#Turkey #Istanbul Must-See #Cultural Sites JESS@FriendsTravel.com

Turkey Istanbul Five of Istanbul’s Must-See Cultural Sites


Istanbul is a marvelous city. To walk down its winding streets is to stroll through a living time capsule of culture and history. This popular cruise destination has countless landmarks waiting for your exploration. We have created a list of five sites you must visit while touring Istanbul.
Located at the southern mouth of the Black Sea, The modern capital of the Republic of Turkey is cloven in two by the #Bosphorus Strait. On the western shore is Europe, and on the Eastern side is Asia. A series of cable suspension bridges connect the two continents like sutures. Due to the region’s strategic value as the main trade route from the #Mediterranean Sea into Central Asia, Istanbul has been the seat of power for multiple empires. The remains of which make up the bulk of our list.

#Hagia #Sophia
Perhaps the most significant edifice in the entire region, the Hagia Sophia is Istanbul’s most recognizable landmark. Originally constructed in the year 537 by the #Roman #Emperor, #Justinian, as the central #cathedral of the #Byzantine #Empire. The Hagia Sophia was the world’s largest enclosed room and one of the first to utilize a full pendentive dome. The structure was converted from a #Cathedral into a #mosque and #minarets were added in the 1500s.

It is said that the construction of the Hagia Sophia changed the world of architecture. It became the model for all #GreekOrthodox Cathedrals as well as #Ottoman Mosques. This influence can be seen among the thousands of Modern Mosques and Cathedrals still present in the city. #Christian, #Greek, and #Byzantine imagery are present throughout the Hagia Sophia and around the city.

#BlueMosque
Across #Sultanahmet Square from Hagia Sophia, you will find the Blue Mosque. Officially named the #SultanAhmedMosque. Constructed in the early 1600s, this Ottoman-era Mosque remains a functioning religious site attracting throngs of tourists and supplicants. Its multiple domes and six minarets make it one of the most recognizable structures on the waterfront. The beautiful imperial mosque’s interior features awe-inspiring domed ceilings, intricate mosaics, and fascinating Islamic artwork.

#BasilicaCisterns
There are many ancient cisterns throughout Istanbul that served as the original civic water supply for the city. The most notable are the Basilica Cisterns. Conveniently located across the road from the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, you will descend beneath the modern city streets into the amazingly well-preserved, man-made aquifer that was fed by the roman aqueduct to provide fresh water for the Byzantine Capital. The ceiling of this massive subterranean chamber is suspended by Greek and Roman columns salvaged from throughout the Ancient Roman Empire.

#GrandBazaar
One of the world’s most historic and well-known marketplaces, the Grand Bazaar and neighboring Spice Bazaar are must-visit destinations for souvenir shopping attracting as many as 400,000 visitors a day. Construction of the Grand bazaar commenced shortly after the Ottoman Conquest of then Constantinople in the mid-1,400s. Due to the city’s location as the terminus of the Silk Road, this marketplace was a major commercial center for the trading of textiles, spices, handicrafts, and eastern treasures from as far as the Orient. Today tourists can still make their way through stalls overflowing with handwoven rugs, handmade Turkish delight, delectable Baklava, ornate Turkish Coffee sets, and countless other authentic and “not so authentic” souvenirs.

#TopkapiPalace
Serving as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire and the home of the Sultans during its hay day in the 1700s, Topkapi Palace, today is the largest museum in Istanbul and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Palace Grounds can be compared to the European Palaces of Versailles and The Hermitage. The complex is composed of hundreds of rooms, many of which are accessible to the public. The former Ottoman Imperial Harem located on the palace grounds is currently home to two of the more famous museum displays. The Spoonmaker’s Diamond and the Topkapi Dagger are located in this area, known as the hazine. The museum collection also contains Ottoman clothing, artwork, manuscripts, armor weapons, and many other relics of the empire.

