Istanbul is clearly Turkey’s best known city break destination. Although, no longer the country’s capital, it remains its cultural and commercial centre and this, together with its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, mean that it is extremely popular as a city break destination.
It is by no means, Turkey’s only contender, however, and Intra Tours DMC is receiving an increasing number of requests for city breaks in other major cities such as Izmir, Antalya and Ankara. Sometimes, these are linked to business requirements, where a client is looking to make the most of a business trip by combining it with a weekend city break, and sometimes these are simply leisure travellers on the look out for new destinations.
Izmir is not only a great base for exploring the ancient sites of Ephesus and Pergamum, it is also a relaxed city break destination in its own right. Its ambience is distinctly European, a laid-back coastal city with wide tree-lined promenades. The modern city is overlooked by the Kadife ‘Velvet’ Castle, one of the best vantage points over the city. Other sites of interest include the Agora museum, and its modern-day equivalent, the local bazaars.
Antalya is becoming a popular city break, with its mild climate ensuring visitors all year round. It offers something for everyone – the charming old town of Kaleiçi, surrounding the harbour, is home to a number of chic boutique hotels, whereas the modern city surrounding it offers all the sophistication of the Med. Antalya Museum is well worth a visit and, in addition to the many fabulous beaches, there is golf at nearby Belek and oodles of history in the surrounding area.
Ankara is the capital of the Republic of Turkey, and home to its government. Once ruled by King Midas and Alexander the Great, a visit to its Museum of Anatolian Civilisations really helps to make sense of Turkey’s rich history. Similarly, a visit to Atatürk’s Mausoleum, Anitkabir, provides a fascinating insight into the founder of the Republic. Recently, a number of top-class hotels have opened in Ankara.
