GOURMET TOUR WITH COOKING LESSON
DAY 1. ISTANBUL
Visit the Topkapi Palace, which was used by the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries and houses an impressive collection of priceless jewels, crystal, silver and porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and relics of the prophet Mohammed.
The Blue Mosque, is an architectural masterpiece famed for its exquisite blue tiles and six elegant minarets. Built during the reign of Sultan Ahmet, it remains the centre of religious demonstrations in the Islamic religion. The nickname of “blue mosque” was given due to the numerous blue Iznik tiles in the interior, which is illuminated from the light of its windows. This is the only mosque in the world with six minarets and forms part of the city’s skyline. There are light shows held on summer evenings at the Eastern Side of the mosque.
Grand Bazaar one of the largest and the oldest shopping malls in the world . It is a mini city that sprawls accross 65 streets and 50 acres and includes some 4000 shops, tiny cafés, and restaurants – all surrounded by a wall, and entered through any of eleven gates. It offers a sea of choices that will tempt even the nonshoppers with its local curios and souvenirs: carpets,jewellery, icons, leather, meerschaum pipes, ceramics, bronze and copperware. Lunch at the none less famous Pandelli Restaurant. Test of the Turkish local food, M ixed meze plate, stuffed vegetable ‘Dolmas’ ,Seasonal salad, Turkish pastry ‘Bourek’ , with aubergine doner meat, Turkish style cooked rice, meat balls, Tukish dessert After lunch will go to the Spice Market to taste some genuine turkish product such as Tulum peynir ( cheese in a goat skin), Pastirma (dry beef covered with hot-spicy paste), dry fruits (especially fig and apricot) , and rare spices Optional: Turkish bath (Hamam) at the Cagaloglu Hamam Evening free.
DAY 2. ISTANBUL Departure for the Bosphorous Cruise -We will take an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the majestıc strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia.From our cruise boat, we view the dramatıc sights lining the Bosphorus’ wooded shores: mosques, a bridge that for a time was the world’s longest and the massive Rumeli Hisarı , a fortress built by Fatih the Conqueror in just three months as heprepared to take Istanbul. Also noteworthy are the 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultan’s fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges. For lunch you will be able to try Ortakoy famous ‘gozleme’ (flat salty crepe filled with cheese, potato, meat) and ‘Kumpir’ (baked potatoes filled with meze) „KUMPİR“ „GÖZLEME“ After lunch, cooking lesson in Culinary Institute (Between 14:30 – 16:30)
Early Evening: A walk through Istiklal Street to experience the Taksim and Beyoglu areas. This is where all of Europe would arrive in the 19th Century on the Orient Express. It is the home of the Pera Palace hotel where Agatha Christie wrote her famous mysteries. Wandering the Cicek or Balik Passages, lined with permanent stalls selling fish, fruit, vegetables, olives we also will see modern Istanbul full of designer boutiques, coffee houses and hip clubs. Most of the area is closed to traffic and you can see a microcosm of modern Istanbul strolling the streets. We will have our dinner at a traditional Meyhane, an outdoor (and indoor) Turkish Tavern, where it’s traditional mezza or plates of vegetable dishes, melons, cheeses, fish, seafood and meat are a staple of Turkish cuisine. You can also try Raki, the anise flavored national alcoholic drink. Transfer to hotel & overnight. Optional : Istanbul by night Belly Dance
DAY 3. ISTANBUL – CAPPADOCIA (BY FLIGHT) Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir. Upon arrival start to Cappadocia tour. Visit local weekly market in Avanos Village and shop for ingredients for our cooking lesson and lunch.
