DESTINATIONS — TURKEY
Support act: Pergamon
centre, which has played host to celeb spa-goers Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and Kelly Brook. The chance for grown-ups to
operators such as Riviera Travel omit July and August due to the soaring temperatures.
l ON THE MOVE Active trips are also good bets outside the heat of summer, with spring and autumn making great times to try windsurfing in the resort of Alacati or take a walking holiday along Turkey’s coastal routes. Inntravel has three walking tours in Turkey running until the end of October, all of which take a break during July and August to avoid the heat, resuming in September. Likewise
KE Adventures, which has just added three walking tours in Turkey taking in the Aegean and Turquoise coasts, favours spring departures leaving in late March. “The magnificent Lycian and
Carian footpaths are at their best in autumn,” adds Baxter. “Plants that had faded over the summer suddenly spring into life after a few downpours and the warmth of the sun.” She also recommends the shoulder seasons as an ideal time for wellness breaks at places such as Bodrum’s Life Co Detox
OFF-PEAK EVENTS
Special occasions and cultural events could be enough to tempt clients toward a shoulder-season break. Istanbul’s The Moving Museum (August 1-October 31) is hosting works by 40 international artists, while the Istanbul Design Biennial (October 18-December 14) will showcase cutting-edge creations on the theme ‘The future is not what it used to be’. Alternatively, check out the Contemporary Istanbul art fair, pictured (November 13-16).
For foodies, recommend
the Vanishing Tastes Festival (October 10-12). This gourmet exploration in Alacati focuses on traditional autumn and winter recipes, from food tastings to workshops with well-known Turkish chefs. If you pile on any pounds, you can always run them off at the Istanbul Marathon (November 16), or stick to watching from the sidelines at other sporty events such as Bodrum Regatta (October).
enjoy a break without hordes of screaming youngsters around is one not to be missed either: Neilson’s Seaside Beachclub in Ortakent hosts Just for Adults weeks throughout September, so there’s no need to worry about being outplayed by a youngster in the group tennis sessions or watching them sail circles around everyone else in the daily dinghy sailing and windsurfing lessons. Even winter doesn’t have to stop play. The ski resort of Erciyes, near Cappadocia, is undergoing an expansion and improvement plan that will increase its 45km of slopes to 160km and its bedstock from 500 to 5,000, while the
world’s longest gondola ride, spanning 8.8km, opened
in Uludag ski resort in June. Winter is also a magical time to visit Istanbul, which is truly a year-round destination. Advise clients to wrap up, as temperatures dip markedly and you can expect rain, chilly winds and even snow. But the lack of crowds trundling through its lavish palaces, historic mosques and exotic bazaars will only enhance a visit to this enchanting city. TW
PRODUCT BEACH
SAMPLE
Ilios Travel offers seven nights’ self-catering at The Cream House in Gokcebel village, which accommodates up to six, from £370 including easyJet flights from Gatwick to Bodrum departing November 1.
iliostravel.com 01444 225630
Anatolian Sky Holidays
offers a seven-night B&B stay in a double deluxe room at the Elixir Hotel in Kalkan from £769 in October, including flights from Gatwick.
anatoliansky.co.uk 0844 273 3585
Sovereign Luxury Travel
offers seven nights’ B&B in a double room at the five-star Oyster Residences in Olu Deniz from £665, departing
October 15, including private transfers, UK airport lounge access and Gatwick flights.
sovereign.com 0843 770 4526
18 September 2014 —
travelweekly.co.uk • 59
FAST FACT A new high-speed Istanbul-Ankara train
service opened in July, reducing journey time between the cities from 6.5 hours to 3.5 hours
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