In the 1920s Monaco destinations guide became the place for the rich and famous to come and play, driving big cars, betting big bucks and drinking copious amounts of fine champagne. It still hosts such strenuous activities, but these days as much fun can be had in watching those at play than those taking part.

Monaco's millions
If there's anywhere in Europe where the rich are free to flaunt their wealth it's Monaco. Diamonds, designer clothes and Ferraris are vital accessories in the leading local past time - showing off.

Perched on the cliffs looking out to sea, on France's Côte D'Azur, Monaco is one of Europe's smallest Independent States. It is also, for its size, one of the world's richest, with possibly more millionaires than anywhere else on earth. Nowhere is this more on show than in the harbour.

There's certainly no shortage of extremely large and expensive yachts in the marina. At 50,000 pounds a day, not including fuel, the luxury super yacht, Savarona, is all yours. With its solid silver sinks, and Turkish bath, it's very Monaco.

However, don't be alarmed. Luxury in Monaco does not have to be quite so ostentatious. Craig's hotel Columbus was among the apartment blocks of La Fontvieille in the commercial district. It has a distinctively hip and laid-back feel about it. It's also a good place to chill out away from Monaco's social whirl.

It's no surprise that eating out in Monaco is expensive so it's worth taking advantage of the Brasserie. Dinner is included in the price of the package. This hotel has stirred things up a little and it's a refreshing addition to some of the stale traditional hotels you might otherwise find.



Formula One, anyone?
The streets of Monaco are like any ordinary streets for every day of the year except on a certain famous weekend, making this the only grand prix circuit in the world where you can live out your formula one fantasies while popping out to the shops.

The big players still come to Monaco to stake fortunes on the role of a dice. Gambling has been a serious pastime here since the 19th Century with takings from society's high rollers keeping the principality awash with cash.

This is a hard place to do on a budget, so if you've had enough of the extravagance and expense you can jump on a train at Monaco's main railway station, and head down the coast. A 50-mile train ride will take you away from it all and at just £1.50.

Ten miles west of Monaco is Villefranche. Since the last century, it has been a favourite haunt of the English well-to-do. The harbour area and the beach are the town's main attraction. It's worth exploring the pretty streets as well. Sunday morning is a good time to visit Villefranche, when the town holds a weekly antiques market, a kind of glorified car boot sale flogging items from Monaco's glamorous past.

Poser's paradise
Back in Monaco harbour and there's always another excuse for the locals to show off. The annual Riva regatta is one of many society events held throughout the summer and there's no shortage of spectator sports for the weekend visitor to enjoy.

By car
Driving in Istanbul could be stressful and do not recommended, the continuous increase in the population and number of motor vehicles make the city traffic in Istanbul a nightmare. The city currently holds more than 1,500,000 automobiles.

The best option to getting around is definitely the public transport, and avoid hours of frustration. But if you are convinced to drive your car or rent a car be aware that parking in Istanbul is another problem, with very little on-street parking and with signs written in Turkish.

By taxi
Taxis are an inexpensive and easy way of transportation in Istanbul, they are easily recognisable for its yellow colour. They are equipped with taximeters which have two rates-day and night. From 6 am until midnight is the daily rate, and from midnight to 6 am is the night rate. As expected, the night rate is more expensive.

Dolmus
Dolmus is a shared taxi, travelling on a fixed route and cheaper than a taxi. They can carry up to 8 passengers. Easily to recognize, yellow colored and a Dolmus sign on its top.

By bus
Undoubtedly buses are the best way getting around the city. They are inexpensive and easily taken from everywhere in Istanbul. Bus stops are easily recognizable and are located at intervals throughout the city. There are two types of buses, Istanbul Municipality Buses and Private Orange Buses. They both operate at the same price and accept the same tickets.

One ticket costs approximately �0.80, and can be purchased from the kiosks by main bus stops or on the bus. If you stay longer, you may wish to buy an Akbil, which will save time and money on public transport.

