One of Mother Nature’s masterpieces, UNESCO-listed Pamukkale, which translates as Cotton Castle, is a spectacle of white, water-filled formations that has evolved over thousands of years. The mineral-packed water is thought to be good for the eyes and helps alleviate rheumatism, asthma and some skin ailments, too. Wallow in one of the photogenic travertines – thermal pools – or climb up above the pools to Hierapolis, where you’ll find well-preserved ruins of the ancient spa city that once stood here.
Available in the afternoon, this is a great way to capture the ‘essence’ of this amazing city. The cruise of the Bosphorous will start at Kabatas pier and while cruising along the Asian and European shores, you will be surprised to see the harmony of Ottoman and modern architecture, as well as having an opportunity to see the major highlights of the city’s fairy tale-like skyline from the sea.
A poet once described the Bosphorous as “God’s beautiful calligraphy written by an ink made of sapphires”. This strait, separating (and connecting) two continents that form the two faces of the city, takes its name from a mythological legend. Ever since those ancient times, it has marvelled people with its beauty.
Along the cruise, you will pass by the Rumeli Fortress, built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror; Ortakoy, a very famous area for handicrafts and nightlife; Bebek, a popular wealthy residential district under the Ottoman rule, and continues to be so today; Besiktas, a commercial district of the new city; Dolmabahce, the magnificent 19th century palace, which was the home to the Ottoman Sultans in the last century of the Empire; Ciragan Palace, a magnificent marble palace built by Sultan Abdulaziz and designed and constructed by the Balyan family between 1863 and 1867; today it serves as luxury suites for the five star Kempinski hotel; Kizkulesi (Maiden’s Tower), an ancient lighthouse which has inspired many legends; Yali (wooden wealthy houses) constructed by the water’s edge of the Bosphorous and usually built with an architectural concept that takes into account the characteristics of the coastal location, mostly dating from the 19th century; Beylerbeyi Palace, one of the largest, lavishly furnished 19th century summer residences of the Ottoman Sultans.
A short visit to the Spice Market is the surprise of the tour. In this oriental shopping area, where you experience the vibrant pulse of Istanbul at its best, rare spices, herbs, vegetables, fruits, live animals, flowers are sold. (Aphrodisiacs are available too!)
Piérdete por las calles coloridas y vibrantes de Balat, un barrio judío tradicional situado en la parte europea de Estambul, en la orilla occidental del Cuerno de Oro. Las viejas y fotogénicas calles de Balat, uno de los barrios judíos de Estambul, esperan a los participantes en este estimulante paseo de cuatro horas.
Aléjate de las multitudes de turistas y de algunas de las zonas más congestionadas de la ciudad para explorar un auténtico barrio turco, que no sólo es el hogar de una bien establecida comunidad judía sino también de prósperas poblaciones de griegos y armenios. Sinagogas, iglesias armenias, iglesias romanicas, restos bizantinos y fuentes sagradas conocidas como “ayazmas” se disputan la atención del visitante.
A pesar de que una vez pudo presumir de siete sinagogas, hoy Balat solo tiene dos en buen estado. Estas son la de Ahrida, una de las más antiguas de Estambul, y la de Yanbol, que fue construida por Judios de Yanbol, Bulgaria. La iglesia ortodoxa búlgara de San Esteban de los Búlgaros, también conocida como la Iglesia Búlgara de Hierro, es famosa por ser una de las pocas iglesias del mundo construida de hierro fundido. Las piezas prefabricadas, de 500 toneladas, fueron producidas en Viena y transportadas a Estambul en barco por el Danubio y el Mar Negro.
Contempla las ruinas del palacio bizantino conocido como Tekfur Saray, un monumento del siglo XIII y uno de los pocos ejemplos que quedan en el mundo de la arquitectura bizantina secular. Descubre un crisol de culturas y religiones en esta interesante ruta por el actual Balat.
The Secret Valley – AKA Akkaya Valley – is Turkey at its most idyllic. The countryside is a peaceful swathe of olive groves, meadows and jewel-blue rivers. The tour itself kicks off from the river that winds its way through the valley’s spine of forest-clocked mountains. At a postcard-pretty harbour, you’ll hop on board a boat and sail off through the canyon. It’s dramatic views all the way around here. After half an hour or so, the boat weighs anchor at a petite sandy beach. Here, you’ll have plenty of time to eat lunch and explore the riverside and forest trails. On the boat journey back, you’ll get a second chance to drink in the dramatic valley views.
