In recent years Turkey has become a major tourist destination in Europe. With the rapid development of both summer and winter resorts there is much to see and explore in this fascinating country.

What other country can offer so much variety?

• Magnificent mountain ranges, lush forests and a coastline that stretches for some 6000 km, encompassing the warm blue waters of the Aegean Sea and the spectacular rugged coastline of the Mediterranean.

• A rich culture. Traditionally known as the point where East meets West (this country shares borders with both Asia and Europe), Turkey has developed over centuries its own unique blend of culture, combining the best ingredients from both continents.

• Once called the ‘cradle of civilization’ this country boasts a rich history. It has been home to 13 civilisations and many historical treasures remain to day from Persian, Roman and Byzantine times.

• People who are friendly, courteous and welcoming

Turkey's Aegean shores are among the loveliest in the country. An unspoilt coastline with long golden beaches, secluded coves and warm, blue, shallow waters. Quaint fishing villages and whitewashed houses set against a backdrop of pine forests and olive groves provide perfect conditions in which a visitor can relax. With more than 5,000 years of history, culture and mythology, this region offers something for everyone-

Kusadasi was once a traditional fishing village, Kudadasi has become one of the liveliest resorts on the Aegean coast. The resort has its own beach and there is a choice of 3 other beaches within a short distance of the town. The marina and the old quarter of the town with its bustling bazaars and restaurants are well worth a visit.

Bodrum Peninsula is by far the South Aegean's prettiest area with its dramatic mountains, stunning sea views and sandy bays. From here you can see the Greek island of Kos – only 20 minutes by hydrofoil.

Palm-lined streets ring the bays, and white sugar cube houses and villas crowd the hillsides.

Bodrum itself is a major yachting centre. A striking medieval castle that offers fantastic views over the resort dominates the harbour. Although the town does not have a real beach there are regular boat trips to nearby secluded bays dotted around the peninsula.

This resort has a vibrant nightlife and is definitely not for those people who go to bed early and expect to get a good night’s sleep!

Yalikavak, quaint old fishing village, lies on the western side of the peninsula and is more suited to those wanting to enjoy their holiday at a slower pace.

Small cafes and the occasional windmill create a picturesque setting and the days can be passed ambling through the orange groves or watching the local fishermen catch sponges.

The Mediterranean Coast - Enjoying 300 days of sunshine a year, this rugged coastline of southeastern Turkey is synonymous with sandy bays and picturesque coves. Pine-clad mountains sweep down into a clear azure sea and this area of Turkey has fully earned the right to be called the Turquoise Riviera

Marmaris - This popular resort has been built around a stunning bay and is one of Turkey’s most popular resorts. The old town with its Ottoman fortress dominates one end of the resort. The narrow cobbled streets reveal an excellent shopping bazaar and there are many bars and restaurants to explore.

The gently shelving beach makes this a popular spot for families

Icmeler is a small seaside town just along the coast from Marmaris. Set in the mountains it is a very pretty resort and much more suitable for a quieter, relaxing holiday.

Olu Deniz is a resort of outstanding beauty offering visitors warm shallow waters, magnificent views and historic monuments.

The warm water of the ‘blue lagoon’ gently laps the crescent –shaped beach of coarse white sand and pebble. This lagoon area has been declared a conservation area and therefore the bay is free from large-scale development. Hotels and apartments can be found in the neighbouring village of Hisaronu.

Antalya is an attractive city with shady palm-lined boulevards is the chief city on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. Antalya is a good base from which to explore the quieter beach towns and more spectacular ancient cities of the region. Alanya has two superb white sandy beaches this is a perfect holiday spot. The old quarter of the town is worth visiting with its impressive castle with magnificent views over the bay.

Side is an ideal location for both beach lovers and culture vultures. This old fortressed town is surrounded on either side by a great expanse of sandy beaches. The town boasts much historical interest with a roman amphitheatre, Roman baths and the temples of Athena and Apollo.

The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts enjoy mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are best the best times to visit as the climate is perfect, although in some areas there are a lot of mosquitoes during the summer months.

The average temperature in this area between May –October varies between 25-34 degrees centigrade.

Shopping - There are many bazaars to browse around. Goods that are good value include silver, leather and of course Turkish carpets. It is always worth haggling over the price – you may come home with a bargain! Be careful when buying carpets as you should always ask for a certificate of origin and value. Don't fall into the trap if the storekeeper tells you he will post the goods – the chances are that they will never arrive!

One of the seven wonders of the Ancient World, Ephesus is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient cities around the Mediterranean, where Saint Paul lived from 51-53AD.

Pamukkale - These amazing terraced rock pools that are known locally as the Cotton Castle are one of Turkey's most celebrated tourist attractions

Dalyan is paradise for nature lovers. The area is a national conservation area and is home to many birds and a breeding ground for the Loggerhead Turtle. A trip to the Dalyan mud baths and hot sulphur springs is a must to experience their therapeutic powers.

