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Itinerary: |
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This program is
specially designed for those who’d like to take the opportunity of
getting acquaintance with the traditional Turkish hospitality well
known by the world. We choose the best routes for our guests for
this cultural trip. Thanks to Turkish Hospitality tour program held
by Turkish Travel, you’ll be the guest of God in our host families’
home and you’ll see the difference, the real Turkish culture. We are
proud of presenting this special program to our guests. We guarantee
that it will be your life’s trip. You’ll keep those precious moments
in your mind forever. Most of the host families are the members of
Friendship Force Club and they have a great experience to host their
valued guests from all over the world. Just join and let us
introduce the hospitality coming from the deep-seated tradition in
Anatolia. For more information you may check our
Hospitality page as
well. Here we go !
DAY 1 ISTANBUL
Welcome to the
paradise of two continents. Deren Koray Tourism representative will
meet you in Atatürk Int'l Airport. We’ll transfer to the hotel
located in the heart of the city. Just relax and get acquaintance
with Istanbul. We'd like to
give a welcome cocktail and briefing about the entire tour. Rest of
the night is at your perfunctory exploration around the hotel
located in the center of the city. [D]
DAY 2
ISTANBUL
Get your breakfast
strong since the most important landmarks await our exploration.
We’d like to state that even 7 days are insufficient to see the all
details of the places of interest in
Sultanahmet District however
we’ll offer the major places. The first place is The
Blue Mosque famous for blue
and white Iznik tiles was built
between 1609-1616 then we’ll proceed for the ancient Hippodrome, the
scene of chariot races and the center of Byzantine civic life,
stands in the open space next, we’ll pass Turkish & Islamic Arts
Museum that reflects the lifestyle of Turks of every society from
the 8th century to the present. Lunch at Konyali one of the well
known restaurants in Topkapi. Time to visit
Topkapi Palace having the
galleries exhibiting the imperial collections of gorgeous crystal,
silver and Chinese porcelain of Ottoman era. Visiting Harem, the
secluded quarters of the wives, concubines and children of the
sultan, charms visitors, an exhibition of imperial costumes worn by
the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the treasury
and a priceless collection of miniatures from medieval manuscripts.
Hagia Sophia, one of
the finest buildings of all time built by Emperor Justinian now
Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s Mosque. Exploring the majestic serenity and
the fine Byzantine mosaics of the building. After St. Sophia we’ll
proceed for Sunken
Palace also known as Basilica Cistern from Justinian era with
its 336 marble columns. Finally, we’ll depart for gorgeous
Grand Bazaar
having over 4000 shops inside. Ready to get lost? Go on then.
Egyptian Bazaar is another paradise for the shop-lovers. At night
we’ll take you a special restaurant for dinner as again you won’t be
able to resist the world famous cuisine. Late at night we’ll join
informative light & sound show in the front of Blue Mosque (if
available) [B] [L] [D]
DAY 3
ISTANBUL
Today we’ll
introduce another Istanbul that you’ll admire. First we’ll take you
to Kariye Museum
that was built in 5th century. Here you’ll be the witness of one of
the finest Byzantine works in the world. Mosaics, frescoes, the
Biblical composition of the artwork are dazzling here. Next we’ll
pass the City Walls of Constantine built by Emperor Theodosius the
Second in 413 for defense. Lunch time! After having our
meal we’d like to introduce
the cruise of your life.
