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GOURMET TOUR OF ISTANBUL & CAPPADOCIA
A frequent visitor to Istanbul since her daughter has been working there
as a teacher, Beverley Sutherland Smith has learned to love this exciting and colourful city. Beverley will be taking a small tour there to show participants many of her favourite places and of course including the classic sights of Istanbul. The tour includes a visit to the fabulous region of Cappadocia with its amazing rock formations, caves churches and underground cities. The itinerary places special emphasis on discovering the best of Turkish cuisine. |
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2011
Monday 12 September Istanbul
Arrive Istanbul - flight to be advised. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a 10 day stay. This evening enjoy a cocktail and light snacks on the rooftop terrace of the Eresin Crown Hotel.
The terrace offers breathtaking views of Istanbul, Bosphorus, Princes' Islands and Marmara Sea.
Accommodation - 9 nights - Istanbul In 12 September - Out 21 September
Eresin Crown Hotel - Special Category
Kucuk Ayasofya Caddesi 40,
Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Tel: +90 (212) 638 4428 |
| Eresin Crown Hotel, opened in 2001, is a unique, exquisite boutique museum-hotel; situated in the heart of the Old City of Istanbul, Sultanahmet, within 10-15 minutes walk to the main attractions. In addition to the personalised quality service and comfort, the Eresin Crown Hotel has created a private museum comprising 49 extraordinary historical and architectural museum pieces from the Roman, Hellenistic and Byzantine eras, dating from 500 B.C. to 600 A.D., plus mosaics and a cistern. These heritage pieces were found under the ground of the hotel, and have all been registered by the Archaeological Museum of Istanbul. Besides the Museum, there is also a very special art gallery of Byzantine and Ottoman life style impressions. |
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ISTANBUL
"There God, man, nature and art have created and placed the most magnificent view the human eye can contemplate on earth."
Lamartine |
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Tuesday 13 September Istanbul
Half day Istanbul Classics Tour. Visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its mosaics of blue Iznik tiles,and its six minarets. Facing the Blue Mosque is St. Sophia (Aya Sofia), one of the great architectural marvels of the ancient world. This church - turned mosque - and now a museum, takes the breath away with the sheer size of its interior and its magnificent dome. Cross through the Hippodrome, the scene of Byzantine chariot races, athletic events, victory celebrations, and political activities of the old city where one can also see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpent Column from Delphi, the Fountain of Wilhelm II and the Colossus. |
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Visit the Museum of Turkish & Islamic arts, then the marvellous Yerebatan Underground Cistern with its atmospherically lit rows of columns - 336 in total. It was built in 532, with a capacity to store 80,000 cubic metres of water. It has excellent acoustics, and, with its fabulous atmosphere, has been used by famous singers, and for film sets.
Please note: as the Underground Cistern is very old and damp, appropriate footwear is advisable
as the floor can be slippery.
Enjoy a Meze lunch at Pandeli restaurant, and an optional visit to a hamam this afternoon. BL. |
| Wednesday 14 September Istanbul |
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Morning tour to the Spice Market and Bosphorus cruise. Visit the aromatic Spice Bazaar, where the smells of cloves, cinnamon and thyme rise from colourful mounds of spices at every store-front. The assortment of Turkish Delights and dried fruit is a delight to the eyes. The best Turkish Delights are served by scoops at the rear of each shop - absolutely delicious! |
| Cruise by public ferry through the waterway separating the two continents, Asia and Europe, viewing marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture standing beside modern houses and luxurious apartments. Leave the ferry in Yenakoy for lunch. |
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Spend time this afternoon visiting the charming area of Ortakoy, located on the shores of the Bosphorus, with its outdoor cafes, market every day, and its triangle of faith with a delightful baroque mosque, a church filled with marvellous embroideries and paintings, and a lovely old synagogue almost side by side. Enjoy a waffle, before being transferred back to your hotel. BL |
Thursday 15 September Istanbul
Today you will enjoy a cooking class including lunch, at the Sarnic Hotel. Learn some delicious Turkish recipes which you can share with your friends and family when you return home. The class is held in the hotel's kitchen and features a local chef as instructor. During the four-hour class, you will prepare a five-course meal of traditional dishes. Recipes are provided for your keeping and the group enjoys a delicious meal of their own creation in the rooftop restaurant at the end of the session. The class size allows for each person to actively participate in the food preparation. BL. |
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Friday 16 September Istanbul
Enjoy a full day tour today of Imperial Palaces and Pavilions, an opportunity to explore the splendour of the Ottoman Palaces with their magnificent architecture and gardens. Morning visit to the Dolmabahce Palace, the last residence of Ottoman Sultans, with its 365 rooms and 22 salons, famous for its great collection of antiques, furniture and 4.5 ton chandelier. |
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Cross to the Asian side to visit Camlica Hill, which is laid out with gardens, marble kiosks and two 18th century-style cafes. Here you will be able to observe the best panoramic view of Istanbul.
