http://www.heyholiday.com Hey Holiday! - Recent Posts en-us http://www.heyholiday.com/entry/22/Turkeys-Blue-flag-Beaches.html Blue Flag is an international environmental award given to the safe, clean beaches all around the world. It signifies high environmental quality. It is currently in use in more than 40 countries. Since last year, Turkey's beautiful beaches have won 23 new blue flags and reached the number of 258. [img]http://www.goturkey.com/content_images/_Multi-Non%20Destination/Highlights/Samples/display352x264/AlanyaBeaches_20080710.jpg[/img] In this category, Turkey is far ahead of other Mediterranean countries such as France and Italy. For a complete list of Turkey's blue-flag, please see [url]http://www.turcev.org.tr/userfiles/file/2008yilimbodulluplajvemarinalarlistesi.pdf[/url] 30 Dec 1899 00:00:00 +0100 Go Turkey http://www.heyholiday.com/entry/22/Turkeys-Blue-flag-Beaches.html http://www.heyholiday.com/entry/21/Sailing-Paradise-in-Turkey.html The azure waters of the Mediterranean, the Aegean, and the Black Sea, as well as the Sea of Marmara, surround Turkey to the south, west and north. With over 8,333 kilometers of coastline along the four seas, Turkey is a treasure chest of coves, inlets, bays and beaches at which yachtsmen can choose a different and private anchorage each night. [img]http://www.heyholiday.com/images/bodrum.jpg[/img] The sailing paradise of Turkey is also home to the Blue Voyage. This idyllic cruise means sailing with the winds, into coves and over the seas and becoming one with nature. It is also an experience of the history of man from the perspective of the sea rather than from the land, a journey which carries you to the private beach of Cleopatra, the eter­nal fires of remains of ancient civilizations. For lovers of the active life, sailing in clear waters provides great opportunities for swimming, fishing, skiing, surfing and diving.Sailing in Turkey also allows you to experience a truly enriching cultural exchange with the hospitable and gracious people of the coastal villages and towns. The tempered winds which generally blow from the west and northwest make the long summers ideal for yachting, and seem to encourage an appreciation of nature. From some of the turquoise coast's unspoilt and sheltered bays you can see mountain peaks rising to almost 3,000 meters above sea level. In Turkey modern facilities and comfort have not overshadowed ancient hospitality and the slower pace of life. The pleasure of yachting in Turkey will tempt you to come back again and again, to explore yet another stretch of coast and to relive the luxurious ease of life on the sea. Marinas Yachting remains a popular activity for residents as well as visitors to Turkey.Over the past 40 years the industry has grown, and today a large number of marinas dot the coastline between Istanbul and Antalya. These provide supplies, easy access to the shore at major resorts and safe harbors, as well as often becoming local entertainment venues in themselves. In Istanbul, yachtsmen will delight in splendid natural landscapes, open seas and magnificent sunsets, as well as a voyage through Byzantine and Ottoman history as they sail past the impressive castles, palaces and mosques. While navigating the breathtaking Bosphorus and sailing under the two enormous bridges which span Europe and Asia, meandering along the mosque-lined Golden Horn or cruising in the coves and bays of the Princes' Islands, you can always return to one of the two large marinas in the area. Both Atakoy Marina on the European side and Setur Kalamis. -Fenerbahce (Amiral Fahri Koruturk) Marina on the Asian side offer 24-hour service. From the North Sea through the European interior, yachtsmen can sail down the European channel system and the Rhine and Danube Rivers inio the B'a; k Sea harborsand to the istanbul Strait and Istanbul marinas-a safe and short way to get to the Turkish coasts. The Black Sea coast provides yachtsmen with a lush green coastal band where the environment is well-protected. There are coves and fishing harbors along this coast, and the weather is mild during the summer and winter. Turkey's most established marinas lie on the southern Aegean and Mediterranean coasts at Izmir, Ceşme, Kuşadasi, Bodrum, Ayvalik, Mersin, Datca, Bozburun, Marmaris, Gocek, Fethiye, Kalkan, Kaş, Finike, Kernel' and Antalya. In these well-equipped harbors, yachtsmen can find the services and provisions they require. Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, izmir and istanbul airports provide quick links to all of Turkey's marinas. After an easy flight you can board your yacht and sail off all within a day. [img]http://www.heyholiday.com/images/yatching.jpg[/img] Gulettes: Enjoyment on Traditional Crafts The singular design of Turkey's indigenous sea-going vessel, the gulette, blends practicality and tradition in a relaxed style that embodies the Blue Voyage.Over the years gulettes have evolved from traditional fishing and cargo vessels into their present profile of a broad beam and wide deck. Constructed mainly in the shipyards of Bodrum, Bozburun, Marmaris and Istanbul, and along the Black Sea Coast, the boats are equipped with motors as well as fully functional rigging. The number of passengers a gulette carries depends on the boat's size, although most of them accommodate between eight and twelve people. These vessels offer passengers separate accommodations, and char­tering one includes services and entertain­ment. Modem gulettes are comfortably equipped with all of the amenities of home and encourage an environment in which you are expected to do nothing but enjoy yourself. The closeness of the entourage on board promotes an atmosphere of friendship and sharing; relations between passengers and crew tend to be relaxed and casual.Travel agencies can arrange charters and fixed tours for a specific group or for you individually. Unlike cruises on large ocean liners, on a gulette you can explore the secluded and often deserted bays and coves of the coastline. The small harbors and set­tlements offer an intimate view of coastal life which large ships simply cannot. In many ways a gulette is like a full-service hotel where every room has a sea view and the scenery changes constantly. Bare-Boat Charter and Flotilla Cruises: What a way to rough it! Bare-boat charter has recently been introduced as another form of yacht hire in Turkey. Maintenance crews keep these yachts in optimum condition, but it is the passen­gers themselves who crew the boat. The charters are undertaken by representatives who are responsible for putting the passen­gers on board, looking after them and see­ing that they return safely to port. Of course, an experienced skipper accompa­nies the vessel, but once on board the peo­ple who undertake the charter perform all of the tasks the handling of the sails, the seaman's chores, meal preparation and housekeeping. For those who want to escape all kitchen duties on their holiday, there is at least one restaurant at ever) anchorage, so eating out remains an option. The more adventurous and experienced sailors can charter and pilot smaller (9- to 10-meter) motor yachts. Before setting sail, bare-boat companies generally brief their clients on the navigational character­istics of the environment, meteorological conditions, where and how to restock pro­visions, how to act in an emergency and any other pertinent information. Flotilla sailing, or sailing with a group of yachts led by one boat, is another great adventure on the sea. Although an experi­enced sailor skippers the lead boat, the navigation of each individual boat is left to its crew. 30 Dec 1899 00:00:00 +0100 Go Turkey http://www.heyholiday.com/entry/21/Sailing-Paradise-in-Turkey.html http://www.heyholiday.com/entry/20/Little-Known-Facts-About-Turkey.html 1.Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents, Europe and Asia. In its thousands of years of history, it has been the capital of three great empires - Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. 2.Çatalhöyük, which is known as one of the earliest settlements in the Neolithic Age, is located in Çumra district of the present-day city of Konya (ancient Iconium). By virtue of sheltering unique findings as proofs of the first home architecture, religious facilities and landscape paintings, it bears a special place in the history of civilizations and impresses its guests immensely. 3.Turkey is the haven of two of the world's seven wonders. The Temple of Artemis, which is situated in İzmir-Efes (Smyrna-Ephesus), is an exquisite architectural masterpiece. Dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis, the temple was built in the 800s BC. The Mausoleum, which is located in Halicarnassus (Bodrum), was built by the Karian Queen Artemisia between the years 355 and 340 BC to commemorate his husband Maussollos. 4.At the end of the seventh century BC, the first coin was minted in Sardis, the capital of the Lydian Kingdom, which neighbors with Salihli district of the present-day city Manisa. 