Turkish travelers prefer European tours for New Year's holiday
With one month left before New Year's, holiday tours have nearly reached their full occupancy rate, according to Turkey-based tour operators. Like last year, Turkish travelers prefer tours of Europe, notably Barcelona, Vienna, Amsterdam and London. Around 70 percent of holiday tour reservations are full, Yeşim Özaltay, the head of Setur Domestic and International Tours, told Anadolu Agency. Many travelers are planning to combine their first weekend of 2016 with Jan. 1, which falls on a Friday, to enjoy a longer holiday. The price of holiday tours range from 199 euros to 2,800 euros. Özaltay said that since New Years' will start on a Friday, they have received higher demand for tours this year.
Aside from New Years' entertainment programs, European cities offer a unique cultural experience and culinary tastes as well as history and adventure that attract tourists. Some travelers prefer to go outside of Europe to Dubai and Miami for a warmer New Year's holiday. According to Özaltay, Miami tours are ideal for those looking for a different New Years' experience in a colorful country. The direct flights from Turkey to Miami via Turkish Airlines began on Oct. 25 and have increased demand. During a stay in Miami, vacationers can visit South Beach, best known as SoBe, or Ocean Drive, where the night life is lively.
To enjoy a relaxed atmosphere this New Year's, the European city of Riga in Latvia is a fine choice for travelers. London tours are also popular for their firework shows, joyful street parties and concerts that draw thousands of visitors each year. The price of a Miami tour starts from around 2,000 euros, while a Barcelona tour is 897 euros and a Vienna tour is around 800 euros.
Özaltay said that boat tours are also a holiday treat to consider, with tours of world-famous lakes being the next most popular option this season. "For a whole week, you can catch the New Year's spirit in different towns and cities in Europe, while enjoying historical and natural beauty at the same time. "Travelers have a wide range of choices from a Rhine River tour on a five-star Jane Austen ship or a Köln tour on the Deluxe Lord Byron. You can entertain yourself while visiting medieval chateaus, vineyards and garden restaurants," Özaltay said. She advises travelers to pick their holiday destinations quickly as occupancy rates increase daily.
Those who prefer to stay in Turkey can go to popular ski resorts in Uludağ, Kartalkaya and Palandöken as well as holiday resorts in Antalya and Northern Cyprus.
Aside from New Years' entertainment programs, European cities offer a unique cultural experience and culinary tastes as well as history and adventure that attract tourists. Some travelers prefer to go outside of Europe to Dubai and Miami for a warmer New Year's holiday. According to Özaltay, Miami tours are ideal for those looking for a different New Years' experience in a colorful country. The direct flights from Turkey to Miami via Turkish Airlines began on Oct. 25 and have increased demand. During a stay in Miami, vacationers can visit South Beach, best known as SoBe, or Ocean Drive, where the night life is lively.
To enjoy a relaxed atmosphere this New Year's, the European city of Riga in Latvia is a fine choice for travelers. London tours are also popular for their firework shows, joyful street parties and concerts that draw thousands of visitors each year. The price of a Miami tour starts from around 2,000 euros, while a Barcelona tour is 897 euros and a Vienna tour is around 800 euros.
Özaltay said that boat tours are also a holiday treat to consider, with tours of world-famous lakes being the next most popular option this season. "For a whole week, you can catch the New Year's spirit in different towns and cities in Europe, while enjoying historical and natural beauty at the same time. "Travelers have a wide range of choices from a Rhine River tour on a five-star Jane Austen ship or a Köln tour on the Deluxe Lord Byron. You can entertain yourself while visiting medieval chateaus, vineyards and garden restaurants," Özaltay said. She advises travelers to pick their holiday destinations quickly as occupancy rates increase daily.
Those who prefer to stay in Turkey can go to popular ski resorts in Uludağ, Kartalkaya and Palandöken as well as holiday resorts in Antalya and Northern Cyprus.