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Holiday Resorts
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When King Attalos first set eyes on Antalya he dubbed it "Paradise on Earth" It's fertile soil and natural harbour made it ideal for settlers throughout the ages. Antalya has had an extremely chequered history. The Persians, Alexander the Great, The Romans the Arabs and many more have all left their mark on the area over the centuries but no one more so than King Attalos of Pergamon who in 159 B.C.gave the region its name Attalia, from which we derive the modern name Antalya.
Antalya and its environs enjoyed a golden era in the first and second centuries A.D., reflected in the magnificence and multitude of cities to be found at that time of which Side and Aspendos in the east and Phaselis, Olympos and Xanthos in the west are just a few. Those days of glory began to fade however during the Byzantium period at the turn of the 3rd century A.D. with the fall of Constantinople as the capital of East Rome. Later the Arab invasions with their plundering and pillaging signalled the final demise of these great cities. And in 1207 the regions of Antalya and Alanya came to be associated with the Selchuks. Today the city of Antalya is again reliving a golden age. It has been transformed into a cultural and touristic hub, as well as a popular conference and congress centre. It has much on offer to satisfy the discerning visitor - whether here on holiday, on business or taking part in an important conference - whatever it is Antalya has it all.
Kas is situated in a beautiful bay where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean Sea. It is about 3 hours drive from Antalya International Airport.The turquoise water and small white beaches make it an attractive holiday destination.
In ancient times, Kas was known as Antiphellus. The 5m high Lycian Tomb is very impressive and worth visiting. It dates from the 4th C BC and is now the symbol of the town.
The small town of Kas is still largely unspoiled and a great place to enjoy the authentic atmosphere in the local cafes and restaurants.
Kemer has a magnificent setting in a crecent bay and set against a backdrop of the pine forested Taurus Mountains. It is located on Turkey's Mediterranean coast and has become a popular holiday destination in recent years. It is about 40 mins drive from Antalya International Airport.
Kemer is an excellent base for exploring the ancient city of Olympus.Although very little of the city remains it is well-known for its "eternal flame" where burning methane gas escapes from deep underground. In ancient times this natural phenomenon gave rise to the Greek legend of the Chimaera, a fire- breathing creature said to live in the area.
Today, Kemer is a well organized and modern resort and offers a great value holiday.
Alanya is a modern resort situated on Turkey's Mediterranean coast about one and a half hour from the Antalya Int. Airport. It is set between two wonderful beaches and against the spectacular backdrop of the Taurus Mountains.
Alanya played an important role during the 11th and 12th C as a primary port and naval base of the Seljuk Turks. Several well preserved and fascinating buildings remain. The Red Tower, Fortress and the medieval shipyards are well worth a visit.
Today, Alanya has a great deal to offer any visitor, beaches and water sports, history and culture, restaurants, bars and shopping.
Side is located on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey about 45 minutes from the Antalya Intl. airport. It is situated on a small peninsula and surrounded on 3 sides by the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean.
This popular seaside town has a unique atmosphere as ancient ruins and quaint cottages stand side by side.
Side offers something for everyone. The magnificent and well preserved ancient theater dates from the the 2nd C AD. It is one of the largest in Turkey and seats over 14,000 people.
Side has a number of beaches and while some offer a variety of water sports others are quieter and provide an ideal getaway. The town's winding alleyways and harbor offer a wide selection of restaurants, bars and small shops packed with beautiful souvenirs.
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Tourist Attractions
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Aspendos is located in the ancient region of Pamphylia. According to some experts the earliest settlers of the city were the Hittites.
The name Aspendos is of Anatolian origin. The Greek colonies arrived here around 13th C BC and took over an existing settlement. Alexander the Great claimed the city from the Persians and during the Roman period it was an important port city.
The city was founded on a hilltop and spread down to the plains. Aspendus has one of the best preserved and largest Roman theaters in Turkey. It was built in the 2nd C AD. The city's aqueducts are also well preserved and worth a visit.
Side is to be reached by turning right 3 km before Manavgat on the Antalya- Alanya highway. The exact date of its founding is not known. In the language of Anatolia, "Side" means Pomegranate. From inscriptions it appears that Side dates back to the Hittites. One of its most important buildings is its 15000 spectator theatre. The difference between this Roman theatre and other antique theatres in the region is that it is not built against a hillside. The 2 storey theatre, built on a series of arches, is 20 m high. The orchestra and stage are in a state of ruin. Rainwater channels run under the theatre. Side has colonnaded streets, a triumphal arch, harbour, baths, fountains, cisterns, aquaducts, temples and an agora.
