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Turkbuku Bodrum Turkey JESS Kalinowsky Friends Travel LLP

turkeywithfriendstravel — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 00:08:21 +0000

The Turkbuku

Bodrum, Turkey

Reservations: TURKEY@FriendsTravel.com 24/7/365

When it opened in 2004, the hotel was the masterpiece of the modernist Turkish star-architect Eren Talu. In 2010, Turkish globetrotter and hotelier Cenk Kinay took over the property and started the Suu Hotel chain. The Suu in Turkbuku consists of eight independent units cascading down the hillside—home to 48 all-suite rooms painted white. The hotel is spacious and offers a feeling of exclusivity and simplicity at the same time.

Discount First Class, Business Class, and Coach Airfares Worldwide.

JESS Kalinowsky

JESS@FriendsTravel.com

Classical Turkey JESS Kalinowsky Friends Travel LLP

turkeywithfriendstravel — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 01:28:59 +0000


	Classical Turkey 8 Nights / 9 Days Reservations: TURKEY@FriendsTravel.com 3 nights in Kusadasi, 1 night in Canakkale and 4 nights in Istanbul Arrive any Thursday or Friday DAY 1 – KUSADASI Upon arrival at Izmir airport, you will be met by a Ya’lla Tours USA representative and transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight. DAY 2 – KUSADASI After breakfast, drive to Sardis, the ancient capital of the state of Lydia, where gold and silver coins were first minted. Sardis was very receptive to early Christian teachings and had a substantial community of believers by the first century A.D. Lunch en route. Then visit the Temple of Artemis, the stadium, the Roman theater and the ancient synagogue. Return to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight.

	DAY 3 – KUSADASI After breakfast, depart for a full day tour of Ephesus. Ephesus is one of the most extensive and complete Greco-Roman cities in the world. It was one of the Seven Churches of the Revelation, and an ancient large port with a population of over 250,000. Walking through the marble streets, visitors can easily imagine the grandeur of this once great city, which was influential in the development of architecture, religion, economic systems and arts. St. Paul lived and preached in Ephesus. Lunch en route. After lunch, visit the archaeological museum of Selcuk, the Basilica of St. John, and the house of the Virgin Mary, where she is believed to have spent her last days. Return to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight. DAY 4 – CANAKKALE In the morning, depart for Canakkale. En route, visit the Hellenistic city of Pergamum. Christianity reached the city very early and the church was praised for its forbearance during hard times. Visit the stunning acropolis perched 1000 feet above the modern town of Bergama. Lunch en route. In the afternoon, visit the Asklepion and the Red Basilica. Drive to Canakkale for dinner and overnight.

	DAY 5 – ISTANBUL After breakfast, visit Troy, the legendary city-state of Homer’s Iliad. The first excavations were made by German archaeologist Heinrich Schleimann in 1871 and revealed that Troy was not just a myth. See the excavations showing several layers of this civilization and the replica of the infamous Wooden Horse. Lunch en route. In the afternoon, take a ferry across the Dardanelles to Istanbul and your hotel for overnight. DAY 6 – ISTANBUL Visit the legendary Blue Mosque, named for the beautiful blue Iznik tiles that cover its walls. Then stroll around the historical Hippodrome where chariot races were held. Continue to St. Sophia, originally a Christian Basilica built by the emperor Justinian in the 6th century, then converted to a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. See the beautiful mosaics on display at the museum. Visit Topkapi Palace, legendary residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Lunch en route. Enjoy free time to explore the exhilarating bazaar of Istanbul. Return to your hotel for overnight. DAY 7 – ISTANBUL Take a short cruise on the Marmara Sea to Buyukada, also known as Princess Island. See the traditional wooden houses and enjoy great panoramic views. Take a horse carriage through the narrow streets and past the summer homes of some of the most affluent Turks. Enjoy some great fish in a local restaurant. Return to Istanbul for overnight. DAY 8 – ISTANBUL Visit the Egyptian Bazaar, used as the spice market since 1665. Next, board the ferry which crosses the Bosphorus, visiting both Europe and Asia, with stops en route to take photos of the natural beauty. Sites along the way include the 15th century Rumelihisar fortress, summer palaces and the unique wooden houses of the area. The cruise ends at the fishing village of Sariyer close to the Black Sea. Drive by coach via the Intercontinental Bosphorus Bridge to Camlica Hill on the Asian side to see the breathtaking view of Istanbul. Visit the Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of Ottoman Sultans with original furniture and magnificent gardens. Lunch en route. Return to Istanbul and your hotel for overnight. DAY 9 – You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Reservations: TURKEY@FriendsTravel.com 24/7/365 TURKEY@FriendsTravel.com