Istanbul is not just ancient history. It is one of the most lively and energetic cities you can hope to visit. The city truly does not sleep. We wandered the streets until the early hours of dawn. Restaurants, shops, street vendors, and young Turks fishing from the bridges were everpresent. The energy of the street culture in Istanbul is a truly rewarding experience. For more information on how you can visit the Capital of the Republic of Turkey keep reading our blog and contact the destination experts:

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Friends Travel LLP West Hollywood CA 90069-9309 is a specialty boutique travel curator that crafts customized itineraries for travelers who are eager to explore the world. From food and wine to people and places, we deliver one-of-a-kind travel experiences based on your personal interests, wants needs desires and expectations. Established in 1985, we have connections all around the world and always ensure that every destination has our seal of approval before you arrive. JESS Kalinowsky, Managing Partner has been to 147 countries and sailed 100+ cruises on Barge Canals, Rivers, Seas, and Oceans! We look forward to assisting with your unique travel arrangements.

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#Istanbul #Turkey Now #Türkiye JESS@FriendsTravel.com

When you arrive in Istanbul, stroll down to the #Galata Bridge. Order a glass of #raki to sip while you watch the sun set over the city’s seven slopes. #Ottoman #minarets dominate the never-ending cityscape, but it’s impossible to miss the #Byzantine walls, #Venetian Towers, and #Parisian Townhouses that complete the #ancient #metropolis. #Empires rose and fell here.

Above you, old men cast fishing lines down from the upper deck of the bridge while gulls swoop in to snatch the fish as they’re reeled upwards. The haunting sunset prayer call echoes from over three thousand mosques while party boats crawl their way along the Golden Horn to the #Bosporus Straits. The city is alive.

You know you’re somewhere special!

It’s loud, it’s #charismatic, it’s #history itself, and it’s utterly #breathtaking.

Welcome to Istanbul.

Many names, many empires

Istanbul is an incredibly old city. #Straddling the #European and #Asian #continents, its value as a strategic port was clear as far back as the 7th century BC (technically even further). The first settlers were #Greek. Their leader, #KingByzas, came up with the creative name of #Byzantium, and it remained so until around 300 AD. At that time, the city became part of the #RomanEmpire under #EmperorConstantine. He turned it into one of the most important cities in the world and even the capital of the Empire, renaming it #Constantinople. In a similar fashion, Roman rule wasn’t meant to last. As the Empire decayed, the #Ottomans crept in and, after a brutal siege, took the city, renaming it for a third and final time as Istanbul. The Ottomans held onto the city until their fall just after WWI, when the #TurkishRepublic emerged. You won’t see everything, and your trip will be better for it Istanbul is massive. And a city as old and storied as this has an unbelievable range of things to see and do, making it virtually impossible to do them all, or at least enjoy doing them all. Instead, check out which sounds most appealing to you and set aside at least half a day for each. Some of the big ticket items might need even longer, so plan accordingly. It’ll let you enjoy each place to the fullest and give you a reason to head back again. Americans need a visa, #FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCa will assist in securing for you! In this day and age, most of the more common destinations for American travelers have a Visa-free entry policy. It can be super easy to forget they’re even a thing. This isn’t the case in Turkey. Americans need a visa to visit. It’s an easy process, but Steve’s girlfriend found out the hard way when she was denied entry at the land border. Not an experience she’d wish on anyone.  Practice a little Turkish You’ll likely come across some wonderful English speakers in your hotel or in the Grand Bazaar and other heavily touristed areas, but in day-to-day exploration, assume that English speakers are few and far between. If you enjoy getting off the beaten trail a little, your chances will drop even further. It’ll mean a lot to pick up even a few phrases. The usual “thank you,” “hello,” and some other basics go a long way in at least showing that you’ve tried. After that, it’s sign language, pointing, and hoping you don’t order something weird. But sometimes that works out wonderfully. Get humbled by the Hagia Sophia It’s likely you’ll spot the #HagiaSophia’s dome or one of its minarets from afar before you visit. Whatever you do, don’t leave Istanbul without going inside. Built in 532 AD by Emperor Justinian as a Christian cathedral, the Hagia Sophia is staggering. Its construction is widely regarded as one of the most significant moments in architectural history, and it stood as the largest Christian cathedral for almost a thousand years. The sheer scale of the place is breathtaking, but the intricate details still somehow come out as the star. The minarets were added by the Ottomans after they turned it into a mosque, and it became a museum in the early 20th century. It’s stood watch over the city for fifteen centuries and has been adapted to fit the desires of whichever ruler was in charge. The fact that it was built fifteen hundred years ago defies belief.  Even today, it finds itself at the center of Turkish life. Recently, President Erdogan turned the site back into a mosque, enraging the EU-leaning less Islamic population, as well as #UNESCO, while sparking celebration in the conservative Muslim demographic that he’s garnered the support

