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FIND OUT MORETurkish delights
With everything from picturesque Mediterranean coastal resorts to cosmopolitan city sights, Turkey has hardly had trouble attracting the tourists. But as Istanbul gears up to become European Capital of Culture, and British holidaymakers look to get the best from their pound, the transcontinental country is set to become this year's favourite hot spot, says Deborah Purtell.
Turkey is simply a-clucking with excitement. Now that Istanbul has been named European Capital of Culture 2010, the country's largest city is busy preparing to thrust itself into the world spotlight, laying the foundations of a master plan set to make it more of a cultural magnet than it already is - if that's possible.
Run-down neighbourhoods are scheduled for makeovers, historical buildings will be renovated and new museum spaces built to display even more cultural assets. Not to mention the compilation of an extensive programme of events and festivities to celebrate the best contemporary arts and draw culture vultures from around the globe.
Visitor numbers are already on the up in Istanbul, and the nation's tourist industry is poised for further growth across the whole country as many of us Brits will be sidestepping the eurozone this year, looking for good value holidays in destinations where sterling is holding its own.
As the place where East meets West, Turkey has the advantage of being able to offer all the beach beauty of its Mediterranean neighbours, plus a heady dollop of mystical exoticism, evident in everything from its food to its architecture.
ISTANBUL
You don't have to wait until 2010 to enjoy Istanbul's cultural riches. Hip weekenders are already riding the nouveau-cool wave that has hit the only city in the world located on two continents. With its extraordinary mix of Eastern and Western influences, a 3,000-year history, remains of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and the recent addition of modern, designer chic bars and hotels, there's plenty of reason to just up and go right now. Take inspiration from our pick of the highlights.
Must-see architectural sights
First-timers in Istanbul should begin by heading to the historic district of Sultanahmet, home to three of the city's most famous buildings.
The somewhat schizophrenic Ayasofya (also known as the Hagia Sophia) started life as a church, was transformed into a mosque in the 1400s, and now stands as a museum. Surviving invasion and deconstruction, its vast 30-metre dome and part plastered over mosaics still dazzle the hordes of tourists flocking to see what once stood as the biggest cathedral in the world for nearly 1,000 years.
Just across the square you'll find the magnificent Sultanahmet Mosque, commonly called the Blue Mosque, set among beautiful gardens that also house the tomb of Sultan Ahmet I, the Vakiflar Carpet Museum and the Mosaic Museum. Take in the sight at dusk, when its curves and six minarets create a sophisticated silhouette against the setting sun.
A few minutes' walk will take you to the huge, impressive Topkapi Palace, the hub of Ottoman power for nearly four centuries until it was superseded by the Dolmabahce Palace in the 1850s. With numerous courtyards, large collections of porcelain, clothing, weapons, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts and murals, plus Ottoman treasures and jewellery, it will take a good half day to explore properly, but is worth spending time on.
Retail therapy
If you'd rather bag a bargain than marvel at mosques, then head straight to the city's unmissable Grand Bazaar. It's a giant covered market, the heart of which dates back to 1461, with a maze of vaulted passages housing some 4,000 shops. Beyond the fake jeans and tacky tourist trinkets, this is the place for traditional Turkish carpets, leather goods and jewellery, so be sure to treat yourself to a souvenir. Don't expect a leisurely stroll window shopping though; with unyielding shopkeepers vying for your attention, you'll need to be firm and confident with your haggling skills.
Sounds a bit chaotic? Then hop on the metro and head for the newly built Kanyon Shopping Mall in the financial district of Levent. It's an award-winning architectural space incorporating retail, residential and office floors. Home to a Harvey Nichols store, as well as numerous designer boutiques, it's the place for those who prefer swanky shopping in style.
Follow the festivals
If like me you plan your city breaks around the what's on calendar, there are plenty of events to keep you occupied over the coming months.
Golf fanatics could swing over to see both Turkish and international golfers play at the Istanbul International Golf Festival, taking place from May 29 - 31. Visit www.demosgolf.com for further information.
Music lovers are in for a treat as the Efes Pilsen Blues Festival (www.efesblues.com) takes place from June 1 - 30, followed by the 37th International Istanbul Music Festival (www.iksv.org) from June 5 - 30, featuring a huge selection of European classical music, ballet and opera performances.
Eat, drink and be merry
Sampling the local food and drink is pretty much compulsory on any trip abroad and Istanbul is no exception. Stop by a traditional taverna and feast on typical culinary treats such as mezes - small portions of pastries, yoghurt and vegetable dips, bean and fish dishes, and salads - or join local Istanbullus in a traditional teahouse.
Alternatively, try one of the modern restaurants popping up all over the city, such as the much hyped 360 (www.360istanbul.com) - a stylish rooftop eatery offering a fusion of Turkish and international cuisine.
For a drink with a view, take a boat trip up the Bosphorus, the strait that runs through the heart of the city, to the historic Leander's Tower, which now houses a restaurant and cafe. Or head up Istanbul's Galata Tower, overlooking the boat-filled waters.
Sleep tight
If you're not too worried about cost, indulge in the historic grandeur of Istanbul's Macka Palace, where the Park Hyatt group has just opened its latest design-led bolthole (www.istanbul.park.hyatt.com). Located in the fashionable Nisantasi district, it's on the pricey side at roughly £240 per room, but then 5-star luxury never came cheap.
If you've an eye on your wallet, then check in for a fraction of the price at the kooky, lantern-clad Kybele Hotel (www.kybelehotel.com), bang in the heart of Sultanahmet.
BEST OF THE REST OF TURKEY
Beach life
With pine-clad hills and mountains giving way to pristine powdery sands and clear waters, Turkey's generous south-west coastline is a beach lover's dream. My personal favourite is Olu Deniz, where a long stretch of sand and shingle curves around the bay, leading to a stunning lagoon with turquoise waters - picture postcard perfect.
Second to this I recommend the sleepy town of Dalyan, or the bay at Sarigerme, where rare nesting loggerhead turtles can be found laying their eggs in the clean, fine sand.
Activity holidays
For those who prefer to keep the adrenaline pumping, all manner of sporting activities can be found inland, from skiing to mountaineering, rafting to caving. Popular with walkers and climbers are the Black Sea highlands in the north, with lush green slopes, fresh air and crystal clear streams.
Check out activity holiday operator Explore (www.explore.co.uk), who offer a vast range of trips, including cruising, walking and cycling.
Get into your thermals
Top of my wish list is a trip to one of the country's famous thermal resorts to luxuriate in the soothing waters and just wallow around in mud. As Turkey is located on top of a major geothermal belt, it boasts over 1,000 thermal springs, with temperatures ranging from 20oC to 110oC. Only a handful provide overnight accommodation, but most are located in the Marmara and Aegean regions, easily accessible by public transport for a day trip.
HOW TO GET THERE
Turkish Airlines (www.thy.com, tel: 0844 800 6666) offers ten weekly flights to Istanbul and many more destinations across Turkey and beyond. For a range of other flight options available from Manchester to Turkey visit www.manchesterairport.co.uk.
All images courtesy of Turkish Culture & Tourism Office, www.gototurkey.co.uk