5.Coffee was first brought from Yemen to Istanbul in the sixteenth century. Prepared in a specific method peculiar to Turks, and always in a ceremonial attitude, the delicious reputation of the Turkish coffee spread all around Europe in the seventeenth century. Among its many lovers, Balzac, Moliere, Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo and Pierre Lotti are few to be named. Drinking coffee is still a very essential part of Turkish culture. 6.The word 'turquoise' comes from 'Turk', meaning Turkish, and was derived from the perfect blue of the Mediterranean Sea on the southern Turkish coast. 7.Tulips were in fact introduced to Holland from Turkey by Ogier Ghiselin de Busbecq who was Charles V's ambassador to the Ottoman Empire in the era of Süleyman the Lawmaker. In the 1500s, bulbs were so popular that by 1634 in Holland it was called 'tulipmania'. People invested money in tulips as they do in stocks today. This period of elegance and amusement in 17th-century Turkey is referred to as 'The Tulip Age.' 8.The most valuable silk carpet in the world is in the Mevlana (Rumi) Museum in Konya, Turkey. Marco Polo's journeys in the thirteenth centuries took him here, and he remarked that the 'best and handsomest of rugs' were to be found in Turkey. 9.A cave known today as the Grotto of St Peter, or Church of St Peter, is believed to be where the apostle Peter preached when he visited Antioch (Antakya, in southern Turkey). It is widely considered to be one of the earliest Christian houses of worship. In 1963, the Papacy designated the site as a place of pilgrimage and recognised it as the world's first cathedral. Every year on June 29, a special service held at the church, is attended by Christians all around the world. 10.Anatolia is the birthplace of many historical figures such as the mighty Phrygian King Midas, the father of history Herodotus and St Paul the Apostle. When the archaeologists from the Pennsylvania Museum opened the tomb of Midas, they found some of the earliest and well-preserved wooden furniture in the world. 11.St Nicholas, rather known as Santa Claus, was born in Patara and served as the Bishop of Myra on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. It is believed that St Nicholas died in Myra on December 6, at the age of 65. Each year, ceremonies are held to commemorate him and children all around the world cherish this opportunity of bonding and sharing their joy with each other. The village contains the famous Church of St Nicholas with the sarcophagus believed to be his tomb. 12.Many important events surrounding the birth of Christianity occurred in Turkey. St John, St Paul and St Peter all lived and prayed in southern Anatolia. Tradition has it that St John brought Virgin Mary to Ephesus after the Crucifixion, where she spent her last days in a small stone house (Meryem Ana Evi) on what is now Bülbüldağı (Mount Koressos). It is a very popular pilgrimage site for Christians today. 13.According to the Legend of Great Flood told in both the Koran and the Old Testament, after the withdrawal of the waters, Noah's Ark landed on Mount Ararat (Ağrı) in eastern Anatolia. Throughout centuries, the scientists have conducted expeditions on the slopes of Ararat with the hope of finding the remains of Noah's Ark. 14.The seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation -Ephesos, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea- are all found in Turkey. 15.Anatolia played a crucial role in the organization and spread of Christianity. The religious councils, which are integral to Christianity, were all convened in Anatolia. -Nicaea Council (325 AC) -First Constantinople Council (381 AC) -Ephesos Council (431 AC) -Chalcedon Council (451 AC) -Second Constantinople Council (553 AC) -Third Constantinople Council ( 680-681 AC) -Sevond Nicae Council (787 AC) -Fourth Constantinople Council ( 869-870 AC) 16.Troy where the Trojan wars recounted in Iliad by Homeros of Smyrna were fought is situated in a small village (Tevfikiye) of Dardanelle (Çanakkale) in western Turkey. The symbolic Wooden Horse erected at the site to memorialize the historical significance of the place, stands as an invitation to a mystical, epical and romantic journey through time. 17.One of the first most accurate world maps were drawn by the well-known Turkish cartographer and navigator Piri Reis in 1513. The map known today as Piri Reis Map skillfully depicted Europe, Asia, Africa and the then known portions of America as well as the places which were yet to be discovered. Erich von Daniken in his famous book The Chariots of the Gods suggests that the accuracy of the Piri Reis Map could only be explained by considering the possibility of an extraterresterial help. 18.According to the Old Testament, Patriarch Abraham was born in Edessa (Şanlıurfa), which is located in southeastern Turkey. Abraham's exact birthplace is believed to be a cave in the region. The surrounding which is adorned by Rızvaniye Mosque and the Pool of Sacred Fish (Balıklı Göl) has come to be considered as a place of pilgrimage. 