Get your bartering hat on at the Grand Bazaar

One of the oldest and largest indoor markets in the world, vendors have been plying their wares in the Grand Bazaar since the 1400s. Today, it most definitely veers in the direction of tourist trap, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid it. As was the case with the Hagia Sophia, the scale of the bazaar is worth the visit alone. A vast labyrinth, getting lost is pretty much a part of the fun. Despite literally thousands of vendors trying to chat you into a purchase, it never feels intimidating, like in some other markets. These guys are pros and have learned years ago that tourists are being taught not to trust them. In place of the sleazy salesman, jovial banter takes center stage, and you can’t help but enjoy the interactions. Bartering is still a big part of the experience, but don’t be that tourist. Only haggle if you have the intention to buy, and don’t come in with wholly unreasonable offers. It’s these interactions that have prompted many of the vendors to slap permanent price tags on their goods.

Explore the city’s neighborhoods

Istanbul is made up of loads of amazing areas, unique in their own way, thanks to the ethnic groups that lived there (or still live there). Devote a little time to finding some of these lesser-known gems to help elevate your Istanbul experience. #Balat is an excellent place to start. Once the #Jewish district, the area is now predominantly Muslim. It’s known for its colorful homes that zig-zag along cobbled streets, with some brilliant hole-in-the-wall Turkish eateries. It’s also the site of some controversial conversion projects, with some of the houses being converted into hip cafes and restaurants, pricing out many of the locals. Dig a little further, and you’ll find a quieter side to Istanbul. #Kadikoy is found on the Asian side of the Bosphorus and highlights Istanbul’s changing landscape. While there are remnants of the Ottoman and Roman Empires, the main draw nowadays is the nightlife, restaurant, and cafe scene. It’s definitely worth an evening out or it can be combined with nearby Uskudar. #Sultanahmet is where you’ll spend a lot of time. It’s home to some of the biggest tourist draws, including the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the hippodrome, among others. It’s always busy. But why wouldn’t it be?

Ottoman splendor

Istanbul’s history lends to a stunning array of hotels and accommodations to choose from. Ultra-modern establishments are rocketing up on a regular basis, while quieter areas see Ottoman-era townhouses as a more traditional option. Listing them all in one newsletter would be impossible, but here’s our pick of the bunch.

Turkey by name, but not a bird in sight

Istanbul is an incredibly international city, so it’s pretty easy to stumble across anything your heart desires. But you’d be missing out if you didn’t gorge on some excellent Turkish food. At the top of your list should be staples like kofte, grilled meatballs usually served with some vegetables, rice, or occasionally some flatbread. Another is Lahmacun, a cheap and tasty pizza-like meal. Normally a street food, roll it up, douse it in lemon, and enjoy. Don’t skimp on the doner, pide, borek, or kebaps either. Best of all, it’s pretty cheap when you get out of the tourist zones.

Tatbak

Istanbul, Turkey Do the rounds of some of the quieter neighborhoods and find your favorite lahmacun and kebabs. Get used to the flavors, then try Tatbak’s take on them. They’ve been creating some of the best upscale iterations of Turkish food in the city since 1960, and their lahmacun is borderline divine. You won’t be sorry and definitely won’t be hungry when you leave

WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN ISTANBUL

The best places to grab a drink in Istanbul A guide to the city’s coolest neighborhoods Some off the beaten path things to do The best Turkish baths and hammams to relax A local’s take on the best Bosphorus cruises #FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCA has the contacts!