Hamams - Nearly every Turkish town has a hamam, or Turkish bath, where you can get a steamy bath, vigorous massage, or a kese session (in which layers of dead skin are scrubbed away with an abrasive glove).

The Rough Guide to Turkey~ Rosie Ayliffe, et al (Paperback - 29 June, 2000)

Lonely Planet Turkey ~ Tom Brosnahan, et al (Paperback - March 2001)

AA Essential Turkey – South Coast ~ Melissa Shales (Paperback - 2 January, 1999)

AA CityPack Istanbul Christopher Rice, Melanie Rice (17 November, 1997)

April in Ankara, the International Children’s Festival in Ankara, celebrates children, there are many performances by children from all over the world, whilst in Istanbul the Film Festival is taking place.

The International Amateur Theatre Festival in Denizli takes place mid-May every year.

June – Istanbul Music Festival

On the 1^st Saturday in July the Oiled Wrestling Event in Erdine is a spectacle of the old method of training troops.

The International Istanbul Jazz Festival, at the start of July has many big names playing.

Canakkale is the home to the International Troy Festival mid August every year, although no proof can be made to the claims of authenticity, whilst Menen at the cooking festival is a great place to improve your Mediterranean cooking.

The 2^nd Thursday of every September in Istanbul sees a fashion fair of Turkish clothing (biannual, will be held in 2001)

mid Sept-Nov, The Istanbul Biennial Festival promotes the exchange of inspiration by Turkish artists.

During Ramadan more than a million people descend on Konya to celebrate the Whirling Dervishes Festival

16^th December is the end of Ramadan, celebrations of the end of fasting throughout the Muslim communities.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

Because the exchange rate is so good at the moment eating out is very good value

A 3-course meal £5.00

A bottle of wine £4.30

A bottle of beer £00.45

Turkish food is famous throughout the world. All Turkish food is prepared from fresh ingredients. The country produces a wide range of fruits and vegetables there is always a good choice of fish on any menu. The range of food is enormous and dishes include savoury meze (hors d'oeuvre) which is usually served as a cold starter followed by meat and fish dishes. Kebabs are very popular as are stuffed vine leaves and borak pastry stuffed with meat or cheese. Turkish sweets and traditional strong, dark Turkish coffee are always a favourite.

HOTELS IN TURKEY

Mares Hotel – Mamaris

A large, modern hotel perched on the hillside and enjoying fabulous views over the bay. There is so something for everyone here –a gym, pool, tennis, diving centre and water sport facilities for the sports enthusiasts and even a beauty centre for those in need of a little pampering. Do not be put off by the size of this complex (420 rooms). Your holiday can be as busy or as quiet as you want it to be. Whilst there are lively restaurants and bars dotted around the grounds there are also quieter hideaways if you just want peace and relaxation – the choice is yours!

Prices per adult for 7 days ½ board (based on 2 adults sharing) would be approx £550 in low season and £750 during high season

VISAS AND INNOCULATIONS

Visas are issued on arrival for UK passport holders, at a current cost of £10 per person, please do check before departing what the current situation is.

Hep A, Polio Typhoid and Malaria are all strongly recommended. Please seek professional advice; these are only guidelines.

The usual health advice applies as with most foreign countries. Don’t drink the tap water or consume ice in drinks. Drink bottled water or use purification tablets. Take care against dehydration and over exposure to the sun, by drinking lots of (bottled) water and use high factor sun creams.

Airlines fly to Turkey from 13 UK airports, although not necessarily to all three Turkish airports. The flight times vary between 3 ½ - 4 ½ hours and transfer times in Turkey can take up to 2 hours.

Although Turkey is a Muslim country, alcohol can be purchased everywhere. Alcoholic drinks include Turkish beer, wine, and the national drink, 'raki' (an anisette), which clouds when water is added giving it the popular name of "lion's milk." Raki is very similar to and 'ouzo'.

Tap water is drinkable but the taste is not good because it is chlorinated. Bottled water is readily available from hotels and shops.

Time: GMT plus two hours

Electricity: 220V – a continental adapter is needed

Clothing: Usually light, cotton summer clothing will be suitable with something warmer for the evening.

As this is a Muslim country, women should wear modest clothes including a headscarf when visiting mosques etc… Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for sightseeing.

Opening Hours:

Post Offices 8:00-24:00 (Mon.- Sat), and 9:00-19.00 (Sun)

Banks 8:30-12:00 & 13:30-17:00 (closed Sat. and Sun.)

Shops 9:30-13:00 & 14:00- 19:00 (closed Sun.)

Currency: Major credit cards are accepted (American Express, Diners Card, Mastercard and VISA). Automatic tellers are available where you may use your PIN number to access Turkish Lira.

If taking foreign currency or travellers cheques, it is advisable to take small denominations. Exchange rates at hotels are usually as competitive as the banks.

Tipping: Although there is normally a 10-15% service charge added to your bill it is also customary to give about 10% tip to your waiter if you are satisfied with your service.

Dolmus: This is a communal minibus that follows specific routes and can be waved down at different points. Passengers pay a fixed rate which is usually less than taxi rates.