilst there but for a real taste of Turkey, be brave and venture into the less predictable restaurants. Be warned however that they have different ways of doing things. For example, they believe freshness is key so your food comes out as soon as it’s ready meaning you may get your starters and main meal at the same time. As well as this, it is considered an insult to serve guests piping hot food meaning that it probably won’t be as hot as you’re used to back home.

Where to Stay

Many think that the Aegean Coast is the most beautiful in the whole of Turkey. Home to some of Turkey’s leading beach resorts and with so much history surrounding it, there’s something for everyone in the Aegean Region. This area is full of life with shopping centres, markets, beaches, restaurants and sight – seeing making it perfect for everyone regardless of what kind of holiday you’re after. The South Aegean is particularly popular amongst British tourists.

Those of you who have cash to splash will fall in love with the Turkish Riviera. With long, sandy beaches, world – class golf courses and the highest concentration of 5 – star hotels in the country, you’re going to be surrounded in pure luxury.  There are historic sites such as Arikand and coastal towns aplenty meaning there’s something to suit all tastes.

Attractions

Make sure you visit Ephesus where you can find the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The city is incredibly well – preserved and you can visit the statues, libraries, theatres, markets and temples.

Mount Ararat is truly spectacular with its peak souring over 5165 metres. Its history is fascinating and while there you can also visit Ishak Pasa palace which contains a mosque and a separate men’s and women’s quarters.

To the southwest of Konya is Beysehir Lake which has been described as an undiscovered paradise. Here you will find the summer home of the Selcuk rulers, a castle, mosque and tomb so there is plenty to keep you entertained.

Image belongs to: Felipe Barrientos. Taken from: www.flickr.com

Cycling Holidays In Burgundy

Cycling holidays are becoming more and more popular as they are a great way of seeing a country while getting fit at the same time. However, it can be hard deciding where to go as there are now so many options available.

One of the most popular places for cycling holidays is Burgundy, France. This is probably because many people regard it as one of the most fascinating regions in the whole of France and it is often labelled as the Land of fine art and living.

Perhaps the reason why cycling holidays in France have become so popular is because there is so much to see during the day while cycling and then lots to do at night as well. There are many beautiful areas in Burgundy such as Savigny – les Beaune, Chassagne Montrachet and Chateau de La Rochepot. All these little towns and many more can be enjoyed on cycling holidays and it’s unlikely you would be able to see this many different places on any other type of holiday.

When on cycling holidays in France it is impossible not to try the wine. Many of their regions are famous for producing some of the best wines in the world and they are therefore very proud of this. Wine can be enjoyed with dinner, dessert or even just as something to help relax after a long day.

Sites not to be missed while on cycling holidays in Burgundy is the museum that houses aeroplanes and vintage cars in Savigny, the Morovan Natural Park which has rivers, hills, castles and vineyards and the medieval village of Chateauneuf en Auxois. All these things can be seen on the various routes that cycling tours take and they usually provide a much needed rest.

There are many different types of cycling holidays that people can go on depending on the sites they want to see and how much cycling they think they can do. One of the most popular types of tours is the ones where people go to the vineyards as this is what France is famous for. Here tourists can see the Cote d’Or which is known for its fine wines, Vosne Romanee which is home of the regions most expensive wine and Chateau of La Rochepot where people can test the fine wines.

With so much variety and things to do it’s not surprising that so many people now choose cycling holidays as a unique alternative to getting away for a couple days and seeing the sites of beautiful countries.

Image belongs to: Christian Bachellier. Taken from: www.flickr.com

City Break In Menorca

If you are looking for a holiday that is something a bit different from usual then a city break sailing in Menorca could be just the thing for you. This is a unique and exciting break that you are unlikely to forget any time soon.

One of the best places to go sailing in Menorca when on a city break in Fornells Bay. This is because it is completely enclosed, safe and protected from the waves. This makes it a great place to start regardless of whether you are an expert or have never sailed before.

Fornells has a nature reserves as well as its own coves, beaches and islands which makes it the perfect place to explore. Its clear waters and rocky northern coastline make excellent scenery as well and will help you to completely relax and enjoy your city break.

There are various different courses available while on your city break which is helpful if you have never sailed before or simply wish to brush up on your skills. All abilities are catered for and the lengths of the courses vary so you don’t have to spend your whole holiday taking classes.

