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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Specialised travel at its best

 

Best of Turkey Tour

05 to 22 October 2010

 

“If one had but a single glance to give the World, one should gaze on Istanbul”

Alphonse de Lamartine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOUR LEADER

Michelle Eloff is founder and president of The Lightweaver. She is an international speaker, author, medieval astrologist and trance voice channel specializing in transformative processes through using the tool of medieval astrology, initiations, Ascended Master teachings and tours to old and new sacred sites locally & internationally. Michelle has been working as a trance voice channel for the Ascended Master Kuthumi since 1996 and more recently with Mary Magdalene. Michelle travels extensively and her work is recognized worldwide. She has appeared in a number of local newspapers, Femina Magazine, and Paradigm Shift (UK Magazine). Michelle's channelings are published regularly and she has appeared on 3 Talk on SABC 3, Free Spirit, Kyk Net and Spirit Sundae on SABC 2.  Michelle Eloff will be accompanying the group to Turkey.

 

TOUR ORGANISER

Kim Lings is the owner of Nile Travel International, a founding, corporate and honorary life member of the Ancient Egyptian Society as well as a member of the Egyptian Exploration Society in London.  She has led over twenty five tours to Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Turkey over the past nine years and will be personally organising your trip.

 

ITINERARY

 

DAY 1 – Tuesday, 05 October 2010 - JOHANNESBURG

Depart Johannesburg on Turkish Air at 19H30 for Istanbul.  Each person is allowed 20kg of luggage and 1 carry on piece of luggage.  I suggest that you bring extra drinks for during the flight (bought in duty free due to liquid restrictions in hand luggage), and please be advised that Turkish Air does serve alcoholic drinks.

 

DAY 2 – Wednesday, 06 October 2010 - ISTANBUL (D)

Arrive in Istanbul at 06H00.  We will purchase our visa on arrival in Istanbul for US $15 or Euro 10 per person.  We will then pass through customs and immigration and meet up with our guide.  We will transfer to our hotel.  Rest of the day at your leisure.  

 

Once the imperial capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul is both a city steeped in history and an exciting modern day hub of activity.  Always described as a fusion of East and West, it is not difficult to understand why as you walk through narrow alleys flanked by wooden Ottoman houses to emerge in a funky restaurant or bar in the downtown area, the call to prayer mingling with modern Turkish pop. Bisected by the Bosphorous, a strategically significant passage of water which links the Black Sea to the Aegean, the city has several distinct divisions. Across the Golden Horn, a watery cul-de-sac which branches off the Bosphorous, is Sultanahmet which boasts some of the city's finest Byzantine and Ottoman monuments.   

We will meet in reception in the early evening to see Istanbul by night.  After a short drive we will be taken to an exclusive night club where we will taste the joy of the famous Turkish Cuisine. During dinner a spectacular oriental show will be performed by well known belly dancers, folk groups from various regions of Anatolia and Turkish singers.   Overnight in hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.

 

DAY 3 – Thursday, 07 October 2010 - ISTANBUL (BLD)

After breakfast we will depart for a full day tour of Istanbul visiting the mosque of Sultan Ahmet, better known at the “Blue Mosque”, unique in Turkey with its six elegant minarets.  We will then visit the Hippodrome and Obelisks, the Cistern and the magnificent Haghia Sophia (Church of the Divine Wisdom) one of the most extraordinary buildings in the history of architecture, and a monument to the golden age of the Byzantine Empire. We will then visit the maze that is the Grand Bazaar.  This huge warren of covered, winding streets has thousands of shops selling everything from the traditional to the modern from the exquisitely beautiful to the commonplace.  Enjoy and practice your bartering skills.  Dinner at a local restaurant or at the hotel.  Overnight in hotel.

 

DAY 4 – Friday, 08 October 2010 - ISTANBUL (DBB)

After breakfast we will be collected at our hotel and visit the 17th century Spice Bazaar, the second largest covered bazaar in Istanbul.  We will then embark on a cruise up the Bosphorus, the legendary strait separating Europe and Asia. We will cruise past the Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi Palaces, wooden 19th century seafront mansions, picturesque villages and modern pleasure palaces, disembarking at the mouth of the Black Sea.

 

We will visit Camlica Hill, the highest point in Istanbul, commanding a panoramic view of the city.  We then drive to the 19th century summer palace of the Sultans in the Bosphorus village of Beylerbeyi. Completed in 1865, the palace has 24 rooms and six large halls.
We will return to our hotel for overnight.  Dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant.  Overnight in hotel.

 

DAY 5 – Saturday, 09 October 2010 - Istanbul/CAPPADOCIA (DBB)

After breakfast we will check out of our hotel and transfer to the airport for our flight to Kayseri departing Istanbul on flight TK 258 at 10H00.  We will be met at the airport and immediately visit the famous site of Cappadocia.  Often talked about as the absolute highlight of a visit to Turkey, Cappadocia is one of the most surreal places you will ever see.  Here repeated volcanic eruptions around 40-50 million years ago covered the area with layers of a light rock called tuff, creating a natural “lunar like” landscape.  Over time the elements have eroded this surface rock to create unusual valleys and vast rock sculptures of “fairy chimneys” which have been incorporated into the building of towns, villages and underground settlements.  Wandering around Cappadocia, clambering in and out of the buildings and over the rippling tufa deposits you will almost certainly feel like you have just landed on another planet.