Akbil is short for "akilli bilet". It is an electronic transit pass, very convenient and allows saving money. The pass is a small stainless steel "button" on a plastic holder that slots into machines on public transport. Akbil can be bought at certain I.E.T.T booths around the city. Akbil is accepted on Istanbul's buses (both municipal and private), trams, Tünel, Metro, Füniküler, suburban trains, fast catamaran ferries, and traditional ferries.

By boat
There are commuter ferries and seabuses shuttle passengers across the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia, as well as to the nearby Princes' Islands.

By metro
Metro is another inexpensive public transportation owned by Istanbul Municipality. Istanbul's metro consists of two lines, the northern line is currently just a short stub connecting Taksim to Levent. The southern line is most useful for visitors, connecting Aksaray (with its connections to the tram line) to Ataturk Airport, via the Otogar.

Payment is made by tickets.

By tram
Currently trams are perhaps the best option and most convenient for travellers. All Major touristy attractions are located in the Old Istanbul peninsula and the tram is passing near to all of these places. Recently all trams in the Eminonu-Zeytinburnu line has changed. They are now more modern and efficient.

Welcome to the

The city of Izmir is located in the Aegean region in western turkey, at the gulf with the same name Izmir. Called as �the Peal of the Aegean�, is the third largest city and one of the most important commercial and industrial centre in the country. Izmir is also the second largest Turkish sea port.

Studies and excavations prove that Izmir dates back to 3000 B.C. During the ancient times Izmir was known as Smyrna and was initially built on the Tepekule site today as Bayrakli. Later, in the Turkish era the city of Smyrna was re-named Izmir...

Turkish main cities are well covered with hospitals and private clinics available at reasonable costs. In rural areas and the east of the country, health services are less developed. The majority health cares services have bilingual professional and speak a foreign language. Medical facilities and standard of health care are not high in state hospitals and private health insurance is highly recommended.

It is recommended receive inoculations for Polio and Typhoid before travelling to Turkey. Also there is a risk of malaria in the south-eastern, but there are no reports of infection in main tourist areas. Some cases of bird flu have been reported in northern, eastern and central Turkey, but there is no evidence of the virus passing between humans.

To entry to the country there are no vaccination requirements, but is recommended to take care before to go to the country.

Water in the country are treat with chlorine, but to avoid any type of stomachic upset is recommended bottled water for drinking. Food from street vendors should be consumed with caution.

Health Precautions for Travel to Turkey
To reduce health risks visiting Turkey is recommended consider the following precautionary health measures.

• Take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after travel, as directed
• Mosquito and insect bite prevention
• Avoid drinking non-treated water - try drink only bottled water.
• Eat only cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself.
• to prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not walk barefoot.
• Avoid eat food from street vendors.
• To avoid rabies try to not handle animals especially monkeys, dogs, and cats.
• Use sun block and take sunglasses and a hat.
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Turkey has a diversified climate, its regions contrast from each other due the diverse nature of the landscape, and particularly for the existence of mountains running parallel to the coasts. While coastal regions have milder climates, the inland Anatolia plateau has hot summers and cold winters with limited rainfall.

In the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts the climate is cool with rainy winters, and hot moderately dry summers in contrast to the Black Sea coast that receives the greatest amount of rainfall. The Anatolian Plateau is much more subject to extremes than the coastal areas, where winters are especially severe and the temperatures could down from -30°C to -40°C in the mountainous areas in the east. However in the west, winter temperatures average are below 1°C. Summers are hot and dry with temperatures above 30°C.

The climate in the Black Sea area is wet and warm on summer the average is 23ºC and on winter 7ºC. In Eastern Anatolia and South-Eastern Anatolia there is a long hard winter; days and nights are cold with the snow lying on the ground from November until the end of April with an average temperature of 13ºC. During the summer the average is 17ºC. Western Anatolia as well as the southern coast of Anatolia has a mild Mediterranean climate with average temperatures of 9ºC in winter and 29ºC in summer.

Mountains close to the coast prevent Mediterranean influences from extending inland, giving the interior of Turkey a continental climate with distinct seasons. In Istanbul and around the sea of Marmara the climate is moderate in winter the temperature can drop below zero.

