Turkey is known for its belly dancers, shopping, excellent cuisine and Eastern mystique and culture. But since the Mediterranean coast of Turkey was recently voted the world’s top new golfing destination, golfers from all around the world are flocking to enjoy all the normal attractions of Turkey as well as golf on some of Europe’s best golf courses and the great weather.

Based on Turkey’s southern coast on the shores of the Mediterranean (known as the “Turkish Riviera”), the tour will appeal to all levels of golfers and most certainly to the non-playing wives as well. The balance between golf, sightseeing, holidaying and shopping has been carefully structured and guests are promised an unforgettable holiday.

Our 5 star resort hotel features 3 swimming pools (one indoors), a private beach, top floor night-club/disco, Turkish baths, gymnasium, high speed internet access and wellness spa and is even linked to the town centre and marina by a tram!

We can highly recommend Turkey as a golfing destination for South Africans as prices in shops and restaurants are far more realistic than in other parts of Europe and the opportunity for a 3 nights stopover in Istanbul on the return journey makes this the ideal holiday for golfers and non-golfers alike in 2007.

This is what awaits you when you fly off to Turkey in June:

Friday 5 October:
Assemble late afternoon at Johannesburg International Airport where we have the chance to get to know fellow members of the group before boarding our flight our Swiss International Airlines flight to Istanbul.

Saturday 6 October:
On arrival at Istanbul Airport (voted the 2nd best in Europe in 2003), we catch our connecting flight to the bustling coastal town of Antalya on the Turkish Riviera. Antalya, Turkey’s principal holiday resort, is an attractive city with shady, palm- lined boulevards, a long white beach, shops and bazaars to satisfy all your shopping needs, exotic restaurants, pulsating night clubs and a prize-winning marina. After checking into our 5-star hotel perched on the cliffs above Antalya Bay and with its own private beach below, we have the opportunity to explore the fascinating Turkish culture and shopping experience, work on our tans on the beach or even play an optional round of golf on one of the superb courses on the Mediterranean coast. Later, as we watch the sun go down over the Mediterranean, we get together for drinks and then dinner and our final briefing before the golf begins.

Sunday 7 October:
The Mediterranean coastline around Antalya is the centre of quality golf in Turkey and our first round is on the new Pasha Course, one of the courses of the 6-star Sirene Golf Hotel. With generous fairways and undulating greens, it offers golfers of all handicaps a great day’s golf. Towering pines, crystal clear lakes and the snow-capped Toros Mountains provide a spectacular backdrop to the course as it winds its way through the forests of Belek, the peaceful surroundings only interrupted by the call of the hoopoe birds.

While the golfers are walking the fairways, the non-golfers will enjoy the many attractions of this culturally rich area. These include the old City of Antalya with its narrow winding streets lined with wooden shops and houses, the stunningly beautiful Duden Waterfalls, the many leather, carpet and local craft shops, the long sandy beaches and of course the many boulevard cafes and restaurants serving the exotic and delicious local cuisine. The friendly smiles from the shop and restaurant owners make everyone feel at home from the very first day!

Monday 8 October:
Golf today is on the magnificent National course, designed by David Feherty and ranked the 39th best golf course in Europe. Beware the par-3 2nd hole, played across water to a deceptive green with danger behind. And the 18th looks innocuous until you are faced with a second shot that has to contend with bunkers, water and out of bounds.  A true championship layout which will make you think before every shot! This evening, as the sun sets over the Mediterranean, join the group for our traditional sunset cruise and seafood buffet aboard one of the many local boats on Antalya Bay and view the golden lights and their reflections from the tranquillity of the bay.

Tuesday 9 October:
Today we take a break from golf and it’s the chance of the golfers to join the non-golfers in exploring the delights of the region. Visit the local markets and spend time bargaining with the shop owners for that carpet you would love to take home. Relax beside the Marina amidst the beautiful people and sip cocktails and snack from the fresh seafood buffets. Or head inland and explore the history and sights of ancient Turkey just 30 minutes drive away. Visit an ancient amphitheatre which still pays host to modern rock concerts. And then of course our own hotel has three pools, a magnificent sun terrace, Turkish baths and its own private beach for those who do not want to venture too far.

Wednesday 10 October:
This morning we travel to the Tat Beach resort for our next round of golf which is on the Tat International Golf Club course and which boasts a PGA golf school. The 27 hole layout allows for different combinations of 18 holes to be played and the course offers panoramic views of the often snow covered distant mountains, the adjacent Mediterranean and the numerous lakes and streams that run through the course. The perception of Turkey being a dry, arid country will be banished after the water hazards today!
This evening join the group for a traditional Turkish meal at a restaurant in the Old Town and enjoy the local cuisine while reclining on carpets and hand embroidered cushions. Be sure to have your camera at hand to capture the moment!

Thursday 11 October:
Today is a free day to catch up on the sightseeing, visit the bazaars you have seen but not yet visited, cruise the coast line on a traditional yacht, chill out on the hotel’s private beach, relax by one of the hotel’s three pools, have a Turkish bath and massage or explore the historical gems of the area. And if another round of golf is what you want, that is easily arranged for you.

Friday 12 October:
Today the golfers take up the challenge of the highly rated The Antalya Sultan Golf Course, older sister course to the Pasha Course and part of the Sirene Hotel complex. A PGA club and course, its spectacular beauty, superb design, incredible conditioning and uncompromising challenge make it an awesome experience. Many golfers who get the opportunity to tee-off from its bent grass tees rate it the best course they have ever played.

This evening is our last in Antalya and the group will surely be found in one of the many waterfront tavernas enjoying the Mediterranean sunset, the lavish seafood buffets and the old-world charm of Turkey.

Saturday 13 October:
All good things must come to an end, so today is a day to catch up on some last minute shopping before catching our flight back to Istanbul where we say “totsiens” to those members of the group who are staying over for the optional 3 day extension in this fascinating city.

Sunday 14 October:
Our flight arrives in Johannesburg early-morning, and it’s time to share our memories of wonderful Turkey with all those unfortunate folk that were not with us on the tour (and to find a way past customs with all our purchases from the bazaars of Turkey!).

The tour package includes:
» Return economy airfares on Swiss International Airlines from Johannesburg. Discounted international connections from other centres available
» Luxury coach transfer to and from airport and golf courses
» 5-star luxury resort hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
» Green fees as indicated (additional golf can be arranged at the applicable discounted rate through our hotel as required)
» Daily golf prizes
» CD with all the photographs taken on tour
» Experienced tour leader
» Services of a local tour guide while in Turkey

Not included:
» visa costs
» medical and cancellation insurance
» airport departure taxes (approximately R1200)
» sightseeing not specified
» gratuities
» items of personal nature

Please Note:
1. All prices are quoted ex. Johannesburg and are strictly subject to exchange rate fluctuations and airline fuel levies.

2. Tour members will be able to leave the group at the end of the tour and extend their stay in Europe. A nominal levy for the extension may, at the discretion of the airline, be charged.

3.  As the tour costing has been calculated on direct deposit, cheque and EFT payments, no credit card payments can be accepted. Cash deposit fees are for the passenger’s own account.

4. Both pages of the  booking form must be completed in full by each passenger.

Please fax or mail your booking form it to us in order to ensure that you do not miss out on this fantastic golfing holiday.

Fax:  (021) 713-1284
Tel:  (021) 713-1282
Post:   The Golf Travel Company, Suite 102, Private Bag X16, Constantia, 7848