Istanbul - Turkey - Optional Tours

2012 Istanbul Turkey Optional Tours

Bosphorus Cruise

$69 pp

Today’s cruise will have you passing through palaces of Ottoman, Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi, ancient wooden houses, modern villas leading to the opening of the Black Sea. You will see the Rumeli Fortress comes which is situated on the Tracean side of the Istanbul Bosphorus, it was built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 . At the Bosphorus narrowest point the Anadolu and Rumeli fortresses faces each other across it. On the surface, the Bosphorus flows like a river from the Black Sea to the Marmara. This current gets much stronger and becomes truly dangerous around the fortresses. Below the surface current, there is another current flowing in the opposite direction. These currents have always constituted a threat for the ships crossing the strait. You will see modern villas that intermingle with the relatively few old wooden seaside mansions that have been preserved. One of the most beautiful sights in the world is the Bosporus Strait which is between two continents and joins two seas. The Black Sea is connected to the Aegean through the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles. (Half day tour).

Izmir / Ephesus (Including R/T Airfare)

$449 pp

Early this morning you will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul and transferred to the airport for your flight to Izmir, sure to me a major highlight of your trip to Turkey. Upon arrival meet your guide and transportation. Drive to Selcuk, to visit the world-famous Ancient City of Ephesus, including the Arcadian Way, the Antique Theater, the Roman Baths, the Library of Celcus and the Temple of Hadrian guarded by a head of Medusa. You will also visit the Shrine of Virgin Mary, where she lived her last years. Drive back to Izmir and fly Istanbul where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (Full day tour) IZMIR/EPHESUS OPTIONAL TOUR MUST BE PURCHASED AT TIME OF SIGN UP WITH TRIP DEPOSIT.

Turkish Bath

$79 pp

Today you can enjoy the tradition of public bathing. Lacking baths or running water at home, society embraced the hamam, which evolved into not only a place to cleanse body and soul, but a social destination as well. The experience begins past the cooling section, into the steam room, or hararet. For centuries architects worked to perfect the design of the hararet: a domed, octagonal (or square) room, often with marvelous oculi to provide entry for sunlight, and with intricate basins at various intervals and a heated marble platform, known as the naval stone, in the center. After having all the impurities from your skin scrubbed you feel invigorated and relaxed. (Half day tour)

Turkish Night with Dinner Show

$99 pp

Your Turkish night out includes a drive through Istanbul’s illuminated streets to a supper club featuring Turkish and European cuisine. The floor show includes live traditional Turkish music, regional folk dance troupes, and—of course—a belly-dancer.

Traditional Art Class

$89 pp

Today you can participate in an art class and experience traditional Calligraphy or Marbling. You will learn about these historical forms of art in a 16th century Madrese (school). (Half day tour) A minimum of 20 passengers is needed to operate all optional tours.

2012 OPTIONAL CAPPADOCIA EXTENSION Day 9 - Istanbul - Cappadocia (B,D)

Overnight: Cappadocia

This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to breathtaking Cappadocia. This region is known for its volcanic landscapes and “fairy chimneys”. The valleys are carved by erosion, a soft rock carved by volcanic ashes accumulated over millions of years. These natural rock formations were utilized for everything from housing to churches to underground villages. Cappadocia’s traditional rural life still goes on providing unique opportunities to observe a lifestyle that is quickly changing. We will visit Kaymaki, an Underground City, where Christians hid from their persecutors. Check into the first class Dedeman Cappadocia Hotel for a two night stay. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 10 - Cappadocia Sightseeing (B)

Overnight: Cappadocia

Early this morning an incredible optional hot air balloon of the region. is available We Depart from the hotel this morning and visit the valleys where animal-like natural formations like camels and fair chimneys are abundant. Drive on to Pasabagi in Zelve area where monks used to live in seclusion in rock cut rooms. Proceed to the pottery town of Avanos where the Kizilirmak (Hallys), the longest river in Turkey, meanders leaving the red clay on its banks that has been the raw material of pottery dating back to Hittite times. In the afternoon visit the Open Air Museum in Goreme where we visit the early Christian churches which are decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. Stop by Pigeon Valley near Uchisar for some shopping of local items. We return in the early evening back to our hotel.

Day 11 - Cappadocia - Istanbul - Home (B) After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Istanbul connecting to your flight home filled with memories of Istanbul and Cappadocia.

INCLUDED FEATURES: Roundtrip air from Istanbul, 2 nights first class Dedeman Hotel, 2 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner, Professional Tour Director, Deluxe Motorcoaches, Sightseeing & Admissions Per Itinerary, All Transfers & Baggage Handling. (Minimum of 20 paid passengers required to operate this extension)

$599 pp double $150 single supplement

*CAPPADOCIA EXTENSION MUST BE PURCHASED AT TIME OF SIGN UP WITH TRIP DEPOSIT.

2012 Turkey Optional Tours Chamber Name______________________________________________Booking #_____________ Departure Date_____/______/_______ I (We) wish to purchase the following Optional Excursion(s): Bosphorus Cruise

($69 per person) for _________ # of people