Turkey has many ways to move through the country and is well served by air, buses and taxis services. There are an extensive and well maintained road network linking the towns, cities, and popular tourist areas. Train system is limited and slow in comparison with buses; also there are shared taxis or minibuses called Dolmus covering short stretches and linking rural villages.

By plane
Turkish Airlines serves the major Turkish cities as well including the busy Istanbul-Ankara hubs. There are available fly services from Turkish Airlines, Onur Air, Fly Air, Pegasus Airlines and Atlasjet among others. The main airports in Turkey are Esenboga in Ankara, Atatürk in Istanbul, Adnan Menderes in Izmir and Sabiha Gökçen at 40km from Istanbul on the Asian Side.

To go from/to airport to/from the city centre very often there are available Havas bus, which is much cheaper than taking a taxi. Dolmus are also a good option.

By Bus
Buses are the main form of transportation in Turkey, very easy to use, economical and usually comfortable. The major regional transport hubs are all interconnected with regular services and currently Ulusoy, Varan, Kamil Koc and Pumukkale are considered the top bus companies in Turkey. The first one is more expensive than the others and Pamukkale is usually the cheapest. Although, there are many other different bus companies covering different parts of the country.

For long distance journeys usually most people take overnight buses.

The Dolmus are a kind of shared taxis or minibuses covering relatively short distances and are very cheap. They can be hailed everywhere on the route, they do not have stops.

By Train
Turkish rail network system covers limited numbers of cities and tourist spots and is slower travel compared with the bus. Turkish Railways (TCDD) operates passenger trains all over the country, the company count with sleeping cars, couchettes and restaurant cars. Some are air-conditioned. Fares are comparatively low, but are more expensive for express trains. Discounts of 20% are available for students (though a Turkish student card may be required), groups, round-trips and passengers over 60. Children aged seven and under travel free. Tickets can be purchased at TCDD offices at railway stations and TCDD-appointed agents.

By Road
Turkey has an extensive and well developed road network with many main and secondary roads linking all over the country among towns, cities and the popular tourist areas. A highway is opened between Istanbul and Ankara, as well as some other highway sections in different regions of Turkey. The E80, E90 and Trans European Motorway (TEM) are the three main roads leading to Turkey from the European borders and also linking to the Iran and Iraq borders.

In big cities and on the main roads the traffic is generally heavy and you can spend lot of time trying to get to your destination but driving in Turkey is not too complicated, they drive on the right and the Highway Code is the same as the European countries.

There are many rent-a-car services in Turkey, despite Turkish authorities are strict the requirements are not complicated, so you will need a driving license with an International Driving Permit.

By Sea
Passenger Ferries, there are several cruises in the Mediterranean sea and many shipping companies serving the ports of Trabzon, Samsun, Istanbul, Dikili, Izmir, Cesme, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Marmaris, Antalya, Alanya, Mersin and Iskenderun.

Car Ferries, there are a wide range of car ferries for visitors wishing to take their cars while site seeing. Venice, Ancona, Izmir, Istanbul, Antalya and Kusadasi are on the main route of these ferry lines.

Turkey has much to offer for the visitors, its geography and climate offer a wide range of opportunities to practice any sport and activities to do.

Sailing
Bordered by four seas, the Black Sea, Marmara Sea, Aegean Sea and Mediterranean Sea, Turkey offers a great opportunity to enjoy of cruising by the seas and at the same time appreciating of the plethora of archeological sites, castles and temples around the coasts. There are many cruising charters available.

Gulets, before used for fishing and transportation, now are very popular to make journeys. Best Gulets are built in Marmaris and Bodrum.

Scuba Diving
Turkey along its coasts and especially in the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts offer great places to dive. Despite that Scuba diving in turkey is relatively new it is developing rapidly. Its coastline abounds with sheltered coves, bays and uninhabited islands, rich and varied marine life, numerous reefs, majestic rock formations, curious caves and sharp drop-offs.

