Turkey Greece Cruise Vacation

Things to See in Turkey When Visiting for the First Time

23/11/2022 Easytraveller No Comments Travel News

For ages, Turkey has acted as the gateway between Europe and Asia. It is a place rich in history and offers a unique landscape characterized by stunning beaches and soaring mountains. The fact that it has served as a place of trade and exchanging cultures for so long has made Turkey genuinely diverse. The list of beautiful places to visit in Turkey is endless. However, vacations are limited time, and people always want to make the most of them. To help you narrow down your plans, we have compiled this list of the essential things to see in Turkey when visiting for the first time. You can choose one or go for a backpacking adventure and visit each place. Whatever trip you plan, you can be sure you are not making a mistake when visiting these places.

#1 Mardin

Perched on a strategic in southeastern Turkey, Mardin is very popular due to its unique placement. For strategic purposes, this ancient settlement was built on a hilltop and overlooks the plains of Mesopotamia. Aside from its interesting position, Mardin is best known for its cultural diversity and Old City of sandstone buildings.

The most popular tourist spots here are:

Deyrü’z-Zafaran Monastery – one of the oldest monasteries in the world,
Sultan Isa Medresesi – a medieval monument that once served as an astronomical observatory,
Zinciriye Medresesi – a 14th-century Islamic school,
The Great Mosque
The citadel – provides great photo opportunities but is closed to the public.

#2 Ankara

Ankara is the capital city of Turkey. As such, over the past couple of decades, it has become a sprawling, modern city. Home to government buildings, commercial businesses, universities, and foreign embassies, it is the center of prosperity in Turkey. This is one of the biggest reasons why people who are moving to Turkey choose Ankara. One of the most common reasons to move abroad is that people feel the need to have a new beginning because they want a change of pace from their regular routine. With plenty of job opportunities and schooling options for children, Ankara offers people a fresh start while still ensuring they’ll have something to do.

It is located right in the center of the country, in the Anatolia region. Due to this crucial location, it also represents an important transportation hub. It links nationals and tourists alike to other major destinations in Turkey.

However, Ankara is popular for more than just business. The city also offers several historical sites and some arts and culture. The most popular tourist stops are:

Temple of Augustus,

The Citadel,
The Roman Theatre,
Numerous historic mosques,
The Anitkabir mausoleum – popular for housing the tomb of Turkey’s first President, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk,
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

#3 Istanbul

The city that used to serve as the capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires (then called Constantinople) – Istanbul is today the largest city in Turkey. It stretches across both sides of the Bosphorus – a narrow strait that connects Asia and Europe. This makes it the only city in the world that spans two continents. From incredibly impressive architecture to historical sites and delicious dining, shopping, and exciting nightlife opportunities, Istanbul truly earns its title as one of the world’s top tourist destinations.

The most popular tourist destinations here are:

The Hagia Sophia – this is one of the top historical landmarks in Istanbul for people who are visiting Turkey for the first time,

The Blue Mosque,
Topkapi Palace,
Beyoglu and Galata – popular nightlife and entertainment zones,
The Grand Bazaar – one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets,

Aside from paying a visit to the many historical and modern attractions in Istanbul, another great way to experience the local culture is to visit a Turkish bath. The numerous restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs offer a vibrant nightlife to people on any budget or preference.

#4 Konya

Konya is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is best known for its remarkable Seljuk architecture and Whirling Dervishes. Found in Turkey’s Central Anatolia Region, Konya prospered as a capital city under the rule of the Seljuk Dynasty. Today, it is a gorgeous historic site with many attractive buildings, artefacts, and traditions from that era.

The most popular sites in Konya are:

Alaeddin Mosque – houses the tombs of several sultans,

Ince Minare Medrese – a museum displaying artefacts from the Seljuk and Ottoman eras,
The Seljuk Palace – while it is in ruins, guided tours regarding its history are definitely worth the visit,
The Seljuk Tower – one of the tallest skyscrapers in Turkey,
The Mausoleum of Rumi – the tomb of the Persian theologian and Sufi mystic Rumi.

The biggest reason why this place is one of the most important things to see in Turkey when visiting for the first time is that it is home to the Mevlevi Order, also known as the Whirling Dervishes. They are famous for their religious ceremonies in which they spin around on their left foot while wearing white, billowing gowns. You can observe these ceremonies, also known as Sama, every week at the Mevlana Cultural Centre.