This city was built 18 km east of Antalya between the Düden and Aksu streams. Is reached along the Antalya-Alanya highway, turning north at Aksu. As it was not on the coast, it was not subjected to raids by pirates and therefore continued its progress without interruption. A great many statues and other valuable items have been unearthed in recent digs, of which many are in the Antalya Museum. Some of the things worth seeing in Perge are the gates, agora, nymphaeum, the pillared streets, sarcophagi, basilica and acropolis.
Phaselis is reached one km after turning left 57 km along the Antalya-Kemer highway. This was settled by the Rhodians in the 7th century B.C. and for many years was claimed to be the most important port city of the eastern Lycian seaboard. On both sides of the avenue are sidewalks and shops. Close to these can be seen the public places like baths, theatre and agora. It is reached by road and also from the sea.
Situated between Finike and Kaş, it is 25 km from Finike and 48 km from Kas. Although it was originally a coastal town, it has been seperated from the sea because of the alluvium from the Demre stream.
St. Nicholas born in 245 A.D. in Patara near Fethiye (known variously as St. Nicholas, Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Pére Noel) and died in 363 A.D., having spent his life in Anatolia. After he died he was buried in Demre and a church was built there in his memory. The first Father Christmas symposium ever was held between 5-7December 1983. This symposium is now held annually and is attended by people of religion and science from all over the world.
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Museums
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Antalya Archaeology Museum was awarded "Museum of the Year" in 1988 at a meeting in Delphi by the Council of Europe. It houses a wide-ranging collection of exhibits, from fossils dating back to Stone and Bronze ages to articles from the Helenistic-Roman-Byzantine periods.
Some of the highlights of the museum are fine statues of Roman Emperors; Trajan, Hadrian and Septimus Severus and sarcophagi depicting the 12 labors of Hercules.
Antalya Archaeology Museum also houses some of St. Nicholas's relics. He was the bishop of Myra, about 50 km west of Antalya. In addition, it contains a fine collection of mosaics, frescoes and Byzantine icons.
This Institute bought two ancient buidings of which, one was a old city house and the other was the Hagios Georgios church and reconstructed them according to the original. According to the script at the main entrance it is known that this church was rebuilt in1863 with the help of Christians of Antalya. After 1920 the church lost his people. At 1993 the restauration project was done by the architect Dr. M. Sinan Genim . The lower floor of the old house is in use of a library with a lot of literature about Antalya itself. On the other hand, this Institute is a place were old cultures are researched. One of the search results is the Çanakkale seramics research which is now in exhibited in this ancient church. Also gravurs, fotographs and maps of old Antalya can be seen here. Sometimes the doors open also to classical concerts. The Institute is also preparing a bulletin on the researches of local and foreign scientists under the name Adalya. You have the opportunity to visit the Institute every day except Wednesday from 10:00 to 18:00.
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Travel Tips
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The visa system for Turkey can be both relatively simple and mind-bogglingly complicated at the same time! There is no ´one size fits all´ approach, with the availability of visas, type of visas, the cost and length of visas all different depending on your nationality.
At the outset, we should point out that not all nationalities need a tourist or entry visa to enter Turkey. Passport holders for Greece, France, Germany, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore, as well as numerous other nationalities, for instance, are entitled to a 90 day stay in Turkey without having to get any visa at all.
Others - including visitors from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia and Spain - can arrive at the border, pay for a tourist permit or visa and just walk into the country. However, it is necessary to check with the embassy in your country regarding the visa requirement clause each time you visit Turkey, as there are often changes to the fees or to the rules between visits.
Some nationalities, including but not limited to, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States of America, can obtain a visa direct from the port of entry in Turkey rather than going through the Turkish consulate.
The visa counter in Turkish airports is usually located near or just before the passport control area inside the arrivals hall. To obtain your visa, you will need to pay a set fee in Euros or American dollars. This amount will differ according to your nationality. Americans, for instance, must pay $20, while British ordinary passport holders should pay £10 in STERLING. Scottish notes will not be accepted. Both amounts must be paid in cash. Traveler´s cheques, Turkish lira or credit cards will not be accepted. It is very important, therefore, that you check the amount of money you are required to pay before you travel and carry it in cash on your person. Please note that you need to pay this money for each person traveling with you – children included – regardless of whether they are on your passport or not.
This fee will grant citizens of the above countries a 90 day multiple-entry sticker-type visa. This type of multiple-entry visa allows you to holiday in Turkey for up to 90 days but you are not allowed to work (paid or unpaid), reside, study or establish a business in Turkey during that time.
Sterling, Euros and Dollars can be easily changed into Turkish Lira at all banks, post offices ( PTT ) and change offices. In many towns you can also get a good exchange rate at Jewellery shops. Many shops exchange money at a favourable rate and most will accept sterling. If buying furniture, curtains and white goods etc it is often possible to pay in Euros or Sterling and get a very favourable price.
