LET’S TALK TURKEY JULY 2014....LET’S TALK TURKEY JULY 2014. June 29 – July 18, 2014 Be a part...

LET’S TALK TURKEY

JULY 2014.

June 29 – July 18, 2014

Be a part of the eighth annual Lets Talk Turkey tour

for friends and friends of friends!

Turkey is a fascinating blend of East and West, old and new, traditional and modern!

After spending 10 years living there and having guided and organised many tours to

different parts of Turkey my hope is to share my love and enthusiasm of this wonderful

country with you. At the same time I will provide you with the best value for money tour

available and we will also have lots of fun along the way.

The tour will provide you with opportunities to see important historic sites, experience

the natural beauty of the landscape, cruise the Mediterranean, and experience the bustle

of city and also the charm of rural life.

It will also provide you with a mixture of organised activities plus enough free time to do

your own exploration.

A minimum of 8 (with a maximum of 14) is required to make the trip viable.

Confirmation that this trip will go ahead will be given no later than January 2014

and will be dependent on the minimum required number confirming their bookings

therefore you must register and confirm your interest no later than this date.

Don’t delay - for further details please do not hesitate to contact me on 9334 0140 (w)

/ 0418 108 608 or via email on [email protected] Shirley Seit.

SUNDAY JUNE 29, 2014

Arrival day and a warm welcome to Istanbul. You will be collected from the airport and

transferred to our hotel in the Old City which will be a short walk to many of the historic

sites and also the Grand Bazaar. Later this evening we will enjoy our first authentic

Turkish meal.

The night will be spent at: Valide Sultan Hotel or equivalent - Sultanahmet.

Meals provided will be: Dinner

Extras included: Transfer from Ataturk Airport

MONDAY JUNE 30, 2014

A guided tour of the Old City. We visit the Hippodrome,

the sporting and political centre of the Old City; the Blue

Mosque, renowned for its tiles and marble; Topkapi

Palace, residence of the Sultans for almost three centuries

and also the Underground Cistern (Yerebatin Saray).

Tonight we will enjoy a group dinner of traditional Turkish

food.


Meals provided will be: Breakfast and dinner

Entrance fees provided: All entrance fees.

Extras included: Guide for the day.

TUESDAY JULY 1, 2014.

A guided tour of the fascinating St. Sophia which reigned as the greatest church in the

Christian world until 1453. This afternoon we will enjoy a ferry trip up the Bosphorus to

the Black Sea. A late lunch at a fishing village and some time to explore the village

before the ferry trip back.



Entrance fees provided: St. Sophia.

Extras included: Guide at St Sophia,

Bosphoros Ferry Trip (lunch is not included).

WEDNESDAY JULY 2, 2014

An early departure and 5 hours drive to the Gallipoli battlefields. We will stop in the

town of Ecebat for lunch where our guide will be waiting to meet us. After lunch our

guide will take us on a tour of the memorials including Lone Pine, Anzac Cove and

Chunuk Bair. After what I am sure will be a moving experience we will board the ferry

and travel across the Dardanelles to Canakkale to our hotel and then dinner on the

waterfront.

The night will be spent at: Keravansaray Hotel - Canakkale

Meals provided will be: Breakfast and Dinner

Entrance fees provided: All entrance fees

Extras included: Guide at Gallipoli

THURSDAY JULY 3, 2014

We depart Gallipoli and travel along the Aegean to Troy where the beautiful Helen once

created havoc! Our guide will be on hand to explain the complexities of this unusual site

which is dominated by a replica of the famous “wooden horse” – we will then travel to

the agricultural town of Bergama where we will have lunch and then make our way to the

ancient site of Pergamon which sits high on the hillside above the town of Bergama

providing spectacular views of the surrounding country side. After a guided tour of

Pergamon we will travel further along the Aegean to the quaint town of Selcuk where we

will check into our hotel. A group meal at the hotel today.

The night will be spent at: Kalehan Hotel - Selcuk


Entrance fees provided: Troy, Pergamon.