There are special requirements for foreign divers, they should have official documentation of their qualification, training and must be accompanied, when diving, by a licensed Turkish guide. The limit for diving with diving gear is 30 meters. To dive exceeding 30 meters they must do it with the proper diving and medical equipment

Kas in the Lycian coast is the most popular place for scuba diving. It offers clear water with visibilities up to 40 meters, comfortable water temperature of 25-28 degrees and its possible to see underwater canyons, shipwrecks, caves, bizarre reefs.

Bodrum is another great place to dive in. There are sheltered seas with visibility average of 20 meters, water temperatures range from 17 - 22°C during the season which extends from mid April to late October.

Rafting & Canoeing
Although, Turkey is not well-known as good place to rafting, in fact there are some excellent rivers that provide perfect conditions for canoeing and rafting; both for professionals and rookies. Some of the best rivers for rafting are: Coruh, Barhal, Berta, Firtina, Colak, Koprucay, Manavgat, Dragon, Goksu (Silifke), Zamanti, Goksu (Feke), Kizilirmak and Dalaman Cayi.

The river Coruh in the Kackar Mountains in northeastern Turkey is readily acknowledged as one of the world�s top ten for rafting. Its origin is in the province of Bayburt and flows for 250 km to terminate in the Black Sea. 4th World Water sports Championships was held here in 1993 with approximately 300 competitors from 28 countries. The Coruh River is best for rafting from May to September and the prime months are May and June.

Fishing
Turkey has plenty fishing areas especially in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Fishing can be done without a license in some non-restricted areas and just by amateurs. To get more details concerning fishing zones, the permissions and rules can be obtained from the Department of Fisheries at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

Football
Turkey in the last decades has been experimented a great development in a number of sports especially with football. Football is Turkey�s national sport and is played in all around the country. The most popular teams are Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, Besiktas and Trabzonspor, being the Galatasaray the most success, winning the 2000 UEFA Cup and European Super Cup. Turkey in the last years has exported many of its players into top foreign teams principally into European Clubs like Barcelona, Milan, and Parma among others. As well as sending players abroad, the Turkish league has also attracted players into Turkey.

Skiing
Turkey�s geography and its climate have created great conditions for skiing and winter sports. Turkey is mainly mountainous, and many regions have cooler climates than the major resort areas. There are several ski resorts in Turkey, which offer skiing facilities spanning from November to May.

The main ski resorts in Turkey are Uludag in Bursa, located at 1 ½ hours south of Istanbul by ferry and bus. This very popular resort is at 2453 meters. Kartalkaya located in outskirts of Bolu, slopes at 2221 meters' (7300 feet) altitude. Ilgaz at Kastamonu in the north of Ankara in Kastamonu province, the ski center is at 2000 meters (6600 feet). Sarikamis located in Kars at 2120 meters (7000 feet) of altitude and Palandöken in Erzurum is Turkey's coldest and highest (3150 meters/ 10,300 feet) offering with good hotels, good conditions.

Wrestling/Oil Wrestling
Wrestling in Turkey is very popular and another national sport. Yagli gures means literally oiled wrestling. Every year since 1640 Turkey�s wrestlers � men and boys � have gathered for their national championships on a grassy field held on Edirne. The wrestlers wear tight short leather trousers called "Kispet", made of water buffalo leather weighing approximately 13 kilograms, and they cover themselves with olive oil.

Turkish territory along its history has been birthplace of many different cultures and civilizations. Since 6500 B.C. Hattis, Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians, Armenians, Persians, Romans, Seljuks and Ottomans have left important signs of its civilizations through the country, ancient cities, ruins and the cultural heritage that make of Turkey so unique.

The most remarkable civilizations in the Asia Minor where undoubtedly Byzantines and Ottomans. The Byzantine Empire also known as the Eastern Roman Empire with Constantinople as its capital was founded by Constantine the Great in AD 330 and survived to the collapse of the Western Roman Empire; for 1100 years the Byzantines were able to maintain control of their empire until the wars with enemies from the east principally Ottomans. After that Byzantine Empire declined the Ottoman Empire occupied and expanded their territorial control over Turkey and some parts of Europe, Africa and Western Asia, but the Ottomans� ambitions of territorial control over the Mediterranean and Central Europe also brought many enemies and wars with them, causing the collapse of the Empire that governed the Mediterranean over 623 years.