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#Haymana #Turkey #FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCa90069 #JessKalinowsky JESS@FriendsTravel.com

Haymana, Turkey

If you want to experience a traditional #Turkish bath, look no further. The wide array of springs in Haymana are volcanically heated and filled with healing sulfur. Take advantage and hop between the many spa choices where experts can guide you through the best ways to take advantage of these healing waters. One of the best spas to check out is Urofiz Termal Otel, which has its own private hot spring bath if you’re looking for a secluded spot.

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How to Pull Off the #Ultimate #Turkey #Trip by #Bike and #Boat

Outside #Bodrum, #Turkey, a hesitant cyclist leaves our comfort zone and discovers ancient temples, unparalleled hospitality, and — with the help of  companions — a newfound sense of self-reliance.

Our inspirational trip ideas to plan ahead for your next bucket list adventure.

The first thing you need to know is that I’m not a cyclist. My occasional rides are by bike share, a short two- mile trip to the market or maybe to a restaurant near my home. I don’t wear spandex, least of all out in public. Yet there we are, wiping the sweat from our face while standing on top of a #Byzantine #aqueduct not far from #Bodrum, #Turkey, with people met only a few days before. Ahead of us is the steep hill that we have to conquer before reaching a lookout in the village of #Alatepe, from where the #Aegean would unfurl like a vast #azure carpet.

We are loving it — not least because our small band was one of the first groups to make this particular trip. Visit #Turkey with our luxury bike-tour operator. The plan is to cover lots of ground by bike during our seven-night visit but return every evening to the same #gulet, wooden #Turkish #yacht, fitted with creature comforts like hot showers and #WiFi.

Each day, we set out for three to five hours of riding, making stops for snacks like #gözeleme, #flatbread stuffed with #spinach or #cheese. One afternoon, we have lunch at a seaside restaurant serving #marinated #shrimp, charred #octopus, and #koruk, a #seagrass unique to this corner of Turkey. Another day, we visit the home of a #Kurdish #filmmaker named Sava Baykal and his wife, Gamze, who left behind their harried city lives in #Ankara for the quiet village of #Yaziköy, where they now raise chickens and are happy to share a pile of #lentil #köfte, pan-fried #lamb, and #stuffed #grape #leaves.

Around mid-afternoon, we plunge into the #Mediterranean Sea before climbing aboard our six-cabin vessel. Salty air tousling our hair, we sail onward through the waters surrounding the #Datça #Peninsula, including the #Gulf of #Gökova, a narrow, yacht-dotted bay that stretches about 60 miles along the southwestern corner of Turkey. Wherever the captain happens to drop anchor, we tuck in to dinners of local staples like #smoky #eggplant and #grilled #fish. Most nights, swim under the stars, marveling at how the same water that had felt so cool during the day could feel like a warm bath at night.

Pre-trip fears about being a sometime cyclist joining a bunch of experts proved to be unwarranted. I am solidly in the middle of the pack in terms of endurance. For those who want an extra boost, e-bikes are available. But, from the start, it is a judgment-free zone, where a fast camaraderie motivates all of us to pedal harder than we ever had. I do recommend some training!

Before riding a single mile, we spend our first night anchored a few hundred feet off #Marmaris, a popular resort town where neon greens and reds from nightclubs mix with the pale orange glow of streetlights along the crescent-shaped waterfront. Early the next morning, the cove resonates with a more tranquil sound. The rising sun changed the distant mountain silhouettes into muscular bluffs and sculpted hills.

After the ship’s steward takes us to shore in a motorboat, we bike up and down the green slopes of the peninsula, where candy-colored beehives are scattered under a canopy of pine trees. A few miles later, we stop at a roadside teahouse outside the village of #Bayir, where the owner, #Süleyman, is all smiles. Under the gorgeous late-morning sun, he brings out glass teacups, fills them with his strong Turkish brew, and offered us a warm “hogeldiniz,” or welcome. Our guide translates as we learned how #Süleyman harvests and sells wild bay leaves on the hills we have cycled through.

