Mediterranean

The Long Hot Summer of e-Commerce

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:45:00 EDT

Smell of change was in the air, but summer holiday season promises further sensational developments: travel and tourism sector has become the number one in e-commerce market. The tourism sector share in the Internet market, has become the most important, exceeding 50% of unique users. Airlines, shipping companies and car hire, have invested considerable resources [...]

June 30th Deadline For Mayor Mehmet Kocadon To Clean Up Bodrum

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EDT

I am officially adding you and your company to my June 30, 2009 clean up deadline. If you and the mayor do not clean up your town and your act, you should also hang yourself with shame. How can you dare to email me with a straight face? The gullets your firm is representing are directly responsible from this garbage pile since there is no road access to many of these garbage dumps along the shore. Shame on you!

Bodrum Mess and a Mayor Missing in Action

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EDT

I thank you very much for taking the time to bring to everyones attention the mess in Bodrum and the lack of action from the Mayor of Bodrum, Kocadon. I live in Chicago and have a summer/retirement home in Yalikavak and I have to admit I have been amazed at how much the Mayor of Bodrum is getting away with. He is only available for photo shoots and media blitz but when it comes to hard work the man is a ghost...

Bodrum Mayor Mehmet Kocadon Should Be Removed From Power

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EDT

After publishing my blog entry about Bodrum yesterday, I received a number of feedback emails. After reading them, I realized perhaps this man should even be removed from his post. I still would like to give Bodrum mayor Mehmet Kocadon until Tuesday, June 30, 2009 to clean up the shore in the Aquarium region of the town. If this is not done by the mayor and the city, I will organize a group of volunteers to do the clean up. The same group of volunteers will also continue their volunteer work to remove the mayor from power.

Mayor of Bodrum Mehmet Kocadon Should Just Hang Himself

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EDT

Mayor of Bodrum Mehmet Kocadon Needs to Get His Act Together. Every year gulet (wooden yachts) owners and Bodrum's "blue voyage" tourism industry bring tens of thousands of tourists to Aquarium and other local spots by boat. And every year tourists enjoy the same garbage and litter mountains which were left behind by animals (I can't call them human beings) on the shore.

Marina Kastela - The Ultimate Destination For a Yacht Charter in Croatia

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:59:00 EDT

Marina Kastela - the ultimate yachting destination for yacht charter Croatia! Marinas help keep the yachts and boats at one place and also provide all the services for their maintenance and for the recreational activities by the guests onboard the yachts. Marina Kastela is one such place situated in Croatia for yacht charter. The harbor is secured for all types of chartered and private yachts. The guests onboard the yachts can have a nice time on the marina and enjoy the pleasant weather of the place. Marina is a host for many facilities for the yachts as well as the guests.

Maca Kizi Hotel, Bodrum

Fri, 22 May 2009 05:15:00 EDT

Today I arrived in Bodrum for a long weekend. Divan Palmira kindly declined my reservation request after my 2007 review of the hotel. They were nice enough to recommend another boutique hotel in the area, so I checked in to Maca Kizi Hotel. My first half day here so far, the view from my room is fantastic. It is too early to write a formal review but if they don't royally screw it up between now and Sunday morning, this hotel has a potential to me my Bodrum summer stop going forward.

Gumusluk, a Traditional Fishing Village

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:09:00 EDT

Gumusluk is a traditional fishing village on the Bodrum peninsula in the south west end of the Aegean part in the Turkish riviera. Bodrum or the ancient city of Halicarnassus of Caria is a well known center of tourism and yachting. Bodrum peninsula is also well known for the lovely bays and coves with the suitable and very clean waters for sailing and swimming.

Vasil Kadifeli Launches "Greek Isles in the Summer" Magazine on Ulitzer

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 04:00:00 EDT

Launching a magazine at Ulitzer.com, which is currently in pre-beta, is designed to be as easy as boiling an egg and doesn't take much longer. For details of how to become a Ulitzer user, please contact editorial (at) SYS-CON.com. Once you've been handed the keys, you will be able to associate your future Web presence to whichever Topic or Topics suit you best. And if like the Cloud Interoperability Forum you wish to create a magazine of your own, then better still!

Priene, the Ancient Holy City of Ionia

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:19:00 EDT

The city of Priene, an Ionian settlement was laid out on Mount Mycale (Samsun) and contained many famous examples of Hellenistic art and architecture. The original location of the city has never been found but it was probably a peninsula with two harbors. The ruins are from the new city built in the 4th century BC. It is a small city with 4 or 5 thousand inhabitants and not of great political significance even if it shared the same history with the other Ionian cities.

Johnnie Kazija Launches "Yacht Charter Croatia Magazine" on Ulitzer

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:46:00 EDT

Johnnie is the internet PR & marketing Manager at Croatia-Yachtcharters a company which writes about sailing various ports in Croatia and using different yacht charters in Croatia. The company is in development of a new non commercial webpage which will be providing all necessery information for yacht charter Croatia services, and all aspects of renting and managing private charter yachts, which will include port fees, maps and everything related.

Dogayi ve Atlari Sevenler Icin Ozel Kanada Programimiz

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 04:45:00 EDT

Kanada’da yogun Ingilizce egitimi alirken, ciftlikte konaklayip, at binmek ve ciftlik islerine yardim ederken keyifli bir tatil ve Ingilizce pratik yapmak icin dogayi ve atlari sevenlere ozel kanada programimiz.

Sesame Halva in the Oven, a delicous desert from the Turkish fish restaurants

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:45:00 EDT

Sesame or tahini halva has been produced since the classical times. The dish was popular in the Byzantine Empire, and today it is very popular desert throughout Turkey and Greece. It is very much consumed by the Orthodox Greeks during the Great Lent and other fasts. In Turkey the term "helva" is used to describe mainly tahini halva but there are also other types of deserts such as made with flour, semolina etc that are also called "helva".

The Ancient City of Perge

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:45:00 EDT

Perge, originally, a Hellenistic settlement, later developed into a thriving Roman city, is a historicist's delight. Situated only 18 km from Antalya in the Pamphylia plain, Perge has a long legacy (almost from 1500 B.C.) to narrate with its initial inhabitants being the Hittites. Its importance also lies in the fact that the ruins of the Roman city provides a very complete picture of the past, thus making it archaeologically invaluable.

Citron of Naxos, a Taste Not to Be Found Elsewhere

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:45:00 EDT

Today there are only two producers of Citron Liquor in the whole wide world. In 1896 Markos Vallindras established the first Naxos distillery in Halki. They have been producing their Citron in the traditional way since then. Their brand once could be found all over the world however today this liquor is so rare that it is not even exported out of Naxos island.

OCEAN Independence New Superyacht Charter Portfolio

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EDT

OCEAN Independence proudly unveiled their 2009 Charter Portfolio at Zürich’s stylish Stockeregg Gallery on Monday 2nd March. The world’s finest luxury superyachts for charter and enticing cruising itineraries, coupled with an innovatively designed hardcover in OCI’s original branding, make this year’s edition set for distinction.

Rhodes Island Excursion Programme

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:45:00 EDT

I thought it could be a good idea to provide you with a detailed excursion plan if you ever decide to visit Rhodes island, the largest of the Dodecanessa islands group in Greece. This is actually the route I followed in Sept-Oct 2007 when I visited the island. You can customize the route programme below to your taste and according to your own time table.

Eating and Drinking in the Greek Isles

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 05:45:00 EDT

Eating out in Greece is a national pastime and a leisurely pleasure. Whether dining at a local taverna or an elegant restaurant, Greeks take their time over food. The native cuisine is delightfully uncomplicated and quite different from what's found in Greek restaurants abroad. Much of the cooking relies on simple seasonings and fresh meat and vegetables.

The Lycian Way

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 06:45:00 EDT

Lycia is the historical name of the Tekke peninsula on the southern coast of Turkey in the Mediterranean sea. It is a place where steep mountains rise directly from the sea, woody coasts, small but lovely bays mostly accessible by the sea, beautiful views and very suitable for trekking.

New Discounts from Absolute Yachting

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 07:45:00 EDT

Absolute Yacthing offers 20% off on the Charter Price for bookings untill the 30th of March 2009.

Gunluklu Bay and Beach, Fethiye

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST

Gunluklu bay is a natural wonder, being 19 kms away to Fethiye on the road to Gocek where an alley branches off to the left which after one km ends up at Gunluklu Bay Anchorage covered by different and aromatic aqueous amber (styrax) trees. The bay is protected from winds on both sides so the amber trees also called Sigla or Gunluk trees grow here easily and in abundance, and this is how the bay was named after.

Cretan Wedding Bread, a Piece of Art

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST

All over Greece the bread in itself is prepared and served for special occasions like weddings, engagements, baptism, and also for Easter and Christmas. It is also used in ritual occasions in and for the churches. The Cretan wedding bread decorations are very important, and the taste is usually sweet and nice. Still wedding breads may look different from region to region in the island.

Yivli Minaret, Landmark of Antalya city

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:30:00 EST

If you ever go to Antalya, within the historic city walls of the city you will see a minaret not of the usual kind, as it is a brick minaret decorated with dark blue mosaics and has the look of eight flutes melted together into one. It is thus called Yivli Minare or Fluted Minaret and it has been the symbol of Antalya city for many years and also a logo of Turkish tourism as its photo has been for long years on posters advertising Turkey abroad.

Moni Toplou, a Monastery with a Gun

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:45:00 EST

The Monastery stands alone in the middle of no-where built in mid 15th century at a time when pirates and bandits of all nationalities were ravaging Crete so the monks built a thick and strong 10 m high wall around the monastery, a wall with small windows like arrow-holes, a heavy castle gate, and murder holes for pouring out boiling oil onto the heads of attackers, and placed a cannon on the rampart of the door.

Kaputaş Beach, the Real Turqoise Color in the Mediterranean

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:45:00 EST

Kaputaş beach is a very popular place as the region has an untouched natural beauty and a great view overlooked from the Kaş-Kalkan highway running above as its colour is a lovely real turquoise. From the beach it is just a short swim to some nearby phosphorescent caves, that are excellent for diving.

Panagia Paraportiani, the Church of Our Lady of the Side Gate

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:30:00 EST

This is one of the most known churches of Mykonos island. It is unique because almost everyone knows it. It's photo used to be a logo of Mykonos island and also Greece for a long time. You probably have come across a poster of that church at some Greek travel office.

Library of Celsus, Tomb of the Governor of Asia Minor

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:15:00 EST

One of the most importand attractions in the ancient city of Ephesus is the Library of Celsus, built in AD 135 by Gaius Julius Aquila (a consul) to honor his father's memory, Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus the Governor of Asia Minor. The building was intended to be used both as Library and as the tomb of his father.

Sultaniye Spas, Mud Baths to Care for Your Beauty

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST

It is believed that Sultaniye Kaplicalari or spas have been first opened by the Kaunos locals, some 2000 years ago. The remains of a hospital in the area is supposed to be a proof for that. In those years the spring waters were believed to improve sexual power, and when drunk to cure various internal diseases. It is said that once upon a time Cleopatra the Egyptian queen came here for her beauty baths.

Greek Isles in The Summer: Volcano Tour in Santorini Presented by Christina Papadopoulos

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST

The bus picks up the guests and drives to Athinios port in order to take the traditional boat. The first stop is to the islet of Nea Kameni where clients have the opportunity to climb to the crater (1 ½ hour). Next the boat stops to Palaia Kameni for a short swim to the Hot Springs, which are considered to have healing powers (30 minutes). Afterwards the boat sails along the coast and ends up to the port of Athinios, where the bus will be waiting to take the group back to their yacht. Engish speaking guide can be provided if requested.

Samothraki, A Most Awe-inspiring Island on the Aegean Sea

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:30:00 EST

Samothraki island, even though has many natural beauties and charms to offer its visitors, it has stayed away from the tourist expansion, but this only makes it more beautiful to those who like to find some of the lost serenity of our times here.

Tinos, An Island Certainly Not to Be Missed

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:15:00 EST

If you ever have been at Mykonos, the heart of the Cyclades islands, you probably have noticed the two neighbouring islands, Syros and Tinos. But I am sure you haven't been interested in them at all. They are both half an hour away from Mykonos but let's leave Syros for now, and talk about Tinos, the one at the right. Tinos is actually the ideal place for lovers of nature, architecture, art and traditions. It is one of the largest in Cyclades islands, a place for pilgrimage, unspoiled and unaffected from tourism. The island houses some 600 chapels and thousands of dovecotes all elaborately decorated.

Ikaria Island a Beauty of Nature in the Aegean Sea

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:45:00 EST

Ikaria is the home of the mythical Ikaros and an island of wild beauty, that has reached our days almost unspoiled from the effects of civilisation thru the centuries. There is no other island on the Aegean where you can find such breathtaking panoramas, clean mountain air, therapeutic hot springs, truly unspoiled seas and very friendly people.

Be The First to Vacation on Edmiston's New Charter Yacht: SENSATION

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 16:30:00 EDT

Edmiston & Company, world leader in the large yachting business, is announcing their newest yacht for charter: the SENSATION. The SENSATION was designed and created by Sensation Yachts this year, and will be available for charter in August.

Divan Palmira Hotel in Bodrum, Turkey: The End of an Era?

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 13:45:00 EDT

This 4th of July marked my sixth visit to the Divan Palmira Hotel in Bodrum, Turkey. My visit this year, which was quite different then the quiet escapes I've had in past years, prompted me to write a review for the first time. The Divan Palmira Hotel is located in the Golturkbuku region of Bodrum. Two recent cover stories published last year in The New York Times Travel Section called this Aegien Sea summer destination, The St. Tropez of Turkey.

Northern Reflections

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 18:15:00 EDT

Connoisseurs of luxury travel are well acquainted with Silversea Cruises: four Italian-built ships known for their all-suites accommodations, all-inclusive price, personalized service, and some of the finest dining at sea. The 388-passenger Silver Whisper had only around 260 guests at my sailing, which with a crew of 295, superseded their usual phenomenal crew-to-passenger ratio.

Luxury Living With A Yacht in Your Yard

Sun, 13 Aug 2006 12:45:00 EDT

Once upon a short time ago a French man named François Spoerry had a unique and watery vision for his yacht. His wish was to create a beautiful home where he could moor his boat in the backyard - the visionary Gallic was an avid sailor as well as being a creative architect. And lucky for an elite few, his wish came true.

Cruising the Camargue on a Yacht Charter Vacation

Sat, 12 Aug 2006 10:00:00 EDT

Cruising the canals of the Camargue in the South of France is to sample a vacation experience like no other, as you enjoy the local food and wine together with the flexibility, freedom and fun that only a self-catering yacht vacation can offer.

A Yacht Charter Vacation From Venice to Croatia

Wed, 26 Apr 2006 14:30:00 EDT

No doubt about it - the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia is the hot new charter area in the Mediterranean. And for good reason: protected cruising, crystal-clear waters, drop-dead gorgeous scenery, and relief from the crowds and high prices of the Western Mediterranean. As distances between ports of call are short, you will cruise about two to four hours each day, leaving a maximum of daylight hours for onshore exploration, watersports, or simply relaxing and enjoying the five-star service aboard your yacht.

YCO Charter for 2006

Mon, 27 Feb 2006 12:00:00 EST

YCO are proud to announce the forthcoming mega-yacht Oasis as their latest centrally listed charter yacht...

Ischia & Sorrento

Wed, 07 Dec 2005 10:00:00 EST

The Gulf of Naples has captivated sailors throughout the centuries with its crystalline blue waters of the Mediterranean, the majestic sweep of the grand bay with Vesuvius looming in the distance, and the picturesque towns along the Sorrentine peninsula and the Amalfi Coast. Lying just 33 kilometers from Naples in the mainland, and neighboring the better-known Capri, the island of Ischia is blessed with a rugged coastline accentuated with breathtaking coves, lemon groves and romantic islets ? some of which is only reachable by boat. The long-extinct volcano, Mount Epomeo, is the island?s highest point at 788 meters above sea level, and offers a stunning panoramic view of the Gulf.