THURSDAY September 2nd

15.00 – 19:00 AFTERNOON EXCURSIONS

1 - GRAND COVERED BAZAAR & SPICE BAZAAR

The oldest and largest covered bazaar in the world is situated in the heart of the city. One cannot appreciate this market without visiting it.
It resembles a giant labyrinth with approximately sixty lanes and more than three thousand shops.

The bazaar consisted originally of two 15th century buildings with thick walls that were covered with a series of domes.
In later centuries the streets around these buildings developed and were covered and new additions were made, turning it into a trading center.
In the past each lane was reserved for a different profession and the handicrafts produced here were rigorously controlled.

Business ethics and traditions were strictly adhered to.

All types of jewelry, fabrics, weaponry and antiques were sold by merchants whose expertise in the trade went back for generations.
At the end of the last century the bazaar suffered an earthquake and several fires.

Although it was repaired according to its original plan, it lost its former characteristics and deteriorated.

In the old days the tradesmen commanded so much respect and trust that people asked them to safeguard and to invest their money.
Today the shops in many lanes have changed character.
Trades such as quilt makers, slipper makers and fez makers only remain as street names now.

The Spice Bazaar, the second largest covered market in the city, was part of the mosque complex. Other surviving parts of the complex are the tombs and the magnificent fountain. On the mosque side of the L-shaped Spice Bazaar, there is a popular flower market and cafes, and fish, vegetable and grocery stores occupy the other side. Once all of the shops inside the bazaar used to sell spices, but over the time some have turned into dried fruit, grocery and gift shops or jewelers. It is one of the attractive sites in Istanbul with its vivacious and distinctive atmosphere.

2 - TOPKAPI PALACE MUSEUM

The Topkapı Palace served for more than four centuries as the imperial residence of the Ottoman household, including 24 Sultans in total.
Abandoned as the imperial residence in 1853 by Sultan Abdülmecid I for the Dolmabahçe Palace, in 1924 it was converted into a museum.
It now houses an extraordinary collection of imperial treasures, including priceless porcelain, jewels, armour, costumes, weaponry, miniatures, calligraphy, and other precious objects and works of art that once were imperial property When Sultan Mehmed II conquered Constantinople in 1453, he found that what remained of the Byzantine palaces was uninhabitable.

Thus one of the first tasks confronting the new ruler of this imperial city was the construction of an appropriate royal residence.
First the Old Palace (Eski Saray) was built in the district of what is now called Beyazıt in the environs of İstanbul University A few years later the construction of the Topkapı Palace was undertaken on the First Hill of the city which overlooks the point where the waters of the Marmara Sea and the Golden Horn flow into each other. Although the main buildings of this palace complex were completed sometime in the 1460s, new sections
were continuously being added even until the nineteenth century There was no fixed plan for the overall construction of this complex, but rather it grew as need dictated. This palace served not only as the residence of the Ottoman ruler and his household, but also functioned as the seat of the Ottoman government. In addition to the residential quarters, the palace consists off our distinct courtyards which functioned as the service area of the palace.

3 - HAGIA SOPHIA MUSEUM, SULTAN AHMET MOSQUE(THE BLUE MOSQUE)

Hagia Sophia Museum: Haghia Sophia Museum is located in Sultanahmet Square across from Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Considered one of the finest architectural works in the world, it was originally built as a church. Construction began during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor
Constantine 1, but was only completed in AD 360 during the reign of Constantine II.

The first Haghia Sophia was partially burnt during an uprising. It was repaired by Theodosius II and opened to worship in 415, but was burned to the ground during another public uprising in 532.After the revolts, Emperor Justinian determined to build an unparalleled place of worship and entrusted two architect-engineers from Anatolia, Isidoros and Anthemios, with the task. Building materials were brought in from all the Mediterranean countries. In addition, the columns of a number of Pagan temples in Anatolia, including the Temple of Artemis, were dismantled and used in the building.
The construction lasted five years, and Haghia Sophia was once again open to worship. The structure standing today is that which was built as a church by Justinian. Haghia Sophia was occasionally damaged, but was repaired and additions were built. Despite the changes, its essence remains untouched. Haghia Sophia experienced its darkest days during the Latin occupation, it was looted, damaged and a number of its valuable furnishings were removed and taken to the churches of Europe. When the city once again passed into the control of the Byzantines, the church was in terrible condition. Using limited resources, efforts were made to restore it. It was then badly damaged in the earthquake of 1344 in which parts of it, including a section of the dome, collapsed. The increasingly impoverished Byzantines were unable to repair it and it remained closed for a period.
Through the levy of special taxes and collection of donations, the church was once again repaired in 1354. Despite these efforts, Haghia Sophia was not to return to its full glory after the Latin occupation until the conquest of Istanbul. Immediately following the conquest of the city, Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror went directly to Haghia Sophia. But it was in ruins. He decided on that day to convert the church to a mosque, and thus a new period began for Haghia Sophia. From the first day it became a mosque, Haghia Sophia became a place of enormous significance for Muslims living within the borders of the Ottoman Empire, as well as others. For hundreds of years it has symbolized and been a reminder of the conquest of Istanbul.,
Haghia Sophia was changed to a museum in 1934 and opened to the public in 1935. Haghia Sophia presently functions as a museum.

