Dear Sir:
I want to express my appreciation for the opportunity of traveling to Turkey with a diverse group of assorted travelers in 2011.
Since the late 1970s, I have struggled with my own quiet, unspoken prejudice against those who follow the beliefs of Islam. On Sept. 11, 2001, those feelings seemed to be validated.
But in the welcoming atmosphere of Turkey, where there seemed to be a mosque on every corner, I was able to see that not every Muslim hates the United States and wants to see it destroyed.
For the rest of my life, I will remember the young night desk clerk at the hotel in Istanbul. He’s in the process of learning his fourth language, but was challenged by my inability to echo his pronunciation of the Turkish word for “thank you.”
I’ll remember the tall, fierce-looking Turkish taxi driver, who found the wallet I thought I’d lost, stuck in a crevice inside his taxi. He held up the wallet in front of me, as if to ask, “Is this what the fuss is about?” And when he did, his face wasn’t fierce at all. He looked happy to have helped me.
I’ll also remember the young man at the Grand Bazaar, who asked me, in excellent English, how I was enjoying my visit to Turkey. I said, “It’s a beautiful country, good food and nice people. I’m enjoying it very much.” He seemed pleased.
These are small scenarios, but they’re what make people leave a country and think, “This is a great place. These are nice people. I’d like to come back some day.” Such small, person-to-person encounters are what can help to change an inaccurate view of a country, a religion or an ethnic group.
To me, the expansion of my world view was an integral part of the Turkey experience, right along with the incredible sights in Istanbul, the blustery ferry ride over the Dardanelles, the tree-bending blasts at windy Troy, the ruins of Ephesus and the magic of Cappadocia.
In short, I believe that such journeys are valuable to improving understanding between ethnic groups, who are separated by thousands of miles, and even farther by history, tradition and religion.
Did I have preconceived ideas about what Turkey would be like? Yes.
Was I wrong? Yes.
Do I have preconceptions about other ethnic groups? Yes.
That begs the question: Could I be wrong about the other groups, as well? The answer, again, is yes.
If I tally the personal advantages of such a trip, I come up with a score sheet that looks like this: educational benefits, myriad; broadening of my world view, incalculable; the adventure of withstanding the elements on the mountains of Turkey, unforgettable; the new appreciation of Turkish culture and people, immeasurable.
I hope that these trips to Turkey will continue, so that others will have the opportunity to make this same journey. I’m certain that no one comes back unchanged.
J.T.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
News from Turkey (February 2012)
RECENTLY OPENED HOTELS:
Istanbul: Holiday Inn Express Istanbul-Ora
THE NEW JAMES BOND MOVIE IS TO BE SHOT IN TURKEY:
Some 18 minutes of the forthcoming movie of James Bond (Skyfall) is going to be shot in Turkey in October 2012. The shootings will take place at the Grand Bazaar and St. Sophia Church in Istanbul, Kasim Gulek Bridge, the nearby railway, Misis and Varda Bridge in Adana and then in Fethiye resort of Mugla province. The leading artist will be Daniel Krieg as in the previous James Bond movie named "Casino Royale".
Istanbul had played host to the other Bond films before with "From Russia with Love" and "The World is not Enough".
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| Varda Bridge |
Monday, January 9, 2012
One Week in Turkey
We suggest a combined tour of Istanbul and Cappadocia for the first comers to Turkey who are limited to only a week stay. Here is the suggested itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in the new city in Istanbul.
Day 2:
Day 7:
Day 1:
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in the new city in Istanbul.
Day 2:
A full day tour with St. Sophia (Closed on Mondays), one of the great architecturural marvels of the ancient world, constructed as a basilica in 536 AD by Emperor Justinian, turned into a mosque in 1453 and now into a museum, takes the breath away with the sheer size of its interior and its magnificent dome. Facing the church is Blue Mosque, famous for its mosaics with some 20.000 blue Iznik tiles and its six minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet in the 17th century, one of the best examples of classical Turkish art. is 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 of Egypt”, “Serpent Column” from Delphi , the “German Fountain of Wilhelm II” and the “Colossus”. Grand Covered Bazaar (Closed on Sundays), which is the biggest “souk” in the world with nearly 4000 shops of antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, ceramics and leatherware. In the afternoon tour with Topkapi Palace - Harem section is excluded - (Closed on Tuesdays); built in 1468 on one of the seven hills of Istanbul by Mehmet the Conqueror, the seat of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years and a huge complex serving as a museum today facing superb views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. The palace houses the treasures of the Sultans including the extravagant Treasury with its magnificent jewels, and the priceless Chinese porcelain (This section is temporarily closed as being under restoration), one of the best collections in the world, weapons, calligraphy section, and more. A short ride on to Suleymaniye Mosque, masterpiece of Sinan, the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire , built in the name of the Sultan Suleyman, the Magnificent, during the 16th. century, considered as the best amongst the imperial mosques. Overnight Istanbul.
Day 3:
Day 3:
Transfer to the airport in Istanbul and fly to Nevsehir or Kayseri. On arrival meet and drive to visit the Devrent Valley Open Air Museum
Day 4:
Day 4:
Tour with hike through the Rose Valley with visits to the churches. Afterwards visit to the old Christian village of Cavusin Kaymakli Underground City
Day 5:
Day 5:
Transfer to the airport in Nevsehir or Kayseri and fly to Istanbul. At leisure in the afternoon. Overnight Istanbul.