Extras included: Guide at Troy

Guide at Pergamon

Beach Cemetery - Gallipoli

FRIDAY JULY 4, 2014

An early start to avoid the heat of the day and a guided tour of Ephesus - a Greco/Roman

site which is a magnificent example of both Greek and Roman architecture. After our tour

of Ephesus (including the Terrace Houses at Ephesus) we will travel into the mountains

to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, visited by pilgrims from all over the world. This is

said to be the place where The Virgin Mary spent her last days. We will then travel to the

town of Sirince, formerly a village inhabited by Greeks but abandoned at the time of the

population exchange. This quaint village is in the mountains above Selcuk and is

renowned for its locally produced wine.

A group dinner tonight.

The night will be spent at: Kalehan Hotel or similar.

Meals provided will be: Breakfast and dinner.

Entrance fees provided: Ephesus, Terrace Houses at Ephesus, House of the

Virgin Mary

Extras included: Guide at Ephesus

SATURDAY JULY 5, 2014.

We travel inland to Pamukkale where we will spend the night in this historic spa town.

Our hotel is in the Karahayit region which is famous for its “red” mud mineral springs.

We will stop in the town of Karahayit for lunch and the make our way to the hotel where

the afternoon will be spent luxuriating in the mud pools and thermal waters. Late in the

afternoon we will visit the site of Pamukkale which is most famous for the calcified falls

that have been created as a result of the natural spring water in the area. It is also the site

of Hierapolis, which was an ancient Roman spa. There are an abundance of ancient

Roman tombs scattered in the area plus a beautiful Roman theatre. Our guide will be on

hand to conduct a tour of the site. A late dinner at the hotel tonight.

The night will be spent at: Pam Hotel in Pamukkale

Meals provided will be: Breakfast and Dinner

Entrance fees provided: Pamukkale / Hierapolis

Extras included: Guide at Pamukkale / Hierapolis

SUNDAY JULY 6, 2014

We depart and head towards the Mediterranean coast for the city of Fethiye. On-route we

will stop for lunch and view the natural beauty of Saklikent Gorge – where the icy

waters will leave us breathless. After our lunch stop at Saklikent Gorge we will travel to

Fethiye. Fethiye is a major harbour city located on the Mediterranean coast and was

totally destroyed by earthquake in 1957. The seaside boulevard was built on reclaimed

land created by dumping the debris from the earthquake into the sea. Today it is a major

agricultural and tourist centre with facilities to cater for tourists but with the charm of a

rural town. We will board a traditional Turkish yacht (Gulet) which will be moored in

Fethiye harbour and we will then spend the

afternoon cruising amongst the coves and

island off Fethiye. The crew on the Gulet

will look after us and will provide dinner

aboard the Gulet.

The night will be spent at: Gulet.

Meals provided will be: Breakfast and

dinner

Entrance fees provided: Saklikent

Gorge

Extras included:

MONDAY JULY 7, 2014.

A relaxing day on the Gulet. Swim, read a book, relax and enjoy the stunning

Mediterranean coast. Yes it can be a tough life?? All meals on the Gulet today. Time to

just relax and take it easy.

The night will be spent at: On the Gulet

Meals provided will be: Breakfast lunch and dinner

TUESDAY JULY 8, 2014

Another relaxing day to do as you please.

Today we visit one of the prettiest town

on the Mediterranean coast. The Gulet

will moor in Kalkan harbour and we will

have the opportunity to disembark the

Gulet and spend some time in Kalkan.

The night will be spent at: On the

Gulet

Meals provided will be: Breakfast,

lunch and dinner.

WEDNESDAY JULY 9, 2014

Another relaxing day….need I say any

more! We travel towards Ucagiz where

we will spend the night moored in a cove

near this charming town.

The night will be spent at: On the

Gulet

Meals provided will be: Breakfast,

lunch and dinner. The pretty harbour side town of Kas.

*The cruising itinerary is a guide only and will be at the discretion of the captain and dependant on

weather conditions.

THURSDAY JULY 10, 2014.