Sultan Ahmet Mosque (The Blue Mosque): One of the most famous monuments of Turkish and Islamic art, the mosque is visited by all who come to Istanbul and gains their admiration. This imperial mosque is an example of classical Turkish architecture, and it is the only mosque that was originally built with six minarets. It is surrounded by other important edifices of Istanbul, built at earlier ages. Istanbul is viewed best from the sea and the mosque is part of this magnificent scenery. Although it is popularly known as the Blue Mosque, its real name is Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Befitting his original profession, its architect Mehmet Aga decorated the interior fastidiously like a jeweler. Built between 1609-1616, the mosque used to be part of a large complex, including a covered bazaar, Turkish baths, public kitchens, a hospital, schools, a caravanserai, and the mausoleum of Sultan Ahmet. Some of these social and cultural buildings have not survived to our day.

The architect was a student of Sinan, the greatest architect of classical Turkish architecture. He applied a plan used previously by his master, but on a larger scale.

From the gate opening to the inner courtyard one can view the domes, rising above one another in perfect harmony, over the symbolic ablution fountain in the middle and the surrounding porticoes.

4 - THE BOSPHORUS TOUR

The Bosphorus is approximately 30 km long, and at its narrowest point the Anadolu and Rumeli fortresses face each other across it. Here the width of the strait is about 800 meters. On the surface, the Bosphorus flows like a river from the Black Sea to the Marmara. This current gets much stronger and becomes truly dangerous around the fortresses. Below the surface current, there is another current flowing in the opposite direction. These currents have always constituted a threat for the ships crossing the strait. The Bosphorus is like a narrow valley and it has an average depth of 50 and a maximum depth of 110 meters. Because of the currents and the different temperatures on various levels, the Bosphorus is a paradise for fish. The fish migrate between the Black Sea and the Marmara according to the season. These fish, peculiar to these waters, are caught during the migration seasons. Nowhere else can one find such fine-tasting fish. Until recent times, the settlements along the Bosphorus were quite limited due to the strong currents and the lack of roads. They consisted of a few villages, some imperial palaces and the mansions of the wealthy. In the 19th century the embassies started to build their summer residences here. Today the shores and the hills are developing as residential districts. There are numerous fish restaurants and cafes on both sides of the Bosphorus. Modern villas intermingle with the relatively few

old wooden seaside mansions that have been preserved. One of the most beautiful sights in the world, the Bosphorus is a strait winding between two continents and joining two seas. The Black Sea is connected to the Aegean through the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles. It offers a different beauty each season, and in spring it is adorned with the pink flowers of the Judas trees.

TRP-01KUŞADASI - EPHESUS - PERGAMUM TOUR

1st DAY

Departure for İzmir by morning flight. Arrival and transfer to the hotel in Kuşadası.

A tour to Pergamum; ancient center of healing and culture, Asclepieum first medical center in the world, built in the name of Asclepius “God of Medicine”. Drive to İzmir, birthplace of Homer and a short tour of city. Dinner and overnight accommodation in Kuşadası.

2nd DAY

After breakfast, tour to Ephesus, visit to one of the “Seven Churches of Revelation”. St John Basilica and Temple of Artemis, one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”. Last abode of the “Virgin Mary” at Mount Solmissos and lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the old Greco-
Roman city of Ephesus, Marble Street, Odeon, Bouleterion, Temple of Hadrian and Serapis, Agora, Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Double Church, Arcadian Way and Gate of Magnesia. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight accommodation.

3rd DAY

After an early breakfast transfer to the airport and departure for Istanbul.

Dates : 28-30 AUGUST and 4-8 SEPTEMBER
Hotels : Pine Bay Marina Hotel - www.pinebay.com
             Charisma Hotel - www.charismahotel.com
             Korumar Hotel - www.korumar.com
           **Hotel bookings will be provided vie Hospitality/Tours Desks due to the availability.
Fee     : 355 € **(including VAT)/ per person (6 or more persons required)
           : 395 € **(including VAT)/ per person (for 1-5 persons)
          ** prices do not include flight reservations.
              Price Includes : • Airport transfers by private coaches
            • 2 nights full board accommodation at 4 star hotels
            • English speaking guides

TRP-02 ANTALYA

1st DAY

Arrival in Antalya, the unoffical capital of the “Turquoise Coast” of the Mediterranean. Transfer to the hotel, dinner and overnight accommodation.