#5 Side

Side is one of the best things to see in Turkey when visiting for the first time if you’re a history buff. It used to be a major port in ancient Pamphylia before it was occupied by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. Today it is a picturesque town filled with classic ruins and modern-day resorts which overlook sandy white beaches. It is located on Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast in the Antalya Province on a small peninsula. In addition to the historical richness, Side offers fantastic nightlife and outdoor adventure opportunities.

This town’s main attraction is the excavated site of ancient Hellenistic and Roman ruins. Among other things, the ruins include the remnants of a colossal amphitheatre, an agora, a Byzantine basilica, public baths, marble columns, and various temples. The Roman baths were restored and now house a museum. The museum was made to display various Roman statues and artefacts. Overlooking the gorgeous beach is the Temple of Apollo. This place is a truly spectacular sight.

As for outdoor activities, you can either choose to spend a day on the beautiful beach or venture just outside of town to the Manavgat River. Here you’ll find a few boat tours, white water rafting, and impressive waterfalls.

Final thoughts

Seeing as it is on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to vacation costs and offers numerous options when it comes to tourist attractions, it is understandable why Turkey is such a popular destination for vacationers. The most popular demographics are families with kids and students. If you’re travelling with kids, you can go for one of the many educational, historical sites and then end the day with a trip to the beach in case the little ones get bored with all the history. As a student, you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife while still finding time to study while on your travels.

We urge you to do your research and respect cultural boundaries, especially in some of the more conservative areas such as Konya. And remember that the list of great things to see in Turkey when visiting for the first time doesn’t end here. A country that big with a history that rich will always have something new to offer you, no matter where you go within it.

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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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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

Service outstanding cruise was enjoyable

14/07/2015 Easytraveller No Comments Clients Impressions

The service outstanding, our cruise was enjoyable

Apostolos,

Sorry its taken me so long to response to your request.
The service was outstanding, our cruise was enjoyable except for a few things as follows:
We didn’t have much time to enjoy the island of Santorini, I took the same tour as before and we didn’t even have enough time to even stop and enjoy to town of Fira. Last time out with your tour I had time to have dinner and still make it back to the ship. I was very disappointed about that.
The next time I visit your wonderful country, i will request a single queen size bed.
I enjoyed the stop in Turkey more this time taking the tour to Ephesus & Terrace Houses, the only problem with that tour was our guide, he couldn’t get the radio’s to work (not able to talk with us using radio’s).
We enjoyed the cruise very much, I wouldn’t want to go on a ship larger than the one we were on.
Again, thanks for your personal touch, greeting us and taking care of us. We’ll see you again.
Regards,
Art and Judie
USA

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Turkey: The perfect spot for beach lovers

28/07/2014 Easytraveller No Comments Travel News

If you are the beach lover the most beautiful beaches can offer you Turkey. It has few wonderful beaches that can be placed on the list of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If you choose one of the beaches in Turkey, you can play sports, enjoy and sunbath at the Aegean, Mediterranean and Black sea. In the cities at the coast you can find rich history, natural beauties and tasty traditional kitchen. Here are the most beautiful beaches because mentioning just one of them wouldn’t be enough. All you have to do is to get Turkey visa and to choose the right spot for you and start your vacation.

Oludeniz (blue lagoon)

Although Oludeniz is one of the most popular beaches in Turkey, because of its simple shape regulating of the crowd doesn’t represent any problem.- This peninsula is placed on the south eastern end of the Aegean sea.- Warm and shallow water, great restaurants and refined sand are more than enough for enjoying.- Average temperature is not high even during the warmest months of the summer.- It has beautiful panorama because it’s surrounded with mountains.- Oludeniz has the official blue flag, that means that satisfies environmental standards.

Alanya

It is placed on the south coast of the Mediterranean sea.- In the first place Alanya was the secret of the local population, but now is the one of the most popular Mediterranean beaches.- Stone beaches are very warm during the warmest moths of the summer, but if you swim in the deep cold water of the Mediterranean sea, that is the great way to cool yourself while you are getting the bronze tan.- Alanya is the multicultural place where live people from all around the Europe and which visit people from all around the world, so it is a great place for meeting other cultures.- Alanya is on the ideal place, because near are Antalya, Cappadocia and Anatolya, that makes Alanya one of the best choices for vacation.- Alanya has the similar climate as Olideniz.

