Just gone for a cruise!

So recently I haven't been too punctual in keeping my aim of posting at least every two weeks. Excuse my lack of posting but I actually managed to get an AMAZING deal with Thomson to go on a cruise last minute. It was the 'Ancient Affair' itinerary. It departed Cyprus and then made its way to Marmaris and Alanya in Turkey, then onto Santorini in Greece and then to Ashdod in Israel. The cruise was exceptional and I chose it because it stopped off at Santorini and more importantly, Ashdod. This was the gateway to Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and Bethlehem. All of which I visited. 

I'm going to break my blogging posts up as the post will be too long but I shall start with the first leg, consisting with the ports of Turkey.

After boarding the Thomson Spirit, Brandon and I made our way to our room and unpacked.

Brandon standing by our enormous ship.

The first port of call was Alanya and we didn't plan anything with the ship to do anything so we got off and had a walk around. 

It was really a picturesque place and a lovely day.

Once walking round the town, we made our way through the bazaars full of clothing, bags and shoes! It was really very very tempting. Brandon and I then walked towards the castle. We realised there were two ways of getting up to it, and naturally, Brandon chose the complex way up!

The stairs up to the castle.

The view from the top!

I would definitely recommend doing this in Alanya and to not do the tour with the ship. We had a great day, and the weather was perfect so it wasn't too hot to climb!

The viewing point at the top.

That evening we joined in with the ship's entertainment and played bingo. Despite not winning we still had a laugh. We set sail for the next port which was to be Marmaris.

We got to Marmaris around 8am, and we chose to get off the ship at around 11am as we weren't leaving until 7pm that evening. 

The ship stops on the opposite side to where the Old Town is. There is a lovely walk round from the terminal through the Marmaris Marina. I loved this as the walk was interesting looking at all the yachts that were tied up there! The walk was around 15-20 minutes.

Lots of yachts all from the USA to New Zealand! 

It was a beautiful day, but we decided that we would try to go to a Turkish Bath. We managed to find a ticket booth, and there we got an amazing bargain for £10, which included the transfer from the ticket booth to the hotel and back. I would definitely recommend this to anyone, it was a relaxing place, which included the sauna, hamman, and then an oil massage. 

With lots of time to spare after the Turkish Bath, we continued to walk along the promenade and again went through the parade of shops, there we both picked up a bargain or two. Haggling and paying in sterling, which the shopkeepers seemed to prefer!

A photo to finish the end of the day in Marmaris.

We decided not to go to Marmaris Castle because we had visited Alanya fort the day before, but I would recommend stopping by the Castle as at dinner, a few people mentioned the lovely views from the top.

I would definitely return to Turkey. In some ways, I preferred Alanya to Marmaris because I felt the latter had a more rivera and european style to it. Whereas, Alanya still felt very Turkish. However, I would also go back to Marmaris!

Have you visited either places? What did you do there?

Kirsty 

xxx

Family holiday to Egypt

So whilst most of you were probably sleeping on Christmas Day, I was on my way to the airport with my family and boyfriend to the airport where, we were flying out to Sharm El Sheikh. We started the morning at six am as we headed towards the Dartford Crossing to get to Gatwick. Whilst en route, we were listening to the radio and decided to call up as they were asking what we were doing whilst listening to the radio at this time. Later on, before meeting someone at the airport to take the car away, we popped open the bubbly!

Christmas Day drinkies with red cups!

Brandon had to get a different plane to us, as by the time he booked, the Monarch airlines flight was too expensive. His flight was delayed and so he got to Egypt a little later than us, but that did not ruin the fun week we were about to have!

The first few days we stayed just by the pool. We were relaxed, drinking cocktails and juices (making use of the all inclusive package we had!)

Brandon and I getting into the pool.

The pool at sunset. My room overlooked the pool and mountains!

The highlight of the holiday definitely was when we went quad biking in the desert. My whole family left at 2.30pm to get into the desert. We went out and then went for Bedouin Tea and carried on biking until the sun set. We did a family selfie with my dad's new selfie stick!

Sitting on the cushions at the Bedouin Tea.

In the desert with the squad!

On numerous evenings, we also made our way down to Naama Bay which had an impeccably good nightlife. It was always buzzing no matter what day we went and they even had Pacha nightclub! Something that caught my eye however, was the stars hanging in the bazaars. They were so magical  that I couldn't help take a photo!

So beautiful with lovely designs!

New Years Eve was quickly approaching and my sister and I were looking forward to the big evening. She bought headband and glasses to wear and we ready when the evening arrived. I wore my two piece, available from Boohoo (in the sale at christmas!) and we made our way to dinner!

New Years Eve!

Unfortunately, on New Years Day, it was our time to leave. We had a great week though and I would love to go back again. Definitely a place to go for the winter sun!