  

We will start with the natural citadel of Uchisar which will enable you to get a panoramic view of the region and continue with the Goreme valley which is the highlight of the day.  This valley houses the Goreme open air museum with its churches hewn out of rock and the colorful frescoes which decorate them.  The next stop is Zelve and the caves of this ancient village continuing with the Avanos and Cavusin villages.  Dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant.  Overnight in hotel.

 

DAY 6 – Sunday, 10 October 2010 - CAPPADOCIA (DBB)

On optional hot air balloon ride can be arranged at a cost of Euro 150 per person where you will be able to witness the bizarreness of the rock formations and the amazing blend of nature and man that will leave you astounded.  Highly recommended.

 

After breakfast we will be collected at our hotel and visit Derinkuya one of the underground cities of Cappadocia.  The next visit will be to Ortahisar which is one of the highest points of the area and you will get a full view of this spectacular volcanic region.   An optional afternoon walk in the spectacular Ihlara Valley with the Melindiz River winding along they canyon floor.   Overnight will be at the hotel in Cappadocia. Evening visit an authentic Twirling Dervish Show.  Dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant.

 

DAY 7 – Monday, 11 October 2010 - Cappadocia/KONYA (DBB)

After breakfast we will check out of our hotel and depart for Konya. On the way we will visit the 13th century Seljukian Caravanseria "Sultanhan". The next stop will be Konya, home to the famous Whirling Dervish sect.  Konya is one of the most typical Anatolian cities and is nicknamed the bread basket of Turkey as it is surrounded by vast fields of wheat.  However, it is the city’s standing at the undoubted religious centre of Turkey that makes it most intriguing.  Home to the tomb of the Sufi philosopher, poet and teacher Mevlana, founder of the Whirling Dervish sect, Konya offers an interesting museum, which houses the tomb of the Mevlana and some relics from the Muslim faith.  Overnight in Konya on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

 

DAY 8 – Tuesday, 12 October 2010 - Konya/PAMMUKALE (DBB)

After breakfast we will check out of our hotel and visit the Neolithic site of Catal Hoyuk, still probably the oldest “town” in the world, from 6 800 BC and probably the most important archaeological site in Turkey (start of Mother Goddess cult).  It is thought to have comprised a town of 10 000 people in flat roofed mud brick square buildings with access via ladders from the roofs.  Discovered by James Mellaart and excavated in the 1960’s work here revealed that its Neolithic and Bronze Age cultures were remarkably advanced.

 

We will continue to Pamukkale, site of the ancient city of Hierapolis as well as home to the “cotton castle” springs of mineral-laden water.  The unique appearance and curative properties of Pamukkale’s springs have attracted settlers from early times.  We will visit the Greco-Roman settlement which is remarkably well preserved. The ancient city is dedicated to the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite.  Overnight in Pamukkale on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

 

DAY 9 – Wednesday, 13 October 2010 – PAMUKKALE (DBB)

After breakfast we will be collected at our hotel and transfer to the famous site of Pamukkale.  You will have the day at your leisure to swim in Cleopatra’s Pool and walk around the travertine falls.  Dinner and overnight in hotel.

 

DAY 10 – Thursday, 14 October 2010 – Pamukkale/BODRUM (DBB)

After breakfast we will check out of our hotel and drive to Bodrum.  Bodrum with its sugar-cube houses, draped in bougainvillea, and the palm-lined streets has been successful in clinging to its original charm.  Bodrum is gaining a reputation as the Monte Carlo of the Aegean, with a smart new marina, sophisticated restaurants and millions of dollars worth of sailing craft laying over for a night or two.  Bodrum’s outstanding Museum of Underwater Archaeology is also worth a visit as well as the site of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus one of the 7 wonders of the Ancient world.  Rest of the day at your leisure. Optional snorkeling and/or scuba diving excursions can be arranged.  Overnight in hotel on a full board basis including drinks.

 

DAY 11 – Friday, 15 October 2010 - BODRUM (BLD)

After breakfast you will have the day at your leisure to relax on the beach.  An optional Hamman treatment at the hotel spa is highly recommended.  Overnight in hotel on a full board basis including drinks.

 

Day 12 – Saturday, 16 October 2010 – Bodrum/KUSADASI (BLD)

After breakfast we will check out of our hotel and visit Didyma where we will find the largest Ionic Temple in the world dedicated to Apollo.  Also in Didyma lies the huge, cracked head of Med.  We will then transfer to the Ephasus Boutique Hotel for dinner and overnight.