After lunch view some of the fascinating frescoed and rock carved churches of the Goreme Open-Air Museum, after visit the historic village of Cavusin. Stop at the majestic fairy – chimneys of Pasabag by taking a gentle stroll among the naturally sculptured rock shapes of the Devrent Valley. Enjoy a panoramic view over Goreme Transfer to Cave Hotel. Dinner at hotel Optional: Dervish show in Cappadocia
DAY 4. CAPPADOCIA Optional: Morning flight on a hot air balloon at sunrise Two miles hike in the beautiful Ihlara Valley along a stream and Pigeon Valley. Join the chef Mustafa (Bronze medallion, classical Turkish Cuisine and International Gastronomy Festival 2006, Bronze medallion modern Turkish Cuisine and International Gastronomy Festival 2007) for shopping in one of the big locak market, before starting your cooking lesson. You will learn how to cook some of the traditional dishes of the area, which are cooked in a pit-like oven. Enjoy your preparation at lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit one of the two largest fascinating multi-level underground cities, namely Kaymakli or Derinkuyu, a unique feature of this region. Continue to Mustafa Pasha (sinasos), renowned for its excellent Ottoman and Greek architecture. Then we go to the Urgup to sample some of the wine produced in the area, before returning to your hotel Dinner at hotel
DAY 5. CAPPADOCIA – KONYA – PAMUKKALE Today's ride will be fairly long and tiring due to the long distance between Cappadocia and Pamukkale and lack of convenient lodging location. Drive to visit to the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece Sultanhan Caravanserai and arrive in Konya. Visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-wide famous mystic and then proceed to Karatay Theological School in which beautiful tiles are on display. Cooking lesson at Rixos Hotel in Konya and lunch ‘FAMOUS FOOD IN KONYA’ ‘AYRAN’ ‘ETLI EKMEK’ After lunch drive to Pamukkale Overnight in Pamukkale Dinner at hotel – Possibility to use the thermal bath. DAY 6. PAMUKKALE – KUSADASI Tour the beautiful snow-white "Cotton Castle" and the ruins of Hierapolis including the magnificently preserved cemetery "Necropolis", the Main Street and Gates, the Thermal Baths, the Roman Theatre and the Museum. Drive to Kusadasi Lunch on the way (Have a chance to try to local area ‘home made food’) Arrival to Kusadasi & visit to Kusadasi city – local market. Dinner at hotel in Kusadası
DAY 7. KUSADASI (SIRINCE VILLAGE)
Morning tour to Ephesus area with Ephesus Antique City one of the most popular ancient sites of Turkey with many acres of carefully excavated ruins; Virgin Mary's House, where St. Mary is supposed to spend her last years together with St. John. Lunch at Sirince and cooking lesson test of local area wine. “GUVEC” “ŞARAP”
After lunch transfer to hotel Dinner at hotel in Kusadasi
DAY 8. KUSADASI (Izmir Apt) - ISTANBUL – HOME (By Flight) After breakfast C/Out from the hotel. Transfer to Izmir airport for flight to Istanbul and continue to home.
* Certificate & Recepie from the Local Lesson for each pax.
Small Gifts
WEDDINNGS A LA TURCA
Everyone wants
their wedding day to be one of the most magical of their life, and what could
be more magical than to tie the knot in the spectacular surroundings of
Cappadocia with dramatic fairy chimneys as a backdrop for your wedding photos?