The day culminates with a #grueling half-mile climb at a 9 percent incline. After we take what seems like the very last turn, dismayed to see another road sign, warning that the next stretch would be just as steep. A van, as always, trails behind, ready to scoop up anyone who wants to throw in the towel. There is no shame in it; several of the group opts for the air-conditioned comfort of the Mercedes-Benz. But my pride — or maybe my curiosity — keeps me pushing until the hairpin path crested the ridge, yielding to a descent more thrilling than any roller coaster I’ve taken.

As we glide into the port of #Bozburun, a laid- back hamlet with a whitewashed mosque by the sea, experience a sense of achievement. The rich scoop of #pistachio #goatmilk #icecream from a neighborhood parlor fells well earned. As we peel off our biking gear to jump into the sea, the water was more refreshing than I could have imagined.

Our most beautiful ride happens to be the toughest, a 32-mile round-trip out of the town of #Akyaka involving a 3,145-foot elevation gain. The road traced seaside cliffs, which were lined with gnarled pines stretching out over the alluring water.

Though we hop in the same saddles every morning, the scenery is ever-changing. One day, we stop at the ruins of #Knidos, once a wealthy trading post. The fourth-century B.C. sculptor #Praxiteles put the city on the map in antiquity — and changed the course of Western art — with a nude sculpture of #Aphrodite that he carved for #Knidos. The work is now lost, yet art historians say its vivacious realism — and the revolutionary fact that it depicted a nude female form — lives on in other #Greek, #Roman, and even #Renaissance #masterpieces.

On the last day, we venture away from the coast, passing through villages with #evocative names: #Yeilova (Green Plain), #Elmali (Apple Grower), and #Portakallik (Place of Oranges).

On a quiet road used mostly by donkeys and tractors, we come across goatherds who are delighted to see a group of foreign cyclists. From a burlap sack, they produce a sweet melon they had just plucked and insisted that we take it: impractical to carry on a bike, yes, but impossible to refuse.

Group trips depart in September,  October and November ; for this #Marmaris- to-#Bodrum itinerary. 

We can also arrange a private sail for your group or family.

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#TurkeyVacations Sights Sounds Taste Smell Touch #JessKalinowsky JESS@FriendsTravel.com

#ISTANBUL  #TURKEY #Constantinople, the centre of the #ByzantineEmpire which lasted over a thousand years, later became #Istanbul, the capital of the #OttomanEmpire for almost 500 years. The city is a mixture of #Europe and #Asia, a unique urban composition. A stroll around #Sultanahmet, inside the city walls, among #mosques, #museums and the #GreatBazaar is a trip through both history and daily life.

WE RECOMMEND: 16 DAY GLORIES OF TURKEY

PLACES VISITED: #Istanbul, #Cappadocia, #Kusadasi or #Izmi, #Ephesus
#Iconic Sights Sounds Taste Smells and things to Touch and BUY!
DEPARTURE DATES:
Dates are flexible and customizable for private departures.
Enjoy the unique landscapes and treasured history during your custom-tailored 10-day Turkey tour. The ancient city of Ephesus will take you back in time to view elegant Ionian architecture. The breathtaking boulders of Cappadocia will reveal spellbinding natural beauty during your Turkey trip to showcase where dramatic scenery and vibrant culture combine. You will never leave a table hungry.

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Best of Turkey — 14 days/13 nights  Highlights: #Istanbul (#Hagia #Sophia, “#BlueMosque”, #Hippodrome, #TopkapiPalace, #GrandBazaar, half-day #BosphorusCruise), #Cappadocia, #Ephesus, #GuletCruise Departures: Frequently

Tour Prices: Ask for your personal quote.