A’jia Hotel Istanbul JESS Kalinowsky Friends Travel LLP

turkeywithfriendstravel — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:21:44 +0000

EMAIL Friends Travel LLP Now for your trip to Turkey! TURKEY@FriendsTravel.com 24/7/365

A’jia Hotel
Istanbul, Turkey

The A’ija Hotel, a waterfront property in Kanlica, Istanbul, is housed in an 1870s Ottoman mansion. The intimate hotel’s 16 rooms and suites are elegant but minimalist—with platform beds, hardwood floors, high ceilings, and Bosporus views. Some have striking accent pieces, such as mid-century modern chairs and couches, French doors, and expansive balconies. The hotel’s service is fit for a sultan: not only will all guests enjoy a complimentary Turkish breakfast and Acqua di Parma bath products, but room amenities are also tailored to vacation type—romance, leisure, business, and so on.

7 Day Tour of Old Istanbul from the Boutique Nena Hotel

turkeywithfriendstravel — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 01:36:16 +0000

Tour Number
245

7 Day Tour of Old Istanbul from the Boutique Nena Hotel
With Three 1/2 day Tours including Bosphorus River Cruise
Prices Reduced!
From $1099
Rt Air from JFK, 5 nights at the Hotel Nena Istanbul in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, Arrival and departure transfers, three half day tours, breakfast daily

Add on fares from any USA city available at reduced fares.

RESERVATIONS EMAIL: FIT@FriendsTravel.com

Although some of our trips are for specific dates, most can be arranged for additional dates, just ask!

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turkeywithfriendstravel — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 22:48:56 +0000

http://twitter.com/#!/FriendsTravel

ISTANBUL- CAPPADOCIA- BODRUM – EPHESUS -NORTH AEGEAN PEARL with FriendsTravel.com

turkeywithfriendstravel — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:54:31 +0000

FriendsTravel.com offers the following suggested itinerary to visit

ISTANBUL- CAPPADOCIA-BODRUM - EPHESUS -NORTH AEGEAN PEARL

The land of modern-day Turkey has been home to more cultures throughout its
history than most places on earth. It is also a breathtakingly beautiful
place, full of ancient ruins, natural beauty, emerald waters, and modern
conveniences.

To see Turkey is to go beyond the expected sights of Istanbul and Ephesus
and dig deeper into the uniqueness of the land. That is what we will do on
this magical trip to Turkey as we visit the expected (Ephesus, Troy,
Istanbul) and the unexpected.

Our trip includes a visit a Cappadocia with its interesting rock formations,
known as `fairy chimneys`. Here, settlers found it safer to build their
settlements into the fairy chimneys as a way to protect themselves from
invaders. The early Christians also found refuge here. Also on this journey
we will spend four nights on the Coast and sail to place few Americans will
ever see.

Turkey is history, natural beauty, interesting culture and a place that will
captivate your imagination. Come join us on this fascinating trip to a place
and land that will stay in your heart forever. Our accommodations are 4 and
5 star including a spa in Bodrum.

Day 1 Arrival Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey. Upon arrival into Istanbul you will be met and
transferred to you hotel by Friends Travel representative and give you
suggestions of things to do this afternoon , and suggestion for restaurant
for your dining pleasure.
Overnight in Istanbul

Day 2 Istanbul

Full day City Tour. After breakfast today we have a full day tour of
Istanbul. We will visit the Topkapi Palace Museum the great Palace of
Ottoman Empire served for 400 years as headquarter of Enormous Ottoman
Empire and residence for Royal family which has very collections of Ottoman
Sultans. Next stop will be to the Underground Cistern with its 365 Columns,
we just cross the street and visit is the Hagia Sophia ,the jewel of
Byzantine engineering and one the most important monuments in the world. Our
full day will end up with a visit to Blue Mosque, one of the Imperial Mosque
built in 1617, famous for its slender six minarets and Blue Iznik Tiles.
Last we will visit Hippodrome built in 2nd century by Roman Emperor
Septimus Severious which was the arena served for almost two thousand
years as a main sport center for chariot races, several sport competitions,
public gatherings and victorious celebrations of Emperors and Sultans, Our
sight seeing will continue with orientation tour in city. Lunch today will
be served at a local restaurant. After returning to the hotel, the rest of
the evening is free.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 Fly to Cappadocia

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel we will transfer to the airport to fly
to Kayseri and then travel overland to Cappadocia.