AT CHANGE BUREAUS ALWAYS SHOP AROUND FOR THE BEST EXCHANGE RATE AND MAKE SURE THE COMMISION RATE IS NO HIGHER THAN 3% IF CHANGING TRAVELERS CHEQUES some change offices charge as much as 9%. A good place to change money is at the PTT(post office) you get a lower rate on cheques but no commision. The best option is to take cash and your bank card to withdraw money from cashpoint machines in resort (use machines at banks if possible) You generaly ge a better rate on your statment when you return home, (you could gain 10% - that's £10 for every £100 withdrawn). If you go with a bank such as Nationwide, you pay just 2% extra for withdrawing cash abroad, so you should look out for these things. Note though that travellers cheques are particularly hard to change even in the most populous of towns. Sometimes it may even be difficult to get a bank to change them for you. Use your debit card e.g Maestro rather than credit cards because the credit cards usually have a cash withdrawal fee applied in addition to any other charges.
The Turkish currency is the Turkish Lira.There are banknotes in 1 , 5 , 10 , 20 , 50 and 100 Lira denominations in general circulation. There are also 1 Lira coins. The Lira consists of 100 Kurus.
When shopping in Turkey you will still find people refering to "millions", instead of Lira, when discussing prices. The currency changed on 1st January 2005 and any old banknotes and coins ceased to be legal tender from 1st January 2006. If you are offered any banknotes with 6 zeros on them ( e.g. 1,000,000 million lira ) in your change, refuse them as they are old and no longer valid.
There is often a shortage of small coins available in shops so don't be surprised to be given a sweet or two as change.
The majority of the banks have ATMs and there are a huge number of free-standing ones at strategic points. They operate in the same way as those throughout the USA and Europe. There is an option on most to choose the language and in some cases to choose Turkish Lira, Dollars or Euros. Be careful in the free standing air conditioned booths - sometimes groups of men tamper with these - they can hide each other in the booth. It's often safer to use those in bank buildings - those inBodrum often have a security guard nearby as well.
If you use a ATM in Turkey, use one that is located outside of a national bank and also during regular business hours. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. This way if you experience any problems with your card you can directly report it at the bank. Also do make sure that you advise your bank of your planned travel to Turkey. If not the bank may freeze your card after one or two transactions.
Bargaining is only practiced in touristic places. When bargaining, check the average price of the item
in several places. Try and negotiate the price down by 15-20% of the average price.
Shopping in Turkey is best done in the morning when the salesmen have more time. Do not begin your shopping until the third or the fourth day of your visit. You will need some time to know the currency and browse the shops. Try to be one of the first customers because Turkish shopkeepers believe that the first customer is sent by their Gods and pleasing him or her brings good luck throughout the day. You may strike a good bargain here.
Bargaining for everything except food is quite customary in Turkey, but make sure you know the price of the article before you begin to get more information about the article as the shopkeeper often become irate when after trying to sell an item for some time the customer decides it is beyond his budget. You may be offered water, soda coffee or tea to drink at the shop. Do not hesitate to accept this without a sale, but if alcohol is offered, the shopkeeper generally expects a sale.
Bargaining is a skill you must master for shopping in Turkey. Be careful as the shopkeeper may hike up the price knowing you may bargain. As a thumb rule you should start with 25% of the price you are willing to pay for an article. You must hold back your real offer for as long as you can.
Another strategy is to select two items and snub the first choice. Start bargaining for the second one, which should be more expensive. Once it is obvious that it is out of your price range, reluctantly accept the first one, which should be by then readily available at a lower price. Of course, the responses will vary with each incidence, but with time and practice, you should get the hang of it.
Shopkeepers in Turkey are largely honest and will not try to pass off an imitation as the original, but it is always good to ask for a certificate of guarantee for expensive items like carpets or jewelry. While making the payment, you should know the rate of exchange that applies. Ask for a calculator and work out the amount in your own currency.
If you are happy with the service in your restaurant, taxi, hotel or any other service, a tip
of 10-15% is an appropriate way to show your appreciation.
It is customary to leave a tip in restaurants (10%), for hotel chambermaids, in reception for hotel staff . Taxi drivers do not normally expect a tip, but they do appreciate it, and it's acceptable to "round up" the fare. So if you're charged 4.5YTL it's usual to give the driver 5YTL. Hairdressers also get tips, similar to the UK.
Taxis, as in all countries, ask a rough estimate of the fare before you travel. Ask the driver to use the
taxi meter and check your change carefully.