There are plenty of advantages of going sailing while on a city break. One of these advantages is the fact that you can see so much more than you would be able to see by car. Where else can you explore coves, islands and beaches that you wouldn’t normally find?

Another advantage of this type of city break is that you will feel completely relaxed. It can be hard to relax in some places because it’s so busy and there are so many other tourists around. When you are sailing it’s just you, the people you are with and the sea. Therefore it will be very peaceful and you are free to explore wherever you want.

This is also a great way of picking up new skills if you have never done it before. The courses available will ensure that you are confident enough to go out without an instructor so you can go wherever you want whenever you want. The great thing about this is that you don’t have to stick to a timetable so can plan your own city break.

The best thing about it is the following year when you want to go on another city break you can do the same thing but in a different country so you can start exploring all over again.

Sri Lanka Beach

International travel company The Travel Collection are offering holiday makers a once in a life time opportunity to experience Sri Lanka holidays with a difference. The Sri Lanka beach tour has been designed for those with a passion for travel and a desire to experience different cultures from around the world.

 

The Travel Collection feel what makes their Sri Lanka holidays different from anyone else’s is the perfect combination of people, places, nature and wildlife that their tours offer. The company are offering this particular beach tour of Sri Lanka so that tourists can enjoy the clear warm waters and luxurious golden beaches that the stunning country has to offer.

 

Sri Lanka holidays are all about exploring the natural beauty, exotic wildlife, ancient history and tropical beaches around the Island. The Travel Collection is providing explorers with the chance of discovering all of these things on the excursions they offer as part of the beach tour.

 

Bird watchers will be in heaven as they spot a wide array of birds and other wildlife as the sun comes up in the early morning. The excursion takes place in a small boat on a canal that was created by the Dutch in the 18^th Century making this a unique and enjoyable way of spending the morning.

 

In a bid to make Sri Lanka holidays as exciting as possible for their customers the company offer several different alternatives to the tour. This has been done so that people can make their experience more individual and suited to themselves. One of the alternatives includes the Kandy and the Hill Country excursion which includes a visit to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage which is a truly unforgettable experience.

 

Another alternative is the Kerala Extension which entails staying at hotels located directly on the most tropical beaches on the Island. This includes the Uday Samudra Hotel which is set on the famous palm fringed sands of Kavolam beach which offers complete peace and tranquillity.

 

To give their customers a real treat while on their Sri Lanka holidays, the travel company will be offering their guests the option to stay at the resort of Isola di Cocco. Set in 35 acres of coconut groves and peaceful lagoons, it is unlikely that anyone will ever want to go home.   

Image belongs to: Esteban De Sousa Seibane. Taken from: www.flickr.com

Ceylon, Sri Lanka: Tranquillity and Nature

The Travel Collection has designed a unique tour for those looking for Sri Lanka holidays with a difference. The tranquillity and nature tour provides a special Sri Lankan experience which includes staying at one of the most relaxing hotels on the island.

 

The Ranweli Hotel is only accessible by boat and its only surroundings include rivers and the Indian Ocean. With beautiful tropical gardens, long sandy beaches and rustic, but stylish rooms, this idyllic resort has been created with complete peace in mind.

 

This hotel has been chosen for the company’s Sri Lanka holidays because not only does it lie in a protected forest environment, but it is in complete harmony with the local environment and general conservation of the natural world around it. The Travel Collection feel that at a time when more importance is being placed on the environment than ever before it is vital to provide customers with holidays that are environmentally friendly.    

 

One of the amazing excursions that are offered on this trip is a boat ride along the waterways where nature lovers can enjoy the scenery and abundance of birdlife that is present in the area. Stork – billed kingfishers, open – billed heron, bee – eaters and many more land and water birds can be seen along the journey as well.

 

In a bid to help tailor their Sri Lanka holidays to everyone’s needs, The Travel Collection offer alternatives to most of their tours. For those who wish to experience a little more of Sri Lanka there is the option to participate in a three night trip to the Hunas Falls Hotel which is set in the hills above the town of Kandy. Activities provided include a trip to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage and sightseeing in Kandy which comes highly recommended.

 

The Travel Collection pride themselves on offering tourists exciting and unique Sri Lanka holidays. Their small group holidays are inspired by a genuine passion for travel and are ideal for people who have a strong interest in people, places, nature and wildlife.  

Image belongs to: Christian Bachellier. Taken from: www.flickr.com