30 Dec 1899 00:00:00 +0100 Go Turkey http://www.heyholiday.com/entry/20/Little-Known-Facts-About-Turkey.html http://www.heyholiday.com/entry/19/Golf-Holidays-in-Turkey.html Golf, a developed branch of sports in western countries, in which high-income groups take a greater interest, has recently begun to spread and to be popular across the world. Turkey has suitable conditions for this sport. The availability of large space suitable for golf, and the temperate climate of the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, create a great potential for Golf Tourism. [img]http://www.heyholiday.com/images/tatgolfcoursebelek.jpg[/img] Studies show that there are approximately 37 million golfers in the world and that the number of people playing golf in Europe grows by about 20% a year. Considering that most of the people who are interested in this sport tend to visit the golf courses of other countries as well, our country may be visited by a large number of golfers in the near future. Our Ministry attaches importance to developing the golf tourism opportunities available in Turkey, and it opens golf courses for which planning work is complete to investors. In recent years, as more and more golf courses with international standards have opened up, Turkey has become an elite golfing centre where players from around the world can meet in an environment of quality and prestige. Especially the area of Belek, 30km east of Antalya, there is a potential for golf tourism with the unique bonus of the cultural, historical and natural sightseeing of the region. Top-class courses are also being planned for Istanbul, Ankara and Muğla. In Turkey, most courses are in the vicinity of tourist resorts, around the coastal regions which have the necessary facilities like accommodation, restaurants and entertainment. The Ministry of Tourism plans to establish another 11 golf courses in these tourist areas. 30 Dec 1899 00:00:00 +0100 Go Turkey http://www.heyholiday.com/entry/19/Golf-Holidays-in-Turkey.html http://www.heyholiday.com/entry/18/Magical-Weddings-in-Turkey.html Turkey's spectacular coastlines, magnificent landscapes and exotic cities make it the perfect backdrop for your special occasion, whether it's a wedding, blessing or honeymoon. The breathtaking scenery and warm climate, coupled with a rapidly improving infrastructure and tourism centres means organising a wedding in Turkey is no longer the difficulty it once was. [img]http://www.heyholiday.com/images/magicalwedding.jpg[/img] Even so, organising a wedding abroad can still be quite daunting, especially if you're not familiar with the language, culture and the local bureaucracy. That's why we recommend that you choose one of the many tour operators that now specialise in weddings to Turkey, making the process simple and stress-free - some companies will even tailor your weddings to suit your personal preferences and budgets. Whether it's a fairy-tale wedding in the enchanting and exotic Istanbul, a honeymoon aboard a traditional sailing boat or a blissfully tranquil blessing in one of Turkey's many secluded coves or castles, Turkey offers endless ideas for a truly unforgettable wedding experience. Locations Istanbul: Relive history in this unique and exotic city. Magical, mystical, exotic and enchanting, Istanbul is undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities in the world. Spanning two continents, Istanbul displays a fascinating blend of east and west, as well as ancient and modern. Wander through the meandering streets of Istanbul, and you will find there is something to surprise you at every turn. Whether it's impressive historical sites such as the Blue Mosque or Topkapi Palace, the spectacular scenery of the Bosphorus, or the tantalising colours and aromas of the Bazaars and markets, Istanbul is an enchanting fusion of romance and adventure that makes it an ideal venue for weddings, honeymoons and blessings. Istanbul offers a stunning array of venues for blessings and ceremonies for the renewal of vows, for all denominations of faith, including Christian, Islamic and Jewish. Christian couples may choose from a wide selection of ancient churches, whilst for Muslims, the option exists for a ceremony in the spectacular Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque). For