Bosphorus Ferry
Tour is such a wonderful experience in Istanbul. Welcome aboard. The
ferry will take us along the Bosphorus passing under 2 bridges
linking Asia & Europe continents. Get ready to see the parade of the
imperial palaces: Kiz Kulesi
(Maiden Tower), Ciragan Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Kirmizi Yali,
Kücüksu Kasri, Rumeli Hisari, Anadolu Hisari, Kanlica (famous with
honey on creamy yoghurt for 300 years), Beykoz, Tarabya, are
important places you’ll observe from the sea. The cruise terminates
at Anadolu Kavagi in Asia Continent. We’ll climb Genoese Castle
where you can observe the
Black Sea joins
Bosphorus so-called Clashing Rocks associated with Jason & Argonaut
had to navigate on their search of Golden Fleece. Anadolu Kavagi is
famous for its fish restaurants. We’ll set you free for an hour for
your perfunctory exploration. The breathtaking view of Bosphorus,
charcoal fish & raki are the main triplet that all tourists &
Turkish people adore having this experience. Here is the difference
of Turkish travel. We’ll invite you to a dinner with Turkish folk
songs. The rest of the night is all ours. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 4 CANAKKALE
Today we’ll depart
for the conjunction point of Aegean and Marmara Sea. Along the
Thrace & Marmara Sea and passing thru Saroz Bay, we’ll reach honored
Dardanelles (Canakkale)
that connects the Marmara and the Aegean Sea. Canakkale is
strategically important, so the castles are visible both in European
and Asian side. While crossing the Gallipolli by car-ferry, you can
take the picture of World War I Memorial of Dardanelles where half
million people lost their lives. Time to visit the impressive ruins
of Troy dated back to
3rd century B.C., The Trojan War took place between Greek & Trojan
people for the honor of Helen, Just pay attention to the story of
Wooden Horse in here. You’ll love this. After Troy we’ll proceed
Assos for overnight.
[B] [L] [D]
DAY
5 PERGAMON - IZMIR
We’ll start the day
in picturesque fishing town Assos and we’ll depart for
Pergamon once a great center of
culture, survives as one of Turkey's finest archaeological sites.
Pergamum: first an ancient Kingdom dated back 323 B.C. This
Hellenistic city was the center of culture, commerce and medical
with its philosophers, scientists and artists like Galen (131-210
AD). Acropolis, remains of celebrated library, an impressive
Hellenistic style 10000 spectator capacity theater, marble columned
temples of Trajan and the Temple of Dionysus, the Temple of Athena,
library of Pergamum once catered 200.000 volumes, (It’s not hard to
guess the first parchment paper was invented here) the sanctuary of
Demeter, Zeus Altar one of the grandest monuments; Satan’s Throne
and great medical treatment center Asclepion where the symbol of
modern medicine came from. After lunch we’ll proceed for
Izmir and we’ll meet host
families in the city center. Get ready to be the guest of God and
take the advantage of the real culture, feel the traditional Turkish
hospitality thanks to our host families. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 6 IZMIR -
CITY TOUR
Today we’d like to
show you around. Meeting at Konak, first we’ll visit Alexander
Great’s Velvet Castle & agora, just watch the spectacular view from
here for Izmir Bay. Time to visit
Bayrakli where the original city was established in the 3rd
millennium B.C. and one of the Seven Churches mentioned as
Smyrna in the book of Revelation.
Proceed for ancient Konak Mosque, Izmir clock tower which is the
symbol of Izmir, walking towards to
Ethnography Museum in Varyant, visiting the museum and Kemeralti
Grand Bazaar, Kizlararagasi Hani where the traditional “Tiredness
Coffee” will be served, and Hisarönü. Get ready your life’s night
out! At night we’ll invite you to a dinner in a very traditional way
at Authentic Middle Asia Restaurant in Kemalpasa & Turkish night,
explore the real culture of the Turks with the host families. [B]
[L] [D]
DAY
7 IZMIR -
EPHESUS
Today we’ll meet at
Konak the city center. Ready to depart to commercial center of the
ancient world. Arrive at Ephesus
where St. Paul Preached, Heracletes Gate, Curates Street, Scholastic
Baths, Celcus Library, Marble Road, Great Theater, Arcadian way, (Harbor
Street), The Basilica of St. John,
Virgin Mary’s House
that visited by Popes and is considered pilgrimage site for
Catholics as well. After Ephesus depart for Selcuk and typical
Turkish Village Sirince taste the vine & gozleme cooked in wooden
stove, return to home, at night spent with host families they will
have a surprise for you. [B] [L] [D]
DAY
8 IZMIR -
ÇESME
Host families will
drop you at Konak, We'll depart for the most impressive sea shore of
the world. Cesme is just 80 km
away from Izmir and it's considered one of the top 7 seas around the
world. Arrive at Ilicalar, Sifne which is famous for the thermal
spas, Cesme Castle, walk along the shore, take a break at café near
by the sea. The Greek Islands are visible here. Take a stroll old
bazaar and have a glance. You'll love here. Early afternoon we'll
depart for Izmir. At night host families will take care of you since
it's the last day of you with them. [B] [L] [D]
DAY
9 SARDIS -
PAMUKKALE
Well, time to say
good bye to the host families. Depart from Konak, for
Pamukkale enroute the ruins of
ancient Sart (Sardis), once the capital of the Lydian realm of
Croesus, lie on the Sart Cayi (Pactoles River). Here the first coins
were minted. For lunch we'll serve traditional wooden fire cooked
meat balls in Salihli. Time to pop-in Buldan & drink natural mineral
water, examine the embroidery center of Aegean Region. Hand crafts
are very popular in here. Just examine how the people survive their
life in Buldan. Later we'll arrive in Pamukkale the magical and
spectacular natural site that was declared a world heritage site by
UNESCO. Here the thermal spring waters laden with calcareous salts
running off the plateau's edge have created this fantastic formation
of stalactites, cataracts and basins. The hot springs have been used
since Roman times for their therapeutic powers. Time to meet with
the host families in Denizli.
