Turkey’s Top Attractions at Off-Season Prices

With a history of thousands of years and a unique location that saw several big world empires Turkey is a cradle of civilizations. Add the current highly popular modern cities, night life, shopping options  it is a paradise for travelers, offering rich, cultural attractions, ancient sites and historic ruins that are among the most unique in the world.

Usual and most crowded tourist season for Turkey is summer during when tourists mostly from Europe, Russia and Middle East flow to Turkey's Turquoise Coast beach resorts. But what Turkey offers as a tourist destination is not limited to summer beach resort holiday.

With the summer crowds gone, Crossroads Tours International, which features a wide selection of escorted tours, cruise packages and FIT services, offers travelers the perfect opportunity to experience Turkey and discover its diverse treasures in an uncrowded atmosphere and at attractive, off-season prices.

“Istanbul & Cappadocia” 
This 6-day/5-night package features the must-see attractions of Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city and heart of the country’s economic, cultural and historical legacy. The tour begins here, inthe city where “East meets West,” and includes a visit to Cappadocia, the region renowned for its surreal landscape and remarkable Christian history. The stay in Istanbul includes an in-depth, full day tour focusing on the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage and a half-day cruise on the Bosphorus, which rewards guests with spectacular views of the city’s Asian and European shorelines. Cappadocia highlights include views of the fabled Pasabag “Fairy Chimneys;” Goreme Open Air Museum, the rock cut churches of the “Red Valley,” and “Kaymakli Underground City.”

“Istanbul & Cappadocia” tours start daily in Istanbul and can be booked through a travel agent. Through October 31, 2013, the price is $690 per person, double occupancy. It is $610 per person throughout November. Round trip airfares from the U.S. and within Turkey are not included.

“Discover Turkey” 

Turkey’s history, diverse religious, cultural heritage, and natural wonders are center stage on Crossroads Tours’ best-selling “Discover Turkey” tour. This comprehensive 10-day/9-night tour features the most important examples of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman legacy, the historic battlefield of Gallipoli, the legendary cities of Troy and Pergamum, plus the remarkably well-preserved city of Ephesus, once the Roman Empire’s center of learning, as well as the nearby shrine of “Mother Mary,” where it is said the Mother of Jesus Christ spent the last years of her life. The tour’s itinerary also includes the renowned spa of Pamukkale, with it glistening “petrified waterfalls;” Konya, home of Turkey’s renowned “Whirling Dervishes;” and a visit to the region of Cappadocia, whose mountainous, fairy tale-like landscape, with its hidden valleys, villages, and caves, were once the refuge of the early Christians, who were hiding from Roman persecution.

The “Discover Turkey” tour starts in Istanbul every Saturday and is priced at $1,090 per person through October 31, 2013, and $1,000 per person throughout November. Round trip airfare from the U.S. is not included.

What the Tour Prices Include:
The prices of the “Istanbul & Cappadocia” and “Discover Turkey” tours include: airport transfers upon arrival and departure; accommodations at 4-Star hotels; meals as specified in the respective itineraries, transportation by air-conditioned, non-smoking mini or midi buses; services of an experienced, English-speaking escort/guide; entrance fees to all of the sites, museums, and other attractions visited while on tour; plus hotel taxes and service charges. All rates are based on double occupancy.

Customized Packages and FIT’s 
Both the “Istanbul & Cappadocia” and “Discover Turkey” tours can be modified to meet special departure and/or other requirements. The same applies to any of Crossroads Tours’ other escorted, special interest, or “Special Occasion” tours. Crossroads Tours will also be happy to assist agents in planning tailored-made FIT packages. 

Taskonaklar Hotel Named to 2014 Conde Nast Johansen Collection of Luxury Hotels

Historic Taskonaklar Hotel in Cappadocia offers a unique hotel experience with cave suites and Turkish hospitality. The hotel also continues to gain awards from travel media and travel web sites as a unique and special boutique hotel destination.

The hotel has just received several nominations from various reputable organizations / institutions as a luxury boutique hotel:

• Recommended hotel by Conde Nast Johansens in 2013 
• Nominee for Conde Nast Johansens Awards of Excellence 
• World Boutique Hotel Awards, Shortlisted for Inspired design category 
• Winner of Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013 consequently after 2011 and 2012

The Conde Nast Johansens is a leading reference guide for independent travelers compiled by the publishers of Vogue, GQ, Traveller, and Glamour magazines. The guide is designed to single out local hotels designated by local experts as inspired destinations, either as a luxury hotel, spa, country house, boutique retreat, special venue, or for some other occasion. Each property recommended by Conde Nast has been carefully researched and is recommended as a destination that offers an exceptional experience.

Taskonaklar Boutique Hotel, located in Cappadocia, Turkey

“We are delighted to receive recognition from a global travel advisor with the prestige of Conde Nast,” said Tolga Akarcali, hotelier and entrepreneur, owner of Taskonaklar. “We have a naturally beautiful setting in historic Cappadocia, which has already been recognized as a historical site by UNESCO. We strive to augment the natural beauty of the area with a hotel experience that complements the local atmosphere, cuisine, and customs. Being named to the Johansens list is an honor that demonstrates that our hard work is being recognized by our guests.”

In addition to the Johansens listing, Taskonaklar has received Certificates of Excellence in 2011, 2012 and 2013 from TripAdvisor.com, and a nomination for a World Boutique Hotel Award in the inspired design category for 2013.

What makes Taskonaklar such a unique and sought-after destination is its unique location in the hills of Cappadocia and the careful restoration and renovation it has applied over the years to the historic mansions today accommodating hotel’s guests. The rooms are carved from the living rock, and the cave rooms feature fireplaces and amenities such as in-suite massage to promote a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. The eco-friendly hotel relies on local organic farming for freshly fetched ingredients.

See also where to stay in Cappadocia?

Top 10 Destination in Turkey

TripAdvisor's Traveller's Choice Awards 2013 has been out. We have looked at the top destinations in Turkey in 2013. Not suprisingly the list is crowded by resort cities from Turkish Turqouise Coast and lead by Turkey's largest and most happening city Istanbul. Still suprised to see Ankara on the top while there are better destinations like Izmir or Bursa.

1 - Istanbul
Istanbul is located on both Asia and Europe and carries characteristics of both. It may not be the capital but it is the most important city in Turkey. Its centuries old history combined with being the cultural, financial and entertainment center of Turkey offers something to all travelers and naturally sits at the top of top 10 destinations list in Turkey.

TripAdvisor advices not to miss Sultanahmet District, Bosphorus Strait and Suleymaniye Mosque.

2 - Marmaris

Seaside resort of Marmaris on Turkish Turquoise Coast is a very popular destination for cruise ships as well as British budget holiday hunters. Do not miss Blue Voyage, Dalyan, Marmaris Marina and Cleopatra Island.

Marmaris Marina

3 - Antalya
Turkey's tourism capital Antalya offers great beaches, traditional Turkish culture and some of the best beaches of Turkish Riviera. When there do not forget to visit city's old town center, Termessos, Antalya Archieological Museum and Pamukkale.

4 - Side
This resort town and a classical historic site in Pamphylia of Mediterranean Turkey hosts one of the few sites where you can find well-protected Roman ruins. Side offers quite nice resorts and beaches and is popular for both locals and tourists.

5 - Goreme
A town literally carved into the volcanic rock, Goreme is the gateway to the Goreme National Park, a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses spectacular 10th- and 11th-century cave churches. The park itself is known for its chimney rock formations and is very popular with backpackers. It’s also a great area to sample Turkish cuisine and wine.

6 - Bodrum
This is where all Turkish Turquoise Coast as a tourist destination has started. Turkey's most popular vacation hotspot is also one of the most important stops on Turkish Riviera. It offers both a very nice beach and sea sports destination as well as a very vibrant nightlife.

7 - Dalyan Turkey
Ancient ruins, mud baths and loggerhead sea turtle breeding grounds are just some of the magical features of Dalyan. Beach sports, bike rides and river tours will satisfy your inner adventurer. Don’t miss the ornate Lycian tombs, carved into the cliffs along the Dalyan Çayı River circa 400 B.C.

8 - Oludeniz

Paragliding over Oludeniz

Famous for its 'Blue Lagoon' offers fantastic beaches and the best paragliding location in Turkey.

9 - Ankara
I am not sure how the capital city of Turkey famous for being the city of bureaucrats, students and soldiers made the top 10 destination but the city has its own character, a very nice modern facade and offers several tourist attractions for those interested in Turkish history like Ataturk Mausoleum (Anitkabir) and Anatolian Civilizations Museum (Anadolu Medeniyetleri Muzesi).

10 - Urgup
The Cappadocia region's most upscale and contemporary tourist city, Urgup has a number of lovely hotels, many built in and around centuries-old cave dwellings. The city and its surrounding area are known for their mysterious fairy chimneys, early Christian rock churches and fine vineyards. A mix of ancient and modern, Urgup is a center for traditional handmade carpets, but also has a lively nightlife. Hot air ballooning is very popular, and a fantastic way to see the area's beauty from above.

Turkey Tour Key Offering Cappadocia And Ephesus Tour Packages

Turkey Tour Key has announced that they are currently offering two different kinds of tourism packages specifically catering for the needs of those who want to get the most out of their holiday to Turkey. Currently, among numerous other tour packages, Turkey Tour Key are proud to be offering Cappadocia tours and Ephesus tours. Both of these tours have been built and put together to ensure that all tourists to Turkey are able to view some of the most spectacular sights that the country has to offer. Currently, both of the tours have a length of 2-days, and include several stops and visits - as well as helpful, joyful and cheerful tour guides which are ready to guide tourists along the educational journey they so desire.

With dozens of positive reviews, anybody visiting Turkey and looking to explore Cappadocia tours and Ephesus tours are recommended to check out the two packages currently being offered by Turkey Tour Key. Both of the packages are currently affordably priced, and are actually some of the most affordable priced tour packages in the country.

Cappadocia (Kapadokya) is an area in Central Anatolia in Turkey best known for its unique moon-like landscape, underground cities, cave churches and houses carved in the rocks. Ephesus (Efes) is a was an ancient Greek city, and later a major Roman city, on the coast of Ionia, near present-day Selçuk, Izmir Province, Turkey. It was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League during the Classical Greek era. These well preserved ruins are one of the major tourist attractions of Turkey.

Celsius Library in Ephesus

Cappadocia Cave Suites Hotel

Where to stay in Cappadocia while in Cappadocia? Of course in a cave hotel. There are many choose among for different budgets. One of them is Cappadocia Cave Suites Hotel. A unique cave hotel that combines houses and cave dwellings of the Hittite, Roman and Byzantine Periods with the luxurious comfort of the 21st Century. So, when you hear "cave", do not expect to stay like cavemen of the past. This very different experience in cave rooms comes with a warm and clean environment with a modern room infrastructure of Wi-Fi, jacuzzi, and a very good view of the city.

Cappadocia's fairy chimneys are a special type of volcanic rock. You can basically carve a room in them with a pocket knife and enough time. They are soft enough to be carved but hard enough to last ( there are many ancient churches in the region carved almost a thousand and a half years ago and still stands still). Many houses in Cappadocia is in caves and recently cave hotels became a trend which offer a unique hotel experience.

Cappadocia Cave Suites is located in the city of Goreme, one of the most beautiful and characteristic locales in the Cappadocia region. The famous fairy chimneys and fantastic colorful shapes of the landscape, make this region a natural wonder of the world. Come to relax and explore this historic, wondrous and romantic landscape while enjoying the finest in hotel accommodations and world famous Turkish hospitality.

The hotel offers real cave rooms and rooms designed as caves. Although, all of the rooms are spacious and decorated with a beautiful local flair, if you want the real deal, ask for a real cave room:  they are extraordinary! Also try to book upper cave rooms which offer a better views.

Cappadocia Cave Suites Hotel

Cappadocia Cave Suites Hotel
Gafferli Mah. Ünlü Sok. No: 19, Goreme, Goreme, Turkey

Useful tip: A taxi ride from the airport to a Goreme hotel will be very expensive compared to the transport arranged by the hotel. A taxi ride can cost around 150 TL while a hotel van can cost 20-30 TL.

Taskonaklar Boutique Hotel Announces Its New Blog

Tolga Akarcali, managing partner of the remarkable and unconventional vacation lodging “Taskonaklar Boutique hotel”, has now launched a blog to help travelers.

Hotel blogs are an exceptional channel to connect with tourists and holidaymakers. They enable people to share experiences, exchange information and receive feedback. Blogs are useful to both hotel employees and guests; the employees have plenty of knowledge to share about the travel destination and guests want to learn more about the place they visit.

“The main reason for starting this blog is to help people- tourists, travelers and local people to organize trips to the historical region Cappadocia”, stated Tolga Akarcali, managing partner of the Taskonaklar Boutique hotel. We have planned to combine blog posts about the towns of Cappadocia, tourist attractions, as well as general information that cover Cappadocia’s weather, restaurants, shops and open markets. The post does not aim to promote the hotel but to help people plan their trip”.

Our main focus is our hotel guests and travelers visiting the region of Cappadocia. “My hope is to enrich their trip to Cappadocia and to help them experience the best of its historical cities”.

Taskonaklar Boutique Hotel, located in Cappadocia, Turkey, announced the launch of their informative blog on Cappadocia that benefits every traveller intending to go to Cappadocia.

The Taskonaklar Boutique hotel is an unconventional boutique hotel located in Cappadocia, Turkey. The hotel features rooms with a pleasant combination of history and new. There are rooms with medieval archways and fireplaces as well as antique furniture, carpets and other items. However, rooms do also feature luxurious experience that includes modern, comfortable beds and amenities such as flat-screen TV, free wireless Internet, mini-bar and spacious bathrooms. Each room is unique, with its own atmosphere and originality, allying simplicity and comfort.

The Taskonaklar Boutique Hotel is also offering in-room spa services. These services include massages, facials and body treatments. The hotel features rooms with medieval archways and fireplaces as well as antique furniture, carpets and other items.

“This is just one more reason to take advantage of the truly unique experience that we offer for our guests,” stated Tolga Akarcali, a managing partner of the hotel. “We combine old-world ambiance and dining with all the comforts and amenities of a modern hotel. Plus, we provide a number of exciting activities in the area.”
Rooms at the Taskonaklar Boutique Hotel are a pleasant combination of old and new.

All rooms feature rough-hewn stone walls and fireplaces as well as medieval arches, antique furniture and carpets. It is, however, also a luxurious experience that includes modern, comfortable beds and amenities such as flat-screen TV, free wireless Internet, mini-bar and spacious bathrooms. Each room is unique, with its own atmosphere and originality, allying simplicity and comfort.

Special suites with private terraces and panoramic views are also available.

In addition, a home-cooked breakfast, five o’clock tea and dinner on demand are provided each day, featuring real Turkish cuisine. The hotel also offers 24-hour front desk service and daily cleaning.
Daily activities include:

•          Hot-air balloon rides and tours
•          Hiking and picnics
•          Horseback riding
•          Pottery classes
•          Guided walks
•          Trips with official guides
•          Concerts and other cultural activities

“This is a vacation destination like no other,” adds Akarcali. “The accommodations are historic and beautiful, and there is so much to do. Riding in a hot-air balloon is an amazing experience in itself, and the view of the countryside is breathtaking.“And if you just feel like relaxing in your room, our in-room spa services are always available.” It is the perfect way to relax after a day long of exploring the magical Cappadocia

About Taskonaklar
Taskonaklar is a uniquely handcrafted boutique hotel in Cappadocia,Turkey that blends nature, history and local traditions. It has been designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a National Heritage Site.

Hotel rooms combine subterranean spaces, rough-hewn walls, and stone archways with open terraces and balconies that offer incredible views of the local landscape. Modern amenities are included. The hotel also provides meals and organized activities.
For more information, visit http://www.taskonaklar.com.

Hot Air Balloon Tour over Cappadocia Fairy Chimneys

Last Friday, I was looking at the holiday photos of a friend in Singapore taken in Turkey. He has flew to Turkey from Singapore in October 2011 for a 1+ week holiday and travelled to many great locations in Turkey like Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Istanbul, Efes, etc. He has taken a balloon tour in Cappadocia region of central Turkey and I have realized that the company he has taken was the one one of my friends is working as a balloon pilot.

Cappadocia means the land of beautiful horses. It is famous for its stunning view created by amazing rock formations thanks to the volcanic activities of nearby Erciyes mountain and erosion. Locals in Turkey call these rock formations "fairy chimneys". There is really something mystical about them. Until early 1990s, the only way to get a great view was to climb or drive to a nearby hill and watch the sunset and sunrise on the fairy chimneys. But then, locals discovered the power of hot air balloon to get a great view of the landscape.

Hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia - Source : Royal Balloon

The hot air balloon allows tourists to see fantastic views of the naturally formed columns of rock formed by nature slowly in 10 million years. Some of these fairy chimneys are 40 metres high and if people were not more innocent back in the past, these phallus rocks would be definitely given a very different name. Most beautiful chimney can be found around and about Göreme, the village where my friend's company flies the hot air balloons from.

The balloon experience is quite unique. During the flight, there is absolutely no noise except the hot air producing burner's mild noise. The balloon flies with the same speed of air surrounding it so even the sound of wind is absent. This noise free flight over a magical landscape creates a stunning experience. Many Singaporeans flying to Turkey goes to Cappadocia and many tour packages include these balloon experiences. If you are going to Turkey by tour, check if the tour takes you to Cappadocia and includes a hot air balloon experience. It is a must do in Turkey holiday.