After breakfast we sadly disembark the Gulet at the quaint town of Ucagiz where our bus

will be waiting and travel along the coast towards Antalya. En-route we travel along the

spectacular coastal road and will stop at the Church of St. Nicolas and the rock tombs at

Myra. The next two night will be spent in Old City in Antalya at a beautifully restored

Ottoman house which sits right on top of the harbour.

The night will be spent at: The Old City - Antalya at the Aspen Hotel or equivalent

Meals provided will be: Breakfast.

Entrance fees provided: Church of St. Nicholas, Rock Tombs at Myra

FRIDAY JULY 11, 2014

A free day in Antalya. You can wander around the Old City, lunch on the harbour or just

mix it with the locals. For the history buffs a visit to the museum in Antalya which house

artefacts from many of the important ancient sites in the region will be a must.

The night will be spent at: The Old City – Antalya. Aspen Hotel or equivalent.


SATURDAY JULY 12, 2014

We depart Antalya after breakfast and make our way inland to

Konya which is one of the most conservative cities in western

Turkey. On route we stop at Manavgat Fall for morning tea.

Konya is the founding place of the Whirling Dervish Sect and

also the capital of the Selcuk Empire and there are many

examples of the unique architecture for which this period is

famous. Our hotel will be centrally located to allow easy access

to the centre of town and the markets.

The Whirling Dervish Museum is a “must see” this afternoon.

Those that have a weakness for gold will find the underground

gold “mall” a competitive place to make your purchase

A traditional group dinner in Konya tonight and the possibility of

seeing the Whirling Dervishes perform the Sema.

The night will be spent at: Konya – Mevlana Bera or

equivalent.


Entrance fees provided: Manavgat Falls

SUNDAY JULY 13, 2014.

We will depart Konya after breakfast and head

towards Cappadocia.

En-route we will stop at Sultanhani which is one of

the best preserved caravansaries used by ancient

traders on the Silk Route. We will then drive to

Kaymakli which is one of the many underground

cities in the region. The early Christians used these

cities to take refuge from their persecutors. A guide

will be on hand to explain the complexities of this

amazing feat in engineering. On arrival in

Cappadocia we will visit Uchisar which is one of

two “rock fortresses” in the region. The fortress

provides spectacular views of the area. We will then

travel onto the town of Goreme where local carpet

traders will provide information about carpet making

which is a traditional craft practised by the local village women and is a thriving industry

today. We will then travel to our hotel located in Avanos. Avanos is an interesting town

and is most famous for its many potteries.

Our hotel is interesting and atmospheric and is a labyrinth of tunnels and rooms which

have been carved into the rock. Allow yourself plenty of time to find reception after you

have checked into your room!? Dinner will be a group dinner.

The night will be spent at: Sofa Hotel - Avanos


Entrance fees provided: Sultanhani, Kaymakli and Uchisar.

MONDAY JULY 14, 2014.

Early this morning there is an

option today to view the fabulous

Cappadocian scenery from a hot-

air balloon. This is an experience

not be missed (not included in

tour cost).

After breakfast we commence

our easy 2-3 hours walk through

Goreme Valley, we take a very

“un-touristy” walk along the river

bed and we complete our walk at

the village of Cauvsin where we

can explore the village that was

carved out of the porous rock.

Our final stop will be back at

Avanos where you will have the

opportunity to try your hand at

the potter’s wheel.

For those that are “game” we will travel to the town of Urgup this evening to enjoy an

authentic Turkish Bath. There will be time to explore Urgup before returning to our hotel

in Avanos.


Meals provided will be: Breakfast.

Entrance fees provided: All entrance fees

Extras included: Authentic Turkish Bath including massage and scrub.

TUESDAY JULY 15, 2014

Our first stop today will be the Goreme Open Air Museum where the best examples of

“rock churches” and frescos in the region can be found. We will stop in the town of

Goreme for lunch. Then onto the rock dwellings of Zelve – a whole village carved into

the rock face where locals lived until the 1950’s. Next, the famous “fairy chimneys” at

Pasabag.

Tonight is “Folklore Night”!! This is a show of regional dances including a belly dancer.

