Istanbul

Istanbul is undoubtedly one of the world's greatest cities. Divided by the mighty Bosphorus, uniting two continents, it's sometimes referred to as the cradle of civilisation. Forget about street signs, throw away the maps, take a deep breath and plunge in. There's nothing like it anywhere in the world. As the former capital of three successive civilisations - Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman there's over 2,000 years of history to explore and some of it can be difficult to find amidst the chaos of the present. The oldest part of the city known as the Sultanahmet district, is home to many of its most breathtaking sights, from the minaret-cornered Byzantine Haghia Sophia to the opulent Topkapi Palace, once seat of the mighty Ottoman Empire. Here too you can gaze at the dazzling 17th century blue Mosque, adorned with over 20,000 ceramic tiles in 999 shades of blue. Apart from the history, istanbul's shopping is an experience not to be missed. First on the list is the staggering, highly atmospheric Grand bazaar in the Beyazit area, with its twisting, covered streets - although better bargains can be had in the smaller streets around sultanahmet and beyazit. Wherever you are, the most-prized must-buys are carpets, kilims and silver jewellery.While you're in istanbul, take the opportunity to see outside the city for one day at least, either by exploring the black sea or the islands that dot the bosphorus. Like istanbul, they will leave their own indelible and unforgettable mark on you.

North Cyprus - How the med used to be

The Turkish region of Cyprus, this sun-baked corner of the Mediterranean is only now awakening to mass tourism, making it one of those rare places where you can still leave the crowds behind.Think quiet beaches and rugged mountains peppered with medieval castles and monasteries. Unspoilt villages where the clocks seem to have stopped. And vibrantharbour towns like Kyrenia which still retain the charm and colour of Mediterranean ports of old. All enfolded in beautiful countryside and craggy coastlines where you can walk and relax without seeing another soul.A history of conquest by the Romans, Byzantines and Venetians has bestowed North Cyprus with a richcultural heritage. From the fairytale castle of St. Hilarion to the atmospheric ruins of Bellapais Monastery in the Besparmak or ‘Five Finger' Mountains, the region is sprinkled with medieval treasures and relics crying out to be explored. Nature lovers will find much to inspire them, too. The island's easternmost panhandle, the Karpaz peninsula, remains virtually untainted by modern life.Set off for the day to discover green valleys, peaceful villages, deserted monasteries and long sandy beaches where the only visitors seem to be nesting loggerhead turtles. There's no one better than Green Island Holidays to help you make the most of this magical land. With our wealth of inside knowledge, handpicked hotels and personal service, we offer everything you needto enjoy the very best of North Cyprus - the way the Mediterranean used to be.

Alaçatı. Aegean chic amid historical charm

Green Island Holidays invites you to discover the pretty, laidback town of Alaçatı on the Aegean coast, 72 km west of Izmir, one of Turkey's closest-kept secrets. Join the resident artists who love its charming old stone houses with turquoise shutters on cobbled streets lined with cafes and restaurants that serve fresh Aegean cuisine, and enjoy the sense of quiet luxury combined with relaxed hospitality provided by its numerous boutique hotels. Easily accessible from Izmir Airport, the nearby 2km-long Ilica beach extends between Çeşme and Alaçatı, while the pristine golden sands of the Pırlanta and Altınkum beaches are a delight.

Backed by hillsides of vineyards and olive groves, Alaçatı is renowned for its converted windmills, historical village ambiance and great local food. Dining out is an artform so be sure to try such regional specialities as stuffed artichoke (enginar dolması), stuffed courgette blossoms (kabak çiçeği dolması) and fish burgers (balık köftesi) at venues of the highest international standards.

Until recently known only to the most-discerning Turkish holidaymakers, Alaçatı is perfect for enjoying the delights of the surrounding sleepy Çeşme peninsula. These include world-famous sites Pergamon (Bergama) and Ephesus, the ancient Ionian city of Erythrai near Ildir, the therapeutic thermal springs of Ilica and the boutique Urlice Vineyard where you can taste the best of local wines. Contact Green Island Holidays to arrange excursions to all of these as well as short walking tours in the area.

Kalkan

Shimmering seas. Sun-baked ancient ruins. And whitewashed towns plunging down emerald hillsides. Turkey's turquoise coast offers up an enticing fusion of scenery, laid-back resorts and friendly turkish hospitality. Stretching along the country's southwestern shores between the jagged taurus Mountains and crystal clear Mediterranean, the region is regarded as one of the most beautiful in turkey and was once home to the Lycians, a maritime people who ruled the shores of ancient Anatolia.

Today, the Lycians have long gone, leaving only a few traces of their existence in the shape of elaborate rockface tombs. Replacing them are bustling market towns and pretty harbour villages that make perfect escapes for anyone looking to relax and enjoy a side-order of old turkey at the same time.

