Reasons to go to Turkey in 2013

LONDON, December 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

With its enviable year-round climate, insatiable quest for festivities and incomparably high number of remarkable sites of cultural and historical importance, it's safe to surmise that Turkey is a destination that is suitable for each season of the year.

If your holiday in 2013 comes with aspirations of being affordable then Thomas Cook offers many cheap holidays to Turkey. Made up of seven different regions, which, similar to the different regions of Spain, all boast their own individual identity, Turkey is a great destination to visit - and the experts at Thomas Cook explain why:

Winter sports

Whilst Turkey may not be traditionally associated with skiing and snowboarding, for those seeking some fun in the winter sun, this remarkably diverse nation is home to many great ski resorts, such as Davraz, Palandoken, Uludag and Kartalkaya.

As well as providing skiers with some top-quality pistes and facilities, part of Turkey's winter sports appeal is that these resorts offer great value for money compared to the notoriously expensive European skiing destinations.

Festival in Honour of Rumi

If you're looking for a quick getaway to escape the pre-Christmas hype in the UK, then travelling to the city of Konya would make a great choice. During the first two weeks of December the Festival in Honour of Rumi takes place at the ancient site of Muslim pilgrimage.

Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi was a 13^th century poet and philosopher who lived and died in the city of Konya. This atmospheric festival is ablaze with spellbinding performances and traditions as locals and visitors alike pay tribute to Rumi.

International Bodrum Cup

Located in the south-western Aegean region of Turkey, Bodrum is a bustling and compelling city that is most famous for housing the Mausoleum of Maussollos, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Given its beautiful harbour, string of ancient wonders and castle which hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year, Bodrum is a fantastic place to visit at any time.

If you're looking for cheap holidays in the autumn and are enthusiastic about sailing, you may be interested in witnessing the International Bodrum Cup. This annual event is held each October and celebrates the end of the cruising season in Turkey by uniting some of the most exclusive yachts from around the world.

To discover the many unique sights, sounds and traditions of Turkey, Thomas Cook offers a variety of last minute holidays to this fascinatingly diverse country.

SOURCE Thomas Cook