Erik's Adventures L.L.C.
Standing out with authentic travel experiences
Turkish Delight
September 28th- October 6th, 2007
Landcost $1,245
September 28th- October 6th, 2007
Landcost $1,245
Istanbul & Kusadasi
Turkey is split into 7 regions. Each has its own distinct
climate, landscape and traditions. The first four are
named according to their adjacent seas (the Black Sea,
the Marmara, the Aegean and the Mediterranean
Regions). The other three is named in relation to their
location in the whole of Anatolia – the Central,
Eastern and South East Anatolia Regions.
Turkey has been home to twenty fascinating civilizations, spanning over 10,000 years of history, much of which is still being uncovered. Its rich history is very much part of the present, with temples, ancient theatres, churches, mosques, tombs, statues of gods, palaces and fortresses, and of course the many detailed and fascination museums which bring the past to life. In cities like Istanbul, there is a modern,lively ambience of contemporary society living alongside tradition, where art and music can be enjoyed whether it belongs to today or yesteryear. Whether you are fond of art, history, archeology, nature or if your idea of bliss is a relaxing beach or sailing holiday, there really is something for everybody in Turkey.
Itinerary for 9 days
Sep 28th (Fri) Depart USA
Sep 29th (Sat) Arrive Istanbul, Turkey
Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel to rest and unwind.
Istanbul
is the only city in the world to be set on
two continents (Europe and Asia), divided by the
straits of the Bosphorus and forms the proverbial
bridge between East and West. The Blue Mosque,
Roman Hippodrome, Haghia Sophia, Topkapi
Palace, Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, and the
Bosphorus all mark the historical past of this ancient
capital, from the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Istanbul never fails to surprise
with its layer upon layer of history, hospitable people and glamorous nightlife; adding
up to a most memorable vacation.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Sep 30th (Sun) Istanbul (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel.
Begin your tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul, at Saint Sophia.
Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD, this church is one of the marvels of
world architecture. Its massive dome dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is famed
for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses.
Next visit the The Topkapi Palace, (15th to the 19th
century) the principle residence of the Ottoman
Sultans. Visit the fabulous Imperial Treasury and
the Baghdad Kiosk. Topkapi Palace is now a
museum and has unrivalled collections of jewelry,
including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, the 3rd
largest in the world, Ottoman court costumes and
ceramics, notably one of the world’s finest collection of early Chinese ceramics, much
of it gifts from other rulers. Interestingly, some of the ceramics have a special glaze that
was said to change color in the presence of poison. But perhaps the loveliest features
of Topkapi Palace are its courtyards with their ancient trees, and it is easy to imagine
the sultan strolling here far from the cares of state and empire.
Thereafter visit the Blue Mosque, which owes its name to the
exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Dating from the 17th
century, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets.
The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held
100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of
the empire. Of these, an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze
sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi survive.
The Grand Bazaar, was the commercial heart of the
old city and its 4,000 shops are full of treasures –
including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics,
icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the
Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman
style.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Oct 01st (Mon)
Istanbul (B/L)
After breakfast at hotel proceed to visit the 17th century
Spice Bazaar and the 19th century Dolmabahce Palace,
a European style Ottoman Palace on Bosphorus.
Thereafter embark on an unforgettable cruise along the
Bosphorus, the beautiful strait that divides Europe from
Asia. Winding between wooded hills, it is lined with
mosques, castles, 19th century mansions, picturesque
villages and the extravagant baroque places of the late
Ottoman sultans. Your tour concludes with a drive along
the Bosphorus to visit the Sadberk Hanim Museum,
Istanbul’s best ethnological museum.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Oct 02nd (Tue)
Istanbul (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel.
Today visit the Turkish Bath (Hamam) and
thereafter drive up to the highest hill of Istanbul
called Camlica Hill where you will enjoy a very
impressive panoramic view of Istanbul. Continue
your visit to Beylerbeyi Palace - a pleasant drive to
the Asian part of Istanbul through suspension
Bosphorus Bridge. The palace was the famous
summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans with its magnificent gardens and
breathtaking richness. The Beylerbeyi Palace lying on the beautiful shores of the
Bosphorus is fully furnished and it is a perfect example of the late Ottoman
architecture.
Oct 03rd (Wed)
Istanbul / Kusadasi (B/L)
After breakfast depart for Kusadasi en-route visit Bursa, the first capital of the
Ottoman Empire and one of the great treasure houses of Islamic architecture. Visit the
Green Mosque and the neighboring Green Mausoleum, both world-renowned for
their superb tile decoration, as well as the late 14th century Great Mosque and the
Koza Han, which for centuries was the center of the silk trade.