Tour Beylerbeyi Palace, a fantasy in white marble amid magnificent magnolia-filled gardens, on the shores of the Bosphorus. Used as the summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans, it was offered to the most distinguished foreign dignitaries during their visits; its original furniture is still displayed. This Palace has a magnificent Baroque-style staircase. |
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After lunch at Bebek Balikci and a wander in Bebek, visit Ihlamur Kasri (meaning Pavilion of the Linden Tree), named after the linden trees that grow in its gardens. This one-time residence of sultans, dating from the mid-19th century, stands in beautiful leafy gardens planted with magnolias and camellias, and decorated with ornamental fountains.
This park was a favourite retreat and hunting ground of the Ottoman sultans. |
On to Aynalikavak Kasri, constructed in the 18th century by Ahmet III and later restored by various sultans. It assumed its name, Mirrored Poplar, when its famed mirrors, a gift from Venice, were installed in 1718. It is the only royal pavilion built in the traditional Ottoman style that survives outside Topkapi Palace, and is one of the most beautiful examples of traditional Turkish architecture. The Yildiz Palace and Park compound includes a series of pavilions and a mosque, set in a huge park of exotic flowers and shrubs and ancient trees, gathered from around the world, and offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Bosphorus. Most of the buildings are presently closed for restoration, but the park and the ªale are open to the public. The ªale, the largest and most exquisite of the buildings, reveals the luxury in which the sultans lived.
Note that these Palaces and Pavilions may not be visited in the same order as set out above. BLD. |
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Saturday 17 September Istanbul
Late this morning visit the Kariye (Chora) Museum, which is a fantastic display of superb 14th century frescoes and mosaics. Illustrating scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, these brilliantly coloured paintings embody the vigour of Byzantine art. Enjoy a light lunch at the Asitane Restaurant. |
| This afternoon explore the spectacular Topkapi Palace, seat of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years. Built on one of the seven hills of Istanbul, this huge complex commands superb views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. The palace is filled with treasures of the Sultans including the extravagant Treasury with its magnificent jewels, and the priceless Chinese porcelain, one of the best collections in the world. Travel to the Suleymaniye Mosque (presently under restoration and visit could be limited), built by master architect Sinan during the reign of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, the Lawgiver. |
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The last stop will be the Grand Covered Bazaar - "Kapali Carsi" - which is the biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops of antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, ceramics and leatherware.
Please note that the places visited may not be in the same order as
set out above. BL |
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Sunday 18 September Istanbul
Free day. Enjoy afternoon tea at the Ciragan Palace. B+ afternoon tea.
Monday 19 September Istanbul
Free morning. This afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the Princes' Islands, where time seems to have stood still, and the means of transport is horse and carriage. You will be transferred down to the port where you will embark on a ferry for a cruise of the Sea of Marmara to the Princes' Islands. Make a stop at Buyuk Ada, the popular summer resort with sandy beaches and pine trees. |
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This was also the pleasure island of the Byzantine Princes.
A horse-drawn carriage tour of Buyuk Ada will give you a chance to see the confection of magnificent Ottoman Mansions from the turn of the century lining the park-like streets, which are unaffected by motor traffic. This is the main and probably the most harmoniously attractive of the nine Princes' Islands. |
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Enjoy a sunset dinner on the island, then return to Istanbul later in the evening, with a transfer back to your hotel. BD.