Come with us and visit Antalya’s newest attraction. Antalya's Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world and offers three different levels with many different species of fish and the largest underwater tunnel aquarium in the world, over 131m long and 3m wide. The main tank was designed and decorated by a Italian sculptor, Benedetti, inspired by coral reefs and featuring a life-size airplane, shipwreck and submarine.
The almost 5 million liters of water in the main tank are home to many species of tropical fish and sharks. You will find species from the all over world's oceans and rivers, from caves and there is even a special tank for jelly fish!
The Aquarium also offers Snow World, over 1500m2 of winter wonderland with igloos, Santa's grotto and cafés where visitors can have a snowball fight and make snowmen, the Tropical Swimming Reef, situated on the aquarium's roof where visitors will have the chance to swim with harmless sharks and rays and even get to feed the fish in special aquariums and Kid's World (these attractions are subject to an extra fee).
And if you should fancy some food or refreshments you will find something for all tastes; there are several restaurants, a fast food restaurant a patisserie and an ice-cream cafe at the aquarium.
The traditional Turkish Bath (HAMAM) is a bath culture which dates back around 1000 years. The main aim of the traditional peeling and Turkish massage (with foam), which is carried out in the HAMAM, is to clean skin, purify dead skin cells and to get rid of toxics which have built up in the body. These treatments also help the body to balance its’ blood pressure.
The perfect way to get the body ready for a great tan, dressed in comfortable swimwear, lying on marble-heated benches, the bath begins with a relaxing loofah body scrub. This is followed by a smothering from head to toe in warm, soapy bubbles which are massaged all over the body to help get rid of those niggling aches and pains. Feeling squeaky clean and utterly relaxed by the end of it, this is a great way to switch straight into holiday mode.
Cue extravagant feathers sequined frocks and a hit parade of pop and show tune classics all housed in great venue with very best view of Marmaris too. ?f you are up for an encore, the following week they have a diffent show. The show content can be slightly ‘naughty’ so may not suitable for children.
Want to give scuba diving a go? If so, then this sampler will hit the spot. It's a short, fun dive that lets you experience the thrill of diving without tying you down to a long course. Your adventure begins at a PADI-accredited diving school. Here, you'll get a briefing on all the basics and familiarise yourself with the equipment. Then, it's off to a local diving site to take the plunge.
You'll have a PADI-certified instructor with you all the way, pointing out the undersea life. You'll be amazed at what you see - shoals of silvery fish darting through the water and maybe even shyer species like eels and octopus. And the waters of the Aegean are warm and clear, so they're perfect for first-timers. As the icing on the cake, you'll also get the chance to have your photo taken while you're swimming around, too.
Try an innovative approach to exploring Turkey and discover the wonders of the Turkey with a digital guide that’s available during your rental.
The digital guide is loaded with guides, maps, audio tours on a 7-inch tablet that’s been specifically designed for travellers visiting Turkey.The GPS navigation lets you go around the country without needing other devices, and printed maps.
The tablet comes with unlimited 3G internet access and a sharing option with other devices via Wi-Fi. You’ll easily find your way around and can check your tablet for recommended places and stay connected with your loved ones.
You’ll also find useful apps, with maps, quick information about the Turkey, and social tools.
The operator’s staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have via a Viber account that’s been installed on the device, delivery will be done before one day of service date to hotel receptions, and guests will leave the tablets to reception end of the service.
Highlights:
Visit Turkey's most popular spots on your own schedule.
Enjoy on the go with digital guides and audio tours.
GPS Navigation with upto date LOI and traffic maps.
Stay connected with unlimited 3G speed internet and connect up to devices anywhere in Turkey.
Make use of all the useful applications and information at your fingertips.
Delivery and pick-up from your hotel anywhere in Turkey.
Be ready for an exciting journey on a specially designed Cabrio bus. This tour is the best option to discover Side's surroundings and become familiar with the historical and cultural heritage of this region.
You will drive through the Taurus Mountains having the possibility to enjoy charming views of the countryside on the way to Seleucia - an ancient Greek city of Pamphylia. Walking in the fresh air you will discover the outstanding ruins of Seleucia (city walls, agora, monumental city gate, church, necropolis, etc.) and at the same time you can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding pine forests.
Next attraction to visit is a Roman aqueduct and village mosque; this is an opportunity to learn more about the life of the local people, their cultural and religious traditions. This is followed by a visit to Manavgat Waterfalls where we stay for approximately 2 hours. Refresh yourself with a swim in the natural pool or just relax in the quiet surroundings and enjoy your meal at a local restaurant (grilled fish or chicken, rice or spagetti, salad, bread). On the territory of the restaurant there is a mini-aviary (peacocks, turkeys, ducks, geese, etc.).