spread over three
days in traditional Turkish style. The night before your wedding we will take
the bride and her female friends and relatives to nearby Ibrahimpasa, a village
which has been little altered by tourism, where they can take part in a
traditional Henna Night. The perfect place
for your wedding reception. WEDDING PACKAGES A la Turca Turkish Wedding In Cappadocia v All transfers v Rooms for accommodation in a special wedding house ‘ CAVE TYPE HOTEL’ v Hairdresser for bride v Flowers and bridal bouquet Henna night celebration in a traditional village in the company of local musicians and village women, traditional henna night dress is provided for bride v Barber and Turkish bath for groom v Use of Spa & Health Club, v Sauna & Hamam HONEYMOON PACKAGE (For Honeymoon Couples): v Turkish Bath and Peeling v Masculen Anti-toxin Face Mask v Magical Mask of Alba Duchess v Multijet Rose Bath v Aromatherapy Duration:100 minutes v Wedding Cake on the day v Main celebrations with dinner, wedding cake, local musicians and local wine in a beautiful rose garden with spectacular valley views v Photographer, 3 large photos and 50 small photos in a wedding album, together with negatives v Video recording on VHS, VCD or DVD v Traditional drive around the village in a decorated 1968 Chevrolet or carriage OPTIONAL SERVICE Exchange of vows in a historical ‘Cave Church’
WINE & DINE
DAY 1 ) ARRIVE AT ISTANBUL Upon arrival at Istanbul Ataturk International Airport. Meeting and greeting by our City Windows representative and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Overnight in Istanbul
DAY 2 ) ISTANBUL - TEKIRDAG - CANAKKALE WINE TASTING After having one day stay at the splendid city of Istanbul, how about driving through Tekirdag, the pretty Fisherman’s town in the close suburban area… What is special about Tekirdag???? The answer is wine yards. Here are some of the best wines of Turkey produced… Umurbey Wine house will welcome us to taste their delicious wines with local appetizers prepared by the village people. We will have a chance just before lunch , to walk between the vineyards to see, touch and taste the grapes. We will take off to the beach side to have fish in the little village of Sarkoy. Overnight in Canakkale
DAY 3 ) CANAKKALE - BOZCAADA ( TENEDOS ) Today, proceed to lovely city Canakkale where the legendary Troy is located. On our way we will see Gallipoli. It is called Gelibolu in Turkish, this narrow, mountainous peninsula on the north-western side of the Dardanelles has seen more than its share of history with countless civilizations having battled for control over these straits for over 3000 years. This is the historic World War I battleground where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the man who later became the leader of Modern Turkey, first rose to prominence. Under the direction of Winston Churchill, an unsuccessful naval and land campaign failed in its attempt to capture Gallipoli, open up the Dardanelles, and seize Constantinople. This battleground is now marked with over 30 memorials. Next visit will be to the famous Troy which is situated at a distance of 30 km from the Dardanelles. Troy, which had been founded in the year 3000 B.C., and was demolished and reconstructed nine times until the year 500 A.D., was inhabited incessantly for 3500 years. Troy I. which had been founded in the year 3000 B.C. was demolished in the year 2500 B.C and Troy II. That was founded in its place, was brought to its end by a fire in the 2300's B.C. * Plus, before going through the hotel, you will have the chance to see the original Trojan horse which has been used in the Hollywood movie ‘Troy’. Hotel Katina Overnight in Bozcaada.
DAY 4 ) BOZCAADA ( TENEDOS ) WINE TASTING Today, proceed to Bozcaada (Tenedos) , the Island of vine yards, by ferry. If one is looking for a calm and peaceful time, in a unique setting of pine groves, vineyards, rich history, serene beaches and coves, clean air, scrumptious seafood, and deliciously tempting wine… then the tiny island of Bozcaada may be just what the doctor ordered. If you want to experience the “White Cliffs of Dover”, the “Wine Country of Provence”, and the” Idyllic Beaches of the Tropics” all in one day, then this secret paradise at the mouth of the Dardanelles awaits you. There is a
continous life for approximately 5000 years on Bozcaada.