a unique Jewish ceremony, synagogues such as the Ahrida, one of the oldest and most significant in Istanbul's long history, offer a magical setting for a blessing. With a delightful abundance of both unique historical sites and sophisticated hotels, you will be spoilt for choice regarding venues for your special occasion. Here we list a small sample of what's on offer. For a more comprehensive selection and full list of the hotel venues and Ottoman style mansions, please contact one of the specialist wedding operators to Turkey. The Maiden's Tower (Leander's Tower, pictured below, right): set on an islet in the Bosphorus, this recently restored tower houses a superb restaurant and enviably unique views of Istanbul's stunning skyline. The tower has a long history steeped in romantic myths and has been an inspiration to writers, poet and artists, while its most recent claim to fame is for featuring in the recent Bond film 'The World is Not Enough. The Yerebatan Sarayi (Underground Cistern, pictured above, right): Another location from an earlier Bond film, 'From Russia with Love,' this sixth century underground cistern contains more than three hundred massive illuminated Corinthian columns that rise spectacularly from the water, whilst classical music plays in the background. Princes' Islands (pictured above, left): Why not retreat to one of the delightfully serene Princes' Islands in the Sea of Marmara, just a short ferry ride from mainland Istanbul? Peace and calm can be found here, where the only form of transport is the horse-drawn carriage - a perfectly idyllic spot for both weddings and honeymoons. Cappadocia For the perfect fairy-tale wedding setting, there is nowhere on earth quite like Cappadocia and its astonishing lunar-like landscape. Over millions of years, the soft volcanic rock, once lava created by the eruptions of now long-extinct volcanoes, has been eroded by the elements to create the most unusual and spectacular rock formations, or 'fairy chimneys' as they are affectionately known. It is a very spiritual place and there are said to be more than a thousand churches and chapels here as entire cities were created in hollowed out caves by Christians fleeing from Roman persecution thousands of years ago. Now, you too can experience the magic of Cappadocia with a wedding in one of the incredible ancient cave churches, or why not exchange your vows in a hot air balloon flying over the breathtaking landscape at sunset? The choice is yours for a truly unforgettable ceremony. Aegean and Mediterranean Coastlines: Turkey's coastlines offer miles and miles of spectacular scenery and breathtaking views, with much of it still blissfully untouched: sleepy fishing villages, quiet coves, tranquil bays, historical ruins and deserted islands all provide the perfect setting for an idyllic wedding or honeymoon. The coastline is also interspersed with an array of larger holiday resorts, which also offer superb sun-drenched beaches, crystal-clear seas, thermal spas and lively nightlife, meaning your options for a warm wedding by the sea are limitless. Here we present a sample of what's on offer, and again would encourage you to contact one of the specialist operators for a more comprehensive list. Ölü Deniz: This stunning bay with it's much-photographed blue lagoon, surrounded by fragrant, pine-clad mountains is undoubtedly a romantic and idyllic wedding location. With a choice of top quality hotels within easy reach, honeymoon possibilities are endless: from a 5-star holiday villages to intimate and exclusive boutique hotels. Pammukale (Cotton Castle): This is a sight to behold. A natural wonder formed from a series of glistening white terraces cascading down a hillside, each filled with a glistening pool of blue water, has been created over the centuries from the flow of the calcium-rich thermal spring above. This could be the perfect setting for a unique moonlit reception or honeymoon. Bodrum: One of Turkey's most loved and cosmopolitan holiday resorts, this beautiful town of traditional white-washed houses, cobbled streets and the site of ancient Halicarnassus and the Temple of Mausolus, the second of the 'Seven Wonders,' offers countless stunning wedding locations. Whether a wedding fit for a Queen and King at the striking 15th century fortress, Saint Peter's Castle, which overlooks the bay, or a honeymoon in one of the luxury beachside hotels in the area, you are spoilt for choice in this region of beautiful bays and breathtaking scenery. Kalkan: A delightful town of winding streets and sophisticated bars and restaurants Kalkan is the