Turkey Provides a Vacation Rich in Experiences but Low in Cost
11-16-2007
November 15, 2007 – U.S. travelers seeking great
value in a destination filled with an abundance of culture, history, shopping,
delectable food and deluxe accommodations should choose Turkey
for their next getaway. Turkey is a magnificent place where
one can indulge in exotic luxuries while receiving great
value.
With the New Turkish Lira as its currency, Turkey allows U.S.
travelers to get more out of every dollar they spend during their visit. With
the little boost of spending power – and the relatively inexpensive cost of
lodging and traveling through Turkey – travelers can enjoy an
experiential holiday without breaking the bank.
~ Where to Stay
~
There are plenty of affordable
options when looking for a hotel in Turkey. Istanbul, the country’s most popular city for U.S.
tourists, has a host of excellent options under and around $100 USD. With its
comfortable location in the heart of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahamet district, the
Hotel Nomade has rates starting at
just $85 a night for a double room. The price includes an authentic
Turkish breakfast served outside on the hotel’s spectacular rooftop terrace
overlooking the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia. Located on a quiet street in
the Sultanahamet district, the Zeynep Sultan
Hotel has single rooms for about $59 per night through November
16th, and the rate dips even lower to $49 per night from November
16th – December 25th. Guests who book online for three
nights or more have breakfast, all taxes, and one-way hotel transfers included
in the price. At the Hotel Niles
Istanbul, double room rates fluctuate year-round between $60 and $75
per night. Guests who pay in cash receive a discount of 10% through December 31,
2007. Rates include tax and open buffet breakfast each morning.
Located on the shimmering
Turquoise Coast in the sparkling port of Fethiye, the Belle Vue Hotel boasts rooms that have
breathtaking views down over the town and coastline which run around $63 per
night. In Antalya, the Royal Wings Hotel is a luxurious property
with a scenic, relaxing pool area, situated on the Turkish Riviera. Rooms at the
hotel average around $110 per night. While visiting Turkey’s capital city of Ankara, budget travelers
can experience five-star hotel quality for a comfortable price at Mega Residence Hotel Ankara, where large,
airy rooms and exceptional service offer extraordinary value at the average
price of $142 per night.
~ What to Do
~
From taking in Turkey’s treasures and monuments dating back to
antiquity to exploring the country’s spectacular landscape, Turkey
has a myriad of options to entertain the budget-conscious traveler. A trip to
Istanbul demands
a visit to The Grand Bazaar, a
maze of some 4,000 shops that sell treasures that make for a memorable trip. The
80 streets of the bazaar will have something for every taste and every budget,
ranging from Turkish crafts to world-renowned carpets, ceramics, copper,
brassware, antiques, and more. After strolling through the Bazaar, stop at any
of the cafés along the Bosphorus, where an unforgettable afternoon alongside one
of the world’s most celebrated rivers will cost only the price of cup of coffee.
Sit amidst celebrities at The House Café
(Ortakoy Meydani, Ph: 090 227 2699), or for a quiet spot, try
Bebek Café near the Bebek mosque.
The Spice Bazaar, next to the
Yeni Mosque at Eminonu, transports
visitors to fantasies from the mystical East through enticing aromas of
cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme, and every other conceivable herb and
spice.
Head to the Anatolian region of
Turkey to Cappadocia to delight in the surreal
landscapes of the Rose Valley, where you can explore
the underground cities of Kaymakli
and Derinkuyu. Along the
Mediterranean coast, relax in the turquoise bays of Fethiye and visit the beaches of Butterfly Valley, where $12 will buy a
beautiful water taxi ride to the Blue
Lagoon. For culture buffs looking for an inexpensive burst of
tradition, be sure to catch a performance of the Whirling Dervishes in the town of Bursa, and
experience a visual feast of Turkey’s vibrant and ancient
culture.
~ Where to Eat
~
Turkey’s multicultural
heritage has generated cuisine strong on grilled meats and seafood, salads,
fruits and vegetables, rich desserts and tasty local drinks that typically
emphasize the natural flavor of its main ingredients, a reflection of the
abundance of fresh, high quality foods. Taking time for meals is an important
part of Turkish culture, and there are plenty of options for the budget traveler
to partake in this cultural pastime. Haci
Abdullah is argued by some to be the best traditional restaurant in
Istanbul
(Sakızağacı Cad 17, Ph: 0212 293 8561). Since 1888, this gastronomic institution
has been serving all of the traditional favorites, with a happy ending of
desserts at affordable prices. For excellent seafood, Develi Marin by the Kalamus Yacht Port has been praised for its delightfully
fresh dishes (Munir Nurettin Selcuk Caddesi, Ph: 0090 216 330 7425). For an even
more memorable meal, head under the Galata
Bridge in Sirkeci-Eminönü where you can savor a traditional Istanbul
Fish Sandwich at many of the simple local eateries, or hop right on a fishing
boat where fisherman grill freshly caught fish served right on the spot.
For the perfect kebap, try Haci Arif Bey Kebabcısı in Ankara, which
has been serving perfectly cooked meats and honey-sweet baklava to generations
of loyal clientele (Güniz Sok. 48, Ankara, Kavaklidere, Tel: 0312 467 6730).
Recently opened
[Back to Press Releases Main]