For millions of years, the mighty volcanoes of the Central Anatolian Plateau
erupted and spewed their contents across the land that would become the
cradle of civilization. The interesting rocks formations, known as ` fairy
chimneys`, have been formed as the result of the erosion of the tufa layer,
sculpted by wind and flood water, running down on the slopes of the valleys.
Here, settlers found it safer to build their settlements into the fairy
chimneys as a way to protect themselves from invaders. The Christians also
found refuge here.

Today we visit Sinassos( Mustafa Pasa) famous for its outstanding Stone
houses where Wealthy Turks and Greeks lived together in peace before 1925.
Later you will visit the Underground City of Derinkuyu or Kaymakli which was built
as a hideout in early Christian times, during the 5th and 7th century. The
city as a church, wells, stables, cellars, refectories and wineries . Air
was provided by 55m deep ventilation shaft, the settlement has four
different floors. We conclude our day with dinner at hotel.

Hot air Ballooning over Cappadocia is optional and we strongly suggest it for
the adventuresome!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 Cappadocia
Goreme Open Air Museum, Pasabag Valley, Uchisar Castle, Avonos and Zelve

Today we visit Goreme Open Air Museum with its rock carved churches. Here
you will find the remains of a monastic community who made their home in
this valley. You will see many frescoes, some of which that are still in
excellent in some of the smaller churches and chapels proceed to the
Citadel of Uchisar where we get a more expansive vantage point to see the
enchanting lunar landscape of the region's moon-like topography. visit and
Goreme Valley where you can view the excellent land formation of Cappadocia.
continue the town of Avanos is set on the banks of the Kizilirmak, the Red
River, which gets its name from the clay that it deposits. This clay has
provided Avanos with pottery for centuries and the main street has numerous
shops and workshops selling plain and decorated pots and plates. You can
watch the potters at work using kick wheels, the design of which has
remained unchanged for generations. Many of the workshops will encourage you
to have a go yourself. It's harder than it looks.

Our last stop today is the Zelve monastery complex and Pasabag Valley . It
may lack the elaborate frescoes of Goreme but there's still plenty here to
see. The series of valleys gives us the opportunity to walk about. In
addition to the marked highlights (the Fish and Grape Churches) there are
innumerable rooms and passage to explore. Pasabag Valley has the best rock
formations called as fairy chimneys Lunch will be on your own today.
Return back to hotel for dinner and accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast , Dinner

Day 5 Cappadocia-via Istanbul-Bodrum/

Travel By Air to Bodrum, Evening Free

This morning we transfer to the Kayseri airport for our flight to Bodrum.
Transfer to your hotel. After check-into your hotel the rest of day is free
time before dinner at your hotel.Overnight in Bodrum

About Bodrum
The Bodrum Peninsula is located in the Aegean region of Turkey and is an
extra-ordinary place with is immense unspoiled coastline and warm climate,
offering all year round sunshine. Some astonishing historical sites and
natural wonders to rival anywhere can be found here, such as where the first
Christian Church was built and were the art of wine making was developed.
Bodrum and environs etches a special place in everyone's heart. The city is
centered on the old Castle of St. Peter which called Zephyrion in the
ancient times. Today the Castle is the Bodrum Museum of Underwater
Archaeology, which is acknowledged as the First and the Best of its kind
displaying artifacts dating as far back as the Bronze Age.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 Bodrum
Boat Excursion
Imagine yourself on a comfortable boat, sailing along the magnificent
coasts, swimming in warm crystal clear waters, or resting on the sand
beaches of charming towns and historical ports. This is your life while in
Bodrum.

