This year I decided to take a well deserved break to Turkey with my Mom and my aunt. I had sold so much of Turkey over the past few years I decided I would have to go and see what all the excitement was about - and boy was I very impressed!
We flew from Shannon to Izmir which took just over 4 hours with the Turkish Airline Onur Air and it was a very pleasant flight. Once off the flight we got our Turkish visitor visa stamped in our passports at the cost of €20 payable on arrival.
We were then transferred by coach to The Palmin Sunset Plaza Hotel Kusadasi, the transfer time was 1 hour. As our flight was a night flight it was 6am before we arrived at the hotel. When we checked in we could have breakfast which I thought was a lovely touch because you could have a snooze after this. Breakfast was included in the cost of the package and was Continental Breakfast.
We stayed in a family suite which consisted of 2 bedrooms each with own bathroom and even though it had two separate entrances, it did have interconnecting doors ideal also for families. The complex is divided into different buildings but still only a two minute walk to reception. The pool area is really nice and very big and the spa was fantastic. I would highly recommend the Turkish Bath!!! There was great evening entertainment in this complex which is solely sold to the Irish.
There is a small beach at the hotel but it does have a very steep incline down to it. Ladies Beach is a walk away but the “dolmus” (the local bus service) stops outside and for a few cent will drop you at the beach. The temperature was early 30’s when we travelled in May with a really nice breeze.
There are plenty of excursions in Turkey such as a trip to the ancient city of Ephesus, the Greek Island of Samos, a water park, boat trips and also overnight trips to Istanbul. The Turkish people are so friendly and service is impeccable. The food is gorgeous and all tastes are catered for. Nightlife is brilliant and all ages catered for on Bar Street in Kusadasi. The value for money is fantastic with the Turkish Lira and you will pick up some amazing bargains in the shops. The Euro is widely accepted in most shops and restaurants.
Thank you for reading my journal and hopefully I have tempted you into travelling to Turkey – give me a call for more information.