If so did you have a preference to either, i am looking to go in september, but im undecided – not necessarily for these two, but are currently our preferences (me + gf)
Like a whole lot of things, water sports, shops, markets, bars, restaurants etc, nice beaches but also historical sites too maybe general interest museums.
any ideas guys?
Yes,
It all depends on what you like to do; but here is the contrast in General:
Water Sports:
Both Destinations offer amazing options in water sports; costs are less in Egypt than they are in Turkey; and Scuba Diving/Snorkling in General is better in Egypt.
Shops and Markets:
Both destinations offer the traditional markets; The Turkish goods are generally higher in both quality and price; In Egypt the selection is larger; the prices are much less but its extremely difficult to find good quality. In both destinations prepare to Haggle as the goods are marked up to 3X what their market value is ; around 5X what the merchant purchases them for.
The same applies to bars and restaurants; again better quality in General in Turkey for meat dishes however the seafood in Egypt is galaxies better especially if you eat in a specialized restaurant.
The Egyptian beaches are superior; Especially in Sharm al Sheikh; El Gouna (Hurgada) and the North Coast. The water is extremely clean and crystal clear and the beaches are very very clean. Turkey does not offer any private beaches so be expected to smell a ton of meat being grilled walking around the beach.
Both desitinations have wealthy offers in terms of Museums; In Turkey its mostly Islamic; with a few byzentine options. In Egypt; You will have Islamic; Pharoanic and Greek type of Museums.
The Egyptian Museum is probably the most interesting of all.
If your planning on an Egyptian visit I would recommend:
1st day in Cairo ; 2 days visiting Egyptian Museum,Pyramids and any Islamic sites.
4th day going to either Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada for 5 days (Sharm is preffered if you like Scuba Diving) otherwise in Hurghada you can go to El Gouna or Marsa Alam
Then going by Alexandria to finish the visit.
If your going to Turkey I would recommend:
first two days in Istanbul visit the SultanAhmet and Aya Sofya (same spot).
4th day going to either Bodrum or Antalya (depending on the type of watersports you like)
Upon Return to Istanbul I would recommend visiting Yelova and Bursa
Yes,
It all depends on what you like to do; but here is the contrast in General:
Water Sports:
Both Destinations offer amazing options in water sports; costs are less in Egypt than they are in Turkey; and Scuba Diving/Snorkling in General is better in Egypt.
Shops and Markets:
Both destinations offer the traditional markets; The Turkish goods are generally higher in both quality and price; In Egypt the selection is larger; the prices are much less but its extremely difficult to find good quality. In both destinations prepare to Haggle as the goods are marked up to 3X what their market value is ; around 5X what the merchant purchases them for.
The same applies to bars and restaurants; again better quality in General in Turkey for meat dishes however the seafood in Egypt is galaxies better especially if you eat in a specialized restaurant.
The Egyptian beaches are superior; Especially in Sharm al Sheikh; El Gouna (Hurgada) and the North Coast. The water is extremely clean and crystal clear and the beaches are very very clean. Turkey does not offer any private beaches so be expected to smell a ton of meat being grilled walking around the beach.
Both desitinations have wealthy offers in terms of Museums; In Turkey its mostly Islamic; with a few byzentine options. In Egypt; You will have Islamic; Pharoanic and Greek type of Museums.
The Egyptian Museum is probably the most interesting of all.
If your planning on an Egyptian visit I would recommend:
1st day in Cairo ; 2 days visiting Egyptian Museum,Pyramids and any Islamic sites.
4th day going to either Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada for 5 days (Sharm is preffered if you like Scuba Diving) otherwise in Hurghada you can go to El Gouna or Marsa Alam
Then going by Alexandria to finish the visit.
If your going to Turkey I would recommend:
first two days in Istanbul visit the SultanAhmet and Aya Sofya (same spot).
4th day going to either Bodrum or Antalya (depending on the type of watersports you like)
Upon Return to Istanbul I would recommend visiting Yelova and Bursa
References :
Have you considered North Cyprus? It certainly ticks all your requirements!
water sports – you name it, from scuba diving over ancient ruins and modern wrecks, to water skiing and ‘too fun to admit’ banana boat rides!
shops – explore the small shops and workshops in the medieval streets that wind up the hill from Kyrenia’s historic harbour
markets – you’ll find local markets across North Cyprus, but make sure you spend a morning in North Nicosia where stallholders still set their stalls beside historic churches and mosques, or amid restored Ottoman houses.
bars & restaurants – listing the superb bars and restaurants in North Cyprus would take pages and pages! Try Kyrenia harbour for romantic diners under the stars with the gf, local family-run tavernas high in the mountains for super views and authentic Turkish Cypriot menus, or almost any local bar you like for a cool beer or glass of local wine.
nice beaches – you’ve over 70 to choose from! The north coats has excellent golden sandy beaches with all the facilities you can wish for , while the Karpaz Peninsula has seemingly endless sandy beaches that stretch to the horizon, inhabited only by wild donkeys, nesting sea turtles – and you.
historical sites – what takes your fancy! Visit a Persian palaces perched on a clifftop, the ancient Roman town of Salamis with its gymnasium and amphitheatre, the magnificent Venetian walled city of Famagusta, the Ottoman delights of north Nicosia including a hamman in a 14th century church.
See the websites below to discover more and get some cracking deals for holidays in 2010 -enjoy!
References :
best online guide to North Cyprus: http://www.Cyprus44.com
North Cyprus hotels video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipJb2kKgSVM
exclusive deals on North Cyprus hotels: http://www.NorthCyprusHotels.co.uk
North Cyprus holidays: http://www.GoNorthCyprus.com
cheap flights to North Cyprus: http://www.Flight-Cyprus.co.uk
http://www.squidoo.com/NorthCyprusBeaches
http://hubpages.com/hub/North-Cyprus-Hotels-5-Star-Luxury-for-Less
http://knol.google.com/k/beaches-in-north-cyprus#