A banquet style meal with all alcoholic and non- alcoholic drinks included. Drink the

local brew (Raki), and you can then show us your own unique Turkish dancing style.


Meals provided will be: Breakfast - Folklore Night including dinner and drinks.

.Entrance fees provided: Goreme Open Air Museum, Zelve and Pasabag.

Extras included: A guide at Goreme Museum, Zelve and Pasabag.

WEDNESDAY JULY 16, 2014.

We depart Cappadocia and arrive in Ankara where we visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk.

We will check into our hotel and then have a few hours to explore Ankara which is the

capital of Turkey. A group dinner tonight.

The night will be spent at: Ankara.


Mausoleum of Ataturk

THURSDAY JULY 17, 2014

An early departure which will see our arrival into Istanbul after lunch A chance to do

some last minute shopping at the Grand Bazaar or take in some historic sights. Our final

group meal together tonight and a chance to bid each other a safe trip home.

The night will be spent at: Sultanahmet


FRIDAY JULY 18, 2014.

The tour ends today after breakfast and transport will be provided to the airport to board

your flight.

SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

The cost of the total tour will be $3,850 – this figure has been calculated based on

the Euro being no less than .65AUD. If the Australian dollar drops below 65c

against the Euro I will be forced into a position where I will need to increase the cost

accordingly.

Included in the tour cost will be:

o Shared hotel accommodation as per itinerary (single supplement is available

at extra cost if preferred and will also be charged if no room partner is

available).

o Airport transfer if arriving on June 28/29 and if departing on July 18/19.

o Private air-conditioned bus transport as per itinerary.

o Meals as per itinerary 19 Breakfasts, 3 lunches and 16 dinners.

o Folklore Night including entertainment, dinner and all drinks.

o An authentic Turkish bath in Cappadocia including massage and scrub.

o Entrance fees as listed in itinerary.

o Bosphoros Cruise.

o Guides in Istanbul, Troy, Gallipoli, Cappadocia, Bergama, Kaymakli and

Ephesus.

o Tips for hotels, group meal restaurants and guides and bus driver.

o 4 nights on a traditionally crafted Turkish Gulet (Yacht)

To secure your place a $1,000 deposit will be required and will only be refunded if

the tour does not go ahead due to insufficient numbers. The second payment of

$2000 will be required no later than four weeks prior to departure and the final

payment of $850 local payment will be required on arrival in Istanbul.

The cost of the tour does not include airfares. You are free to choose your own

carrier however at the time of writing Malaysian, Singapore and Emirates Airlines

are amongst the most economical to this destination. You can estimate on fares

being between $1,800 - $2,400. Airlines depart Melbourne on Saturday night

arriving in Istanbul on Sunday afternoon and then depart Istanbul on Friday

arriving Melbourne Saturday night. This means that you can make the most of

your three week vacation. I can assist with a group booking if you wish or you are

free to make your own reservations.

I will be leading the tour and hope to share my love of this wonderful country with

you while we are away. We will also have “guides” at Sultanahmet, Cappadocia,

Gallipoli, Ephesus, Bergama and Troy.

Hotels have been chosen for their comfort but also for their proximity to the town

centre or historic sites. In this way you will have the independence of doing your

“own thing’ if you choose. All hotels are extremely comfortable and will be a

mixture of 4 star, “special class” hotels i.e. restored Ottoman villas and even a

dwelling carved into volcanic rock. This is not a 5 star tour so luxury

accommodation is not a component of this tour. The hotels however are atmospheric

and interesting and will provide a very comfortable place to lay your weary body!

All rooms will have their own bathrooms.

Most activities are optional, if you prefer to do your own thing, that’s fine except of

course if we are travelling between destinations. If you choose not to partake in all

the planned activities, it will generally not interfere with the plans of those that do,

so don’t worry. The bus will only be available for those activities listed on the

itinerary and no refund will be given for activities or meals that you choose not to

partake in.