Antalya

Antalya is one of the most popular Turkish cities and a lot of people choose to spend their vacation exactly at this beach.- Beaches are here from pebble instead of the sand, that is usual for the beaches of the Mediterranean sea.- The most popular from all beaches is Cleopatra’s beach. – Old part of Antalya is placed at the crossroad of the hotels, beaches and other complexes. It is named Kaleici.- You can also visit isolated and hidden beaches where you can get just by the boat.- Water is clear and beautiful and you can paddle and dive or you can sunbath at the abandoned beaches.

Bodrum

It is called Turkish Saint Tropez. – In Bodrum are probably most visited and the most popular beaches. – It is estimated that population in Bodrum raise four times during the summer.- Bodrum is place where come movie stars and its popular tour destination of the ship The Blue Voyage. – Water around Bodrum is shallow and warm under which you can find little colourful stones. – Bodrum beaches offer also you the great night life.

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Istanbul Cappadocia Athens Greek Islands 11 Days

19/11/2012 Easytraveller 1 Comment Vacation Packages

Istanbul Cappadocia Ankara Athens.
Famous places, great monuments to discover. With this Turkey Greece vacation package you will see Istanbul, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk in Ankara, Cappadocia area, Athens and famous Greek islands like Mykonos, Patmos, Crete and Santorini.
Also with the visit to Kusadasi you will see ancient Ephesus.

FRIDAY: ISTANBUL: Arrival in Istanbul,

welcome & assistance at the airport and transfer to hotel. Free day.

SATURDAY: ISTANBUL:After breakfast full day visit to Istanbul. We begin our tour from the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul at Agia Sophia. Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD this church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Its massive dome dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses.
Next we visit the Blue Mosque, which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Dating from the 17th century, it is the only imperial Mosque with six minarets. The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100.000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire.
The Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4.000 shops are full of treasures – including carpets and kilims, silks, jewellery, ceramics, icons and leather goods. Lunch in a local restaurant and continuation of our tour. Our afternoon will begin at Topkapi Palace which, from the 15th to 19th century, was the principle residence of the Ottoman Sultans.
Little Agia Sophia Mosque is known as one of the oldest standing churches in Istanbul dating back to 6th century. It is early domed-basilica architectural plan of famous Agia Sophia which was applied here first time in the history.

SUNDAY: ISTANBUL – ANKARA – CAPPADOCIA: In the morning, transfer to airport for flight to Ankara. Arrival in Ankara & then to the city to visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk. Lunch and continue to Cappadocia. Dinner and overnight.

MONDAY: CAPPADOCIA: Visit the spectacular Cappadocia region, unique for its fascinating and unique landscape formed by the lava thrown out by volcanoes Erciyes and Hasan, 3 million years ago.
Visit the many monasteries and chapels in Goreme, World Heritage Site by UNESCO, dug into the rocks and decorated with frescoes of the tenth century (some of them very well preserved).
Pass by and admire a panoramic view of the castle of Uchisar on top of a mound of volcanic rock crossed by tunnels and windows and Avcilar Valley. Lunch and in the afternoon, visit the village of Avanos, famous for its handicrafts and valleys and G?vercinlik Valley (Pigeon Valley).
Visit the underground city of Kaymakli or Serhatli, one of 36 underground cities of Cappadocia served as a refuge for Christians. Return to hotel and dinner.

TUESDAY: CAPPADOCIA – KAYSERI – ISTANBUL: After breakfast departure to Kayseri airport for return flight to Istanbul. Arrival & transfer to hotel.

WEDNESDAY: ISTANBUL – ATHENS: At the appropriate time will be transferred to Istanbul airport to board the flight to Athens. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. Free day

THURSDAY: ATHENS: Morning sightseeing tour of Athens including all

famous monuments: House of Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Adrian’s Arch, Temple of the Olympian Zeus, the Royal Palace, the Academy, the University and the National Library. Tour will end by visiting the Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum, “State of the art” in museum construction and very rich in content.
Afternoon free to visit Plaka (The old Athens city) with lots of souvenir shops, restaurants and taverns.

FRIDAY: ATHENS – MYKONOS: In the morning we will transfer you to the Piraeus port to embark you cruise ship. Our cruise ship will leave the port of Piraeus at 11:00 for a 3 full days of fun and experiences. We go along the Athens Riviera in the Saronic Golf to the south end of Attica passing close to the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion. This afternoon is a good opportunity to get around and know your ship and the services we provide.
Mykonos is known around the world as the Ibiza of the Aegean, the most popular destination of the Mediterranean. An international “jet-set” known for its beautiful sandy beaches, hundreds of tiny white chapels and incredible night life. Stroll around the streets of the capital that are considered the most beautiful of the Greek islands and enjoy the great night life. It’s easy to get lost in its maze of gleaming white walls dotted with blue domes and windows and balconies full of flowers. Have a coffee or a cocktail in one of the famous bars and promise to return for longer stay and more experiences.

