Turkey is split into 7 regions. Each has its own distinct climate, landscape and traditions. The first four are named according to their adjacent seas (the Black Sea, the Marmara, the Aegean and the Mediterranean Regions). The other three in relation to their location in the whole of Anatolia (Central, Eastern and South East Anatolia Regions).
The glistening south-west coastline, strewn with remnants of ancient civilisations; the unique backdrop of marvellous, mystical, Cappadocia; the panoramic, verdant, rolling hills and picturesque seaside towns of the Black Sea region. What better way to explore the vast and varied landscape of Turkey than on horseback. There are a handful of specialist centres across Turkey that cater specifically for equestrian tourism, details of which can be found below.
Aegean
Perma Ranch, Fethiye
Address: Perma Ranch, Kayaköyü, Fethiye/MUĞLA. Getting There: Dalaman Airport, transfer approximately 1½ hours. Tel / Fax : +90 (0)252 618 0182 Web: http://www.permaranch.co.uk/ E-Mail : booking@permaranch.co.uk
Situated in the beautiful Kaya Valley, 3km from the resort of Hisarönü and just 6km from the famous lagoon of Ölü Deniz, the Perma Ranch is ideally situated for visitors to enjoy the very best that the Turquoise coast has to offer.
The Ranch caters for riders of all abilities, with professional tuition available at all levels. A typical trek will take in imposing mountains, fragrant pine forests and traditional Turkish villages where the way of life has remained unchanged for centuries.
On-site accommodation comprises a luxury ranchhouse, with four ensuite, air-conditioned double bedrooms, all with tea making facilities and and refrigerator. There is also a lounge area, with TV, video and DVD player, and a fully fitted kitchen at your disposal. The house has its own private walled gardens, shaded terrace with aviary and large jaccuzi.
Along the beautiful Mediterranean coast, within close proximity to both Kemer and Antalya, and situated in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, Berke Ranch offers an alternative holiday destination for nature and horse-lovers.
Located on a 18.000 m² site, the Ranch with its marvellous view of volcanic Twin Rocks, is situated 1.5 km from the nearest town, The nearest beach is just 2.3km away.
Hotel Berke Ranch has 26 standard rooms and 2 apartments. All of the rooms are equipped with air conditioning, radiators, TV, telephone ,hairdryer, shower, toilet, balcony or verandas. As well as horse riding, you can enjoy walking, cycling, or swimming in the Ranch's 1.60 m deep and 90 m2 wide pool.
You can sample the fine regional cuisine either at the Horseback Bistro Bar, facing the manege, or in the restaurant with its magnificent view of the surrounding countryside.
Riding lessons are available from professional instructors. For more experienced riders, there are a choice of seven different tracks in the surrounding forests at the base of the mythological Mount Olympos. Routes can encompass the ancient sites of Lycia and Myra, the stunning beach of Phaselis City, along with evidence of Hellenistic and Roman civilisations.
The Bagana Horse Riding Club is situated directly next to the old Lycian silkroad, not far from the ancient city of Termessos. The Club is surrounded by endless pine forests (National Park) and framed by the 2000m (1700 ft) high Bey Mountains.
The City of Antalya is close at hand, for shopping or bathing in the blue waters of the Mediterannean sea. Known for its ancient sites and its breathtaking nature, Antalya provides the ideal holiday place for all the family.
On-site accommodation is provided, with 8 air-conditioned double rooms, Shower/WC, TV and Minibar.
Club facilities include an outdoor pool, Sauna, Massage (on request), a garden restaurant with riding ring view, and an indoor restaurant with a comfortable corner fireplace .
The Akhal Teke Horse Riding Centre enables visitors to experience the incredible and unusual beauty of the region of Cappadocia on horseback. This part of Turkey boasts some of the worlds most spectacular landscapes, with its fabulous "fairy chimneys", cities and houses of worship that extend many metres deep into the earth. Exploring the numerous valleys and mountains in this unique way brings riders in touch with the breathtaking beauty of the area.
Although the Centre does not have accommodation on-site, there is ample tourist accommodation throughout the region to suit all budgets and tastes. Please visit http://www.hotelguide.com.tr/for further information. Alternatively, Akhal Teke offers a range of horse riding tours throughout the year, with hotel or camping accommodation along the various trekking routes.