Evening meals will usually consist of two or three courses. So that we are able to

make the most of our days our evening meals will be rather late by Australian

standards. Most evening meals will be around 8pm ish. Water will be provided

with meals however any other drinks will be at your own expense. Alcohol is freely

available in Turkey although the variety of wines available is very limited.

The tour is quite energetic so a reasonable level of fitness is essential. Bring your

walking shoes and expect to make good use of them – there is no better way to take

in the real atmosphere and meet the locals than by moving around amongst them.

The weather in Turkey at this time of the year will be hot and humid – pack

accordingly.

Turkey is a buyer’s paradise so allow extra room for “unexpected purchases”!

Remember too that there will be many times when you will need to carry your own

luggage, this is not the drivers responsibility, so please ensure that you can manage

this.

Given the long distances we must travel there will be some days where we will have

no option but to travel long distances on the bus i.e. Antalya to Konya. The bus will

be air-conditioned and non-smoking and we will have a break every 1.5- 2 hours.

Please ensure that you have travel insurance!

Important Note: The itinerary is as accurate as is currently possible. Changes may be

made due to unforeseen circumstances however if this happens every effort will be made to

ensure that the equivalent or better is provided.

WHAT HAVE OTHERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE TRIP:

Well what can we say as our first O/S experience everything was just perfect you even managed

to organise the weather, how did you do that??

We cannot think of anything else that would have been better or needed changing.

We will certainly look forward to your next adventure when ever that may be Thank you once

again for your excellent organisational skills in providing all of us with an experience that will

last a lifetime.

Lets Talk Turkey - 2013

Having never travelled overseas together, my partner and I decided the 3 week trip to Turkey was

excellent value for money and the perfect opportunity to discover a country rich in history, full of

character and brimming with spectacular sights.

The trip left us with the most incredible memories. Every place we visited was a new adventure

and the scenery was definitely spectacular and breathtaking to say the least. Sailing on the

Mediterranean was just one of many highlights; the warm turquoise waters beckoning a swim

several times a day. Truly heaven on earth!

Shirley was amazing and knew the language which was a bonus especially when making our

purchases. We also learnt a little Turkish along the way which certainly came in handy. Thank

you for taking us on such an extraordinary journey which will be etched in our memories forever.

Lets Talk Turkey - 2011

I miss Turkey and the warm weather a lot. This was one of my favourite holidays. Thanks for including a variety of experiences. Balloon trip was fabulous. Virgin Mary’s house fantastic. River crossing amazing. The whole trip was fascinating and would recommend it to anyone. Let’s Talk Turkey - 2010

To me every day was a highlight and I honestly cannot think of a lowlight. I think every day the impromptu and unscheduled visits e.g. stopping at a street market for half an hour, the waterfalls (canyon), House of the Virgin Mary, just made everything so much more memorable. The food was great, the hotels were great, the walking was great, the tours were great, the train was great, the group was great, Istanbul was awesome, Antalya fabulous, the way we had leisure days thrown in after tiring days was amazing and our tour leader who spent months preparing us with the language, expectations and then delivering the trip of a lifetime. Let’s Talk Turkey – 2010

I enjoyed the trip immensely. It is hard to really pick which part of the trip was better or worse, as they all stood on their own merits, with the diversity of the places and characteristics of the trip immense. Let’s Talk Turkey – 2010

Our trip was the most well organised tour we have been on - from the moment we were picked up from the airport in Istanbul until the end of the tour. We were all involved from the first day, learning some of the language, moving around the bus and sharing each others experiences. There was plenty of free time to do things on your own but being such a small tour group, it made travelling around together very easy and flexible.

The accommodation was exceptional for the price and sometimes it was extremely luxurious. From the Ottoman House experience in Istanbul to the cruise around the Mediterranean on the “Gulet” it all added to the wonderful holiday enjoyment. Let’s Talk Turkey - 2006

LET’S TALK TURKEY JULY 2014....LET’S TALK TURKEY JULY 2014. June 29 – July 18, 2014 Be a part...

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Transcript of LET’S TALK TURKEY JULY 2014....LET’S TALK TURKEY JULY 2014. June 29 – July 18, 2014 Be a part...