Tuesday 20 September Istanbul
This morning spend some time exploring the Taksim area including the Pera Palace Museum. Pera Museum exhibits some of the most interesting works of art from the late Ottoman period, such as the famous Kaplumbaða Terbiyecisi (Turtle Trainer) of Osman Hamdi Bey. Apart from its permanent collection, the museum also hosts visiting exhibitions, which have included the works of world-famous artists like Rembrandt. Time will be spent at Markiz patisserie for coffee and cake.
This evening enjoy dinner at the Tugra Restaurant at the Ciragan Palace. BD + coffee & cake. |
Wednesday 21 September
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Nevsehir.
Depart Istanbul
Arrive Nevsehir |
Istanbul-Nevsehir-Cappadocia
10.05 a.m. Turkish Airlines flight TK 2008
11.20 a.m. Flight time: 1hr 15mins |
On arrival you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Enjoy lunch at your hotel in marvellous surroundings, with the most spectacular views over the Pigeon Valley (photos above).
Late this afternoon you will be taken on a tour to view the colourful Pigeon Valley and the Fortress at Uçhisar. Enjoy mezes and wine while experiencing Rose Valley at sunset, which is why it is called Rose Valley. This is a highlight of a trip to Cappadocia. Even if it is not a particularly good sunset, the views are absolutely breathtaking. Overnight in Cappadocia. BL + cocktails.
Accommodation - 4 nights - Cappadocia In 21 September - Out 25 September
Museum Hotel
Tekeli Mahallesi No: 1
UCHISAR
Tel: 0090 384 2192220 |
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Here is the famed Turkish hospitality at its best - a delightfully cosy and colourful hotel that is as much a cultural treat as a comfortable place to spend a few nights. Recognised as Cappadocia's most exclusive deluxe Boutique Cave Hotel and Restaurant in Cappadocia, it is a unique Cappadocia hotel with amazing views. Much more than a hotel, here you will find modern accommodation at its best, while inhaling history woven into the very structure and decoration of its 30 superbly restored cave rooms and suites, each with a breathtaking view of this unique region. The Museum Hotel, established in 2002 in a beautiful area of Uchisar, came into existence after the restoration of old ruins, paying utmost attention to the preservation of the originality of the ruins.
All rooms, restaurant and terraces have grand views of amazing Cappadocia -Avanos, Goreme, Guvercinlik Vadisi (Pigeon Valley) and the Kizil Vadi (Red Valley). These views are the most important sights of the Cappadocia region. |
Hotel amenities include: 2 restaurants, pool bar, swimming pool, Spa/wellness centre, an ecological garden, cooking lessons, and a golf driving range nearby.
From the outset, the Museum Hotel, has aimed to provide incomparable and extraordinary services to its guests. The owner, Omer Tosun, is an antique collector, and possesses an extensive collection of antique articles covering the Seljuk, Ottoman, Roman and Hittite periods. The hotel is designed so hotel guests can experience the Cappadocian history and culture in detail and feel as if they were in a museum. The various antiquities are registered at the Museum of Nevsehir. |
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Thursday 22 September Cappadocia
Begin the day with a spectacular balloon flight (optional extra - highly recommended) over the deep canyons and lush fertile valleys, which provide the balloons with an ideal playground for the unique and memorable flight. Gentle winds carry you over places that could never be reached, except
by balloon. |
| The natural wonder of Cappadocia is a result of volcanic deposits being eroded away by wind and water over millions of years. These soft rocks were hollowed out by early Christians and used as secret dwellings as they were being sought first by Roman and later by Byzantine persecutors. The sight of the Fairy Chimneys is phenomenal. |
Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Cappadocia.
Stroll through typical Anatolian villages which have never moved with the times, and where they live by very simple means. Arrive in the Soganlý Valley with its many Byzantine period rock tombs. Take a short leisurely hike and explore the Armenian architectural style rock carved churches and monastery ruins. This valley is also known as the 'Valley of Dolls'.
Continue on to Mustafapasa (Sinasos), renowned for its excellent Ottoman and Greek architecture.
Enjoy a meze lunch at The Old Greek House. |
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Continue on to Mustafapasa (Sinasos), renowned for its excellent Ottoman and Greek architecture.