A boat trip to Karaada offers an amazing beauty. The mineral waters flowing
out of rocks in a grotto in Karaada are known to be good for revitalizing
the complexion. Ortakent is a large bay and longest beach on the Bodrum
peninsula offering excellent windsurfing and sailing conditions and it is
perfect for all other water sports. As well as its lengthy beach, the area
is known for the fertility of its soil and the ensuring abundance old olive,
fig and mandarin tress. In terms of history, Ortakent is home to some
seventeenth century Arpranga house. These two storey structures were built
by the Greeks for defense purpose and are today safeguarded by a heritage
protection order. Lunch will be served during the tour. We return to our
hotel for dinner. Lunch will be served during the tour. We will return to
the hotel for dinner and accommodation.
Meals: B,L,D

Day 7 Bodrum

Bodrum City Tour, Afternoon free
After breakfast at the hotel we will depart for a half day tour of the city.
Our tour will include a visit the Castle of St. Peter known as Bodrum
Citadel was built by the nights of St. John between 1402 and 1437. The
Castle houses one of the best Underwater Museums in the world.. The rest
of the day is yours to explore, get a spa treatment lay by the beach, or do
whatever your heart desires. Overnight in Bodrum
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 Bodrum - Kusadasi
On the roes again after a nice relaxing two days we head off to Kusadasi. En
route we will visit the sea of Oracle Didyma and the Temple of Apollo (the
third largest temple of ancient world), the ruins of the Ionian cities of
Miletus and Priene. Miletus was founded by settlers from Crete in 11th
century B.C., was the ancient commercial city with more than 80 trading
colonies in the world.Miletus was the birth place of several notable figures
of the ancient world. Among the best known are Thales, Aneximander,
Aneximenens, Hippodamos(the city planner), We will visit Priene which was
founded on the slope of Samsun Mountain in a excellent grid plan which has
excellent view of fertile Meander Valley.Alexander the Great spent a year in
Priens in his way to south.

Our stop for the next two days is the Aegean town and yachting port of
Kusadasi- one of Turkey's longest establish resorts. Along with Istanbul,
the town is Turkey's premier cruise stopping point primarily due to its
proximity to Ephesus. Those interested in shopping will not be disappointed
as there are a Varity of markets held each week, the most notable of which
is the food market on a Friday and clothes market. Dinner and overnight in
Kusadasi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 Kusadasi - Ephesus - Kusadasi or Izmir.

The ancient city of Ephesus needs little introduction as one of the best
preserved examples of Roman life in the World today. The city is thought to
have been inhabited since around 3,000 B.C. and evidence of Hellenistic,
Roman, Byzantine, Seljukian and Ottoman civilizations are still seen today.
Ephesus was known for the cult of Cybele, the Anatolian Fertility Goddess,
and then later for Artemis, the Virgin Goddess for whom a temple was built.
The Temple Of Artemis is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Ephesus becomes an important trade centre on account of its proximity to the
coast and it di not take long for it to establish itself as the provincial
capital of the Roman Empire. A significant Christian community also grew and
the city was visited by St John the evangelist in the 1st century and St
Paul between 51-53 A. D.

Drive to Selcuk to explore the world-renowned Greco-Roman city of Ephesus
and its environs. Ephesus is one of the best preserved cities in the world.
Ephesus is the highlight of every trip to Turkey. During the Roman era
Ephesus was known worldwide a city of trade, art, entertainment, banking,
finance and religious sanctuary. Ephesus was extremely a wealthy city. It
was a dream city that everybody at the time wanted to see Ephesus. This was
the capital of the Roman province of Asia and ornamented with magnificent
public buildings. It was the most bustling metropolis in the world, with a
population of 250,000. Ephesus had streetlights, and running water .It was a
nerve center for the world's commerce, joining the western end of the Royal
Road to Babylon with Mediterranean sea trade. Ephesus appears to have
attracted settlers from the earliest times. Ionian Greeks settled in Ephesus
in about 1000 B.C and it soon rose to fame as a center for the worship of
Cybele, the Anatolian mother goddess, who was eventually merged with the
Greek Artemis. The great Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, one of the Seven
Wonders of the World, was erected in her honor. The city we see today was
founded in the 4th century B.C by Alexander the Great's successor, Lysimacus.
But it was under the Romans that Ephesus became the chief port on
the Aegean. Most of the surviving structures date from this period. As the
harbor silted up the city declined, but played an important role in the
spread of Christianity. Two great councils of the early church were held
here in AD 431 and 449. It is said that the Virgin Mary spent her last years
nearby and that St. John the Evangelist came here to look after her. Visit
the ruins Gymnasiums, Agoras, Odeon, Monumental Fountains, City Hall,
Basilica, Bath, Public Toilets, Brothel, the Celcius Library, Marble
Streets, Great Theatre, Double Church and Stadium. After lunch visit the
Basilica of St. John and his Tomb, Ephesus Museum, Temple of Artemis and the
Shrine of Virgin Mary. Afterwards drive back to hotel for relax .Dinner and
overnight in Kusdasi or Izmir
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 Kusadasi or Izmir - Pergamum-Ayvalik

