The Black Sea

Turkey’s mountainous Black Sea coast is eye-openingly different from the rest of the country. Mountainous and green, thanks to a very wet climate, tea plantations and hazelnut orchards cover the coastal range, while thick forests cloak the peaks above. Well-off the tourist map, the coast has some interesting historical sites and is home to two of Turkey’s most colourful ethnic groups, the Laz and the Hemsin.

At the western end of the coast, Amasra is a pictureque fishing town with some family- run hotels and excellent sea food restaurants. East towards Sinop the windy coast road passes a string of quiet fishing towns, some with simple accommodation, and many which are mentioned in the tale of Jason and the Argonauts, whose mythical voyage took them along the coast in search of the Golden Fleece.

The larger coastal town of Sinop was an important trading centre in Roman times and the impressive medieval city walls are still standing. Beside the large harbour are some excellent fish restaurants and there’s a long sandy beach on the edge of town. Samsun is an industrial city, but further east the resort ofUnye is popular with Turkish holidaymakers for its sandy beach.

Trabzon - or Trebizond as it was then know- had an illustrious past as a trading centre at the end of the Silk Route and the capital of the Byzantine Comneni empire. Today it is still an important port and industrial city close to the border with Georgia. The old town is still encircled by the Byzantine walls and the church of Aya Sofya, on a bluff overlooking the sea, is decorated with beautiful frescoes restored in 1957 by a team of experts. The town’s Avrasya Pazari market used to have fascinating Soviet collectables from behind the Iron Curtain, although these days the market stalls are filled with junk. Perched on a dizzying cliff-face, raked by cloud, the monastery of Sumela is a popular day-trip from town.

East from Trabzon the coastal range becomes the lofty Kackar Mountains, which are one of the country’s best areas for treking. There’s also rafting on the Coruh river from the town of Yusufeli, which also makes a good base for exploring the remote Georgian churches in the area. On the seaward side of the mountains, the slopes are covered with tea plantations and the town of Rize is famous for its tea research institute, where you can enjoy an excellent brew.

Getting There

Climbing Ararat

Dominic Whiting journeys to Mount Ararat, Turkey's heighest peak.

As the plane banked, my window was filled with the breathtaking colour of lapis lazuli. This was Van Golu, Turkey's largest lake, nestling like a jewel amongst the mountains of eastern Anatolia. Well into our final approach, the plane was dropping at an alarming speed. Every second brought us closer to the waves. I was just about to tear at the life-jacket, when a runway appeared and we bumped to the ground.
"Welcome to Van," announced a nasal voice. "Thank you for flying with Turkish Airlines".

Van doesn't see many tourists these days. Fifteen years of insecurity and terrorism left this part of the country as a no-go area. Happily things are peaceful now and tourists are beginning to trickle east to explore the rugged mountain scenery and fascinating sights of Turkey's far east.

The return to peaceful conditions also means the country's highest summit is open to foreign trekkers and climber again. At 5137 metres, the mountain's Turkish name, Agri Dagi, may mean little to you. On the other hand, it's English name, Mount Ararat, probably will. Held by many to be the final resting place of Noah's Ark, the peak is a magnet for trekkers and Ark-hunters alike.

It's a 3-hour journey across the mountains from Van to Dogubeyazit, a rough-and-ready frontier town in the shadow of Mt Ararat. A dusty transit point on the highway into Iran, Dogubeyazit's rutted main street is lined with grocery shops, crowded restaurants and hotels. The town has a wild, rugged appeal. Bearded men in cloth caps spill out of the cafes, sipping tea on the pavement. Battered cars, handcarts and the odd herd of sheep jostle for road space. In the bazaar, the tiny shops are piled high with sacks of pistachios, stacks of flip flops and Iranian tea. In days gone by the town was a way-station on the "hippy trail" east. But now there isn't a kaftan in sight, and the hotels are busy with cross-border traders.

A local travel agent had secured our climbing permit and arranged for an official guide. While the paperwork was being completed, the team - Gary, an experienced British climber, Adnan, a guide from the Kackar mountains, and myself- set-off to explore the sights.

