Turkey

Turkey is one of the world’s most interesting and well-traveled destinations.

It has so much to offer its visitors- breathtaking natural beauties, unique historical and archaeological places, and a tradition of hospitality.

Hellenic Holidays Vacations

Turkey boasts some of the finest white sand beaches anywhere, fishing and scuba diving venues, beautiful national parks, skiing resorts, hilltop castles, golden mosques, exotic shopping bazaars and stunning mountain scenery that almost defies description. Turkey is, above anything else, a huge open-air museum, a repository of all the civilizations nurtured by the soils of Anatolia.

The huge amount of the historical and archaeological wealth in Turkey seems more appropriate for an entire continent than a single country. We are proud to present a series of bespoke travel itineraries exploring Turkey. So if your idea of a Turkish vacation is exploring its history, cruising or just relaxing on a sundrenched beach, we can uncover the true beauty that Turkey offers.

Istanbul & the Marmara Region

Istanbul is the capital of empires, a city that dominated continents. It is set in a stunning location, surrounded by the narrow strait of the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara separating Europe from Asia.

Only when you walk along its historic streets, when you see with your own eyes the architectural masterpieces of Byzantine and Ottoman Empires in their original setting – only then will you begin to discover, and to fall in love with Istanbul.

The Crossboard of colours & Cultures

Istanbul offers a wealth of historic and religious places including the Agia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern that are located around Sultanahmet Square.

North of the peninsula of the old city, across the Golden Horn, is Galata, crowned by the Galata Tower. Further north is the Istiklal Avenue, Istanbul’s prominent pedestrian street running from near Galata Tower to Taksim Square, the central square of whole city.

Cappadocia & Central Anatolia

Cappadocia was a refuge for the early Christians, who escaped persecution by living and worshipping underground. There are an estimated 3000 rock churches in this region, not all of which are open to the public. Some have amazing frescoes, which have been extremely well preserved. Some of the highlights include Göreme where some of the most impressive of the churches are located in the Göreme Open Air Museum, which, for the most part, date from the 9th-11th centuries. The village of Göreme itself is at the heart of the area’s tourist industry, and many of its villagers still live in cave dwellings, some of which have been converted into pensions. Surrounding the area are the amazing rock formations known evocatively as Peri Bacaları or ‘Fairy Chimneys’. For panoramic views over the scenery of the Göreme Valley, visit the citadel of Üçhisar, the huge rock tower, which is the highest point in the area. Üçhisar and Ürgüp are two of the most popular vacation places to stay in the area, where in recent years, a number of chic boutique hotels have opened in the old buildings and rock dwellings.

Turkey’s most visually striking Region

Located to the west of Niğde, the Ihlara Vadisi gorge is 10 kms long and some 80 metres wide. Popular for trekking it is home to over 60 churches, the majority of which were built in the 11th century. Most of these are not open to the public but of the 12 or so which are, some of the most important are the Eğritas Kilesesi. There are hundreds of underground cities in the regions. Two of the most impressive are Kaymaklı, which has 8 levels, and Derinkuyu, which reaches down to 55 metres. They were used by the Christians fleeing persecution in the 7th century, who created a self-sufficient environment, underground, including bedrooms, kitchens and storage rooms.

Izmir, Bodrum & the Aegean Cost

The Aegean coast is perhaps best known for its dramatic scenery, shimmering turquoise waters and wide choice of holiday resorts from the bustling yachting center of Marmaris, and the busy cruise port Kusadasi to more serene, traditional fishing villages such as those that dot the Bodrum and Loryma Peninsulas.

Sun shines differently here… It’s Bodrum!

Ephesus – is the area’s most prominent attraction. Known as Efes locally, the site is quite probably the best-preserved Roman city in the Mediterranean and Turkey’s most visited place after Istanbul. The majestic Library of Celsus and the 25,000-seater Great Theatre are among its most memorable attractions. The city also housed the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Pergamum – the breathtaking ancient Greek city perched precariously atop a plunging promontory. Located near the city of Bergama, in the North of the region.

Ölüdeniz – Arguably the finest beach in Turkey, a spectacular natural lagoon backed by magnificent mountain and forest scenery. Thrill-seekers will delight at the opportunity to tandem paraglide from the 2km-high summit of Mt. BabadaÄŸ.