On the streets of Turkish Kemer. // Photo by Marina Kudyrko
In light of recent events (the duel between the dollar and the euro), let us immediately emphasize that new prices for holidays in Turkey have not yet been finally set. But it is already clear that an increase in the cost of holidays of at least 10-15% is unavoidable. Moreover, it does not matter whether all Turkish resorts switch to settlements in euros or keep the dollar, while raising all prices by that very 15%.
So far, Turkish operators are fobbing off with stock phrases that this summer's price increase 'will be insignificant and in no way connected with the problem of dollar conversion'. They also claim that both currencies are equally popular at all resorts and that there is no 'discrimination against the dollar now, and there will be none in the coming season'. Who would doubt it!
So, together with our married couple, we begin another calculation. A week-long tour for two to Turkish Kemer will cost on average $900 (airfare, insurance, accommodation in a three-star hotel, meals - half board).
Transport
The easiest way to explore the surroundings is by rented car. For this pleasure you will be charged on average $45-60 depending on the rental period and car model. Interestingly, hiring a taxi for one day costs about the same as renting a car for the same period.
Total: car rental for a couple of days - $90-120.
Entertainment and excursions
Buying excursions from city travel agencies will save a significant part of your budget. Similar services from a host travel agency will cost at least twice as much. But you should keep in mind that sometimes glitches can happen. For example, a tiny city travel agency may provide for a long excursion, instead of a large air-conditioned bus, a rattling minibus cooled by a strong draft from open doors (unfortunately, such precedents have occurred). So there is saving and saving.
Pamukkale. The famous salt terraces, Cleopatra's Pool, filled with hot healing mineral water, are presented to numerous tourists as the eighth wonder of the world. The sight is truly impressive, but you should know that the natural terraces have long ceased to be snow-white and have turned grayish. And in the natural salt bowls, alas, carefree tourists no longer splash. This territory is hopelessly spoiled as a result of improper use, fenced off and accessible only for viewing.
Now the dry facts: an excursion for two costs $60, is designed for two days and includes dinner and breakfast in addition to overnight accommodation. Lunch is at your own expense. Two hours in Cleopatra's Pool will cost $20 for two.
Hamam. Visiting a Turkish bath costs $15. The temperature here is milder than in a sauna - about 60 degrees. It is very pleasant to freeze on a warm stone, then endure an oil massage session for $15 and leave the Hamam with the feeling that you are about to take off.
Diving. A yacht trip, lunch and two dives will cost our couple $65. Tourists are submerged not deeply, five to six meters, and accompanied by experienced instructors. The duration of staying underwater is 15-20 minutes.
Rafting. For $24, our heroes got soaked to the skin, splashed water at a neighboring boat with prim Germans, almost lost their sandals in the turbulent current, overcame several river rapids and had lunch on the shore. And finally, they gave in to persuasion and bought for $20 a videocassette with a recording of their own hike.
Jeep safari. Behind the exotic name hides nothing more than participation in a stroll around the resort's surroundings. However, the surroundings are picturesque: mountain roads, rocks, dry riverbeds and bright spring greenery. The trip costs $30 for two, lasts almost the whole day with stops for lunch in a local village and at a couple of sights: an ancient fortress, a mountain river, a pool with growing trout.
Total: $270 for two.
Restaurants
Actually, most Turkish hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis. But active citizens, of course, prefer the classic half board: freedom is still dearer than continuous feeding.
In a small cafe, they will gladly set a plentiful table for you. A meal for two, consisting of vegetable salads, lamb pilaf and bereks (a kind of puff pastry stuffed with cheese, herbs, fish or meat), will cost about $20-25. A family dinner with wine and a main course of large shrimp baked with mushrooms and cheese will set you back around $30. A small snack in the form of a portion of shawarma or kebab will lighten the family wallet by $1.5-2.
A bottle of drinking water (0.6 L) costs about $1.5, local beer (a very good 'Efes') - $2-3, imported beer is more expensive - $4-5. A cup, or rather a cute little glass, of black or apple tea, popular here, costs $1.5-2.
Total: about $210 for two.
Souvenirs
By the way, about tea. In Turkey, it is drunk from small glass glasses of a funny shape resembling a doll's vase. It is worth being original, for example, instead of the hackneyed cheap Turkish gold or leather, buy such a tea set as a souvenir. Luck plus the ability to bargain nicely can reduce the price of a six-person set to $7-8. Moreover, it is not only six cups, but also the same number of saucers and teaspoons.
Souvenirs of the opposite, if you will, weight category are carpets. Of rare beauty, with resilient woolen pile, silky, iridescent, with intricate patterns and prohibitive prices. The prices run into hundreds and even tens of thousands of dollars. So a visit to a carpet factory is better classified as an exciting excursion rather than a souvenir purchase.
The same applies to a visit to the factory store, where onyx is sold. Surprisingly, prices from the manufacturer can be several (!) times higher than the price list for goods in a souvenir shop next to your hotel. Well, for example, for an onyx egg in a souvenir shop in Kemer they will ask $1.5, but just a few steps away from the onyx factory it will go up to $5.
Other expenses
Tips. Usually porters are given $1, waiters - 10% of the cost of lunch.
Phone. Roaming is quite expensive: by rough estimates, outgoing and incoming calls cost about $2-3 per minute.
Fruits. Definitely cheap: a kilogram of peaches costs $1. And if you move away from the tourist trail in a rented car, for the same dollar you will buy several kilograms of fresh fruits.
So, let us sum up: taking $650-700 to Turkey, you can successfully complete the entire indicated weekly program, try the most popular Turkish dishes and give souvenirs to relatives and friends.