Kalkan is one of those places. This picture-postcard village is built into a deep valley, with bougainvillea-draped houses and cobbled lanes tumbling down to a harbour and marina. In the sidestreets, you'll find traditional Ottoman houses reborn as charming gift shops, smart lokantas and stylish bars, all perfect for
pottering by day and relaxing at night. Beaches are here, too. Head for the blue Flag harbour beach, the nearby cliff-sheltered cove of Kaputas or take a day trip to Patara, an idyllic ribbon of sands stretching for a full 14 kilometres.

Bodrum

Known as Halicarnassus in ancient times, the town of Bodrum on Turkey's Aegean coast is now one of the Mediterranean's most enticing resorts. Here, whitewashed houses cascade down hillsides to two beautiful blue bays. The icing on the cake comes from a 15th century castle, which stand imperiously on a spit of land between them, rising up against the mountains of the facing headland.

Delve deeper and you'll find a beguiling mix of ancient, medieval and modern, with everything from historic monuments and fashionable bars to bougainvillea-draped alleyways stuffed with shops. Topping everything, though, is the Castle of St. P eter dividing the bays. This spectacular Crusader fortress crams honey-gold turrets and a fascinating archaeological museum into its walls. Bodrum has plenty more by way of history, too, including a crumbled ancient mausoleum and a Roman amphitheatre.

Around its east bay, meanwhile, is the bazaar - a maze of streets brimming with colourful kilim, jewellery and leatherware shops. Other attractions include ‘hammams' or Turkish baths and gulet cruises to take you bobbing over the turquoise Aegean.

Elsewhere, you'll find a huge choice of restaurants tucked into the lanes or along the water's edge. Take a stroll and choose between traditional lokantas serving fresh, homemade ‘mezes' or European-style eateries offering pizzas and seafood. And when evening arrives, the town strikes lots of different notes. Enjoy dinner in view of the floodlit castle or sample the legendary nightlife, diving into the innumerable bars and dancespots.

There's much to entice you out of town, too. The Bodrum peninsula is home to picture-postcard pebble beaches, quaint fishing villages and endless outdoor activities. Relax on the beach, take a dolmus or jeep safari to explore, try your hand at watersports or go hiking in the hills.

Antalya 

One of the most beautiful locations in turkey, Antalya is regarded as one of the jewels of the turkish Riviera. Set between the snowy caps of the taurus mountains and along a wide, curving bay fronted by crystalline deep blue seas, Antalya's fusion of spectacular scenery, well-preserved history and cosmopolitan atmosphere makes it an unforgettable place to relax and enjoy a cultural breath of fresh air.The heart of the city is undoubtedly its old town or ‘kaleici' where you can wander for days and still find nooks and crannies anew. complete with an archaic castle, clock tower and innumerable carpet and jewellery emporiums, this superbly redeveloped quarter is lined with steep little streets and houses that testify to the city's chequered history of occupation.Follow the old town downwards and you arrive at Antalya's other great claim-to-fame, its chic marina built into its picturesque harbour. lined with smart restaurants and waterfront cafes, this the perfect place to come to indulge in some people-and yacht-watching over a delicious meal of meze and turkish wine.For more active entertainment, you can pay a visit to Antalya's new beach park, a superb waterside leisure park complete with dolphin show centre,aqua-park and shops and restaurants. or if exploring the old town has left you thirsting for more culture, Antalya Museum on the outskirts of the city houses a stunning collection of ancient artifacts, classical statuary and art that brings turkey's long history to wonderful life.the crumbling and awesome remnants of perge, once a flourishing Roman city, await just 15 kilometres away, as does Aspendos, a little further afield, where you can marvel at a beautifully restored Roman theatre complete with marble seats and stage doors for releasing wild animals.

For those wanting to experience turkey's natural marvels, the area around Antalya more than obliges. Here, the countryside and mountains are littered with wonderful lakes, waterfalls and caves, including the Duden Falls, a series of magnificent falls plunging into a high gorge where a path snakes behind the cascading sheets of water.

Tailor Made Holidays
Combine Istanbul with a choice of relaxing resorts.With one foot in the East and the other in the West, Istanbul is a perfect short-break destination combined with a spell in coastal Turkey or North Cyprus. Turkey's biggest city offers up a captivating blend of sights, sounds and colours. Delve into the labyrinth Grand Bazaar on the hunt for souvenirs. Admire magnificent mosques, churches, museums and palaces. And discover stylish restaurants, starlit bars, cosy coffee houses and electrifying nightclubs - they're all here in one fascinating melting pot of a metropolis. After experiencing fast-paced Istanbul, you can then head for somewhere completely different. Slow down the pace in North Cyprus, unwinding on the beach, lazing beside a turquoise pool or just soaking up the timeless way of life in this untouched country. Alternatively, why not stay in Turkey? Shift down a gear by escaping to Antalya, Bodrum, Kas or Kalkan. We've chosen each of these charming towns fortheir unique personalities and contrasts to city life. Cue everything from Crusader castles and cobbled shopping streets to peaceful bays, golden beaches and fabulous watersports - all perfect counters to bustling Istanbul