If an entire holiday dedicated to horse riding is your idea of heaven, Interest & Activity Holidaysare offering one and two week packages to Antalya with prices starting from £605 for half board accommodation and 28 hours riding (ATOL 9073). Visit www.iah-holidays.co.uk for more information.
Flight times from the UK to Turkey range from three and a half to four hours.
By Scheduled Flight
Turkish Airlines London Heathrow to Istanbul three times a day. London Stansted to Istanbul daily *Promotional Fares from £55 plus VAT* Manchester to Istanbul five times a week. Plus connections from Istanbul throughout Turkey. British Airways London Heathrow to Istanbul three times a day. London Gatwick to Izmir (seasonal, up to five times a week). Also services by frnachise partners BMED to Ankara and GB Airways to Dalaman.
London Stansted non-stop to Antalya and Izmir twice a week.
London Stansted to Ercan-North Cyprus via Izmir twice a week.
Plus connections throughout Turkey on Sunexpress schedule flights.
Cyprus Turkish Airlines(CTA) Flights stop in Turkey on the way to Northern Cyprus: Gatwick to Antalya; Stansted to Antalya, Dalaman and Izmir; Heathrow to Antalya and Izmir; Belfast to Antalya; Glasgow to Antalya; and Manchester to Dalaman. For further information including timetables, please contact CTA directly on 020 7930 4851.
By Charter Flight
Seats are available with MyTravel Airways, First Choice Airways, Thomas Cook Airlines and Thomson. All operate charters from airports across Britain to the three main holiday gateways of Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya. There are also flights to Izmir with Thomas Cook Airlines and, less frequently, MyTravel Airways.
Avro Specialises in flight-only deals on charter airlines; can also book seats on a Monarch charter every Monday from Gatwick to Dalaman (May- October).
Excel Airways Between May and October, from Gatwick and Manchester to Antalya, Bodrum and Dalaman (plus Birmingham and Glasgow to Dalaman).
** New for Winter 2005/6 Holidays 4 U have launched weekly flights from London Gatwick and Manchester to Dalaman ** From Winter 2007, direct flights to Bodrum**
BY TRAIN
Train journeys can be made to Istanbul directly from and via some of the major cities in Europe. Example route: The journey from London to Istanbul takes three nights, using Eurostar to Paris, the 'Orient Express' overnight to Vienna, a connecting 'EuroCity' to Budapest. Travel from Budapest to Istanbul on the "Trans Balkan".
Via Michelin General: Those who wish to enter the country with their vans, minibuses, automobiles, station wagons, bicycles, motorcycles, motorbikes, sidecars, buses, motor coaches, trailers, caravans or other transport vehicles, will have to provide the following documentation: * Passport. * International driving license. * Car license (document where all details related to the car and the owner's name are registered). If it is somebody else's vehicle a power of attorney should be provided. * International green card (Insurance card). The TR sign should be visible. * Transit book "Carnet de passage" (for those who want to proceed to the Middle East).
Period: The vehicle can be brought into Turkey for up to 6 Months. The owner should declare upon arrival, the date of departure at the border gate and should absolutely leave the country by the date declared. If for any important reason the staying period has to be ended, please apply to the following before the end of the period declared:
The Turkish Touring and Automobile Club (Türkiye Turing ve Otomobil Kurumu) 1. Sanayi Sitesi Yani 4.Levent Istanbul Tel 090 (212) 282 81 40(7 lines)
The General Directorate of Customs (Gümrükler Genel Müdürlügü), Ulus/ Ankara Tel: 090 (312) 310 38 80 Fax: 090 (312) 31113 46
In Case of Accident: The accident should be reported to the police or gendarme. That report has to be certified by the nearest local authority. The owner should apply to the customs authority with his passport and report.
If the vehicle can be repaired, it is necessary to inform the customs authority first and take the vehicle to a garage. If the vehicle is not repairable and if the owner wishes to leave the country without his vehicle, he has to deliver it to the nearest customs office, and the registration of his vehicle on his passport will be cancelled. (Only after the cancellation can the owner of the vehicle leave the country.)
Following an accident, you can telephone: Traffic Police - Tel :154 Gendarme - Tel :156
BY SEA
Passenger Ferries: Apart from numerous cruises in the Mediterranean, several foreign shipping companies have regular services to the ports of Trabzon, Samsun, Istanbul, Dikili, Izmir, Cesme, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Marmaris, Antalya, Alanya, Mersin and Iskenderun.