We depart Kusadasi /Izmir(Smyrna) today,after orientation tour of Izmir (n
the case accommodating in Izmir). Izmir (Smyrna) is the most western leaning
of Turkish cities, Izmi's positions at the head of Izmir Gulf has made it
trading center that lasted form the 3rd century AD to today.Izmir used to be
known as Smyrna, the most westernized and cosmopolitian of Ottoman Turkish
city where citizens were Christain, Jews, Turkish and where there were
thousands of foreign diplomats, traders and sailors. It is one the most
beautiful cities of Turkey,Izmir's broad boulevards are lined with chiq
boutiques, ,cafees and restaurants. Nowadays the sea -facing Kordon
promenade is a great place for joging, walking, cycling and wandering.
Afterward we drive north along the scenic North Aegean Shore to Pergamum
which is our first stop a visit. Pergamum ranks as one Turkey's best
archeological sites. Visit the ruins of the antique city of Pergamum. The
city of Art, Philosophy, Medicine and Science where parchment was
invented. The city prospered under the Pergamene dynasty between 260 B.C.
and 4th century AD during Roman period. The great physician Galen was born
here in AD 129, and established a famous medical center , the Asclepieum.
The Library of Pergamum was the only rival library to the Library of
Alexandria with more than 200.000 scroll of books which was presented to
Cleopatra later. The theater of Pergamum, one of the steepest in the world,
had the capacity to include 10,000 people and was constructed in the 3rd
century B. C. the road in front of the theatre leads to the Temple of
Dionysus and the famous Altar of Zeus is on the south of the theatre.
Downwards in the Acropolis, the central city is placed. Here is the Temple
of Serapis, built for the Egyptian Gods and called the Red Courtyard by the
people. This is a basilica shaped building constructed during the period of
Hadrian, and its magnificent form attracts attention today.
We continue to Avalik is a Sea side resort ,fishing town, olive oil and
soap making center . Ayvalik Ottoman Greek founded town in the 16th century
and it was soon the most important town on the Aegean coast after Izmir,
but after the War of Independence the Greek population was sent to Greece in
exchange for Muslims from Lesbos and Creete.Ayvalik the unrivelled holiday
resort , buried in green with wide olive groves and its twenty two islands
that 'Aegean is an Island heaven'.Ayvalik is a charming quiet town adorned
with several stone houses, churches, mosques. It has also very clean and
sandy beaches as well. The Junda Island which was connected to mainland by a
causeway is very attractive summer resort with old stone houses, churches
and summer mansions. Olive -oil production is still big business here. And
lots of shops still sell the end product. .Dinner and overnight in Ayvalik.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11.Ayvalik-Assos--Troy-Cankkale
After breakfast at hotel, we drive along the breathtaking scenic view of
North Aegean Coasts through Altinoluk to Behramkale(Assos). The area where
both Sea and Mountain (Kaz Daglari / Ida Mountain ) tourism found together,
it is also very famous for its Oxygen Rich Clean Air- the second area with
highest Oxygen rate Worldwide- and its olive oil.Altinoluk is a holiday
spot, where those suffering from respiration problem rush.Altinoluk and its
surrounding area turns into a paradise in spring and fall with fantastic
scent of olive, oleaster, almond, wallnut, linden, honeysuckle , lily trees,
and many wild flowers. Behramkale (Assos) nestled on the shores of the Gulf
of Edremit and sheltered by the Greek Island Lesbos 6 miles off shore , it
is easy to see why Assos enjoys the reputation of the most beautiful place
in Asia Minor. Ancient Assos reached the pinnacle of its glory when Plato's
protégé Aristotle founded the school of philosophy here in 340 BC. The
Temple of Athena (530 BC) with its spectacular view of Lesvos Island highly
worth to visit. St Paul visited Assos briefly during his third missionary
journey , walking here from Alexandria Troas to meet St. Luke before taking
a boat to Lesvos. The Mysian city of Assos was founded in the 8 the century
BC by colonists from Lesvos who later built its great temple of Athena in
530 BC.