2nd DAY
After breakfast, full day excursion to the ancient Pamphylian cities of Perge and Aspendos.
Then, a visit to the Manavgat waterfalls and return to Antalya for dinner and overnight.

3rd DAY

Full day city tour; including the Hadrian’s Gate, the old harbour, the old City Walls, and highly praised Antalya Archeological Museum. Then visit the Ancient city of Thermessos and Düden waterfalls cascading over a cliff into the Mediterranean.

4th DAY

Transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Istanbul.
Dates  : 28-31 AUGUST and 4-7 SEPTEMBER
Hotels : Antalya Oteli – www.antalyaoteli.com.tr
             Cender Oteli – www.cenderhotel.com.tr
         **Hotel bookings will be provided vie Hospitality/Tours Desks due to the availability.
Fee     : 385 € **(including VAT)/ per person (6 or more persons required)
           : 475 € **(including VAT)/ per person (for 1-5 persons)
        ** prices do not include flight reservations.
Price Includes : • Airport transfers by private coaches
                         • 3 nights full board accommodation at 4 star hotels
                         • English speaking guides

TRP-03 THREE DAYS TOUR OF ANKARA & CAPPADOCIA

1st DAY – ISTANBUL - ANKARA - CAPPADOCIA

Departure for Ankara by morning flight. Program starts with a tour of Ankara. The first site is the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations which is located in a restored bazaar. The museum has the most unique and priceless collection dating back to the Prehistoric Era. The Mausoleum of Atatürk is the next stop. This magnificent structure serves as a tribute to the founder of modern Turkey. Lunch will be taken in Ankara and the drive for Cappadocia will start after lunch. Dinner and hotel accommodation in Cappadocia.

2nd DAY - CAPPADOCIA

Breakfast will be served at the hotel and the full day tour of Cappadocia begins with the natural citadel of Uçhisar which will enable you to get a panoramic view of the region. The trip continues with the Göreme valley which is the highlight of the day. This valley houses the Göreme
Open Air Museum with its churches hewn out of rock and the colourful frescoes which decorate them. The next stop is Zelve and the caves of this ancient village, continuing with the Avanos and Çavuşin villages. Lunch will be served enroute at a typical regional restaurant. Dinner and overnight will be at the hotel in Cappadocia.

3rd DAY - CAPPADOCIA - ANKARA - ISTANBUL

Breakfast will be served at the hotel and the morning visits will begin with the underground city of Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu which refuges carved out in the early Christian Era as safe heavens from persecutors. Lunch will be taken on the way to Ankara. After arrival in Ankara you will be transferred to airport to catch your Istanbul flight.

Dates : 28-30 AUGUST and 4-6 SEPTEMBER

Hotels : Dedeman Otel, Nevşehir - www.dedeman.com/kapadokya_tr.aspx
             Peri Tower Otel, Nevşehir - www.peritower.com
             Turist Otel, Göreme - www.touristhotel-goreme.com
         **Hotel bookings will be provided vie Hospitality/Tours Desks due to the availability.
Fee     : 335 € **(including VAT)/ per person (6 or more persons required)
           : 375 € **(including VAT)/ per person (for 1-5 persons)
         ** prices do not include flight reservations.
Price Includes : • Airport transfers by private coaches. (Ankara-Cappadocia-Ankara shuttle transportations (app.3,5 hours) are included)
                         • 2 nights full board accommodation at 4/5 star hotels
                         • English speaking guides

TRP-04 ONE NIGHT AND TWO DAYS TOUR OF TROY AND ANZACS

1st DAY: Departure from Istanbul and drive to Gallipoli after lunch, a visit to the famous World
War I battle-field of Anzacs of crossing Dardanelles. Dinner and overnight nearby Troy (which
is known as Assos, the ancient city).

2nd DAY: After breakfast, half day tour to the ancient city of Troy, famous for its Trojan Horse
from the times of beautiful Helen and Paris. After lunch in Canakkale, take a ferry to Gallipoli
and drive back to Istanbul.

Dates  : 29-30 AUGUST and 4-5 SEPTEMBER
Hotels : Eden Gardens - www.assosedengroup.com
Nazlıhan Boutique Hotel - www.assosedengroup.com
         **Hotel bookings will be provided vie Hospitality/Tours Desks due to the availability.
Fee     : 285 € **(including VAT)/ per person (6 or more persons required)
           : 310 € **(including VAT)/ per person (for 1-5 persons)
         ** prices do not include flight reservations.
Price Includes : • Airport transfers by private coaches
                         • 2 days and 1 night full board accommodation at 4 star hotels
                         • English speaking guides