Just relax and get acquaintance with the new host families. Here
you'll be taken great care as well. At night we'll join traditional
Turkish night in one of the well known restaurants in Denizli with
host families. You'll certainly love this since they will try to
please you. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 10
PAMUKKALE - HIERAPOLIS
Today host families
will drop you at the city center. Hierapolis with its best -preserved
baths is in our list today. The Basilica (dated back 6th Century
AD), The temple of Apollo, the well preserved theater that can cater
14.000 spectator at a time. The church was devoted to St. Philip and
the Domitian Arch, the Necropolis, Because of the healthy water of
Pamukkale this city once was called as a Sacred city. After
strolling all historical remains we'll have the lunch in one of the
restaurants in Pamukkale. Later we'll proceed for Karahayit. Unlike
Pamukkale Karahayit is famous for its red-characteristic basins. For
those who'd like to take the opportunity of swimming in these
thermal pools or strolling around the basins it's time to do. We'll
have a break for a for time in here. Later we'll meet with the host
families. Rest of the night will be yours as host families will take
great care of you. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 11
APHRODISIAS
Today we'll explore
one of the important religious sites dated back to 2800 BC. The
temple of Aphrodisias, the city walls, The ruins of Sebasteion; the
theater established in late Hellenistic period; the sculptures (mostly
displayed in the museum), the ruins of the baths (not for swimming
for today, sorry!), the gymnasium, the Byzantium Stavropolis are the
major sights. Along the Acropolis we’ll examine the baths with
carved gates devoted both Aphrodite and Hadrian; the big pool which
was excavated by the archaeologists in the recent years, the most
beautiful marble construction the Odeon. The Temple of Aphrodite,
the Bishop’s church, the two columned Tetraphylon and well-preserved
stadium for 30000 spectator. After lunch at Yörük restaurant that is
the best place for your entertainment and animation with delicious
Turkish food, we’ll turn back to Denizli. Since Denizli is the
textile center of Turkey, we strongly advise to pop in one of the
shopping malls in the city center for your once over. Tonight will
be the last night with the hostfamiles. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 12
MARMARIS
Time to say good
bye to the host families. Now we'll depart for one of the best
resorts in Turkey. Marmaris
located on a bay, backed by rugged pine-clad mountains and also it's
one of the most attractive maritime parklands, for all water sports
and sailing. En route enjoy your lunch by the splendid view of
Gökova Bay, Ancient Marmaris, Physkos, was an important stage on the
Anatolia-Rhodes-Egypt trade route. Our new host families will meet
you in here. Just relax and get acquaintance with the host families.
Tonight we'll invite you to a welcome dinner in one of the well
known restaurants. Another Turkish night will be waiting for you in
here. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 13
MARMARIS - BOAT TRIP
Today we'll invite
you a boat trip in order to show all untouched corners from the sea.