We continue to nearby ancient town Alexandria Troas was founded by one the
general of Alexander the great Antigonus 300 BC, after his defeat by
Alexander's other general Lysimachus who took the city and renamed it in
honor of Alexander the Great. During the Hellenistic and Roma periods the
city prospered acquiring wealth and status. A city of rich and beautiful
buildings ,both Julius Caesars, and Constantine considered making it their
capital. Our last visit today is world wide legendary city of Troy on our
way to Canakkale. Troy is an enchanting and historic place, embracing the
cultural treasures of the east and west, brought to life by the ancient
epics. With over the thousand years of history, Troy has been a fertile
source of inspiration for brats and poets, and has gained immortality in the
imagination of those who have read the story. This timeless story, which
weaves together themes of power, victory and love, has attracted people for
hundreds of years and the many civilizations acquainted with Troy have been
enriched by the descriptions of the legendary Trojan heroes and their
exploits. Troy, which forms a priceless part of the UNESCO World Cultural
Heritage List, welcomes visitors to be inspired by her magical history and
precious archaeological finds. Dinner and overnight in Cankkale.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11.Canakkale -Gallipoli-Istanbul/Sept 9th
Early morning depart from Canakkale crossing to Gallipoli, Canakkale lies
between East and West ,overlooking strategically very important the narrow
Dardanelles strait with Gallipoli side and Troy just to the south. The place
breathes history, fierce fighting, and mythology, and this romantic
atmosphere is enhanced by the coming and going boats on the Dardanelles Strait.
A point from Asia to Europe over the Dardanelles Strait for centuries.
King Xerxes of Persia crossed in 481 B. C., and Alexander the
Great a century and half later. In the Ottoman days it was used by the
Ottoman armies to march into Europe. The strait has also been of great
strategic and economic importance as the gateway to Istanbul and Black Sea
from the Mediterranean. after visiting WW1 Battle fields of Gallipoli
continue to Istanbul. In the afternoon stroll in the labyrinth streets of
Grand bazaar for your last souvenirs shopping. Overnight in Istanbul .
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12. Istanbul
Dolmabahce Palace, Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar
After breakfast we will visit The Dolmabahce Palace, the last residence of
Ottoman Empire, it was build in European style(a mixture of Ottoman, French,
Italian architecture in Renaissance style. It is very rich European like
Palace ,We continue our last day exploration with a visit to spice Market
and Grand Bazaar for the last souvenirs shopping in the Labyrinth Streets of
Bazaar.
Overnight in Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 Return Home/ Departure.

After breakfast at you hotel and a Friends Travel representative will escort you to the
airport for your home bound flight any time of the day.
EMAIL Turkey@FriendsTravel.com
WWW http://www.FriendsTravel.com
EMAIL FriendsTravel@earthlink.net

Send us a email with your preferred travel dates, names [as they appear on your passports],
and tell us if you prefer to travel First Class, Business Class, or Coach, and we will have
a proposal back to you within 24-48 hours.

FriendsTravel.com is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year to serve your travel reservations
wants, needs, desires and expectations.

JESS Kalinowsky, Managing Partner
EMAIL: JESS@FriendsTravel.com
EMAIL: TURKEY@FriendsTravel.com
Turkey The Cradle of civilization.

Istanbul, Turkey with FriendsTravel.com

turkeywithfriendstravel — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:32:33 +0000

Duration

6 nts. in Istanbul with FriendsTravel.com

Tour Description & Map

Prices are based on the Madison Hotel The first class Madison Hotel is located close to the lively Taksim Square, in the heart of the city’s business, shopping and entertainment district. This lovely area is considered the heart of modern Istanbul, very close to the historical sites such as Topkapi Palace and Saint Sophia Museum. All rooms are equipped with private bathroom, heating and air conditioning, direct-dial telephone, satellite television, minibar, safety box, Internet connection and hair-dryer. The Madison Hotel has a restaurant featuring international cuisine, a large breakfast room, a gym and an indoor poolside bar. After an exciting day in Istanbul, you can relax in the pool, have a Turkish bath, work out in the gym or enjoy a sauna or steam bath before going out again to experience Istanbul?s fantastic nightlife.