Public telephones have three different systems;phone cards, tokens and credit cards. Phone cards
and tokens are sold at Turkish Telecom offices. Tokens are called "jeton" in Turkish.
The International Dialing Code to access Turkish telephone numbers is 0090. However, as it is normal to remove the first 0 from a number after adding the International code, it's easier to regard Turkey's International Code as 009
Municipal areas have a 4 digit access code and each village within that area has it's own 3 digit code. There is a 4 digit code for each line. Hence, a Turkish telephone number for use within the country will appear as 0252 ( Fethiye Code) 618 (Kaya Koyu code) 1234 ( phone number ) .
Their are a huge number of public call boxes in Turkey and the majority work by insertion of a call card. These cards can be purchased at most small general shops, the post offices ( PTT ) and some supermarkets. You can also use metered telephones within post offices and pay at the completion of the call.
Most mobile telephone numbers in Turkey can be recognised by their 05 prefix. Turkish SIM cards can be purchased cheaply at all mobile phone shops for use in mobile phones. In most phone shops in towns there is usually someone who's English is reasonably good and they will be able to help you. This is a much cheaper way of making calls within the country than using your own airtime supplier's roaming service.
When visiting a mosque, dress modestly and take off your shoes before entering. Women may
be asked to wear a scarf on their heads.
Both men and women are expected to wear clothing which comes to below knee level and to have their shoulders and chests covered. Shorts, tanks tops and halters are completely inappropriate. Women must cover their hair with a hat or scarf, and men should be bareheaded. Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque, carry them with you unless you are with a guide who instructs you to leave them outside. Many of the larger mosques provide plastic sacks for you to carry your shoes in.
There are usually signs which indicate whether picture taking is allowed; pay attention to whether flash is allowed. Do not aim your camera at anyone who may be praying.
Do not enter a mosque during a prayer service, wait outside until it is finished.
Please as tourists remember that this is a largely Muslim country and modesty is appreciated. In restaurants it's expected that men will wear at least T shirt and shorts and women to wear more than beach wear. It is also more polite to cover up a little when shopping etc. If you come from the beach at least wear a sun dress over the bikini or shorts and a top.
It is totally normal for men and women to greet each other with a kiss on each cheek and a hug and will often walk around arm in arm regardless of gender. This is a natural expression of affection.When greeting people shake the hand of the eldest person first. You may also see/ experience younger people kiss an older persons right hand and then put it to their forhead. This is a mark of respect for the older person.
Turkish pharmacies are great. They go out of their way to help travelers. Many medicines usually only available on prescription in the UK are available over the counter. Also the quality of medical care in Turkey is high. Not only is the Turkish medical care excellent it is also very cheap. In some resort areas there are clinics were basic assessment and investigations wil be provided free of charge on production of a valid travel insurance certificate. The private hospitals are excellent. Usually you will be provided with an English speaker to accompany on your appointment. The wait is generally minimal and then medicines purchased on prescription from the pharmacy.
There have been some posts where women traveling in coastal regions have been hassled. This might have something to do with attire. Try to avoid beachwear while visiting places other than the beach. In cities remember that while Turkey is a secular culture it is wise to dress like you're in a big city. For visiting religious sites women should wear a long sleeved tops, long skirt or pants and cover their heads with a scarf or hat. This type of respect for the religion and culture in Turkey is always greatly appreciated. Going about alone in Turkey is fine (in East Turkey, it is wise to travel with a group), people have walked about alone all over Turkey day or night and have never had a problem but common sense should prevail in any foreign place.
When you leave your hotel during your stay always tell the staff where you are going. Take along the number of the consular office for your country just in case you encounter a problem and need some help. Keep your money in a safe place, not in your suitcase or backpack. Use the convenient ATMs and be careful when using them just like you would do in your home country. You need a 4 digit pin number to use ATMs in Turkey. The Turkish people are friendly and helpful, they will help you get where you are going. Don't confine yourself to tourist sites, you'll be surprised at what's off the beaten path, some of the best experiences in Turkey have come from just walking around the various districts and talking to people. Go to the local stores, you'd be surprised what you find. Migros, a big shopping center, they are in lots of Turkish cities.
In the summer, it is wise to bring along a hat and drink plenty of bottled water. Water is sold everywhere. Perhaps the most important: open yourself to the friendliness and culture of Turkey, talk to people, learn a few phrases, hello, please, thank you. Also take the time to talk to people. Their outlook on life is fascinating and you'll learn so much more about the country, its culture and customs. In most of the tourist areas the waiters, barmen etc are a long way from their homes as well as they've travelled to work for the season. They appreciate some time out and enjoy a chat. They love to improve their English and take every opportunity.
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