Ottoman Empire�s collapse culminated with its participation in the World War I allied to Germany in 1914. The alliance was defeated by Allied powers and that brought the instability inside the Ottoman structure. At the end of the War, the Anatolian territory came under British and French control and Istanbul was occupied.

The occupation of Istanbul and Izmir by the Allies led the establishment of the Turkish national movement under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Pasha known as �Ataturk� or �father of the Turks�, a distinguished military and Hero of the War. The Turkish War of Independence was started with the aim of revoking the terms of the Treaty of Sèvres. In 1922, the occupying armies were repelled and the country saw the birth of the new Turkish state. Consequently the Sultanate and Caliphate were abolished.

In 1923 was signed the Treaty of Lausanne which led the international recognition of the sovereignty of the newly formed "Republic of Turkey" as the successor state of the Ottoman Empire, and the republic was officially proclaimed on October 29, 1923 in the new capital, Ankara, with Kemal Ataturk as its first President.

The new republic concentrated its beginings to make great changes into its social, economical and political structure, following the Western model. Political social and economic reforms were introduced by Ataturk and after his death in 1938, Turkish politics continue to form the ideological base of modern Turkey.

Day 1 Istanbul
Arrival to Istanbul Airport and transfer to hotel by agency representative, short info before check in and remainder of day at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2 Istanbul
Full day tour with licensed tour guide visiting the world famous landmarks and heritage of Istanbul. Sights include the Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Topkapi Palace Museum, Ancient Hippodrome lunch at local restaurant and Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi). After the tour, return to hotel and evening at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul

Day 3 Istanbul - Ephesus
In the morning join on a half day cruise on the Bosphorus which separates the Asia and Europe. During the cruise visit the Spice (Egyptian) Bazaar and Rum Eli Fortress. The afternoon is then at leisure until transfer to the bus station. Travel on overnight bus from Istanbul to Kusadasi / Selcuk (Direct flights from Istanbul are also available if you prefer to fly).

Day 4 Ephesus
If by overnight bus, arrival early morning and after a short rest, depart on a full day tour to visit the remains of Artemis Temple, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Then on to visit Ephesus Ancient City, the best preserved Greco-Roman city in the world. Here you will explore the Agora, Odeon, Curettes Street, public toilets, Celsius Library, Roman Baths, Grand Theatre, Marble Street. After a lunch break depart for the House of Virgin Mary and visit the chapel where she is said to have spent her last days. End the day with transfer to your hotel and the evening at leisure. Overnight in Seljuk or Kusadasi.

Day 5 Pamukkale - Cappadocia
Breakfast at the hotel and then depart on a full day tour to visit the natural formation of the travertine's at Pamukkale and the ruins of Hierapolis, end of the tour, transfer to the bus station for overnight travel to Cappadocia.

Day 6 Cappadocia
Arrival early morning and transfer to hotel for short rest before starting the tour to visit Devrent Valley, Zelve Open-Air Museum, Monk's valley (Pasabagi) where you will find the world known fairy chimneys. Break for lunch in Avanos and then continue on to the Goreme Open-Air Museum where you will visit the numerous rock carved churches and monasteries. Depart for a panoramic view of Esentepe and then on to Uchisar, a natural rock castle Overnight in Cappadocia

Day 7 Cappadocia - Istanbul
Another full day tour this time to visit the famous Derinkuyu Underground City. Afterwards a short hike through the green Ihlara Valley along the stream visiting some of the churches along the way. Stop in Belisirma for lunch and then on to Selime for a panoramic view. Stop at the Agzikarahan Caravanserai is included. At the end of the tour free at Goreme village before transfer to the bus station for overnight coach back to Istanbul with arrival early the following morning. (Direct flights also available if preferred).

Day 8 Istanbul
If by overnight bus, arrival to Istanbul early morning. Option to extend package with additional night(s) in Istanbul or transfer directly on to Istanbul Airport for return international flight.