ALTERNATIVE SIGHTS
There’s evidence of Turkey’s rich
heritage all over the country. Also
suggest clients head for:
λ Turkey’s capital, Istanbul is full of
wonderful sights, including the
Blue Mosque and imposing Hagia
Sophia church, Topkapi Palace,
home (and harem) of the Sultans,
and the vast Grand Bazaar.
λ Selçuk, where visitors can go
just outside the town to see the
marble streets and ruins of the
mighty city of Ephesus. Existing
sections include parts of the
pillared Celsus Library, an
impressive amphitheatre, and
fragments of the Temple of Hadrian
and even a section of the Temple of
Erosion at Zelve
has exposed
the cave
dwellings
Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders
of the Ancient World.
λ The Gallipoli peninsula, where
those interested in recent history
can see where British, French,
Australian and New Zealand troops
suff ered heavy losses attempting to
capture the city of Istanbul.
λ Eastern Turkey has plenty to off er
those who like to go off the beaten
track, including the Greek
Orthodox monastery at Sumela,
which is set into a sheer rock face,
beehive-shaped houses in the
village of Harran, and Nemrut Dagi,
where vast stone heads remain in
the ruins of a temple mausoleum,
dating from the 1st century BC.
The Blue Mosque is a
must-see sight in Istanbul
mountain caves. Cave fortresses can
still be found at Uchisar and Ortahisar,
dominating the landscape.
ACTION AND ADVENTURE
While it’s possible to enjoy Cappadocia
without being immensely fi t – I spent a
day on an excursion with an American
couple in their 70s who managed the
underground cities and the mountain
caravanserai – it’s a great place for
tourists who enjoy being active.
Walking and trekking allows
you to lose yourself among its lunar
landscapes. We followed a briskly
fl owing stream along the Ihlara Valley,
a deep gash between two sheer faces,
before stopping for a well-earned
lunch, and also wandered through the
imposing Red Valley, just as the fl owers
and almond trees were bursting into
bloom. Mountain biking and horse
riding are popular, and easy to organise
through hotels or tour companies.
BOOKING ACTIVITIES
All my cultural tours, activities and
airport transfers were organised by
local ground operator Argeus, which
off ers 10% commission to agents. Our
guide Farouk’s local knowledge was
invaluable, and there’s no way I would
have got the best out of Cappadocia
without his help. See the website for
more details and how to book.
8cappadociaexclusive.com TW
Turkey
SAMPLE PRODUCT
Intrepid Travel off ers the fi ve-day
independent Cappadocia Explorer
trip from £80 per person, including
budget hotel accommodation on a
twin-share basis and some meals,
including dinner with a local family,
but excluding fl ights.
8 intrepidtravel.com
( 020 3147 7777
Equine Adventures off ers an
eight-day Cappadocia Ride tour
from £970 per person including
fl ights, transfers and twin-share
accommodation. Non-riders are
welcome and will have their own
guide and driver, and meet up
with the riders in the evening.
Intermediate riding ability necessary.
8 equineadventures.co.uk
( 0845 130 6981
Explore’s eight-day Cappadocia
Freewheel trip explores the region
by bike. The trip starts from £875
departing on September 19 or 26
including bed-and-breakfast
accommodation in family-run
pensions, fl ights from Heathrow,
transfers, bike hire and guiding.
8 explore.co.uk
( 0844 499 0904
Marmaris • Bodrum
Gumbet • Icmeler
Hisaronu • Fethiye & more
Fantastic late deals...
A wide variety of accommodation from quality
2/3★ self catering apartments to 5★ deluxe spa hotels.
Flights from Gatwick, Manchester, Newcastle, Bristol &
Stansted to Bodrum & Dalaman
0844 499 4449 or Viewdata: 0# Istel & Fastrak
Agency Sales: 0844 576 2350
Order brochures: www.trade-gate.co.uk
OlympicHolidays.com
www.travelweekly.co.uk July 3 2009 | Travel Weekly |35
OVER
40
YEARS OF
EXCELLENCE
SILVER
the
BRITISH
TRAVEL
AWARDS
2008
®
BEST TOUR OPERATOR
TO EASTERN
MEDITERRANEAN
Summer 2010
on Sale NOW!
To view a Ceros magazine you need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser and have the flash player 8 or higher installed. To install the latest flash player, click the icon above, install the flash plugin and then click here to refresh this page.