Quick Overview Istanbul’s #Byzantine and #Ottoman treasures…the mystical landscape of Cappadocia…ancient Ephesus, once the pride of the Roman Empire… the last known home of the Virgin Mary… the glistening bays and secluded coves that dot Turkey’s “Turquoise coast”. This exciting vacation brings it all vividly to life.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul Upon your arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to get acquainted with the city. Tonight’s Welcome Dinner” will give you a genuine “taste” of Turkey. Overnight in Istanbul. (D)

Day 2 – In Istanbul (Full Day Tour) After breakfast, you begin a tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Highlights include: the Sultan Ahmet Center in the heart of the “Old City”; Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel originally constructed as a Christian basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian; the magnificent “Blue Mosque”, famous for its blue Iznik tiles and six towering minarets; the ancient Roman Hippodrome, site of chariot races and other sports events; and the illustrious Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman Sultans. You will also see the Fountain of Wilhelm II, and visit the exotic “Grand Covered Bazaar”, the largest covered “souk” (bazaar) in the world. You will have some free time to wander among the tiny shops that line the Bazaar’s virtually endless maze of winding passageways. (B, L)

Day 3 – In Istanbul (Half-Day Bosporus Cruise) This morning, you’ll be picked-up at your hotel and proceed to the “Spice Bazaar” (also known as the Egyptian Bazaar). With its array of spices, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, Lokum (“Turkish Delight”) and other exotic edibles, the Bazaar has the fragrance and atmosphere of the Middle East. Then you continue to the embarkation point of your Bosporus cruise. The relaxing cruise offers wonderful views of Istanbul’s European and Asian shorelines with their Ottoman palaces, citadels, and centuries-old mansions. At the end of the cruise (approx.1:00 pm), you will be driven back to your hotel. The balance of the day is free for independent activities. (B, L)

Day 4 — To Cappadocia Early this morning you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cappodocia. Upon arrival, you will be met and proceed through Cappadocia’s Martian-like landscape via the Dervent Valley, to see Pasabag’s “Fairy Chimneys”. Here it is said that “the voice of the wind harmonizes with the songs of the fairies”. Moving on, you’ll enjoy a visit to the Avanos Center of Terracotta Art, followed by lunch. After lunch, you visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum to see the best examples of Byzantine  art in Cappadocia. Then you proceed to the Uchisar Rock Castles, from where you’ll have a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding valleys. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, L)

Day 5 – In Cappadocia The day begins with a visit to the “Red Valley” where you explore the famous rock-cut churches. Then it’s on through the Gulludere Valley to visit the ancient village of Cavusin. After lunch, you continue to the “Pigeon Valley” for a visit to the Kaymakli Underground City, one of the most fascinating underground settlements in Cappadocia, where early Christians lived in fear and faith. The underground city was originally eight floors, of which for can be visited today. The tunnels are still used today as storage areas, stables, and cellars. The tour ends with a visit to the “natural castles” at Ortahisar. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, L)

Day 6 – Cappadocia to Ephesus This morning you motor to the ancient Roman city of Ephesus, with a visit to the impressive Isa Bey Mosque, en route. Upon arriving in Ephesus, you begin your walking tour along it marble streets viewing the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Trajan Fountain. At the end of your walk, you will see the “Great Theater” where St. Paul preached. Then it’s time to relax and enjoy a Turkish buffet lunch. After lunch, you visit a carpet cooperative, where you’ll see how exquisite Turkish carpets are hand-woven. Then you proceed to the Shrine of Mother Mary, the house believed to be where Mary spent the last years of her life. After visiting the Shrine, we continue to the Ephesus Archeological Museum and the Temple Of Artemis (Diana), the site of one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” Overnight in Cappadocia.. (B, L)

Day 7 – To Gocek After breakfast, we drive to Gocek, a charming town on the Mediterranean Sea whose harbor is home base for private yachts and fishing vessels. Upon arrival, you board your traditional Turkish gulet (sailboat), and meet the captain and crew who will look after you for the next four days. Overnight aboard ship. (B, L, D)

Days 8, 9, and 10 – Gulet Cruise Three days of leisurely sailing along the beautiful “Turquoise coast”, a region that was once the home of the ancient Lydians. Along the way, the crew will drop anchor in beautiful, unspoiled coves, where your family can explore, go swimming, sunbathe, and go snorkeling in the warm waters. There will also be stops in small harbor towns; visits to the ghost town of Kayakoy, Gemiler Island, and the traditional farming village of Bezirgan, where you enjoy lunch at a local home; and special activities such snorkeling at Aperlae and an “adventure trek” around Soguksu Cove. Overnights are aboard ship. (B, L ,D)