SAUTURDAY: KUSADASI – PATMOS: Kusadas? a resort town on Turkey’s Aegean coast. In ancient time settlers include the Aeolians in the 11th century BC and Ionians in the 9th century who made Kusadasi a centre of art and culture. In the early years of Christianity. St John the Evangelist and (according to Roman Catholic sacred tradition) Mary (mother of Jesus) both came to live in the area.
Take the opportunity to visit Ephesus, an ancient Greek city and later a major Roman city, on the coast of Ionia. The city was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
You can also visit the House of the Virgin Mary, purported to have been the last home of Virgin Mary, based on the visions of Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich. It is a popular place of Catholic pilgrimage which has been visited by three recent popes.
Then on to the island of Patmos, a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea. Patmos is a destination for Christian pilgrimage. Participating in the optional tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the Monastery & the Grotto (the Cave of the Apocalypse) of St. John, where he lived and recorded the Book of Revelation.

SUNDAY: HERAKLION – SANTORINI: We will spend this morning to explore this beautiful city, the capital of Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. Archaeological treasures, magnificent ruins and museums, glorious beaches and fabulous restaurants make Crete a complete vacation spot.
You can participate in one of the optional tours and visit the ruins of Knossos, which in Minoan times was the largest centre of population on Crete and are located within close proximity or the archaeological Museum of the city, one of the greatest museums in Greece and the best in the world for Minoan art, as it contains the most notable and complete collection of artifacts of the Minoan civilization of Crete.
Then we continue to Santorini. One of the jewels of small volcanic archipelagos five islands is undoubtedly Santorini. Santorini was created due to a volcanic eruption culminated in the explosion of a volcano caldera, therefore, its rugged landscapes dotted with huge cliffs. Santorini’s capital, Fira, with white-washed houses, narrow streets and open air cafes that cling to a steep cliff, is at the top of the beautiful island where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the bay. Discover Santorini villages that retain their authenticity, with beautiful blue and white buildings and barren volcanic rocks. It is a very fascinating and picturesque island. A magical place that has nothing to do with the rest of the Greek islands, a place to spread the peaceful and hospitable nature of its people.

MONDAY: PIRAEUS- AIRPORT: After disembarkation you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

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We enjoyed the friendly and hospitable atmosphere

29/10/2012 Easytraveller No Comments Clients Impressions

Dear Apostolos,

It was wonderful meeting you, in person, in Athens in the early days of September, and I want to thank you, even a little belatedly, for your kindness in brining our tickets to our home in Halandri. Again, thank you very much indeed for all your efforts in making our cruize a memorable one.

We had a really wonderful time and everything was far more than we expected. We especially enjoyed the friendly and hospitable atmosphere of all the crew members who went out of their way to make our cruize as comfortable and as pleasant as possible but especially the junior cabin attendants, the waiters – who were so friendly and went beyond the call of duty in every respect.

The entertainment on board was of a very high standard and we took away memories of a life time! We have not hesitated to recommend you to everyone who is planning a trip to Greece and I am sure that once, spring and summer are on their way, you will be getting quite a few bookings from this part of the world – deep from the heart of Africa!

We are very grateful.

Teddy

Kenya

Greece Turkey Mediterranean Cruise 5 days

13/07/2012 Easytraveller 4 Comments Mediterranean Cruises

Celestyal Discovery

Enjoy the luxury on board our cruise ships and get to know the Greek Islands and the Greek hospitality. The breeze of the clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea will make you wanting to come back and spend more time in the islands.

MONDAY: ATHENS/MYKONOS: Embarkation starts at 09:00. Our cruise ship will leave the port of Piraeus at 11:00 for a 3 full days of fun and experiences. We go along the Athens Riviera in the Saronic Golf to the south end of Attica passing close to the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion. This afternoon is a good opportunity to get around and know your ship and the services we provide. In the afternoon arrival at the famous island of Mykonos, an international “jet-set” known for its beautiful sandy beaches, hundreds of tiny white chapels and incredible night life. Walk around the town and admire the small houses, all white and blue, have a coffee or a cocktail in one of the famous bars and promise to return for longer stay and more experiences.