Lunch at a local restaurant. Arrive and check into your hotel.
Kusadasi, is set in a superb gulf in the Aegean
region of Turkey and is known for its turquoise
sparkling water of the Sea, broad sandy beaches,
bright sun and a large marina. A glorious ancient
city stands beside it, Ephesus the most well-
preserved classical Greco-Roman city on the
Mediterranean, and is perhaps the best place in
the world to imagine how life went-on during
Roman times. Kusadasi is also great for all types of water sports and shopping or you
can spend the day soaking up the sun at the beach.
Overnight stay in Kusadasi.
Oct 04th (Thu) Kusadasi (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel.
Depart for the ancient city of Ephesus and spend a full day exploring the jewel of
Turkey's ancient past, the ruins of Ephesus (Open air
museum). Archaeological excavations begun in 1869 have
uncovered well-preserved main streets, squares, temples,
theaters and houses. Visit the Great Amphitheater, and
stroll down the Marble Way to the magnificent Library of
Celcus. Visit the House of Virgin Mary, the Temple of
Artemis that was one of the seven wonders of the ancient
world and St. John’s Basilica & Tomb.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Overnight stay in Kusadasi.
Oct 05th (Fri) Kusadasi (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel.
Today travel overland to Istanbul.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Oct 06th (Sat) Istanbul (B)
Breakfast at hotel.
At leisure (hotel check out is at 12 noon)
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
“End of tour”
Cost: (Land Arrangements only)
$ 1,245 per person sharing twin room
$ 280 single supplement
Land cost includes:
•
Accommodation at 4* hotels on sharing basis.
•
7 breakfast and 6 lunches.
•
Transportation and sightseeing using air-conditioned vehicles with an English speaking driver-
guide.
•
Entrance fees for sightseeing wherever applicable.
Land cost does not include:
•
International tickets with applicable departure taxes.
•
Applicable visa fees.
•
Individual transfers for single clients will be additional cost.
•
Extra visits and meals not indicated.
•
Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, laundry, beverages etc.
•
Porterages, tips and gratuities to staff and guides.
•
Personal medical and travel insurance.
Turkey is split into 7 regions. Each has its own distinct
climate, landscape and traditions. The first four are
named according to their adjacent seas (the Black Sea,
the Marmara, the Aegean and the Mediterranean
Regions). The other three is named in relation to their
location in the whole of Anatolia – the Central,
Eastern and South East Anatolia Regions.
Turkey has been home to twenty fascinating civilizations, spanning over 10,000 years of history, much of which is still being uncovered. Its rich history is very much part of the present, with temples, ancient theatres, churches, mosques, tombs, statues of gods, palaces and fortresses, and of course the many detailed and fascination museums which bring the past to life. In cities like Istanbul, there is a modern,lively ambience of contemporary society living alongside tradition, where art and music can be enjoyed whether it belongs to today or yesteryear. Whether you are fond of art, history, archeology, nature or if your idea of bliss is a relaxing beach or sailing holiday, there really is something for everybody in Turkey.
Itinerary for 9 days
Sep 28th (Fri) Depart USA
Sep 29th (Sat) Arrive Istanbul, Turkey
Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel to rest and unwind.
Istanbul
is the only city in the world to be set on
two continents (Europe and Asia), divided by the
straits of the Bosphorus and forms the proverbial
bridge between East and West. The Blue Mosque,
Roman Hippodrome, Haghia Sophia, Topkapi
Palace, Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, and the
Bosphorus all mark the historical past of this ancient
capital, from the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Istanbul never fails to surprise
with its layer upon layer of history, hospitable people and glamorous nightlife; adding
up to a most memorable vacation.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Sep 30th (Sun) Istanbul (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel.
Begin your tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul, at Saint Sophia.
Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD, this church is one of the marvels of
world architecture. Its massive dome dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is famed
for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses.
Next visit the The Topkapi Palace, (15th to the 19th
century) the principle residence of the Ottoman
Sultans. Visit the fabulous Imperial Treasury and
the Baghdad Kiosk. Topkapi Palace is now a
museum and has unrivalled collections of jewelry,
including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, the 3rd
largest in the world, Ottoman court costumes and
ceramics, notably one of the world’s finest collection of early Chinese ceramics, much
of it gifts from other rulers. Interestingly, some of the ceramics have a special glaze that
was said to change color in the presence of poison. But perhaps the loveliest features
of Topkapi Palace are its courtyards with their ancient trees, and it is easy to imagine
the sultan strolling here far from the cares of state and empire.