With this you'll have an idea about the famous "Blue
Voyage" Paradise Island Beach, as you can guess from the name,
Aquarium is famous for its crystal
clear water. Phosphorous and other caves will take your
attention en route. You will not be able to resist the invitation of
the turquoise water at Turunc and Kumlubük Beach. En route it's an
interesting place called Gölenye Springs are well known for its
curative waters good for intestinal ills. Cleopatras's Island
beaches in Sedir Island is simply magnicifient. See the all tones of
the blue with the golden colored sand in here. There is a debate
that the sand was carried from the Egypt for the meeting of
Cleopatra and the Roman commander Antonius 2000 years ago. Explore
the ruins in the island as well such as the Temple of Apollon, the
theatre and the Necropolis. Enjoy sailing. At night host families
will take care of you. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 14
MARMARIS - DATÇA - BOAT TRIP
God sends his
beloved person to Datca Peninsula
so that he could live for longer years here Strabon said. The fresh
air with rich oxygen gives health to the body. Datça is famous for
its almond as well as its natural environment. You'll be amazed when
you see the untouched corners of Datça. It's the main stop of the
yachts on the blue voyage tours. We'll have a special tour to
ancient Knidos by boat from Datça. Knidos is considered as the point
which seperates Aegean Sea from Mediterranean. Knidos was famous for
its naked Aphrodite sculpture in ancient times. The sculpture made
by Praksiteles was so beautiful and famous that everybody used to
come to see this masterpiece. Knidos was used to be an art and
science city as well. The astronomer and mathematician Euxodos lived
in here. At dusk we'll turn back to Marmaris. It will be the last
day with host families. Rest of the night is yours. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 15
ANTALYA
Today we'll depart
for the capital of tourism in Turkey. In the morning we'll say good
bye to the host families. We'll pass thru the pine forests en route
we'll have a lunch break. It's time to choose your own trout fish
will be fried with butter, enjoy
delicious mezes with Turkish raki or white wine, via Korkuteli
Plateau, we'll arrive
Antalya. Check-in at the hotel situated in the heart of the
city. Just relax. We invite you to a dinner at old harbor, After
dinner stroll around the Mediterranean style street in Kaleici and
explore the lively atmosphere here. You'll certainly love the
nite-life of Antalya. [B] [L] [D]
DAY
16 ANTALYA
CITY TOUR
It is impossible to
see all historical sites within 2 days around
Antalya however we'll
choose the majority. We'll start to explore Antalya from the city
center. We'll walk in
Kaleiçi District to see the Hadrian Gate (constructed in 117-138
AD) which was considered as the entrance of Antalya, Hidirlik Tower,
a typical Seljuk architecture
Truncated Minaret which
is the symbol of Antalya, Kesik Minaret and typical narrow
Mediterranean style streets with its historical houses. Antique
harbor is another main site to see for our strolling. After lunch'
we'll pass Antalya Museum
that was awarded by the European Council in 1988 as the best museum
of the year. Here you'll see an exhibit starting with the natural
history section proceeding chronologically through the Stone and
Bronze Ages and following classical and Hellenistic periods till the
Ottoman Era. After museum we'll set free for your own exploration.
Those who'd like to enjoy the crystal clear water why not going to
Konyaalti Beach for the tepidity of Mediterranean? You can also get
the advantage of shopping in Antalya for your souvenir. Tonight
you're free to choose your own restaurant in Antalya. Enjoy your
freedom. Rest of the night is yours. [B] [L] [D]
DAY
17 ANTALYA &
ENVIRONS
Full day excursion,
here, important historical sites await your discovery, amid a
landscape of pine forests, olive and citrus groves and palm, avocado
and banana plantations. Side
an ancient Pamphilian City dated back 7th century B.C. with its
stunning amphitheater,
Aspendos dated back 5th century B.C. with its best preserved
30000 spectator capacity theater which is still being used for the
concert and festivals, another Pamphilian City
Perge dated back 12th
century B.C. and the magnificent ruins of these cities are the major
places for our visit. A detailed and the interesting information
will be given here by our professional guides in these cities.
You’ll admire what you’ll see and what you’ll hear today. It's the
last night of our Hospitality Tour. A farewell dinner will be held
at old port (Kaleiçi). [B] [L] [D]
DAY 18
END OF OUR SERVICE
Today we'll provide
your transfer to Antalya Int'l Airport. Well it was our pleasure to
share those precious moments. End of our service. Time to have your
present in order to make this trip memorial. It’ll be pleasure to
host you in Turkey again as there are so many things to see. Have a
safe journey home. [B] |
