And we aren’t talking about temperature!  It is sizzling - as a new tourist destination.  Twenty-six million tourists visited Turkey in 2008, a 12% rise over 2007.  For the previous several years, the country has experienced consistent annual 10% increases in the number of visitors!  Europeans have long known of Turkey’s treasures and they still account for the great majority of tourists.  But Americans are catching on!  In 2009, Turkey has seen an increase in the number of US visitors while almost every other major European destination saw a decline in US visitors due to the economic slowdown.

We at Cultural Tour Consultants are very excited to offer Turkey as a destination to our clients.  The country offers all of the cultural experiences our clients enjoy:  concert venues for performing groups, a wealth of history for art and architecture study tours, a bourgeoning wine industry, incredible food, traditional dance and music. 

CLICK HERE to read some testimonials from CTC clients recently returned from a concert tour in Turkey!

Reasons to visit turkey:

The dollar remains strong against the Turkish lira. 
This, combined with reasonably-priced airfare currently available to Turkey, make for a very affordable tour for your group.

Istanbul named 2010 European Capital of Culture
During the course of the year, more than 100 special events will showcase Istanbul’s historical heritage as reflected in architecture, culture, and lifestyle.

Travel to Turkey can be most relaxing, if planned correctly to experience Turkish customs and way of life - leave that to Cultural Tour Consultants!   You’ll witness the warmth and hospitality for which the Turkish people are known.  You’ll have the opportunity to experience the ritual of tea drinking.   We’ll include free time in your itinerary to allow you to relax at a hamam (Turkish bathhouse).  And we’ll make sure you have time to enjoy the beautiful white-sand beaches that abound along Turkey’s southwest Mediterranean coast.  Your tour can even include a short 2-3 day Mediterranean cruise along the coast  - known as the Turquoise Riviera – in a gulet, a wooden motor yacht or sailboat.  A fleet of 3-4 gulets can be arranged for groups!

Exotic yet familiar
 Walking down a street near Taksim Square in Istanbul, you will feel you could be in any modern city of Europe.  People are impeccably dressed in the latest Western styles.  You’ll find designer name brands displayed in the windows of the clothing boutiques that line the pedestrianized Istiklal Avenue and coffeehouses that are now found all over the Western world.  And then, suddenly, the beautiful, exotic sound of the call to prayer sung from a nearby Mosque minaret pierces the air and reminds you where you are.  Or you pass by a meyhane (tavern) and see people sitting on cushions in front of the establishment, smoking a water pipe.  This is what makes Turkey such an attractive destination for Europeans and Americans:  You are able to experience a very different and exotic culture – as complex as the intricately woven Turkish carpets - with a long and fascinating history and many traditions that have survived the centuries - in a safe and surprisingly familiar environment. 
Istanbul has been turned toward the Western world for centuries:  as a capital city in the Roman era, under the long reign of Greek Byzantium, and into the Ottoman reign.  But it was Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the modern Turkish republic who in the beginning of the 20th century pulled the rest of Turkey toward the West, when he embarked upon a program of political, economic, and cultural reforms to transform the country into a modern, democratic nation state.
Turkey is a secular state – with a predominantly Muslim population - where the separation of “church and state” is strictly adhered to.  Americans are often surprised to learn that the traditional Islamic headscarf is, by law, prohibited in Turkish governmental buildings and schools.  Contrary to what you’ll find in many other Muslim countries, alcoholic beverages are served in most restaurants. Raki, the alcoholic spirit traditionally served with a traditional meal of mezes and fish, may be considered the national drink and is consumed quite liberally.  Most Turks have a relaxed approach to their religion and are proud of the long Turkish tradition of religious tolerance. 

Turkey is a fascinating destination that offers historical treasures spanning thousands of years, unique terrain, traditions and customs, a warm and hospitable people, excellent hotel accommodations and service, and delicious cuisine.  What more could one ask for?