Pelasginas are the first inhabitants of the island. After these first
inhabitants persians, romans, byzantians, genoese and venetians also settled on
the island. After 1453, the capture of Byzantium, by the ottomans, the island
became a part of the Ottoman Empire. Bozcaada is located almost exactly
opposite the ancient city of Troia. After a city tour, visit the vine yards of the Island and have a taste of the most famous vines of this cute Island. Aral Holiday Farm Overnight in Bozcaada
DAY 5 ) BOZCAADA - ASSOS Today, proceed to Assos, a town with a sea from Heaven. Visit the Temple of Athena. Hails the noble but modest AEGEAN with its remaining columns and capitals upon the towering Behramkale hill. And at the sunset you and your companion can experience the wonderful mythological life with a bottle of wine and two glasses. Do not forget to walk along the Harbour. If you take the 3 km. road from the Assos ruins (Behramkale) down to the Assos pier (iskele) you will enjoy the beauties of the harbour. Please don't forget to visit the ancient theatre and other ruins. Biber House Overnight in Assos
DAY 6 ) ASSOS - AYVALIK OLIVE OIL TASTING Today we will have the chance to visit a beautiful town called Ayvalık with beautiful olive groves. Ayvalık, a district of Balıkesir, is a tourism center with beautiful coasts surrounded green olive grove, pure sea water and beaches, and contains historical and archeological values. Ayvalık houses, valuable to be seen with doors, facades, door knockers, windows, woodwork and masonry workmanship, invite people to a historical voyage. Next visit will be to an olive oil factory to see the process of olive oil Devil's Table (Şeytan Sofrası) It is a Hill above the Çamlık Forest Camping. Hill’s landscape valuable to be seen especially at sun downs. Let’s have our lunch in a nice Restaurant serving the famous Ayvalık Toast What is special about a toast ??? Ayvalik toast is very famous. You can even see places which serve this toast in Istanbul. It is really special because of its bread and cheese. The bread is a local product. It consists of big slices baked together in fire of wood. It has a particular smell. A mixed Ayvalik toast contains cheese, sausage, salami, sucuk (a product like chorizo, but from veal), fresh tomatoes, ketchup and mayonnaise. Goes very well with local tea in traditional Turkish tea glass. Cunda Island It is an Islan accross Ayvalık. Transportation gained by boats. The island is surrounded by pine trees and olive groves. There are lots of monasteries and churches in the island. The biggest church of island is Taksiyarhis.
Dinner at a fish Restaurant in Cunda Island Chez Beliz Hotel Overnight in Ayvalık
DAY 7 ) AYVALIK – BERGAMUM - KUSADASI Today, proceed to Alacatı. On the way, stop for a visit by Pergamon which was one of the most beautiful cities of the ancient world. Its architects and sculptors were amongst the finest in the Hellenistic world. The majestic acropolis looms behind the modern town. The places to be visited are Pergamon Acropolis with Temple of Trojan, Hellenistic Barracks, Library, Temple of Athena, Theatre and the Altar of Zeus; Asclepion, Asclepion translates as 'place of Aesklepios', the son of Apollo and the god of healing and health, and was an important health centre in Greco-Roman times. Among the types of therapy practiced here were mud baths, sports, theatre, psychotherapy and use of medicinal waters. A colonnaded street leads to the Asclepion, and to the left of the entrance is the temple of Asclepios. Visit places; the Temple of Trazan & Dionysus, remain of the Clebratel, Celsus Library, a steep and impressive theatre, monument alter of Zeus, Sanctuary of Demeter. Visit the ancient Medical Center, Asclepion. Lunch at the beautiful town ‘Foca’ Let’s go to Cesme Alacatı for an exciting wind-surfing experience. Cesme is a little town at the tip of the peninsula that forms the Gulf of Izmir. The meaning of "Cesme" is "fountain" or "spring" due to the curative springs and thermal baths around Cesme, especially in Ilica district. Cesme and Ilica are resorts that should be visited because of the sandy white beaches and azure waters with seasonal accommodation opportunuties. Wind Mill Hotel Overnight in Alaçatı
DAY 8 ) EPHESUS – VIRGIN MARY HOUSE - SIRINCE WINE TASTING Today, see Ephesus. The ancient city Ephesus is located in Selcuk, a small town 30km away from Kusadasi. It was one of the largest and most interesting ancient cities of Asia Minor. It is considered to be the most fantastic Greco-Roman site in Turkey According to ancient inscriptions, Ephesus is thought to have been inhabited since around 3000 BC, roughly the same time as Smyrna, and evidence of Ion, Roman, Byzantine, Seljukian and Ottoman civilisations are still seen today. After Ephesus , we will see Virgin Mary House. A visit to the house where The Virgin Mary spent her last days, and the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is also possible to visit the basilica of St. John built around the grave of the saint. Then, proceed to Sirince to have a taste of the most famous vines of Sirince. Lunch at Sirince with a fantastic view After a walk tour on the harbour of Kusadası proceed to the dinner with a Belly Dance Show at Kervansaray Dinner- Kervansaray with night show New wave dances, spesific folklor will take you a different Anatolia Fairtale, the mediteraneans heat and excitement will take you to the music of the communty in which we live from yesterday to today. Villa Konak Hotel Overnight in Kusadasi
DAY 9 ) KUSADASI - ISTANBUL Check-out and proceed to lunch at Deniz Restaurant Lunch at Deniz Restaurant in Izmir Deniz Restaurant, which has been providing service for a quarter century with the motto of "The flavour from sea", combining the seafood with quality product and service, looks onto the most beautiful view of Izmir Kordon. The Restaurant was founded and has been providing service in the same high quality since 1981. Then, proceed to the Airport for our flight to Istanbul. After arriving at Istanbul, have a Hamam experience at the oldest and the most famous Cagaloglu Hamam The Cağaloğlu hamam was constructed in 1741 and is the last hamam to be built after a long period during the Ottoman Empire. It was constructed in İstanbul Eminönü, in Alemdar, on Hilal-i Ahmer street as a çifte public hamam to bring revenue for the library of Sultan Mahmut the first situated inside the mosque of Ayasofya. When we take a look at the names of the head architects of that time we can say that it was begun by Süleyman Ağa finished by Abdullah Ağa. It is the last example of its kind to be built in İstanbul and is a successful hamam that is still operational in our time.
Note: The above itinerary is subject to the final discretion of the local land operator. Thank You for Choosing Us Have a Safe Journey Back Home
THERMAL & SPA IN TURKEY
The Natural Health Cure Known For Ages...
The health-giving properties of Turkey's natural hot springs have been renowned since antiquity. Because Turkey is located on top of a major geothermal belt, it is among the top seven countries in the world for quality and quantity of thermal springs with over 1000, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC to 110ºC. A visit to Turkey would not be complete without a stop at one of the country's better known spas, whether to treat a health problem or simply to luxuriate in the soothing waters of natural mineral baths. A stop at one of the spas described in this booklet can easily be combined with a tour of Turkey's most famous destinations.
Hudayi - Sandikli Thermal Resort, Afyon Afyon - Hudayi Southwest
of Sandikli (10 km.) in Afyon province, there is a small treatrement center
with a 100 bed capaqcity. Waters contain sulphur, hydrocarbonate, sodium,
calcium, carbon-dioxide, bromide and fluoride (60-70C, radioactive)and are good
for drinking and bathing benefiting,rheumatic, skin, gynecologic and digestive
complaints. Orucoglu Thermal Pool - Afyon Afyon – Orucoglu Orucoglu Thermal Center is 14 km. from Afyon. The temperature of the spring water is 49C. The water is rich in carbon dioxide, sodium, bicarbonete, dsodium chloride, bromide and fluoride. It has beneficial effects on arthritis, sciatica, disc hernia, neuritis, neuralgia, lumbago, osteoathrosis ans after orthopedic surgery and various other surgical treatments such as post-operative theraphy. It can also be used in the rehabilitation of spastic children and polio patients with mental retardation. Patients with skin ailments like psoriasis, feeding problems, stomach intestine, gall bladder, kidney, urinary tract and gynecologicdisordes and muscle and nerve fatigue also benefit from it.