 

DAY 13 – Sunday, 17 October 2010 - KUSADASI (DBB)

After breakfast we will depart for a tour of Ephesus.  Without any doubt, Ephesus is what you will remember most about your time in Selcuk. As one of the best preserved Classical cities of the Eastern Mediterranean, a walk through the old city gives you a genuine taste of what life must have been like during the Roman times. The site is remarkably well preserved and there has also been extensive reconstruction of the more crumbling edifices. The result is very impressive and it is not difficult to believe that this was home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. A stroll through the old city finishes at the breathtaking Library of Celsius which once competed with that of Alexandria for scholarly interest.  We will also visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.  Dinner and overnight in Ephesus Boutique hotel.

 

DAY 14 – Monday, 18 October 2010 – Kusadasi/CANNAKKALE (DBB)

After breakfast we will check out of our hotel and drive to Pergamum.  We will visit Asklepion and the Acropolis before driving to Troy, the legendary town in the Iliad of Homer to visit the Athena temple. Troy may not look like much at first but with a guide the legend appears before your eyes. It is possible to see the wooden horse but sadly it is actually only 20-30 years old. Here you will learn about the archaeological intelligence of the Anatolians and the cleverness of the Greeks.   Drive to Çanakkale for dinner and overnight.

 

DAY 15 – Tuesday, 19 October 2010 – Cannakkale/ISTANBUL (BL)

After breakfast we will check out of our hotel and cross the Dardanelles by ferry to visit the poignant World War I Anzac memorials at Gallipoli.  The site of one of the most brutal campaigns of WWI, the Gallipoli Peninsula is now a national park which preserves the monuments to the fallen. Of significant historical and cultural importance to Turks, New Zealanders and Australians alike (Anzac stands for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps), the park is located at the entrance to the Dardanelles on the Aegean Sea. It was the Allied forces’ intention to take the peninsula and thus have access to Istanbul and the Black Sea towns of their ally, Russia. However, it actually became the final resting place of many an Allied hope as well as some 700,000 soldiers. The reality of the war becomes apparent after a visit to the Gallipoli Museum and Anzac Cove. With memorabilia and copies of letters sent to families, the museum is a poignant place of reflection. Afterwards, a visit to the sheer cliffs of Anzac Cove gives an indication as to the insurmountable task the Allied forces had been set. Lunch at a local restaurant.

 

We will then return to İstanbul along the shores of Marmara Sea.  Dinner for own account.  Overnight in Istanbul on a bed and breakfast basis.

 

DAY 16 – Wednesday, 20 October 2010 - ISTANBUL (B)

After breakfast we will be collected at the hotel and visit Topkapi Palace which was once the opulent residence of the Ottoman sultans and the political centre of the Empire, replete with magnificent collections of Chinese porcelain, Ottoman textiles, gold and jewels.    Dinner for own account.  Overnight in Istanbul on a bed and breakfast basis.  

 

DAY 16 – Thursday, 21 October 2010 - ISTANBUL (B)

After breakfast you will have the day at your leisure.  An optional visit to the Archaeology Museum and/or Dolmabahce Palace to see the opulent state rooms, including the Crystal Gallery is recommended. 

   

Depart Istanbul around 23H00 for your return flight to Johannesburg.

 

DAY 17 – Friday, 22 October 2010 - JOHANNESBURG

Arrive in Johannesburg at 08H10.

 

THE ABOVE ITINERARY INCLUDES:

 

THE ABOVE ITINERARY EXCLUDES:

 

NB:  Please note the standard of accommodation in Turkey can vary considerably to the same star accommodation in South Africa.  Therefore a 3 or 4 star hotel in Turkey is not necessarily representative of a 3 or 4 star hotel in South Africa.

 

Nile Travel reserves the right to change the order of the itinerary, guide, hotels and cruise should the need arise.  Nile Travel shall not be liable for any loss or harm, delay, damage or injury to property or person however caused.  For a list of our full terms and conditions please visit www.nile.co.za.

 

TOUR PRICE

The land arrangements in Turkey for the above itinerary will cost Euro 3 290 per person sharing a double room. The single supplement is Euro 500 (availability of single rooms is limited).  If you require an extra night’s accommodation before and/or after the main tour dates please budget an extra Euro 80 per person sharing a double room or Euro 100 in a single room.  This rate includes airport transfers.

 

For those of you joining the tour from South Africa, Turkish Airlines fly direct from Johannesburg to Istanbul or you can look at Egypt Air or Emirates as alternative options.  Flights will costs between R6 000 and R8 000 per person.

 

The price is subject to change until full payment has been received. A non-refundable deposit of Euro 500 secures your booking. The balance owing for the land arrangements will be due by 1 August 2010. The price is based on a minimum of 20 passengers. Credit card payments will attract a surcharge of 3.5 %.

 

For those of you not travelling from South Africa it will be cheaper to pay your deposit via credit card (3.5 % surcharge will not apply to the deposit) and the balance via SWIFT bank transfer into my agents account in Turkey in Euros.  Further details will be given when applicable.

 

PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE YOUR FLIGHTS BEFORE NILE TRAVEL CONFIRMS THAT WE HAVE THE MINIMUM NUMBERS CONFIRMED FOR THE GROUP TO PROCEED.