Enjoy a meze lunch at The Old Greek House.
After an easy-going stroll exploring this village, including the very first church that was constructed by the Ottomans for the Christian community, you will be taken to visit the Kaymakli Underground City, where early Christians hid from persecutors. Then stop to see the famous "three beauties" fairy chimneys on the way to your hotel.
Dinner this evening at the charming Elai restaurant, very near the Museum Hotel.
Overnight in Cappadocia. BLD. |
Friday 23 September Cappadocia
COOKING CLASS
As we all know, Turkish cuisine was established during the Nomadic period of Turks. Culinary attitudes towards meat, dairy, vegetables and grains that characterized this early period still make up the core of Turkish Cuisine. With the settled life conditions, Turkish foods began to show a difference because of the regions. Fertile Anatolia helped to develop the Turkish cuisine with its delicous spices. Then revised and enriched Anatolian foods by Ottoman Palace chefs created the Ottoman Cuisine. |
For the next two days, you will participate in a "Journey of Taste" with Anatolian and Cappadocian flavours - an interactive cooking workshop with the international award-winning chef of the hotel's Lil'a Restaurant, Mustafa Buyukhan. Under his supervision, you will have the opportunity of making your own meal. In addition to that, you will learn how to enrich your meal before serving. At the end of your lecture, the lunch you have prepared will be eaten at the restaurant with your choice of juice, coffee or tea.
After breakfast, you will have the first cooking lesson in the hotel. With the assistance and guidance of the Chef, you will learn how to cook some of the traditional "Tandir" dishes of the area, which are cooked in a pit-like oven. |
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In the afternoon visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, through Avcilar Valley to visit early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes.
Finally view the 'fairy chimneys' at Zelve before spending some time shopping in Avanos, an area known for its handicrafts.
Early this evening, take a wander in the charming village of Urgüp, then enjoy dinner at Ziggy's in Urgup.
Then later this evening you will be taken to a fabulous venue -
the Caravanserai 'Sari Han' - to see a mystical Whirling Dervishes show. |
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The caravanserais of Cappadocia were built of hewn volcanic stone, and their walls were thick and high so that they would be safe from raids by robbers. Decoration was concentrated on the great portals which display the finest examples of Seljuk stone carving. The portal doors were made of iron to repel intruders.
Sari Han is considered to have been built in 1249. It had a Turkish bath and a mesjid over the gatehouse and its external area (excluding the towers and portal) is 2,000 square meters. With the restoration process completed, it represents the best example of Anatolian caravanserais. |
Sari Han consists of an indoor area with five naves and a courtyard.
Whirling Dervishes ceremonies start at 9 p.m. in winter and 9.30 p.m. in summer every night.
The whole ceremony takes around one hour and a religious drink, 'Serbet', is offered after the ceremony. You will be picked up from your hotel half an hour earlier, which will give you enough time to see the parts of the caravanserai prior to the ceremony. BLD. |
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Saturday 24 September Cappadocia
COOKING CLASS
Today you will have your second cooking lesson, after breakfast in the hotel. You will learn the easy way of preparing perfect Turkish appetizers and soups. Enjoy lunch on the hotel terrace, then after lunch, you'll take a short walk through the amazing rock formations in the Pigeon Valley.
On to Cavusin which has one or two interesting cave churches, including a triple-apse church and the monastery of St. John the Baptist. See valleys of 'fairy chimneys' and other extraordinary rock formations.
Farewell dinner this evening at the charming Lil'a restaurant at your hotel. BLD. |
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Sunday 25 September
This morning you will be transferred back to Nevsehir Airport for your flight to Istanbul to connect with your onward flight. B
Depart Nevsehir
Arrive Istanbul
Alternately you may wish to extend your stay in Turkey. |
Cappadocia-Nevsehir-Istanbul
12.05 p.m. Turkish Airlines flight TK 2009
1.25 p.m. Flight time: 1hr 20mins |
ABN: 64 115 255 304 QLD Licence No. 3257250
P.O. Box 1057, Noosaville DC QLD 4566
Tel: (07) 5455 6260 Fax: (07) 3103 4796
Email: joan@horizonstyle.com.au
Consultant: Joan Luguel |
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