From beautiful sandy beaches to the majestic Taurus Mountains, Turkey has it all.  With a proud and rich cultural heritage combined with contemporary comforts, Turkey is not to be missed. A branch between Europe and Asia, the country is as diverse as it is inviting.  Fine dining on open rooftops provide the perfect folly to a day of shopping and exploring of the Taksim and Sultanhamet districts of Istanbul.  Not a fan of the big city, then Cappadocia may be just your thing. The region boasts amazing underground cities and fabulous natural wonders.  Nothing illustrates Turkey’s history better than the region. But if you quite simply want to relax, then the luxury resorts, beautiful beaches and the great weather of Antalya may be just the thing for you.  Whatever your test, there is something to sample in Turkey.

The oldest district of Istanbul is Sultanhamet and the influence of its colourful past is still on display today.  The Ice cream vendors, rooftop restaurants, Nargile bars and stunning architecture are only but a small attraction compared to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.  Visiting both you will certainly be blown away by the sheer beauty and rich history of the two monuments.  Not too far from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia lies the Topkapi Palace, the home of the Sultans and kings of old.  If shopping is more your thing then the grand bazaar provides the perfect arena to pit you business skills against the local merchants.  These merchants are experienced, smart and understand trading.

Of all the luxury hotels in Sultanhamet, the Rast Hotel certainly stands out as the premier boutique Hotel in the district.  It offers stunning views, quality restaurants and high end suites.  The hotel is situated perfectly to allow you to observe Sultanhamet in its full glory.  With the Sea of Marmara on one side and the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia on the other, the open-air restaurant of the Rast is certainly one of the most romantic locations in all of Istanbul.

Taksim is undoubtedly the cosmopolitan heart of Istanbul.  This is the business, shopping, leisure and transport centre of the city.  Here you can find the best luxury hotels, the Divan Oteli, Ceylan InterContinental, Hyatt Regency Istanbul as well as the Hilton Istanbul.  Taksim is famed as one of the major shopping districts in Europe.  Istiklal Avenue starts from Taksim square and here you will find numerous fashion outlets from high end global brands to small luxury boutiques; you can certainly find something to suit your style.  The Ataturk Cultural centre and Opera house are located in Taksim Square and are undoubtedly worth a visit.

Taksim also has a vibrant dining scene.  The Changa restaurant is considered one of the top restaurants in the world.  The Changa presents old and new Turkish styles in tantalising fashion. The restaurant is spread over three floors and its unique trademark is the kitchens glass ceiling enabling diners to walk over and observe the kitchen area.  The Banyan restaurant also offers amazing cuisine as well as stunning views of the Bosporus while you dine.

Nisantasi is another part of Taksim and is one of Turkeys most expensive shopping districts and the “Mecca of Fashion”.  Here you can find small, boutique outlets within walking distance such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss and Armani to name but a few.  The City Nişantaşi, opened in 2008, is a shopping mall aimed at the high end consumer.  Nisantasi itself is home to the rich and famous of Turkey and is famed for its Art Noveau buildings.

In the more central region of Turkey lies Cappadocia.  A popular tourist destination with a history dating back to 6500 B.C, the Lycians, Greeks, Persians, Byzantines and Ottomans have all left their mark on the region which makes Cappadocia a unique travel destination. One of the key features of Cappadocia is the large number of underground cities, there are estimated to be roughly forty and six of them are open for visits.  Among the most popular are the Kaymakli Underground City, Derinkuyu Underground City, Ozkonak Underground City and Mazi Underground City.You may want to visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, a vast monastery complex each with its own Church.  

Volcanic eruptions centuries ago sculpted what are today some of the best natural wonders such as the Red Valley, Rose Valley, Cavusin and Pigeons’ Valley. With Cappadocia being such a large and diverse region covering many provinces of Turkey hiking or air balloon may be the more suitable methods to view such breathtaking scenery.  In terms of accommodation, the Yunak and the Kale Konak both offer luxury living space but with a twist; both being cave hotels. The Yunak, located in the village of Urgup, is a hotel carved into the cliff.  The hotel includes six cave houses and thirty rooms.  The Kale Konak Cave Hotel is a mansion located in Uchisar dating back to the first centuries, offering both charm and elegance.

A visit to Cappadocia would not be complete with out dining at some of the local restaurants.  The Ziggy Cafe is the perfect place for a meal or a few drinks, with four terraces on ascending levels, cool jazz music and welcoming staff. The Ziggy Cafe is situated near the Yunack Cave Hotel.  The Elai restaurant brings with it the sophistication and luxury found in Istanbul but without the noise and crowds.  With panoramic views and gentle music, the Elai is the perfect foil for a long day of touring Cappadocia.  

Ephesus contains one of the largest collections of Roman Ruins in Europe. Ephesus has been home to notable people, including Manuel Philes, the Byzantine poet as well as the painter Zeuxis.  Ephesus was a major sea port connecting the traditional trade routes to the Aegean sea and the names connected with the ruins are reminiscent of its former glory such as the Odeon Theatre, Fountain of Pollio, Temple of Hadrian, Basilica of St John and the library of Celsus.

If your one for the sandy beaches and golf retreats, Antalya may be the place to go.  Located on the Mediterranean, Antalya is the country’s biggest international sea resort.  The Letoonia golf resort, located along the sea shore, is spread over seventy-five acres of land is the perfect getaway- offering golf , natural beauty and entertainment.  If a little more luxury is what you require the Mardan Palace Antalya offers everything you could want from a five Star hotel.  Superior suites, to meeting and conference rooms as well as a number of restaurants including a unique aquamarine restaurant. If this is not enough there is also a deluxe spa and a number of activities such as scuba diving, golf and even skiing and paragliding in the Taurus Mountains.  No trip to Antalya would be complete without a visit to the Doner Gazino, located on the Tunek Hill.  This rotating restaurant offers panoramic views of the gulf of Antalya and the surrounding mountainsides. 

 

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