Thereafter visit the Blue Mosque, which owes its name to the
exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Dating from the 17th
century, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets.
The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held
100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of
the empire. Of these, an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze
sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi survive.
The Grand Bazaar, was the commercial heart of the
old city and its 4,000 shops are full of treasures –
including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics,
icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the
Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman
style.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Oct 01st (Mon)
Istanbul (B/L)
After breakfast at hotel proceed to visit the 17th century
Spice Bazaar and the 19th century Dolmabahce Palace,
a European style Ottoman Palace on Bosphorus.
Thereafter embark on an unforgettable cruise along the
Bosphorus, the beautiful strait that divides Europe from
Asia. Winding between wooded hills, it is lined with
mosques, castles, 19th century mansions, picturesque
villages and the extravagant baroque places of the late
Ottoman sultans. Your tour concludes with a drive along
the Bosphorus to visit the Sadberk Hanim Museum,
Istanbul’s best ethnological museum.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Oct 02nd (Tue)
Istanbul (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel.
Today visit the Turkish Bath (Hamam) and
thereafter drive up to the highest hill of Istanbul
called Camlica Hill where you will enjoy a very
impressive panoramic view of Istanbul. Continue
your visit to Beylerbeyi Palace - a pleasant drive to
the Asian part of Istanbul through suspension
Bosphorus Bridge. The palace was the famous
summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans with its magnificent gardens and
breathtaking richness. The Beylerbeyi Palace lying on the beautiful shores of the
Bosphorus is fully furnished and it is a perfect example of the late Ottoman
architecture.
Oct 03rd (Wed)
Istanbul / Kusadasi (B/L)
After breakfast depart for Kusadasi en-route visit Bursa, the first capital of the
Ottoman Empire and one of the great treasure houses of Islamic architecture. Visit the
Green Mosque and the neighboring Green Mausoleum, both world-renowned for
their superb tile decoration, as well as the late 14th century Great Mosque and the
Koza Han, which for centuries was the center of the silk trade.
Lunch at a local restaurant. Arrive and check into your hotel.
Kusadasi, is set in a superb gulf in the Aegean
region of Turkey and is known for its turquoise
sparkling water of the Sea, broad sandy beaches,
bright sun and a large marina. A glorious ancient
city stands beside it, Ephesus the most well-
preserved classical Greco-Roman city on the
Mediterranean, and is perhaps the best place in
the world to imagine how life went-on during
Roman times. Kusadasi is also great for all types of water sports and shopping or you
can spend the day soaking up the sun at the beach.
Overnight stay in Kusadasi.
Oct 04th (Thu) Kusadasi (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel.
Depart for the ancient city of Ephesus and spend a full day exploring the jewel of
Turkey's ancient past, the ruins of Ephesus (Open air
museum). Archaeological excavations begun in 1869 have
uncovered well-preserved main streets, squares, temples,
theaters and houses. Visit the Great Amphitheater, and
stroll down the Marble Way to the magnificent Library of
Celcus. Visit the House of Virgin Mary, the Temple of
Artemis that was one of the seven wonders of the ancient
world and St. John’s Basilica & Tomb.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Overnight stay in Kusadasi.
Oct 05th (Fri) Kusadasi (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel.
Today travel overland to Istanbul.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Oct 06th (Sat) Istanbul (B)
Breakfast at hotel.
At leisure (hotel check out is at 12 noon)
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
“End of tour”
Cost: (Land Arrangements only)
$ 1,245 per person sharing twin room
$ 280 single supplement
Land cost includes:
•
Accommodation at 4* hotels on sharing basis.
•
7 breakfast and 6 lunches.
•
Transportation and sightseeing using air-conditioned vehicles with an English speaking driver-
guide.
•
Entrance fees for sightseeing wherever applicable.
Land cost does not include:
•
International tickets with applicable departure taxes.
•
Applicable visa fees.
•
Individual transfers for single clients will be additional cost.
•
Extra visits and meals not indicated.
•
Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, laundry, beverages etc.
•
Porterages, tips and gratuities to staff and guides.
•
Personal medical and travel insurance.
Erik's Adventures LLC is a registered tour operator and will work with individuals, group clients, and also with travel agents
Erik's Adventures LLC is a registered tour operator and will work with individuals, group clients, and also with travel agents
