Wakacje Cesme - holidays and trips

Cesme is an elite place for the Turks, where holidays are spent by the cream of people from Izmir and Istambul, cinema stars, sports stars or politicians. In no other place can you encounter such refined accommodation, wonderful restaurants and discos on the beaches, and the narrow streets are crowded with top car makes like Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches.

Cesme is 80 km west of Izmir. The unique atmosphere of the city is created by well-maintained Ottoman houses, Turkish baths, restaurant on the seaside boardwalk, where you can try fresh fish and seafood. Cesme is known for its azure sea, golden beaches, as well as spring Spas. The name of the city means "spring" or "fountain". The benefits of spring water for various diseases have been long known: spring baths help relax, you can drink spring water from many street intakes. The attractive location and favourable winds have made Cesme a popular place for holidays for those wishing to relax on wonderful, sandy beaches, as well as for all amateurs of watersports. The beaches surrounding the city are paradise for windsurfers and enthusiasts of water fun. Thanks to the winds on the peninsula, which pleasantly cool the air, and relatively low air humidity, relaxing on the beach is particularly pleasant here. It is worth taking a cruise to the nearby islands and bays. A favourite destination for all visitors and the main attraction is the mountainous Greek island of Chios, which is only 10 km in a straight line from Cesme. The well-preserved Genoese fort from the 13th century calls for attention - presently it is a museum. The city was the setting of many mythological events, with every step you can feels the spirit of the past, and the ruins of the ancient cities fascinate hotheads of ancient culture.

SIX REASONS TO VISITE CESME:

1. Sandy beaches and beautiful views – the Cesme coast is famous for the most beautiful beaches in Turkey, both those popular and often crowded, as well as the intimate ones, further from the centre. There are about 20 beaches on the entire island. The beaches surrounding the city are paradise for windsurfers and enthusiasts of watersports. What is special in Turkey is that the beaches have a fine, white sand, and additionally a very gentle descend to the sea with a sandy bottom, creating large shallows, due to which they are perfect for families with children. The crystal clear water glitters with thousands of shades of blue, and makes it easy to fall in love with this place.
2. A mild climate of the land of wind - a great advantage of Cesme is the fact that there is always a refreshing and pleasant breeze from the sea, even on the hottest days you don't feel the high temperature. Thanks to this, the conditions for watersports are also ideal. The constant summer wind that blows from the left, and the flat mirror of water are perfect for learning windsurfing and kitesurfing. What is interesting is that in the summer a constant moderate north-western wind blows, called meltemi, which causes that you don't feel the hot days, while in spring and autumn, the southern wind dominates - which warms the climate. Conditions are perfect in every season of the year!
3. Alacati – windsurfers' mecca – approx. 15 km from Cesme there is the world-famous destination of Alacati. Located by a safe, shallow bay, 400 m wide and 500 m long, it is the perfect place not only for advanced windsurfers, but also perfect for learning. The strong winds in connection with the shallow bay make it a terrific place for windsurfing and kitesurfing. There are clubs and bases of wind- and kitesurfing here, where shops, equipment rental and 6 surfing schools operate. Meltemi winds blowing to the left and creating regular waves are characteristic for Alacati. The International Championships in Windsurfing PWA Alacati World Cup takes place in Alacati. Every year in August approx. 150 surfers from 38 countries come here. Other famous places where PWA competitions take place are Sotavento in Fuerteventurze and Pozo in Gran Canaria. An interesting fact is that during the Olympics in Athens in 2004, windsurfing – one of the disciplines – took place right here in Alacati.
4. A paradise for excursions – holidays in Cesme are a special opportunity to get to know the extremely beautiful part of Turkey. Local trips to destinations like Troy and Pergamon are organised only from here. Only from here is an excursion to the most exquisite city in Turkey organised - to Istambul, the only city in the world situated on two continents. By the waterfront there is a ferry harbour, from where you can go on daily expeditions to the Greek island Chios.
5. Crazy nights and days – Cesme is a very entertaining town, many festivals, concerts and competitions take place here, among others, the International Song Contest organised for 15 years now between 20 and 25 July. From mid-June to mid-July lasts the International Festival in Izmir, during which you can enjoy music, dancing and interesting performances taking place in the vicinity of the Cesme. Other major events, which attract enthusiasts of art, good music and good fun are: International Children's and Youth Theatres Festival, Melon Festival, International Film Days and Festival of Aegean Art. In addition, you can take part in concerts and music events, where everyone can find something for everyone. Turkish popstars like Tarkan and Mustafa Sandal perform in Cesme. Cesme is a place where you can experience mad fun and party not only at night. This is the only place in Turkey, where during the day the famous Beach Party, similar to those of Mykonos, takes place.
6. Paradise for the palate – the Aegean Sea is abundant in fish and seafood. Many destinations are located here on the Cesme peninsula famous for their fish cuisine, where everything is fresh and fragrant - a real treat for the palate.

Istambul (2 days) –
Day 1: early departure, breakfast on the way, arrival in Istanbul, lunch, visiting Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar, a cruise along Bosphorus Strait. Check into hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: after breakfast, visiting the Temple of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and hippodrome, lunch, dinner on the way back to Cesme Price – approx. 270 EUR.

Pergamon - transfer to the archaeological complex of ancient Pergamon, which was a great cultural centre and the capital of the empire. Visiting the Acropolis: the ruins of a library, theater, the Temple of Trajan and Dionysus, the altar of Zeus Tour of the Asclepeion, the ancient medical center and Red Basilica. Price – approx. 80 EUR.

Ephesus - the best preserved ancient city in Turkey, was an important religious centre, commercial and social development of the ancient world. Exploring the impressive remains of the city, among others, the Temple of Hadrian, the Temple of Domitian, Celsus library, baths and the theatre. A visit to the chapel built on the foundations of the house, where according to legend, the Virgin Mary spent her last days. Price – approx. 70 EUR.

Izmir City Tour - a visit to the third largest city of Turkey. Sightseeing: the remnants of an ancient agora, Atatürk Museum, ancient Smyrna and the fortress. Then in the programme: a visit to the historic Bazaar in the district of Konak, where there are 2 thousand shops, free time for shopping, boat cruise to Karşiyaka. Price – approx. 80 EUR.

Pamukkale - a trip that combines elements of history with admiring nature. A walk among the world-unique snow-white terraces known as the cotton fortress. The beneficial effects of the water from the springs was already known in Roman times. Exploring the ancient Hierapolis with the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, nymphaeum, theatre and necropolis. Price – approx. 64 EUR.

Blue cruise - a cruise on the most beautiful bays of the Aegean Sea, time for relaxation, swimming in the sea and sunbathing. Price – approx. 45 EUR (includes lunch on the boat, drinks additionally payable).

Cesme City & Erythrai – touring the charming village of Erythrai, where from the hills on which an ancient theatre stands, there is a magnificent view of Cesme and the nearby islands. Transfer to Alacati, possibility of visiting the mosque, seeing a windmill, transfer to Cesme, touring the fort, caravanserai and boardwalk, swimming in thermal pool in the town of Sifne. Price – approx. 45 EUR.

Chios - a visit to the charming Greek island on the Aegean Sea, located only approx. 10 km from the coast of Turkey. Time for individual sightseeing. Price - approx. 45 EUR (includes transfer to the port, ferry ticket and return transfer).

Kusadasi - Panorama City Tour – it's hard to resist the temptation of bringing back for yourself and friends local products and souvenirs, which are associated with Turkey: original goldsmith products, ceramics, leather products, as well as little things like Turkish tea and coffee, lokum or baklava or olive-oil cosmetics. A trip to Kusadasi, full of shops and boutiques, will allow for the best shopping experience. After shopping transfer to Selçuk and visiting the ancient temple of Artemis, which is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Price – approx. 35 EUR.

Local excursions are organized by local travel agencies under the conditions fixed by them. It's possible to disorganize trips due to low number of applicants.