Day 11 –to Andriace and Antalya This morning we cruise to Kekova Island to see the famous “Sunken City” (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Then we continue to Simena Castle and its ancient rock-cut tombs, and to Andriace, where your cruise comes to an end. Before driving to Antalya, you’ll visit the Church of St. Nicholas. Overnight in Antalya. (B, L)

Day 12 – In Antalya A full day at leisure for sunning, shopping and exploring in and around this popular seaside resort. Overnight in Antalya. (B)

Day 13 – Antalya to Istanbul This morning you will be transferred to the airport where you board your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for independent activities. A special “Farewell Dinner” will top off your family vacation in Turkey, (D)

Day 14 – Departure Free time until you are transferred to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)

WHAT THE PRICE INCLUDES:  Airport transfers upon arrival and departure  Accommodations at a 4-Star and 5-Star Hotels, and in cabin with WC and shower on Gulet Cruise  Meals as specified in itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), plus late afternoon tea and cookies on Gulet cruise  Transportation by non-smoking, air-conditioned mini/midi bus  Services of a professional English-speaking escort/guide per itinerary  Sightseeing tours in Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Ephesus, per itinerary  Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise  4-day Gulet Cruise  Entrance fees to the sites visited, per itinerary  Hotel taxes and services charges  Yacht charter and berth taxes, harbor and port formalities, mooring fees, marine fuel, and yacht insurance  Use of onboard recreational equipment (fishing tackle, snorkeling gear)* *Optional activities such as windsurfing, Jetsking, and Banana boating are also available at extra charge

NOT INCLUDED  Domestic flight  Gratuities to tour guides and cruise crew  All items of a personal nature (laundry, taxis, etc.)  Beach towels while on Gulet cruise  Beverages (except for those served with breakfast and other meals while on cruise)  Visa fees

JESS@FriendsTravel.com

#BestValueVacations Since 1985
#JessKalinowsky JESS@FriendsTravel.com 24|7|365
#DiscountAirfaresWorldwide First Business Coach
THE #BestValues #Tours, #Hotels, #Resorts,
#Villas #SmallShipCruises #RiverCruise
#RiverBargeCruises #TrainVacations and more.
#DestinationWeddings #Honeymoons
#Anniversaries #Birthdays #Celebrations Just For You!
#FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCa90069 GOOGE US!

LHW
https://tinyurl.com/y7g5hepc

Globus Brands
http://tinyurl.com/3yc6rvo

http://www.FriendsTravel.com

We strongly recommend ‘cancel for any reason’ health, accident and travel insurance to protect your investment.
http://www.travelinsurancecenter.com/?affiliate=FriendsTravel

Be sure to ask about your $25.00 per person discount for any international travel reervations!

#IstanbulTurkeyVacations #FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCa90069 #JessKalinowsky JESS@FriendsTravel.com 24|7|365

#Europe and #Asia #meet in #Istanbul, where breathtaking #ancient 3architecture coexists with modern restaurants and nightlife.

The city’s #mosques, #bazaars, and #hammams (#Turkish #baths) could keep you happily occupied for your entire trip.

Start with the awe-inspiring #Sultan #Ahmet #Camii (#BlueMosque), visible from many points of the city.

Stroll the #Galata Bridge and stop by the #Miniaturk Park to see its tiny artifacts. The #Grand\Bazaar has thousands of shops to browse, while the #EgyptianBazaar is a fragrant trove of spices and fruits.