Thermal Pool in Kizilcihamam - Ankara Ankara – Kizilcahamam It is 86 km. from Ankara. 975 m. above sea level. The waters (37-47C) contain sodium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and chlorine. Good for drinking and bathing benefitting the cures of rheumatism neuralgia, gynecologic and digestive disorders
Massage Therapy in Gonen Thermal Balikesir - Gonen Situated to north of Balikesir, it has a treatment center with a 381 bed capacity. Thermal waters contain su;phur, chloride, sodium, hydrocarbonate and carbondioxside (52C). Suitable for both drinking and bathing cures, the waters are benifical for dermatologic, liver, rheumatic, urinary and nervous complaints
Retreat in Thermal - Bolu Bolu It is on the Ankara-Istanbul highway- 4 km.south of Bolu with a 250 bed capacity. Waters (44C) contain calcium. magnesium, sulphu, bicarbonete and benefit the cures of rheumatism, neuralgia, sciatica and gyncologic, liver and kidney diseases.
Historical Thermal Pool in Bursa Bursa - Cekirge Most of the thermal springs, in both modern and historical settings, are in the district of Cekirge. The waters contain bicarbonete, sulphur, sodium, calcium and magnesium (47-78C) and are suitable for both drinking and bathing cures. Benefical for rheumatic, gynecologic and dermatologic, diseases and for the metabolism. A wide range of accommodations in 1st to 4th class hotels is available, as is medical supervision.
Health in Nature Bursa - Oylat Appoximately 27 km. south in Inegol county, the water is very warm; the steam bath is heated to 40oC and the spring waters are 10C. The waters contain sulphur, bicarbonete, calcium, hyrdrogen ions and iron. With diuretic properties, the drinking and bath cures have a relaxing and sedative effect. There are two hotels and four motels.
Thermal in Kestanbol - Canakkale Canakkale – Kestanbol Located 15 km. into Ezine county 2 km. from the Sea of Marmara. The waters of the various springs range between 21C and 67C, containing chloride, sodium, iron carbon-dioxide and calcium. At the Thermal springs beneficial bath cures, mud-bath cures, steam and geyser-cures are available.
Tousand Years of Healing Method Denizli - Pamukkale and Karahayit North of Denizli (20 km.) with accommodations of 500 total bed capacity. Thermal waters contain hydrocarbonate, sulphur, calcium carbondioxide and iron (33-56C, radioactive) and are suitable for drinking and bathing, benefitting heart and circulatory complaints as well as digestive, gall bladder. rheumatic and kidney diseases
Sakar Thermal Pool - Eskisehir Eskisehir – Sakar It is 33 km. north of Eskisehir near the town of Saricakaya. The waters (35C) contain sodium, magnesium and bicarbonate, benefitting the skin, complaints of sciatica, rheumatism and kidney stones.
Thermal in Balcova - Izmir (Ancient Smyma) Izmir – Balcova It is 10 km. west of Izmir with a 400 bed capacity and hasthe largest indoor thermal pool in Turkey. Ege Univetsity recognizes the value of these hot springs and has built a treatment center nearby. The water (62C) is suitable for drinking and bathing benefitting sciatica, gynecologic, nervous disorders plus intestinal and urinary problems.
Mud Bath Cesme - Izmir Izmir – Cemse
Ilgin Thermal Pool – Konya Konya - Ilgin
Thermal Bath in Harlek – Kutahya Kutahya - Harlek (Ilicakoy) 27 km. from the city. The waters are warm between 25C and 43C, containing bicarbonate, sulphur, calcium and magnesium. The drinking and bathing waters can be beneficial for sufferers of rheumatism, hepatitis bladder, skin and metabolic disorders
Thermal Spa in Sultaniye – Mugla Mugla – Sultaniye A sunken area Koycegiz county, with warm waters between 25C and 43C, containing chloride, sodium, hydrogen, sulfide and bromide. Both the drinking ant the bathing waters have a relaxing and beneficial effect on suffers of rheumatism, sin and blood disorders, heart ailments, bronchitis, nervous, complaints, kidney and urinary complaints metabolic disorders and for elderly patients and convalescents.
Doctor Fishes - Balikli Cermik – Sivas Sivas - Balikli (Yilanli) Cermik
Thermal pool in Yalova Yalova
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