Turkey Cruises
A cruise to Turkey is special as it includes the very best of both the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, the gateway to Asia Minor. The dividing point between the two is, of course, Istanbul, which sits right on the Straight of Bosphorus. The Black Sea was once a fresh water lake and, for reasons yet unknown, it has now become saline. One of the little known facts of the Black Sea is that it is the final destination of the great Danube River.
Depending on the cruise that you select, some of the highlights include stopovers such as Antalya, Bodrum, Canakkle, Dikili, Kusadasi, Iskenderun, Istanbul, Trabzon.
About Turkey
Situated in the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey is at the crossroads of Europe on the one side and Asia Minor on the other side. It borders 8 countries including Bulgaria and Greece to its west, Georgia, Armenia, Iran and Azerbaijan to the east, and Iraq and Syria to the southeast. The Ottoman Empire, the forbearer of modern day Turkey, lasted for over 600 years and was, at its peak, one of the most powerful political forces.
The father of modern Turkey was Atatürk, who created the new state in the 1920's, as state that is largely secular, democratic.
Today Turkey is an growing holiday destination, renown for its mix of past and present, its warm hospitable people, its delicious cuisine and its all year good weather.
Turkey Attractions
The Turkish Rivera, including Antalya, Kas, Kemer, Side, Belek, Alanya, on the southern coast of Turkey is the tourism capital of Turkey. Famous for long stretches of sandy coastline beaches, resorts and hotels, golf courses, windsurfing, sailing, swimming, mountain climbing it has sunshine most of the year.
Any visit to Turkey has to include Istanbul, by far its most vibrant and exciting city. Situation on the Bosphorus, it is a mix of Byzantine, Constantinople and Ottoman influences. This is the city of the crusaders, the janissaries, Islamic domes, the sultan's harem and the grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi). Some of important sites include the Haghia Sofia church, The Ottoman emperors Topkapi Palace, the Sultanahment Mosque. On the Anatolian (Asian) side one of the treats is to see Istanbul at night from the Camlica Hill and to see the Beylerbeyi Palace under the legs of the Bosphorus Bridge.
Visitors to Ankara, the country's capital city, should not miss the Byzantine Citadel overlooking the city and the Museum of Anatolian Civilsations. Also in Ankara is Ataturk's Mausoleum, which depicts the architectural achievements of Anatolian empires.
For those looking for nightlife, Bodrum is the reputed centre of restaurants and discos. It is also one of the most picturesque resorts on the Aegean Sea with its yacht harbour and connecting ferries to Kos.
For those interested in local food, Turkish cuisine will be an absolute treat. Turkish hospitality is responsible for simply delicious food, influenced by its rich history. Treat yourself to the selection of starters (meze) including stuffed vine leaves, calamari, deep syrupy filo pastries, mild white cheese, fresh salad platters. After your meal, try a glass of Raki, the popular local aniseed drink.
Let 1st4cruising help you select your perfect Turkey Cruise
Whatever your style of cruise and whatever your budget, we at 1st4cruising would love to help you make your cruise to Turkey very special. For further information on our special offers, with up to 70% off list price, why not browse online through our huge range of cruise itineraries or, alternatively, give our cruise specialists a call on 08708 30 86 85.
Bon Voyage! |