First on our list was Durupinar, claimed by some to be the resting place of Noah's Ark. At the end of a bumpy mountain track we arrived at the visitor's centre and were greeted by Hasan, the guardian. He pointed across the valley, tracing a boat-like shape on the mountainside. Even from this distance it looked like a rock formation rather than Noah's long lost ship. I voiced my doubts:

"The Ark was made of wood, surely it would have rotted by now."

"No, no. Of course it's the ship," said Hasan. "American researchers have tested it."

offshore breeze

Join Janet Horslen on a leisurely cruise along Turkey's breathtaking Turquoise Coast

Day 1

At last I'm back for another sailing trip aboard Cevri Hasan III. My fourth to be exact, and this time I'm joined by a group of nine other British travellers. This is a new route for me, starting at , a genteel harbour nestling amongst the forested mountains of south west Turkey, and eventually finishing in the Gulf of Hisaronu. It's like meeting old friends when I spot Captain Mustafa and Ali, the cook. The pampering starts immediately as our bags are carried on board. My cabin mate, Anne-Marie, and I unpack before 'welcome aboard' drinks and our first dinner on deck beneath the stars. It feels great to be back!

Day 2

Next morning we glide out of the pretty harbour at , heading for Tersane Island. A huge breakfast of eggs, cheeses, olives, tomatoes, yogurt and fruit doesn't hold us back from our first swim as soon as we arrive. The sea is crystal clear and the warm sun perfect for lazing around on deck. Before we look round it is time for lunch: tasty green beans cooked with tomatoes, bulgur wheat, salads and fruit. The scenery is stunning everywhere we look with rugged, pine-clad mountains dropping sheer to the waves.

Day 3

We drop anchor in a lovely spot known as Family Bay - on account of several friendly, local families who live there. Apart from them it is deserted and we start relaxing into the simple on-board routine - eating, sunbathing and, for the energetic amongst us, some watersports. Norah, the group's canoeing enthusiast, paddles off towards the horizon, while I enjoy a gin and tonic, brought to my side! After tea we all head up the cliff side to inspect some Lycian tombs. Hard to believe they were chiselled two millenia ago. On the return, some of the group stop for a drink with the resident Turkish family, but I decide to swim back to the boat in an effort to work off some calories.

Day 4

Our first chance to raise the sails this morning, as we head across the Gulf of ,with its dramatic backdrop of distant mountains. There is a rush for the cameras as the crew hoist the white sails, billowing and flapping in the warm breeze. Once moored in, the town's old market draws us like a magnet. There's a stunning array of fruit and vegetables, but we home in on a stall selling Turkish Delight! We also buy herbs gathered in the mountains and freshly roasted nuts. Our last stop is a lovely carpet shop where we listen to an interesting talk on carpet-making while sipping sweet apple tea. I've been here before: the carpet I bought last year has pride of place in my diningroom!

Travel Guide — Bursa

Green Bursa as they call it in Turkey, is a large city clustered below the forested slopes of Mt Uludag. As the first capital of the Ottoman empire, Bursa holds an important place in Turkish history, as well as Turkish hearts.

These days it's a modern city ringed by some of the country's largest textile mills and factories. At the centre of town there's a historic covered bazaar - actually one of the country's largest - to explore, as well as lots of beautiful Ottoman buildings like the Yesil Cami mosque and the Koza Hani (pictured right), where local silk producers used to trade their silk cocoons.

Bursa is also famous for its hot springs which have been attracting visitors since Roman times. Don’t miss the Old Baths (Eski Kaplicalari) in the suburb of Cekirge, where you can relax in the steamy water or enjoy a massage.

High above the city, and reached by a long cable car or a winding road, Uludag is Turkey's largest

Getting There

Bursa is under 3 hours

Catch the high-speed from Istanbul's Yenikapi to Yalova and then a .

Blue Voyage / Cruise in Turkey
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Blue cruise boat charters on the Mediterrenean and Aegean. Take a lot of sunshine and crystal clear water in all colours between turquoise and emerald, put some mild breeze, pine-shaded shores, lonely bays, steep coasts, exotic islands and add a couple of olive, fig and lemon groves. Then mix them with bright blue sky, picturesque sunsets and enchanting starry nights. Would you like it? Well, if yes, then how about a "BLUE VOYAGE" on a Turkish wooden sailing yacht called GULET, hand-made of special timber, product of a thousand-year old cruise experience? Turkey Blue Cruise, Bodrum, Fethiye, Marmaris, Kusadasi, Dalaman, Gocek Blue Cruise. The sailing paradise of Turkey is 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. For lovers of the active life, sailing in the clear waters provides the opportunity for swimming, fishing and diving. From some of the turquoise coast's unspoilt and sheltered bays you can see mountain peaks rising to almost 3000 meters above sea level.