Car Ferries: There are several car ferries for tourists who wish to bring their cars while sightseeing. Connections run from Venice to Izmir and from Ancona and Brindisi to Çeşme. Lines between Turkey and the TurkishRepublic of Northern Cyprus: Tasucu - Girne Alanya - Girne Ferry lines between Turkey and the GreekIslands: Ayvalik - Midilli (Lesbos) Cesme - Sakiz (Chios) Kusadasi - Sisam (Samos) Bodrum - Istankoy (Kos) Marmaris - Rodos (Rhodes) Fethiye - Rodos (Rhodes)
Company: ACE Study Tours Description: Three departures to Turkey: in May to the east, including a visit to the extraordinary funerary mound and statues at Nemrut Dagi; in July along the shores of Lycia, rich in classical ruins, in a motor yacht; and in October on an Ottoman-themed tour that takes in Istanbul, Bursa and Iznik. (ATOL 0616)
Company: Adriatic Holidays Ltd Description: We organise bareboat, crewed charters, regattas and corporate entertainment, accommodation, flights, private planes, cars and transfers. We offer wide range of sailing yachts, luxury yacht, including gulets and motor cruisers.
Company: Andante Travels Description: Special Interest Holidays: Archaeological Tours. All Inclusive.Destinations: Istanbul, Eastern Anatolia, North East Anatolia, Central Anatolia, and Aegean Coast. Durations: 12-day and 2-week holidays. (ATOL 3552)
Turkey is split into 7 regions. Each has its own distinct climate, landscape and traditions. The first four are named according to their adjacent seas (the Black Sea, the Marmara, the Aegean and the Mediterranean Regions). The other three in relation to their location in the whole of Anatolia (Central, Eastern and South East Anatolia Regions).
As a Country, Turkey spans two continents (Europe and Asia) and boasts some 8,000km of coastline. Whether you are fond of art, history, archeology, nature or if your idea of bliss is a relaxing beach or sailing holiday, there really is something for everybody in Turkey.
Turkey has been home to twenty fascinating civilizations, spanning over 10,000 years of history, and many of her ancient secrets have still to be uncovered. Fascinating sites include statues of gods and goddesses, temples, theatres, agoras, churches, mosques and palaces.
AEGEAN Arguably the most beautiful of Turkey’s coastlines, the Aegean Region is perhaps best known for its turquoise sea and the enviable “blue cruise” route. The Aegean is littered with ancient sites, including two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and King Mausolus’ Tomb in Bodrum.
İSTANBUL&THE MARMARA REGİONREGION This region uniquely straddles both Europe and Asia and the two continents are separated by the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles. Istanbul is undoubtedly the jewel of the Marmara Region, but don’t miss the Ottoman cities of Edirne and Bursa.
MEDITERRANEAN Stretching from the south of the splendid Taurus Mountains, Turkey’s Mediterranean coast is awash with sandy beaches, beautiful scenery, secluded coves and fascinating ancient sites, including the amazing Aspendos Theatre. The region also boasts an enviable climate of long, hot summers and mild winters.
EAST & SOUTH EAST High mountain ranges, plunging valleys, expansive plains and vast lakes, East and South East Turkey is a region of contrast and colours. Adorned with the unique architectural samples of Turkish culture, attractions include the impressive IshakPasaPalace and the imposing Mount Ararat, thought to be the landing point of Noah’s Ark.
BLACK SEA Among the most fertile regions of the country, the Black Sea area is famed for verdant plateaus, traditional villages with a way of life unchanged for generations and fields of tea, hazelnuts, tobacco and corn.
CENTRAL ANATOLIA Home to Ankara, Turkey’s capital and political centre, Central Anatolia also boasts the fascinating City of Konya, the country’s spiritual heart, as well as the expansive natural wonder that is the region of Cappadocia.
The Aegean Region
Heredotus, the father of history, claimed that the Aegean coast is the most beautiful and has the best climate in the world. The bays and peninsulas, coves and golden beaches that stretch the length of these beautiful shores certainly substantiate this claim. Countless events of mythology took place in this region and visitors will encounter the theatres, temples and agoras of ancient cities at almost every turn. Ephesus, one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world, Troy, immortalized by Homer, and Pergamum,the art and cultural centre and capital city of one of the most powerful kingdoms of the day, are all located in this part of Turkey. The Aegean Region is also home to some of Turkey’s leading beach resorts, including the ever-popular Marmaris, Bodrum and Ölü Deniz with its famous Blue Lagoon.
The region is served by three international Airports:Izmir to the north, Bodrum and Dalaman, which is used by those travelling as far east as the resorts of Kalkan and Kaş in the Mediterranean Region.
Ölü Deniz Ephesus Pamukkale
Highlights of the Aegean Region
The North Aegean Situated on the southern coast of the EdremitBay at the meeting point of the health-giving springs of Akçay and a fragrant pine forest, is the small resort of Ayvalık. The town is renowned for its olive oil production and accordingly the area has become known as the "Olive-grove Riviera". Travelling south, the next resort of note is Foça, famous for the heroic Turkish sailors based here. Historic sites include a Genoese fortress and small ancient theatre. The ancient sites of Troy and Pergamum are located in the North Aegean.
Izmir and Surroundings Located on the bay of the same name, Izmir is a modern city brimming with life. It is also a bustling commercial centre and shopping in its busy markets is a shopaholics idea of paradise. The peninsula of Çeşme with its brilliant waters, superb beaches and thermal springs lies to the west of Izmir. Sardis, the capital of the wealthy Lydian king, Croesus, can be reached by way of a short inland diversion. The bustling port of Kuşadasıis one the most established of Turkey’s beach resorts. PigeonIsland
Ephesus Among the most famous cities of the ancient world, Ephesus was one of the most significant cities of the Roman era. A treasury of all the riches of Ionian culture, Ephesus had a reputation for philosophy and critical thinking. The Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, as well as countless statues, theatres, libraries, markets and smaller temples were all architectural symbols of the city's fame. The city is incredibly well-preserved and the most prominent remnants of the bygone era are the imposing Library of Celcius and the impressive ancient theatre.
Further to the south you will see the ancient city of Priene, built according to a geometric plan designed by the great architect of Miletus, Hippodamos. Miletus was a great centre of commerce and thought in the ancient world and important developments, scientific and otherwise, took place here. The nearby Didyma, though not one of the ancient cities, is still famous for its magnificent temple dedicated to Apollo, the impressive ruins of which can still be explored today. Nearby is the popular resort of Altınkum, best known for its long, sandy beach.
KuşadasıPergamum Çeşme
Pamukkale & Aphrodisias On the Izmir-Antalya road, Aphrodisias (Geyre) was an important cultural and art centre famous for its training in sculpture. On the same road is found the iconic Pamukkale.. The plentiful calcium-rich thermal waters flowing out of the mountain have, over time, created extraordinary rock formations and Pamukkale or “cotton castle” is an unmissable attraction. Here one may take a bath in the health-giving waters while gazing at this natural phenomenon, which is unparalleled in world geography. The ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis lie behind this calcium terraced mountain.
The South Aegean The South Aegean is the most popular part of Turkey for UK holidaymakers and the area boasts a range fantastic beach resorts.First up is the pretty, white-washed harbour town ofBodrum. The mausoleum of King Mausolos one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and was located here, although very little of the structure remains. Lively Gümbet and the windsurfers haven of Bitez are perhaps the best known of the beach resorts in the area. Further along the Peninsula, sleepy hamlets sit side-by-side with fishing villages that have been transformed into upmarket resorts, popular holiday haunts of the Turkish rich and famous.
Marmaris, with its modern marina surrounded by its lush mountains and hills, is an alluring holiday getaway. It has everything you would expect to find in a modern resort, hundreds of shops and restaurants and plenty of bars and discos to keep night owls occupied. The best beaches however are a little further away. Içmeler is a firm family favourite which in addition to its beach also boasts a couple of aquaparks. Turunç and Datça are an altogether more laidback holiday prospect and a world away from the hustle of bustle of Marmaris itself.
Ölü Deniz Bodrum Dalyan
Next along is Dalyan, home of the much-photographed rock tombs and famous mud baths. The protected Iztuzu beach is a nesting ground to the endangered caretta caretta turtle and development here is strictly controlled.
Visitors to Fethiye too can marvel at Lycian Rock Tombs, the most impressive of which is the Tomb of King Amintas which overlooks this pretty harbour town. Ölü Deniz is without a doubt the most famous of the beaches in the area, with it’s stunning blue lagoon and the nearby resorts of Hisarönü and Ovacık cater specifically for tourists with a wide range of accommodation and choice of shops, restaurants and bars.