Tour Features

•

Round trip airport transfers to/from Istanbul

•

6 nights hotel accommodations

•

Half day guided “Ottoman Visions” tour including SuleymaniyeMosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar area, including entrance fess

•

English-speaking representative for arrival transfer

•

Hotel taxes and service charges

Special Include Features

•

6 dinners at the hotel (beverages not included)

•

Buffet breakfast daily at the

Itinerary

Day 1 USA / Istanbul
Depart USA on overnight flight to Istanbul, Turkey.

Day 2 Arrival in Istanbul
Arrive Istanbul Airport and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Day 3 Istanbul
Half day Ottoman Visions Tour After breakfast, enjoy a guided “Ottoman Visions” tour that reveals Istanbul’s rich and glorious past with its dynamic present. We first visit the “Suleyman Mosque” also known as the “Blue Mosque” because of its magnificent interior blue colored Iznik tiles. Built by Sultan Suleyman “The Magnificent” in the 16th century, the Mosque is an awesome work of art, dating from a time when the Ottoman state was at its most splendid. It is the only mosque in the world that was originally built with six minarets and is the symbol of Istanbul. Continue to Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans and their exotic entourage! Today it is used as a museum. The tour ends at the Grand Bazaar, the largest “souk” covered shopping mall in the world with over 4000 shops! The balance of the day is free to explore this magnificent city. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Day 4 Istanbul
Optional boat excursion on the Bosphorus Straits. We first stop at the Spice Market, also called the “Egyptian Bazaar” that dates from the Byzantine period. It was once the trading place where merchants once sold spices and herbs which were brought from or through Egypt. Continue to the pier to board a private boat for the Cruise along the Bosphorus, a narrow strait between the continents of Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus is one of the most exquisite waterways in the world, winding through shorelines of beautiful mosques, lavish palaces and decadent villas. You’ll see Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi Palaces, Ottoman summer mansions, Ortakoy mosque, the defensive Rumeli Fortress and Bosphorus Bridge – one of the world’s largest suspension bridges. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Day 5 Istanbul
Optional half day “Byzantine Relics” Tour Drive to the center of town and visit the Hippodrome Square, one of the most famous areas in Byzantine Constantinople, built by the Roman Emperor Septimus in 203 A.D. It was once the center of Byzantine civic life, and site of civil activities, rebellions and chariot races. Here we will see the Egyptian Obelisk, the oldest monument in the city made of rare pink granite. This rare column was brought from Egypt to Constantinople in the 4th century by the Emperor Theodosius and is the oldest monument in the city. Continue to St. Sophia Museum, which was once the world’s largest church. From the 5th century onwards it became known as the church of Divine Wisdom or “Hagia Sophia”. After his conquest in 1453, Sultan Mehmet II converted it to a mosque. In 1934 Mustafa Ataturk converted the mosque into a museum. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Day 6 Istanbul
Optional half day “Two Continents” Tour Drive to the Asian side of Istanbul via the unique transcontinental Bosphorus Bridge, which connects the two continents of Europe and Asia. Crossing to the Asian side of Istanbul, we visit the elegant Ottoman Beylerbeyi Palace, used as a summer residence of the sultans or to accommodate foreign heads of state visiting the Ottoman capital. The palace is divided into two sections; Selamik for the men and Harem for the women. The tour will reveal the splendid rooms decorated in an elaborate combination of diverse western and eastern styles, One of the features which distinguishes the Beylerbeyi from other Ottoman palaces of the period are the terraced gardens on the sloping hillside behind the palace. The tour ends at Camlica Hill, the highest spot in Istanbul for an unforgettable view of the city. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Day 7 Istanbul
Optional “Istanbul by Night” Evening transfer from the hotel to a first class restaurant. Enjoy dinner featuring local cuisine and a half a bottle of wine per person while watching a spectacular floorshow of famous Belly Dancers and Anatolian Folklore groups featuring popular music and Turkish singing.

Day 8 Istanbul / USA
Morning transfer to Istanbul Airport for the return flight to the USA.

Information/Restrictions

Prices based on 30 passengers in double occupancy and may vary according to group size.
Program valid: November 01, 2008 – March 31, 2009

Hotel accommodations
$ 499.00 per person based on double occupancy
Single Supplement $ 250.00

Except Christmas & New Year’s holidays

SPECIAL AIRFARES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST!
All prices are based on current exchange rates and are subject to change

Plus applicable airport taxes and fees.

EMAIL: TURKEY@Friendsravel.com

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