TUESDAY: KUSADASI/PATMOS: First port of call today is the Turkish port of Kusadasi with the option to visit Ephesus, one of the most complete ancient cities ever excavated. Then on to the island of Patmos, where participating in the optional tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the Monastery & the Grotto of St. John, where he lived and recorded the Book of Revelation.

WEDNESDAY: RHODES: Today we visit the magnificent island of the roses, Knights and Butterflies. Participating in one of the optional tours, you can visit the old medieval city and the famous Acropolis of Lindos. If you want to be on your own you can swim in one of the many beaches of the island or just stroll in the old city and imagine being one of its inhabitants of the ancient times, Late evening return in the ship.. Participating in one of the optional tours, you can visit the famous Acropolis of Lindos.

THURSDAY: HERAKLION/SANTORINI: New port, new places, new interesting sites in Crete. We will wake up in Heraklion, the biggest city of Crete, the island full of archaeological sites, beautiful beaches and fantastic scenery. Take the opportunity to participate in the optional tour to the Palace of Knossos, the centre of the Minoan Civilization.
We continue and this afternoon we visit the most breathtaking island, Santorini, believed to be the lost continent of Atlantis. You can participate in the optional tours or just relax in one of the famous cafes of the town and admire the sunset on the Caldera, known to be the most famous

FRIDAY: PIRAEUS: Early we arrive in Piraeus port. After breakfast disembarkation and continue for your Greece vacation or for your return home trip.

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Religious Tourism grows up in Turkey

07/04/2012 Easytraveller 2 Comments Travel News

Cultural, historical and religious wealth spots in Turkey offer all the major beliefs of the world as Islam and Christianity a great opportunity for visiting the country.
Religious tourism or pilgrim tourism in Turkey is growing in popularity. These tours are perfect for people who want to trace back the history of their religion, visit Biblical places and hear the legends related to the apostles. Many luxurious or even cheap holidays in Turkey include the following hot spots of religious tourism.

Hagia Sophia Church, Istanbul
Located in Istanbul, it is a legacy made for both Christian and Muslim culture. It was originally a church converted into a mosque by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. Here, you will see one of the most beautiful architectural designs. The magnificent dome will take your breath away as it is almost 56 meters high and 31 meters in diameter. It was included in UNESCO’s List of World Heritage.
Ephesus, Izmir
Located near the Aegean Sea, it is one of the greatest cities of the Greeks in Asia Minor. It is a sacred site for Christians due to its strong association with biblical figures such as Apostle Paul, John the Baptist and Mary. It is also a tourist attraction for travellers on Mediterranean cruises. It used to be home of the Temple of Artemis which is included in the Seven Wonders of the World.
Chora Church, Kariye Müzesi
Just like Hagia Sophia, Chora Church was also a church that was converted into a mosque. It is one of the most beautiful examples of a Byzantine church. Inside the building is a beautiful interior covered with fine mosaics and frescoes. These paintings are of religious figures such as Mary, Joseph and Moses.
Church of St. Peter, Antakya
Antakya or Antioch is the place where Peter lived. This small cave church is regarded as the world’s first church where saints named the new religion Christianity. It is believed to be carved by Peter himself. The church also includes pieces of floor mosaics and frescoes.
Pool of Sacred Fish, Urfa
Known as the place where King Nimrod attempted to murder Abraham by throwing him into a furnace. It was believed that with God’s will, fire turned into water and wood turned to carps. Here, you can enjoy the scenic beauty and appreciate the infrastructures that surround it.
More information and tour programs

Heraklion Crete to welcome more cruise ships

02/11/2011 Easytraveller 2 Comments Travel News

Heraklion Crete Island Greece Heraklion port authorities welcomed the arrival of new cruise ships and is encouraging more cruise companies to include Heraklion in Crete island in their itineraries.
Very close to many archaeological sites gives you the opportunity to be an eye witness of places where the western civilization started a few thousand years ago.
The Heraklion is a modern vibrant city with nice architecture and a very interesting museum with excellent ceramic paintings.
Enjoy the Greek and Mediterranean food in the restaurants and taverns of Heraklion and taste the local wine and “raki” the local spirit.
This very informative video is made by the port authorities of Heraklion.

Posted by the Easytraveller Team

Easytraveller.gr

Tag: Turkey Greece Cruise Vacation