Let Us Plan your trip to Istanbul
#IstanbulTurkeyVacationsFriendsTravel
#FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCa Since 1985
#JessKalinowsky JESS@FriendsTravel.com 24|7|365

Don’t miss
#SuleymaniyeMosque
#KariyeMuseum (The #ChoraChurch)
#SultanahmetDistrict

www.FriendsTravel.com

#BestValueVacations Since 1985
#JessKalinowsky JESS@FriendsTravel.com 24|7|365
#DiscountAirfaresWorldwide First Business Coach
THE #BestValues #Tours, #Hotels, #Resorts,
#Villas #SmallShipCruises #RiverCruise
#RiverBargeCruises #TrainVacations and more.
#DestinationWeddings #Honeymoons
#Anniversaries #Birthdays #Celebrations Just For You!
#FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCa90069 GOOGE US!

LHW
https://tinyurl.com/y7g5hepc

Globus Brands
http://tinyurl.com/3yc6rvo

http://www.FriendsTravel.com

We strongly recommend ‘cancel for any reason’ health, accident and travel insurance to protect your investment.
http://www.travelinsurancecenter.com/?affiliate=FriendsTravel 

Be sure to ask about your $25.00 per person discount for any international travel reservations!

#TurkeyVacations #FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCa90069 #JessKalinowsky JESS@FriendsTravel.com 24|7|365

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Travel Dates: Day|Date|Time Each direction

Travelers Names as they paper on passports

Class of Hotels | Resorts: 3.4.5 Star or Deluxe? Location? Beach or City? Ocean Cruise? River Cruise?

We want to Fly: First Class, Business Class or Coach?

Submit

Δ

#BestValueVacations Since 1985
#JessKalinowsky JESS@FriendsTravel.com 24|7|365
#DiscountAirfaresWorldwide First Business Coach
THE #BestValues #Tours, #Hotels, #Resorts,
#Villas #SmallShipCruises #RiverCruise
#RiverBargeCruises #TrainVacations and more.
#DestinationWeddings #Honeymoons
#Anniversaries #Birthdays #Celebrations Just For You!
#FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCa90069 GOOGE US!

LHW
https://tinyurl.com/y7g5hepc

Globus Brands
http://tinyurl.com/3yc6rvo

http://www.FriendsTravel.com

We strongly recommend ‘cancel for any reason’ health, accident and travel insurance to protect your investment.
http://www.travelinsurancecenter.com/?affiliate=FriendsTravel

Be sure to ask about your $25.00 per person discount for any international travel reservations!

#IstanbulTurkeyVacations #FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCa90069 #JESSKalinowsky JESS@FriendsTravel.com 24|7|365

#IstanbulTurkeyVacations #FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCa90069

#BestValueVacations Since 1985
#JessKalinowsky JESS@FriendsTravel.com 24|7|365
#DiscountAirfaresWorldwide First Business Coach
THE #BestValues #Tours, #Hotels, #Resorts,
#Villas #SmallShipCruises #RiverCruise
#RiverBargeCruises #TrainVacations and more.
#DestinationWeddings #Honeymoons
#Anniversaries #Birthdays #Celebrations Just For You!
#FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCa90069 GOOGE US!

LHW
https://tinyurl.com/y7g5hepc 

Globus Brands
http://tinyurl.com/3yc6rvo 

http://www.FriendsTravel.com

We strongly recommend ‘cancel for any reason’ health, accident and travel insurance to protect your investment.
http://www.travelinsurancecenter.com/?affiliate=FriendsTravel

Be sure to ask about your $25.00 per person discount for any international travel reservations!

Around the World Vacations #FriendsTravelWestHollywoodCa90069 #JessKalinowsky JESS@FriendsTravel.com

Sometimes when people are traveling to Turkey, often the are going beyond.

With that in mind, I invite you to visit https://indiawithfriendstravel.wordpress.com

For your perusal and consideration:

#BestValueVacations Since 1985
#JessKalinowsky JESS@FriendsTravel.com 24|7|365
#DiscountAirfaresWorldwide First Business Coach
THE #BestValues #Tours, #Hotels, #Resorts, #Villas #SmallShipCruises#RiverCruise #RiverBargeCruises and more.
#DestinationWeddings #Honeymoons #Anniversaries #Birthdays #Celebrations Just For You!

Please mention this posting and I will give each person traveling a $25.00 discount!