A walk in Oxford

A visitor to Oxford has stopped an Oxford undergraduate and asked the naive yet forgivable question, ''Where is the university?'' In fact, the 39 colleges that make up Oxford University are scattered throughout the streets and lanes of the city.

''Where is the university?''

As a result, one of the best ways to explore both the town and the university is on foot. Begin your tour at St Giles' Church at the junction of Woodstock and Banbury Road. Heading south down St Giles', you will soon see the famous Martyr's Memorial. Beaumont Street on your right is home to the Ashmolean (England's oldest museum, it dates back to 1683) and the luxurious Randolph Hotel. St Giles' leads on to Cornmarket Street, the hub of Oxford life. At the meeting point of Cornmarket, High Street, Queen Street and St Aldate's stands one of the most famous crossroads in the world: Carfax. Climb the 99 steps of the 13th-century Carfax Tower for a stunning view of the city.

101 chimes

Heading straight down Cornmarket Street, you will soon find yourself in St Aldate's. The first street on the left, Blue Boar Street, is home to the Museum of Oxford. Oxford's most famous college, Christ Church, stands a little further down St Aldate's. 'The House', as it is affectionately called, is well known for Tom Tower which houses 'Great Tom', a bell that chimes 101 times at 9:05 pm every evening to commemorate the original 101 students of the college and the time they were supposed to be in bed. Christ Church has recently served as the setting for some scenes in the Harry Potter films, which has only added to its allure with tourists.Both the city and university of Oxford boast some illustrious residents including Charles Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll) the author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, JRR Tolkien, the author of The Lord of the Rings, Burmese activist Aung San Suu Kyi, Rowan Atkinson (aka Mr Bean), Virgin's Richard Branson and writer Colin Dexter. But Oxford remains primarily a seat of learning, and its most evocative and inspiring building is the Bodleian Library, which has a copy of every book published in Britain since 1610.

Oxford, the capital of romance

To round off your tour of Oxford, indulge in a spot of shopping at the Covered Market off the High Street and experience the singular joy of punting down the Thames, known here as the "Isis". At the end of a long day, enjoy a pint of cold ale at the pub under Folly Bridge. Oscar Wilde once called Oxford the capital of romance. As the sun sets on its dreaming spires, Oxford inspires not only grand thoughts but also great romances.

Climate

The best time to visit Oxford is in spring, summer and autumn. However, Oxford can experience four seasons in one day, so make sure to carry a sweatshirt and umbrella with you at all times.

Currency

We recommend that you convert your cash into pounds before you travel. Most banks and bureaux de change charge commission.

How to get there

THY and British Airways have several flights a day to London. From Heathrow, the 'Oxford Tube' and 'National Express' buses provide 24-hour service to Oxford. The journey takes about one hour. THY Tel: 444 0 849

Visas

Turkish citizens need visas to enter the UK. Schengen visas are not applicable. For visa, consulate and embassy information, see www.thegate.com.tr www.gatetoturkey.com

Where to stay

Oxford offers everything from elegant Victorian-style boutique hotels to simple, inexpensive bed&breakfasts. Whatever your budget, you will find a hotel to suit your needs. The Old Parsonage: Experience luxury and 17th-century charm. www.oldparsonage-hotel.co.uk Tel: + (44) 1865 310210. The Randolph: A top quality hotel in the city centre, Tel: + (44) 870 4008200. Cotswold Lodge Hotel: Tel: + (44) 1865 556088. www.cotswoldlodgehotel.co.uk The Old Bank: Tel: + (44) 1865 700599. www.oldbank-hotel.co.uk The Galaxie Hotel: Tel: + (44) 1865 515688. Marlborough House Hotel: Tel: + (44) 1865 515329. Ryan's Guest House: A ''cheap and cheerful'' option. Tel: + (44) 1865 554886.

Where to eat

Oxford is a gourmet heaven. Devotees of the Asian cuisine will be spoiled for choice?particularly fans of Indian fare. Saffron: Ranked among the top 30 restaurants in England. Select Indian and French fare. Address: 204-206 Banbury Rd. Gee's: English specialities served in an elegant and refined atmosphere. Address: 61 Banbury Rd. Kazbar: Serves North African fare. Very popular. Reasonable prices. 25-27 Cowley Rd. Frevd's: A cafe-bar-nightclub located in deconsecrated neo-classical church. Tasty pizzas, a good wine menu and great cocktails. Live music. Address: Walton Str. Edamame: Select Japanese fare. Address: 15 Holywell Str. Aquavitae: A classic Italian restaurant located next to Folly Bridge on the Thames. Address: 1 Folly Bridge.