LAND & SEA - TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS

Whether you spend a week or two on a boat, it is an added bonus to combine a few days on land whether on a guided tour of archaeological sites, off-the beaten track roads in-land; or even a few rounds of golf at the marvellous golf resort at Belek. There are many small hotels and pensions which can be recommended, along with all-inclusive resorts, luxury hotels and villas along the coast. For more details about our tailor-made arrangements please complete the Enquiry Form. We have detailed a few ideas here which you might want to consider.

ANTALYA AND BELEK
GOLF, SPAS AND ANCIENT SITES

Two or three days based in Antalya at one of the old restored houses makes a good combination with a Lycian coastal cruise. Your land tours could include a journey by air conditioned minibus up into the Taurus mountains with a visit to Termesos, situated on a plateau 1650m above sea level. On another day you could visit Perge, one of the best preserved archaeological sites in Turkey with a history dating back to 1700 BC. This could be followed by Aspendos, with its famous Roman theatre still in use for concerts and festivals and Side, both a modern resort and ancient city by the sea.

Belek has been known for some time for its long sandy beach holidays, ideal for summer. What is not so well known is the more recent development of beautifully designed golf courses. Nine courses in total, with a backdrop of the Taurus mountain range and a list of excellent standard, luxury and de-luxe hotels along the beachfront. Many of these hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis and house wonderful spa centres offering numerous different fitness and spa treatments.

The combination of golf and spa makes for a wonderful winter break, as the Antalya/Belek region is known for its mild climate. With the promise of sunny days (albeit at lower temperatures) it is ideal for golfers and those simply wanting some relaxation. For more details on Golf Tours and tailor-made, short and longer stay holidays in this region, please complete our Enquiry Form. We can organise a variety of Golf Packages whether for private holidays, corporate entertaining or sales incentive.


Aspendos	St. Sophia

ISTANBUL - where east meets west, as the much used slogan suggests.

A few days here staying in the old city in one of the recently restored Ottoman houses (now private hotels) will enable you to visit some of the world's greatest museums and buildings. It is just a few minutes walk from some of these hotels to the Topkapi museum, once home to the Ottoman Sultans and housing a magnificent collection of jewels, artefacts and Chinese porcelain; the 5th century cathedral St Sophia; the famous Blue Mosque with its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles, the Byzantine underground cistern, numerous museums and of course the Grand Bazaar and street markets for shoppers. Foodies will find a diverse and fantastic range of restaurants throughout the old and new city. Lastly and not to be missed is a trip up the Bosphorus on a ferry or private motor boat for a marvellous view of the Istanbul skyline.

BURSA, IZNIK, THE ULUDAG NATIONAL PARK - a 3/4 day tour from Istanbul

From Istanbul you can take a short drive by minibus to the ferry and Yalova and then on to Iznik where you could visit the Turkish ceramic tile museum and the Byzantine church of St Sophia. Iznik was founded in 1316 B.C. as Nicea and renamed Iznik by the Ottomans in 1331. Its greatest contribution must be the celebrated Iznik tiles and pottery which reached the height of production in the 16th century with more than 300 functioning kilns. A further hour's drive will take you on to Bursa for the following 3 nights where you could stay at the small traditional Safran Hotel.

Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. It was founded in 200 B.C. and grew in importance around the 5th century A.D. when the thermal baths and the silk trade were founded. Recommended visits to the Silk Market, Royal Tombs, Covered Bazaar and the Green Mosque. On the last full day, drive up to Uludag and ancient Mount Olympos of Mysia (2254m). Weather permitting, you could take the cable car, otherwise travel by your bus. (In the winter it is a popular ski resort.) After exploring the area, return to Bursa for a traditional Turkish bath. Next day, you could return to Istanbul for your flight home or extend the tour to take in Gallipolli and other places of interest.


Ephesus Theatre	Priene

EPHESUS/WESTERN ANATOLIA

A short stay (3/4 days) based at a hotel in Kusadasi or small pension in Selcuk will enable you to visit some marvellous ancient cities, some with great significance to the Christian world.

Ephesus, Priene, Miletos, The Temple of Apollo at Didyma, Pamukkale and Aphrodisias.

INLAND TURKISH AEGEAN TOUR

(You can select from this list to fill the number of days you have available.)