Turkish Delights
Istanbul, Where East Meets West. In 2010, Istanbul has been designated the Cultural Capital of Europe with events organized around the theme of “A City of Four Elements”. Earth marks the period representing the values of the past. Air is the theme that embodies Turkey’s Spiritual wealth. Water signifying the link of Europe and Asia. Finally, Fire to symbolize the future of Istanbul.
Dates: Oct 6 -15, 2010
Cost: $ 4575.00 CAD
Day 1 Arrive in Istanbul
Airport pickup and transfer to hotel. Welcome Dinner.
Day 2 Istanbul Highlights
This Cultural Discovery will lead us into the heart of what makes Istanbul special.
Byzantine Hippodrome
The Byzantine Hippodrome, the heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life, the scene of games and riots through 500 years of Ottoman history. Monuments decorating the Hippodrome include the 3500 year old Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius and the spiral bronze base of a three headed serpent sculpture brought from Delphi in Greece. They stand in contrast with the Fountain of Kaiser Wilhelm II erected in the 20th century as a gift to the Ottoman sultan.
Blue Mosque
The world famous Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s premier sights. Istanbul’s imperial mosque is still a working mosque with fascinating blue tile work. With its 6 minarets and great cascades of domes, it is still under the shade of the Hagia Sofia.
Hagia Sophia and the Gallery
The church of the Divine Wisdom is eternally impressive and important. Its dome was a daring engineering feat in the 16th century and engineers still marvel at the building’s many innovations.
Basilica Cistern
Beneath Istanbul lie hundreds of gloomy Byzantine cisterns. The Basilica Cistern is the best preserved and the grandest of all. With proper walkways and atmosphere lightening, it deserves a visit.
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art
This is a treasure house of beautiful objects from the Ottoman (14th to 20th centuries), Selcuk (11th to 13th centuries), and earlier periods beginning in the 8th century. Turkish carpets, illuminated Kurans, calligraphy (at which the Ottomans excelled), carved and inlaid wood, glass, porcelain and stone are well displayed.
Day 3 Istanbul Highlights
Suleymaniye Mosque
Considered the most beautiful of all imperial mosques in Istanbul, it was built between 1550 and 1557 by Sinan, the renowned architect of the Ottoman Empire’s golden age.
Topkapi
The palace was the home of the Ottomans and the heart of the Empire.
Spice Market and Grand Bazaar
The ultimate medieval shopping center offers beautiful Turkish carpets, glazed tiles and pottery, copper, brass ware, leather goods, cotton and wool…spend the afternoon exploring and indulging in Turkish coffee and sweets.
Day 4 Cruise on the Bosphorus
The best way to see the Bosphorus is by water. A strategic waterway connecting the Black sea to the Mediterranean. Zigzag between Asia and Europe admiring one of the most beautiful sights in the world. Highlights include; Maidens Tower, Selimiye Barracks where Florence Nightingale worked, Dolmabahce Palace, Orakoy a chic art-boutique-and cafe scene with the baroque Mosque, Ciragan and Beylerbeyi Palace, Kuleli Navel Academy, Anadolu Hisari the mighty fortresses of Europe and Asia, Sariyer a fish market…
In the afternoon we will take part in learning about Turkish Cuisine in the Culinary Institute. A custom – tailored private course in classical Ottoman cooking, complete with a lecture about the history of Ottoman cuisine and a demonstration of Ottoman cooking techniques. Later we will dine in the restaurant and cafe that serves items prepared by the school’s students.
Day 5 Transfer to Ephesus
Ephesus is a vast site, not yet completely excavated but what is visible gives some idea of its original splendor. Allow yourself to really feel what life was like 2000 years ago during the glory days of Greece and Rome.
Tonight we will stay in Sirince.
Day 6 Aphrodisias and Pamukkale
Aphrodisias one of the most important archaeological sites of the Greek and Roman periods in Turkey. Lying in the Meander River Basin, in a fertile valley, famous for its sanctuary of Aphrodite. Today, many of the city’s ancient monuments remain standing, and excavations have unearthed fine marble statues and other artifacts. The great beauty and extraordinary preservation of this site combine to bring the civic culture of the Greco- Roman world vividly to life. As we drive through the Meander River Basin we will have the opportunity to see farming and agricultural life in Turkey. Arriving in Pamukkale where we will enjoy a night in a thermal bath hotel, mud therapy and massage. Pamukkale, a World Heritage sight that is home to baths and hot springs that the Ancients believed held healing powers.
Day 7 Meander Valley and Bodrum
We will drive south to Ionia exploring the Temple of Apollo at Didyma continuing to Miletus, the birthplace of the first known Greek philosopher, scientist and mathematician Thales. Miletus is near the mouth of the Meander River and is one of the twelve Ionian cities of Asia Minor.
Ending the day in Bodrum, ancient Halicarnassors, and ‘The Land of the Eternal Blue’.
Day 8 Bodrum
Its narrow winding roads and tiny white houses still carry traces from its rich history of various civilizations; Persians, Greek, Roman Empire and Byzantines.
Day 9 Bodrum
This last day will be spent on the Mediterranean enjoying the sun and sea. There are several options from boat trips, relaxing on the beach, enjoying a Turkish massage or shopping for souvenirs. Tonight we will return to Istanbul and have our final group dinner.
Day 10 Depart