Istanbul & Ephesus Tour by Flight (05 Days)

Duration: 05 Days / 04 Nights
Highlights: Istanbul, Bosphorus, Ephesus Ancient City by Flight
Run: Everyday
Note: All Mini Turkey tour packages are modular and you can use these itineraries as a starting point and we can help modify this itineraries to accommodate your personal requirements and desires to find your perfect holiday.

DAY 01 : Arrival to Istanbul
Upon arrival to Istanbul Ataturk Airport and clearing customs, you will be met by one of our staff at the exit gate of arrivals hall & transfer your hotel. On the way, a brief stop by the 1700-year-old ancient city walls will be a great photo opportunity. There will be time to relax & rest before meeting the guide in the evening for an orientation walk with your guide around Sultanahmet by night. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 02 : Bosphorous Cruise and Asia Sightseeing Tour
Breakfast at hotel, then meeting your guide at hotel lobby short drive down to Eminonu to visit Spice Bazaar with mystical smells of different aromas of variousspices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers,etc. Then walk to the harbour to embark on the Bosphorus Ferry for a cruise on the Bosphorus. We believe a visit to Istanbul is never complete if you haven't joined the Bosphorus Cruise. During the cruise you will see the city from a different perspective, the old wooden villas, Rumeli Fortress, Ortakoy Mosque, both bridges linking Asia & Europe, (our banner is a glimps of what you will see) & much more. After lunch, continue on land to visit Camlica Hill for 360° panoramic views over the city & driving back to Europe over the Bosphorus Bridge we visit Dolmabahce Palace, with more than 340 rooms & 8 Turkish Baths the Imperial Residence of the last 6 Sultans, is sure to fascinate its visitors. At the end of the tour the guide will take you back to your hotel, evening at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul

DAY 03 : Splendors of Empire Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast meeting tour guide at hotel lobby for full day tour of Istanbul. We start with the Ancient Hippodrome where chariots races and other sporting events took place from the 2nd century A.D. onwards. Then continue to Sultanahmet Cami, also known as the Blue Mosque due to its superb interior decoration and the hand made Iznik tiles reflecting its blue colours from the 16th century. We then continue to the Museum of Hagia Sophia, the jewel in Turkey's Byzantine crown. Hagia Sophia dates back to 6th century; when it was built, its dome was the largest in the world. Now it is one of the world's finest examples of Byzantine architecture. We reach the Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi) after a short drive. Here you will be amazed with the variety of souvenirs such as rugs, leather, pottery, jewellery, spices you can find or just stroll around for the fun. We have lunch at a local restaurant serving Turkish Cuisine. Free afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul

DAY 04 : Flight to Izmir and Ephesus Ancient City Tour
Breakfast at hotel, check out and transfer to Istanbul Airport. Departure on the domestic flight to Izmir. On arrival to Izmir Airport and meet with your new guide depart on to the town of Selcuk to visit the Ancient City of Ephesus, one of the best preserved Greco-Roman Cities in the world. Depart for the House of Virgin Mary where she is said to have spent the last of her days. After lunch in a local restaurant, the tour also includes a visit to the remains of Artemis Temple and if time allows a visit to the old Greek Village of Sirince. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for the domestic flight to Istanbul. On your arrival to Istanbul Airport, you will be met at the airport for the transfer to your hotel in Istanbul. Evening at lesiure. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 05 : Transfer to Istanbul Airport
Breakfast, check-out and meeting your transfer staff for drive to Istanbul International Airport.

What's Included:
* Hotel accommodations in choice of preferred class
* Professional Guide licensed by the Ministry of Tourism
* Noted sightseeing tours on regular group or private guided basis
* Main entrance fees to sights mentioned by the itinerary
* Meals mentioned by the itinerary - Vegeterian meals available
* Required land & or internal flight transportation
* All roundtrip airport transfers with A/C minivans
* Local taxes & handling services
* All tours & travel packages are insuranced by TURSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies)