Category: Travel News

Best Places To Visit In Turkey

27/09/2022 Easytraveller No Comments Travel News

Flag of Turkey

Turkey is a vast and beautiful country. Its historical heritage, monuments, and breathtaking sights bring crowds of people each year. Apart from all that, the land has a perfect shoreline and a hot Mediterranean climate, and most importantly, the locals have a knack for hospitality. Turkey is also filled to the brim with open markets of all sorts, so venturing anywhere, be it a small village or a huge metropolis, you will encounter a plethora of specialities, spices, and materials. There is no doubt that visiting this astonishing country will make an excellent experience. This article will discuss some of the best places to visit in Turkey.

How to prepare for a visit to Turkey

Before we dive deeper into specific places to visit, let’s take a quick look at what you need when coming to this beautiful country. Situated somewhere between Europe and the Middle East, Turkey has always had a mix of influences across the centuries. A vast array of cultures and peoples drive this beast of an economy forth. Depending on which part of the country you are going to visit, check these things before you go:

  • have a valid passport and visa if needed
  • be open-minded to other cultures
  • since its a Muslim state, be aware of the state laws
  • be prepared to haggle all the time

As experts at easytraveller.gr state, knowing the Muslim traditions will make navigating some of the more traditional parts of the country more accessible. Although Turkey has been taking much of the western culture and influence over the years, it also has some strong Muslim laws. Therefore being aware of what traditions are enforced will make your visit much more pleasant. 

Istanbul, the Jewel of Turkey

There’s no doubt that this magnificent city is the best place to come to in Turkey. Built by the Roman Emperor Constantine, this now huge city has always been a centre of culture, religion, and prosperity. Wealth has flown through the streets of this city since it was established, and now it’s no different. Istanbul represents the clash of modernism and tradition. Its geographical location offered an enormous strategic advantage in the past but now stands as a testament to what Turkey represents – a mix of east and west. Today Istanbul represents the seat of the economic power in Turkey and a bridge between Europe and Asia. You will most probably need a guide in Istanbul. Bursting streets and markets, monuments, mosques, and many more awaits the eager tourists. When in Istanbul, do not miss out on the chance to visit Hagia Sophia and Top Kapi. These are the must-visit locations everyone has to experience.

One of the best places to visit in Turkey is Marmaris

If you are ever in doubt about the best place to visit in Turkey, then Marmaris is just the right option. Located on the Turkish Riviera, this beautiful coastal town brings out the best in Turkey. An excellent spot to take your family on a holiday or vacation. It is also trendy amongst the younger populace due to its fascinating nightlife and lifestyle. Beach bars, safaris, hotels, restaurants, boat rides, cruises, diving, and much more await eager visitors wanting to see the best seaside locations in Asia Minor. Don’t forget to take a Turkish bath while visiting.

Bodrum is the place to visit

Another beautiful part of the coastline you will have to experience is Bodrum city. Although it is considered a tourist place, Bodrum has seen fewer visitor-oriented changes, unlike Marmaris. The vibrant market boasts a diverse culture, and the constant haggling makes it a paradise for those looking to strike a bargain. Regular interactions with the locals help in connecting to other cultures, and you will learn to appreciate it since the locals are friendly and can give you some valuable tips. Apart from this charm, Bodrum has an enormous historical heritage that is worth exploring. It is also known for its beautiful beaches, ideal for some rest and relaxation. 

Hagia Sophia is the best place to visit in Turkey

Undoubtedly, Hagia Sophia has to make our list of the best places to visit in Turkey. Although we have discussed Istanbul in the previous paragraph, this exquisite site deserves a mention of its own. Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, this was the largest Christian temple in the world. It has been an icon and pilgrimage site for many Christians through the centuries. After the Turks conquered Constantinople, later known as Istanbul, Hagia Sophia was turned into a mosque. Its captivating beauty has left the Turks speechless, turning her into a mosque rather than tearing her down. Its enormous size will make any beholder tremble at their feet. The only downside when visiting this beauty is that you will most likely have to dedicate a whole day to bask in its glory. The long queues can also be a big letdown. 

In this article, we have been covering some of the best places to visit in Turkey. This is not by any means a definitive list. From the Cappadocian hills in the centre of the country, with Ankara the Capitol, all the way to the far east, you can find multitudes of breathtaking sites to behold. Turkey is a stunning country, and you can appreciate its beauty in the mix of different cultures, natural wonders, and local delicacies.

Moving to Turkey

You may fall in love with Turkey and decide to move here. After all, there is a large ex-pat population, so you definitely won’t be the only one with that idea. There are many affordable homes for sale or rent near the coast. However, remember that moving can be a challenging and stressful process. This can be even more so when travelling overseas. In order for this to be ready for this, there are a couple of things to know before moving overseas. Taking care of your health can be your number one concern. You will not want to start your journey ill or unprepared. Also, it would help if you also made a detailed financial plan to deal with any unexpected issues. In the end, asking for help from a professional moving company can help you save precious time and money. They can help you pack and move out in no time without you breaking a sweat.

In Conclusion

Now that we’ve gone over the best places to visit in Turkey, you can plan your visit to this gorgeous transcontinental country. We are sure your trip will be eventful with so many amazing things to see.

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8 Most Effective Tips to Study Effectively While Travelling

16/09/2022 Easytraveller No Comments Travel News

Travel and study don’t often go together well, but with a little creativity and preparation, you can continue your studies while taking educational trips throughout your vacation.

With sufficient research or study, you can continue your education while looking for a holiday. Being a student, it will be advantageous for you to travel organized and prepared. In today’s post, we discuss some useful tips to study effectively while travelling.

For instance, you must prepare in advance if you intend to travel a long distance or study abroad. Learn the local language, adapt your itinerary to meet deadlines, and maintain control while travelling. You can ask for support from help with my class if you are unable to meet your deadline for a meeting.

Studying abroad in a different nation or region is a fantastic idea. You might earn useful experience through it that you wouldn’t get from the neighbourhood. Many students choose to travel to enhance their knowledge.  Although this action has advantages, it could lead to a busy schedule with little time for studying. So when you are travelling you can study effectively.

Tips to Study Effectively while Traveling

Studying while travelling is not that difficult. Travelling and studying might not appear to go together, but with enough preparation and self-discipline, travel time might turn out to be your finest study time. Here are some useful tips to study effectively while studying.

Choose an Ideal Course

You must make sure that you have chosen a course or program that supports it before getting on that path. Some business schools might not be very accommodating while certain colleges promote this program. It will be difficult to make the most of your trip time if you enroll in a program that does not support it. 

You can also look online for assistance in locating the best program that will provide you access to various travel opportunities. You can find internet resources like Scholarly Help and ask them to complete your work if you need more help with academic tasks. 

So, you would have all the options you need to travel and study at the same time with a virtual study option. You can look whenever and anywhere you choose.

Pack Some Study Materials

The most essential and fundamental component needed for learning is study material. Don’t forget to include your books, notepads, and other necessary stationery in your luggage.

If you pack your stuff related to study quickly, you run the danger of forgetting important items. You must know everything you need to accomplish and when things need to be submitted. List all of your assignments, books, and other resources you will need.

This will enable you to bring only the things you need.

Be Aware of your Deadlines

Make a note of the tasks you need to complete and the deadlines, if you can’t finish or turn in all of them before you depart.

It’s a good idea to write some notes on the list about what needs to be done specifically, and possibly even what books you would like to utilize as resources for packing.

Plan your Study Time

Keep in mind that you won’t be in any of the classes. To ensure a pleasant experience, you must stay active with all the information. Preparing for a task you won’t complete or attend to is pointless. One of the best tips to study effectively while travelling is to plan your study time accordingly and keep it updated. It includes details about your study schedule, recordings, online courses, and exams.

However, you can arrange your activities more effectively and accomplish more in less time when you have a complete list of all your responsibilities. Your assimilation and production will both be improved. It’s also a good idea to list any travel-related activities you’ll be engaged in. You will learn to adjust your study activities to fit this schedule by putting them in writing.

Get a Better Internet Connection

When travelling, you must research the nearby or local possibilities for internet connectivity. While some students could prefer personal internet access, others might pick a free cafe Wi-Fi option. Reviewing the alternatives and selecting the best one is crucial. Widespread coverage and cost-effective plans would characterize the ideal option.

Therefore, you should try to buy a portable wireless dongle if you want to try studying while riding the school bus. It is an effective and great internet source that enables uninterrupted internet browsing.

Make Sure to Charge Electronic Devices

It’s a good idea to have charged laptops and other electronic items if you want to study on the plane while you travel to your destination.

Make sure to charge any additional electronics you plan to bring, such as your laptop, phone, etc. Don’t forget the chargers, of course.

Also, make sure you have all the appropriate adapters before leaving, especially if the plugs are different from those in your native country. Finding a store that sells those is quite frustrating. Additionally, they are designed for tourists and are typically more expensive.

Pick Travel-Friendly Gadgets

If you have a laptop, be aware that it is not a portable gadget. If you use it and don’t want to spend the money on a different one, then research the best laptops for travelling, so you wouldn’t have made the purchase.

How long is the battery life on your gadget another item to take into account? You might be okay if it only lasts for a few hours, but the longer the battery lasts, the better. It’s quite annoying if your transfer takes four hours and your laptop can only last one.

So, what should you do if your equipment isn’t portable? Of course, you’re free to take it and use it only where you’re staying. But you might also take other factors into account like reading the materials on your phone or any other device or you can also print the materials or assignments or you can complete all your written assignments before or after the trip and do your work on other tasks at the same time. 

All of those would be preferable options to bringing a laptop whose battery wouldn’t last long enough for studying while travelling.

Take Frequent Breaks

Travelling is undoubtedly entertaining and enjoyable. Studying while travelling can be stressful because you’ll have a long list of things planned up. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by attempting to accomplish all of these things. To stay fully rested and energized, you must still take breaks. You’ll be able to concentrate on your studies and travel with a sharp mind if you do this.

Try to eat and sleep at the appropriate times. If your schedule has been well arranged, you may make the most of your time without endangering your health. Additionally, make an effort to study the procedure in a fun approach, just like you enjoy travelling.

Final Verdict

Therefore, learning is a fantastic approach to broadening our ideas, and travelling is another engaging way to discover chances outside of your area. You can construct your itinerary and learn by combining the two. You can have an enjoyable travel and study experience while seeing the world by following the above tips to study effectively while travelling. But make sure to pack everything you’ll need for the vacation. When travelling, you won’t want to blow your budget on insignificant purchases.

6 Traditional Foods You Must Try in Greece

30/08/2022 Easytraveller No Comments Travel News

Greek cuisine takes a back seat to the country’s more well-known tourist draws, such as its ancient sites and picturesque islands. However, traditional Greek food alone is something worth taking the trip! The food is a fusion of Eastern and Western influences, with an emphasis on locally sourced, in-season fruits and vegetables, grilled meats, and aged cheeses. Therefore, stopping by as many authentic Greek “tavernas” as you can during your trip is a must, whether you’re in Athens, Corfu, or anyplace else in the country. But with so many delicacies, it can be challenging to decide where to start. That’s why we’ve consulted Greece travel experts, and here are six traditional foods you must try in Greece.

Which delicious traditional foods you must try in Greece? 

We know you’re limited in the number of Greek eateries you can visit and don’t want to spend your time or money on subpar fare. Perhaps you’re even lucky enough to be hiring movers for an international move from the US to Greece. But after you settle down here stress-free, you’ll want to know what mouthwatering classic Greek foods to treat yourself with. Well, brace yourself because here are six Greek delicacies you simply shouldn’t miss.

#1 Gyros

Let’s start our list with the most obvious (and probably everyone’s favorite) traditional Greek food – Gyros. You may get them anywhere, but here (the birthplace of the tasty street dish), they do things a little differently.

In Greece, roasted meat is sliced thinly and placed between two pieces of warm, soft pita bread. Add some crisp vegetables for a burst of flavor and texture, then top with a handful of fries. It’s an odd combination, yet it works perfectly in taste! The dish is finished off with a generous coating of a white sauce that has just the right amount of garlic flavor.

Gyros can be made from any number of meats, including lamb, beef, pork, and even chicken. Chickpea-based options for vegetarians and vegans are now widely available. Gyros are not only a terrific option when you’re short on time but also a very cost-effective one.

#2 Moussaka

You’ve tried moussaka before, but it’s never quite the same as the moussaka in an average Greek family restaurant, where they use a recipe that’s been passed down for generations. Layers of eggplant and ground beef are baked in a simple dish topped with a rich béchamel sauce.

Moussaka should be your first stop when looking for authentic Greek cuisine. While eggplant is traditionally used in this recipe, potato or zucchini ribbons are a common substitute. Adding tomato gives ground meat at some restaurants an extra depth of flavor. In whatever form it takes, moussaka is always a rich comfort dish best enjoyed in hearty portions.

#3 Baklava

While baklava’s roots are probably in Turkey, its popularity in Greece is undeniable. There are innumerable thin layers of filo dough in this dish, which is filled with a mixture of chewy almonds, fatty butter, and sugar.

After baking until the top is golden and crisp, a sweet syrup is drizzled on top to complete the dish. Baklava is a must-try in Greece if you’re looking for something delicious to eat. If you’re on your ultimate honeymoon in Greece, surprise your loving spouse with this delicious desert, and will fall in love with you all over again.

Although the original recipe called for only nuts and honey syrup, modern bakeries in Greece have come up with a wide variety of delicious and inventive baklava fillings. The great displays of baklava in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and designs may be seen in the storefronts of any bakery or dessert shop. They’re almost too pretty to eat sometimes!

#4 Saganaki

If you want to taste as many authentic Greek dishes as possible on your trip, you should have saganaki, even if you’re not usually one to order appetizers. A massive block of local cheese is the star of this meal, which is pan-fried until the exterior is golden and the interior is mushy.

It would be best if you ate it as soon as possible to appreciate the harmonious blend of flavors and textures fully. Don’t wait for the cheese because it will harden as it cools. 

Despite its apparent lack of complexity, saganaki is a delicious and addicting dish. You may make it a meal by adding some crusty bread to your order. They might serve you saganaki made with halloumi, feta, graviera, or kasseri, but any cheese that holds up well over high heat will do.

#5 Greek salad

We probably don’t have to tell you that you can’t go to Greece and not try the Greek salad. It’s a perfect way to refresh and regenerate after a full-day Ancient Delphi tour. Trust us; you’ll want to order this dish again and again since it’s so delicious.

Tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, red onion, and kalamata olives are the classic ingredients of a Greek salad. The highlight is the huge slab of feta cheese that sits atop the dish, which is also liberally doused in olive oil. Capers, a salty, briny condiment, is sometimes sprinkled on top.

#6 Tomatokeftedes

Although you can find it anywhere in Greece, tomatokeftedes is one of the most famous dishes from Santorini. It’s a staple of the island’s appetizer offerings and a common component of mezze plates. You can win over even the pickiest eater with the incredible texture and depth of flavor of these tomato fritters. 

The use of premium tomatoes in tomatokeftedes elevates the dish to a new level of deliciousness. When in season, the Santorinian tomatoes used in this dish have an exceptional flavour. A different variety of tomatoes would completely change the flavour.

Although there aren’t many components to tomatokeftedes, when they’re all of the highest quality, you’re guaranteed a dish you’ll want to have again and again. Tomatokeftedes is a dish that won’t let you down if you’re in Greece in search of farm-fresh fare.

Which traditional foods will you try first in Greece?

Keep in mind that these are just some traditional foods you must try in Greece. There are plenty more to choose from that are equally delicious. Let us know which ones you like the most by leaving us a comment below. We’d love to hear all about your Greek food experience!

Photos used:

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https://unsplash.com/photos/KPiljcdg1pI
https://unsplash.com/photos/x__khjVPkjU

How to Plan the Ultimate Honeymoon in Greece

10/08/2022 Easytraveller No Comments Travel News
Man and woman walking on the beach during sunset.

Have you already thought about your ideal honeymoon destination? Do you want to go classic and visit Paris, Hawaii, or Bali with your loved one? Or, do you want to find a destination that’s a little more unique? For example, if that’s what your heart desires, you could plan the ultimate honeymoon in Greece. In addition to gorgeous beaches, pleasant weather, and spectacular scenery, Greece is home to countless historical attractions you should visit, many beautiful romantic destinations, and delicious traditional cuisine you won’t want to miss out on. If you’re thinking of spending your honeymoon in Greece, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll go over some of the most romantic locations in Greece you must visit and how you can cut costs to make this trip a reality.

When To Plan Your Honeymoon in Greece?

The first thing you need to consider when planning the ultimate honeymoon in Greece is your timing. If you decide to go on a tour of Greece in January, you might save a lot of money, but the weather will be too terrible to leave your hotel room. Instead, the ideal months to go on your honeymoon to Greece are May through July or September through October.

Picking the exact date depends on what you plan to do when you get there. Greece’s spring and fall are both ideal seasons for sightseeing, while September is perfect for romantic wine tasting and July is suitable for leisurely beach days. Some couples decide to visit Greece during the peak season, between July and September. This option, although popular, means you’ll be dealing with large crowds of tourists anywhere you go, especially on the beach.

Caption: To see Athens and the rest of Greece, you’ll need ten days minimum.

Low angle photo of Parthenon in Athens

How Long Should Your Honeymoon Last?

Your Greek honeymoon should last between 10 days and two weeks, at least. If you can afford or take time away from work to stay in Greece longer, you absolutely should! You won’t regret it at all. However, be careful with how you plan to spend your time there. For example, two whole weeks in Santorini, for example, might be very relaxing, but they could also get slightly repetitive after a while. To avoid that, you could plan to hit multiple spots in Greece to mix it up more. However, make sure you find a balance. You can visit many locations by switching your destination every two days, but it could also get tiring very quickly.

What To Pack For Your Greek Honeymoon?

Before we list some of the most romantic destinations you should visit on your honeymoon to Greece, we want first to answer one of the most common questions people have: what should I pack for my honeymoon in Greece? Well, the answer is much more straightforward than it seems. The summers (and parts of spring and autumn) in Greece are very warm, so you most likely won’t need to bring many sweaters and long pants. Instead, focus primarily on bathing suits, beachwear, and anything you’ll feel comfortable in when the temperatures are high.

If you’ve finished packing and your suitcase is overflowing, you may not need to take anything out; just rearrange how things are packed. There are plenty of packing hacks online. If you follow any of them to try to save space, you’ll soon realize you have room for everything you need!

Caption: If you have trouble packing for your honeymoon, check for tips and tricks online.

A couple closing a suitcase together

Alt: A couple closing a suitcase together.

The Most Romantic Spots in Greece

Paros

Paros, compared to Mykonos, has a way more laid-back atmosphere while maintaining the same level of beauty. Due to its proximity to the port and bus station, locals often advise visitors to stay in Parikia when visiting and exploring Paros. However, if you are in Greece for your honeymoon, you’ll probably prefer to stay in Naoussa. The breathtakingly beautiful fishing town is too charming to miss!

Santorini

Santorini, the traditional honeymoon destination, should be included on every Greece honeymoon itinerary. Your most expensive island will likely be this one, but for a good reason. The island was created by a volcanic explosion thousands of years ago, and the stunning stone homes that make up its well-known cities, such as Oia and Thira, are perched on the cliff faces. There is simply nothing else like it.

Caption: Santorini is most famous for its white houses with blue roofs.

White concrete houses near a body of water under the white and blue cloudy sky

Crete

Greece’s biggest island is so huge that you could remain there for a whole summer and yet not see everything. Therefore, if you want to spend your honeymoon in Crete, you must spend a minimum of one week on the island. You should note that Crete boasts some of the nicest beaches in Greece; if stunning, sandy beaches are your top priority for your honeymoon. Although Crete boasts some of the best sandy beaches in the world, including Elafonisi, Voulisma, and Georgioupoli, beaches on Greek islands are often pebbly.

Naxos

There are several opportunities for romantic beach exploration, relaxation, and action on Naxos, the biggest of the Cyclades Islands. On Naxos, you may find the well-known Plaka beach. If you decide to spend your honeymoon there, you’ll be able to kick back and unwind on the beach. Or, if that’s more your style, you can try out some exciting water sports. Naxos is a fantastic location to attempt windsurfing and kitesurfing while on your honeymoon because of the strong winds that originate from the island’s west side.

Final Thoughts

Although honeymooning in Greece seems like a fantasy, it can become your reality! After all, it’s not that hard to plan the ultimate honeymoon in Greece. You just got to do your research in advance. If you want to save money, you can always opt to go during the off-season and visit some of the less touristy spots. There are many hidden gems aside from the popular Mykonos, Santorini, and Paros. You’ve just got to find them! For example, the island of Thasos is a much more affordable option, and it could still be an excellent spot for your honeymoon.

Meta: Are you thinking of having your honeymoon in Greece? Here’s everything you need to know to plan the ultimate honeymoon in Greece!

Photos used: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-and-woman-holding-hands-walking-on-seashore-during-sunrise-1024960/ 

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Top Historical Landmarks in Istanbul

08/06/2022 Easytraveller No Comments Travel News

Istanbul is a unique city in that it actually is in both Europe and Asia as it straddles the Bosphorus Strait. This major Turkish city is filled with historical landmarks that remind us of times gone by, from the Roman invasion to the Byzantine era.

When you are in Istanbul, make an itinerary that takes you through the city to see the amazing historical landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, a Byzantine mosque from the 6th century featuring rare Christian-inspired mosaics.

Before heading out to explore this impressive city, find a luggage storage locker and leave your belongings for safekeeping. The city is very crowded, so why not lighten your load?

Hagia Sophia

Officially called the Holy Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, this unique mosque was originally the Church of Hagia Sophia and was designed by Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus, two Greek geometers, in 537. 

It was once the biggest Christian church within the Eastern Roman Empire. It was later converted to a mosque in 1453 once the Ottoman Empire took control of the city. Then, in 1935 it was converted into a museum by the Turkish Republic.

Hagia Sophia was converted back into a mosque in 2020 where services are regularly held. Visitors are still welcome to explore the mosque but are asked to be respectful of worshippers and to only visit at certain times. 

Topkapi Palace Museum

Construction of this museum began in 1460 and was completed in 1478. Fatih Sultan Mehmet requested the palace to be built. Topkapi Palace Museum opened as a museum in 1924 and is a great place to spend an afternoon. 

The Topkapi Palace is located in one of the oldest historical regions of the city on the Istanbul Peninsula. The entire palace was not all built at the same time, instead, certain wings and towers were added later during the 19th century. 

It was originally the administration, art, and education center for the Turkish empire for around 400 years. Wander through the museum and learn more about the sultans that ruled from Fatih Sultan Mehmet to Sultan Abdulmecid. 

The Blue Mosque

Construction on The Blue Mosque began in 1609, opened in 1616, and was designed by architect Sedefkar Mehmed Agha. In Turkish, it is called Sultanahmet Camii and is best known for the blue tiles on the interior walls. 

Inside the mosque is the Tomb of Sultan Ahmed I, who ruled as sultan when the mosque was completed. The Blue Mosque also has a madrasa which was where orphans and poorer children were given training and education.

The Blue Mosque is still an active mosque, therefore, it is closed to non-worshippers during the five daily prayers. Visitors are asked to exit the mosque prior to the beginning of each prayer time.

Basilica Cistern

When you are searching out historical landmarks in Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern should be on the list. There are hundreds of cisterns underneath Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern is one of the biggest cisterns that is beneath the city.

In Turkish, the Basilica Cistern is called Yerebatan Sarnici which means Subterranean Cistern, or Yerebatan Saray meaning Subterranean Palace. Located just less than 500 feet from the Hagia Sophia, you can see both in the same afternoon.

The Basilica Cistern was built during the 6th century during the rule of Emperor Justinian I as one of the main water sources for the city. Today, the cistern is kept drained low so the public can go down below and see the inside. 

Grand Bazaar

When you are in Istanbul checking out the top historical landmarks, you have to stop by the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and biggest covered markets in the entire world. There are over 4,000 shops in the bazaar spread out over 61 covered streets. 

The Grand Bazaar started as a small market in 1455 and grew into a larger covered market and officially opened in 1461. There are between 250,000 and 400,000 daily visitors and was listed as the most visited tourist attraction in the world. 

Many people consider this bazaar to be the first shopping mall in the world. You can find several amazing gifts and souvenirs when you explore the Grand Bazaar. Grab a cup of coffee and spend the morning checking out the amazing shops. 

Galata Tower

This 205-foot tower was designed by architect Köksal Anadol and has nine floors to explore. The Galata Tower opened in 1348 and is one of the most iconic historical landmarks in Istanbul.

Originally built to be part of the Galata walls by the Genoese, the Galata Tower has been used as a fire watchtower and a dungeon. The tower eventually fell into disrepair and had been repaired several times during the Ottoman period. 

In the 1960s the Istanbul Municipality restored the tower and opened it for visitors, complete with a cafeteria and museum. You can climb to the top floor of the tower to look out over the city for great views and photo ops. 

Kariye Mosque

One of the newer mosques in Istanbul, the Kariye Mosque was built in the Byzantine architectural style. Originally, the mosque was the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, a medieval Greek Orthodox church.

Located in the Edirnekapi neighborhood of the Fatih district, the Christian church was converted to a mosque during the 16th century. In 1945, the Kariye Mosque was turned into a museum but President Erdogan converted it back to a mosque in 2020. 

The mosque is not active, but worshippers are welcome to come during the five prayer times. The interior of the mosque has some of the finest and oldest surviving mosaics and frescoes from the Byzantine Christian church. 

Istanbul is a unique city filled with historical landmarks that pay homage to its very storied past. Locals get to experience these amazing landmarks on a daily basis but if you are only in the city for a few days you will want to pick the most important ones.

Plan your itinerary and soak up the history of this wonderful city. We know the place and our official multilingual guides will take you past and through several of the historic landmarks.

Resources:

https://ayasofyacamii.gov.tr/
https://www.millisaraylar.gov.tr/saraylar/topkapi-sarayi/

http://www.bluemosque.co/

http://yerebatansarnici.com/ 

https://www.kapalicarsi.com.tr/
https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?sectionId=GLT04&distId=MRK
https://www.diyanet.gov.tr/tr-TR

Celestyal cruises voluntarily extends suspension of cruise operations until 2021 due to ongoing uncertainty on travel to europe this summer

02/07/2020 Easytraveller No Comments Travel News

Celestyal Cruises, the award-winning, number one choice for travelers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean,  has announced the further suspension of its sailings until the already announced 2021 season commencing March 6, 2021. 

Celestyal was one of the first cruise lines worldwide to take an immediate decision to temporarily suspend  cruise operations out of the abundance of caution for our guests, crew and local communities in mid-March. This decisive action resulted in no COVID-19 cases on our ships and were able to repatriate our guests and crew safely home before international air travel and borders globally shut down.

Leslie Peden, chief commercial officer for Celestyal Cruises, said, “As the core of our season runs from Spring through the Autumn, we were optimistic that we would be able to resume our cruise operations later this summer. However, given the prevailing uncertainty regarding travel restrictions through the balance of our operating season from our largest international source markets coupled with the continuing discussions at the European Union level regarding the enhanced health protocols that will apply to EU cruise operations, we made the difficult but prudent decision to postpone resuming cruise operations until the scheduled start of our normal spring season next year. We felt that as a company, we have already put our travel partners and guests through enough date changes on when cruising could return safely. By voluntarily pausing operations until our scheduled departures of next year, Celestyal will be better positioned to offer more clarity and certainty to our valued partners and guests, as well as peace of mind. We will now shift our full attention to developing both 2021 and 2022 business where we are seeing encouraging signs of pent-up demand and be well prepared to implement all enhanced health protocols that will ultimately be established by the EU and the countries where we operate. Whilst we appreciate and share in the disappointment this decision has on our guests, their wellbeing, as well as that of our loyal crew and the local communities we visit is always top of mind.”

For all named and paid individual guests impacted by this suspension, Celestyal Cruises is offering a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) valued at 120 percent of original booking value. Guests will have until the end of December 2021 to redeem their Future Cruise Credit against any of Celestyal Cruises’ itineraries through end of December 2022. To provide additional peace of mind, should guests choose not to redeem their FCC by end of December 2021, they will automatically receive a full refund equal to the original amount paid to Celestyal upon the voucher’s expiration. Celestyal is providing unique confidence to both guests and travel advisors through the welcomed assurance of their FCC’s supported by enhanced consumer rights and underlying guarantees, as the case may be.

Celestyal Cruises will automatically send the Future Cruise Credit voucher directly to guests or their travel advisors, so there will be no need to call the Contact Center other than to rebook.

Celestyal Cruises recently launched their 2021 and 2022 digital brochure supported by the generous early booking promotional campaign ”Escape To The Future”, and a comforting “Peace of Mind” policy that allows newly booked guests to change any cruise that sets sail through December 31, 2021. This applies to new bookings made until August 31, 2020. As long as the booking is changed at least 30 days before the sail date, a future cruise credit for 100 percent of the value received by Celestyal will be issued. The credit can be used toward any cruise that sets sail through December 31, 2022.     

CLIA working together with Greek government on the resumption of cruising

26/06/2020 Easytraveller No Comments Travel News
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Positive prospects for the resumption of cruise operations in Greece by August were raised during discussions between CLIA and the Greek Minister of Tourism, Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, and experts of the National Public Health Organization, according to Maria Deligianni, CLIA Regional Representative, East Mediterranean.

“All parties agreed on the need for national and industry coordination, and a clear timeline, in order to achieve a smooth resumption of cruise operations” Mrs Deligianni says. 

“Cruise lines are looking at a gradual, phased resumption with potentially a limited number of cruise trips initially. We informed Greek officials that cruise lines are interested to include Greece in their itineraries in coming August, an aspiration which was positively received by the Government.  For its part the Government indicated its intention to develop a national protocol as key to resumption of operations based on guidelines being prepared by the European Commission, specifically the EU Health Gateways guidance and the European Maritime Safety Agency”. 

“While we stressed the need for all stakeholders to work intensively so that everything is ready by August, the safety, health, and well-being of passengers and crew is the industry’s number one priority” says Mrs Deligianni and concludes: “Our discussions focused on the development of framework protocols, highlighting a holistic approach which includes the whole cruise trip, from the booking process until the departure home. Emphasis was given on the strict pre-boarding measures and onboard procedures as well as the measures that will be taken at the embarkation and disembarkation ports, and transit calls”.

The economic contribution of the cruise industry in the Greek economy is close to 1 billion euros per year, with almost 12.000 jobs depending on cruising. In the discussions with the government, CLIA highlighted that it is not only the cruise lines experiencing economic losses from the suspension of operations but also the cruise destination countries such as Greece, looking too for the resumption of cruise operations. The suspension of operations which has exceeded the 90 days has led to a total national economic impact at least of 200 million euros while more than 1.700 jobs can be lost. Cruising is an important part of the tourism flows by bringing more than 15% of the total 33 million visitors in the country every year. 

Source: https://news.travelling.gr

Cruising with family: How Fun is it?

01/03/2019 Easytraveller No Comments Travel News
Celestyal Crystal

Cruise Destinations For Whole Family Fun

76% of cruise-going families agree that cruise vacations are better and more enjoyable than traditional land-based vacations in a study reported by the FCCA. Cruises are the perfect and safe getaway vacations for families of all types. From tropical destinations, to the storied landscapes of the Pacific, to the enchanting history of the Mediterranean, cruise style vacations offer multi-country and city destinations on the vast open sea – something that a land-based location can’t compete with.

Set Standards Before Sailing On The Seas

Before embarking on these grand adventures, however, it’s important to set guidelines as a family to ensure a safe and fun family vacation. Sit down with your kids and discuss a set of ground rules – what freedoms they’re allowed –  before sailing off to your destination. While it’s important to set guidelines as a family, many cruise lines are making it easier for parents by going hi-tech with passenger bracelets that not only can track purchases, but can also act as a location tracker for those you’re traveling with.

Make Your Way To The Mediterranean

One of the most coveted and grand landscapes to cruise away to is the colorful Mediterranean coast. Both parents and kids will be mesmerized by the kaleidoscope of colors of Italy’s southern coast or the cool blue oasis of a Greek village. While porting at these countries, enjoy learning the history of Greek and Roman soldiers, take a ride on a gondola in Venice, or stop at the Agora Market. This destination not only is magical in its appearance, but offers an educational experience for the children.

Wherever you decide on as a perfect destination for your family, discuss not only guidelines before your trip, but also what type of experience you yearn for. Tropical? Glacial getaway? Mediterranean? Fortunately, there’s no wrong way to go.

Author Ali Vincent