Antalya, where you can find the impressive combination of the sun, deep blue sea, and the mountain covered with pine trees, is ready to welcome you with warm Mediterranean smile... Although many people come to Antalya for the beaches and the fun associated with them, the city has lots more to offer; scuba diving, sailing, paragliding, rafting, mountain climbing, tracking and much more…

In May you can swim in the morning, ski in the afternoon at Saklıkent and at night you can visit the observatory and enjoy the sky at the top of the mountain (2500m) in Antalya.

Antalya attracts millions of people with its natural beauties and historical richness. Like many other Turkish cities, the city dates back to Ionian, Karian, Lycian and Roman times and there are many sites to prove it. The castle, the Ottoman citadel, is the nicest part of town with narrow alleys, old wooden houses, stone archways, and private gardens… The old harbor is now a marina with modern yachts and it is very nice to spend an evening outside, having a meal or a drink next to the sea. It is also a place where open air events and concerts are held during the summer months. The Taurus Mountains are more than 1500m high sub parallel to the narrow shore line at West of Antalya.

The east of Antalya has the best beaches and a very wide shore line.

There are many excellent daytrips to be made in and around Antalya. The ancient sites of Aspendos, Perge, Phaselis, Manavgat, Side and Termessos are all within a distance of 50 kilometers. Aspendos Amphitheater is the largest and best preserved of its kind. Every summer music festivals are being hold at the theater.

Myra (Demre), which was one of the most important cities among the other six Lycian cities, is situated 25 km. from Finike. It was settled in the 5th century B.C. The rock tombs, the theatre and St. Nicholas Church have survived, which makes it worth visiting.

St. Nicholas (variously known as St.Nicholas, Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Heilige Nikolaus and Pere Noel) was born in 245 A.D. in Patara near Fethiye and spent his life in Anatolia. Son of a wealthy family and of good education, he devoted himself to mankind. Because of the assistance he rendered to those around him, St. Nicholas was known as the protector of children and sailors, and to this day the legend of Father Christmas has continued to live as vividly as ever. As the Bishop of Demre, by his religious and social work, he solved the problems of the people in a humane way. After his death in 326 A.D. he was buried in Demre and a church was built there for his memory.

In a number of countries the death of St. Nicholas is commemorated by special ceremonies and by giving presents to children, and in fact it is the significance of a new year.

The Father Christmas Symposium is held in Antalya annually on 6th of December and is attended by religious and scientific people from all over the world. During these symposiums, in keeping with Anatolia's St. Nicholas' love for humanity, a call is made to the people of different religions and beliefs for peace, friendship and brotherhood.

Make sure you visit caves, waterfalls, canyons, and the large variety of ruins of ancient towns in Antalya.

Antalya has an easy access by every means of transportation!
Various international airline companies have regular flights to Turkey and Antalya from the major capitals and cities of the world.

Please contact the official agency, Alabanda, who is ready to offer you the most convenient flights with its special agreements with Turkish Airlines and other international airline companies for the attendees of the 12th IVV Olympiad 2011.

You can benefit from these special low rates by ordering your ticket from Alabanda by e-mail, fax or phone.