perfect spot for a romantic honeymoon. With its luxurious hotels overlooking the sea, and easy access to nearby historical wonders of Olympos, Termessos, Phaselis, Myra and Perge, as well as some of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey including the bay of Kaputas and Patara, this is the ideal escape for a ceremony or honeymoon in the historical heartland of Turkey that's surrounded by sumptuous natural landscape and turquoise blue seas. Gulet Sailing: Another utterly unique way to celebrate your union is upon a traditional Turkish wooden sailing boat. The Mediterranean is the ideal place for sailing as many bays can only be reached by boat and certain treasures can only be seen by the sea, such as the amazing sunken city in Kekova. Arrange your dream wedding on a beautiful deserted bay, or even aboard a boat. Or, why not enjoy a wonderfully relaxing honeymoon gently cruising the warm Turkish waters, either alone, or make a party of it and take your wedding guests along with you too! Legal Guidelines The following information is to be used as a guideline only, as legal requirements and rules are subject to change. For full and up-to-date legal advice, please contact either the Turkish Consulate or one of the tour operators specialising in weddings to Turkey (listed above). Also, please note that the information below pertains to the marriage of two British nationals. Holders of any other passports need to obtain further legal advice from one of the above organisations. Finally, it is essential that you obtain full and up-to-date legal advice before travelling to Turkey, in order to ensure that you are in possession of all the required documentation. Requirement guidelines:A full ten-year passport with a minimum validity of six months. There is a £10.00 sterling visa charge payable at the port of entry. A Certificate of No Impediment from the local Registrar of Marriages. Please allow one month for issue; however, it must be issued not more than three months before the wedding day. Full Birth Certificate and Passport If under 18 years of age, written consent of parent or guardian. Eight recent colour passport photographs of each person (Take to resort). For further details and advice as to the currently applicable legal requirements, as well as all relevant fees, please check with one of the tour operators listed below or alternatively, contact the Turkish Tourist Office or Turkish Consulate. The Britsh Embassy also has a useful website. Operators Paradise Weddings First specialist operator to cater for tailor-made weddings to Turkey from the UK. Any civil or religious ceremony can be arranged, for all denominations of faith, as well as blessings, renewal of vows and honeymoons. Experts in the Turkish wedding market and able to cater to any individual preference, requirements and budge with regard to every aspect of the ceremony or related arrangements. Ceremonies can be arranged in any location in Turkey and very friendly staff will be able to guide you through the options. Highly personalised service from bi-lingual staff that have an excellent relationship with the Turkish authorities. Full legal advice and general guidance offered prior to making any arrangements, in addition to full assistance for final completion of paperwork before the ceremony and an interpreter service during your stay in Turkey. Anatolian Sky A specialist Turkey operator with an established portfolio of wedding destinations including beaches and areas of unique natural beauty. Each wedding is a personal arrangement and the company employs a dedicated wedding expert to assist with your special day both in the UK and in resort. ·Handling of paperwork and legal requirements ·Special wedding meals, flowers, music, entertainment and photography can be arranged depending on your requirements. ·Packages including Registrar fees, Marriage Certificate, Wedding Ceremony and location, Official Notary fees and stamps, Administration fees, Wedding Cake and button hole for the groom. Thomas Cook This established operator has a dedicated weddings team with a wealth of experience. They will make sure that everything is in place for your big day, and can advise you of the destination, hotel and wedding venue that will suit your plans best. Manos Manos aim to help you create the most special wedding day possible by offering the chance to exchange your vows in an idyllic and romantic destination. Wedding destinations include Ölü Deniz, Marmaris and Gulet cruises. 30 Dec 1899 00:00:00 +0100 Go Turkey http://www.heyholiday.com/entry/18/Magical-Weddings-in-Turkey.html