Day 6:
A morning tour to visit the aromatic Spice Bazaar (Closed on Sundays) from 1663 with its domed and vaulted shops selling spices and herbs along with a wide variety of commodities, also known as Egyptian Bazaar as it was once endowed with theCairo Europe - with a possibility to take pictures of the marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residentials. During this trip Dolmabahce Palace , Ciragan Palace , Beylerbeyi Palace , Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges
Day 6:
A morning tour to visit the aromatic Spice Bazaar (Closed on Sundays) from 1663 with its domed and vaulted shops selling spices and herbs along with a wide variety of commodities, also known as Egyptian Bazaar as it was once endowed with the
Day 7:
Transfer to the airport or the pier for the next destination
Contact us at info@parasolholidays.com for a quote
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Women's Conference in Istanbul
The 12th AWID International Forum, will gather up to 2000 women’s rights leaders and activists from around the world from April 19 to 22, 2012 at the Halic Congress Center in Istanbul, Turkey.
The Association for Women’s Rights in Development is an international feminist membership organisation that works to strengthen the voice, impact and influence of women’s rights advocates, organizations and movements internationally to effectively advance the rights of women.
The AWID International Forum on Women’s Rights and Development is both a conference and a call to action. The largest recurring event of its kind, the AWID Forum brings together women’s rights leaders and activists from around the world every three to four years to strategize, network, celebrate, and learn in a highly charged atmosphere that fosters deep discussions and sustained personal and professional growth.
Delegates to the Forum participate in four days of plenary speeches, interactive sessions, workshops, debates, and creative sessions geared to powerful thinking on gender equality and women’s human rights. Delegates also participate in informal caucuses, artistic events, cultural activities, and social and political spaces geared to global and regional networking and alliance building.
Delegates who participate fully in the Forum not only empower themselves with new tools and resources, but they also, collectively, re-politicize the gender and development community, strengthen alliances between women, and engage in work and thinking that is truly transformative.
The tour options that can be considered whilst staying in Istanbul can be found on the following link
Monday, January 2, 2012
News from Turkey (January 2012)
HOTEL PROMOTIONS:
Our rates at 5 star boutique PALAZZO DONIZETTI HOTEL (http://www.palazzodonizetti.com/) - valid Jan 31, 2012:
Single Room / Breakfast & Tax Inclusive: €99
Double Room / Breakfast & Tax Inclusive: €109
* Daily newspaper, Internet and tea/coffee/water in the rooms are also inclusive
COMPLETED RESTORATION IN ISTANBUL:
Surp Krikor Lusavoric Armenian Church that has recently been restored by the Municipality of Sisli has opened the doors. This was the first Armenian church served in Istanbul.
RESTORATION PLANS AT HAYDARPASA TRAIN STATION:
The historical train station opened in 1908 during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid will undergo a restoration process from March 2012 on. At the end of the process, which is estimated to take some 2 years, a museum, a watch terrace and shopping mall will be added on to the gorgeous edifice.
RECENTLY OPENED HOTELS:
Ankara: Koza Suite Hotel
Kahta (Adiyaman): www.kommagenehotel.com
GET TOGETHER WITH THE HOTELIERS:
Our associates visited the following hotels this month
Elite World Hotels-Istanbul
Crown Plaza Hagia Sophia-Istanbul - Grand Opening in February 2012
RUMOURS:
Telman Ismailov, the Russian owner ofMardan Palace in Antalya has allegedly bought a vast land in Bodrum to build the second Mardan Palace Antalya
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS INTURKEY
Our rates at 5 star boutique PALAZZO DONIZETTI HOTEL (http://www.palazzodonizetti.com/) - valid Jan 31, 2012:
Single Room / Breakfast & Tax Inclusive: €99
Double Room / Breakfast & Tax Inclusive: €109
* Daily newspaper, Internet and tea/coffee/water in the rooms are also inclusive
COMPLETED RESTORATION IN ISTANBUL:
Surp Krikor Lusavoric Armenian Church that has recently been restored by the Municipality of Sisli has opened the doors. This was the first Armenian church served in Istanbul.
RESTORATION PLANS AT HAYDARPASA TRAIN STATION:
The historical train station opened in 1908 during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid will undergo a restoration process from March 2012 on. At the end of the process, which is estimated to take some 2 years, a museum, a watch terrace and shopping mall will be added on to the gorgeous edifice.
RECENTLY OPENED HOTELS:
Ankara: Koza Suite Hotel
Kahta (Adiyaman): www.kommagenehotel.com
GET TOGETHER WITH THE HOTELIERS:
Our associates visited the following hotels this month
Elite World Hotels-Istanbul
Crown Plaza Hagia Sophia-Istanbul - Grand Opening in February 2012
RUMOURS:
Telman Ismailov, the Russian owner of
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN
01 January (New Year’s Day)
23 April (National Independence & Children’s Day)
19 May (Youth Sports Day)
30 August (Victory Day)
19-21 August (Ramadan Feast)
29 October (Republic Day/Anniversary of the declaration of the Turkish Republic
25-28 October (Feast of Sacrifice/Feast of Adha)
NEW GUIDANCE SERVICE ON THE BOSPHORUS TOURS:
The public boats that many travel agents and tourists use for the Bosphorus cruises are now equipped with an e-guide service which serves in 10 different languages including Turkish, English, German, French, Arabic, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Persian.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Spring Break in Turkey
SPRING BREAK TOUR ITINERARY BIBLICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL TREASURES OF ASIA MINOR
March 9-18, 2012
Friday, March 9 Depart the U.S.A. Saturday, March 10 Arrive in Istanbul. Transfer to the hotel for overnight (Sirkeci area). Sunday, March 11 In the morning, a walking tour with Topkapi Palace - Harem section is excluded; built in 1468 by Mehmet the Conqueror, the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans housing the souvenirs of 600 years and exhibiting imperial treasury, Chinese porcelains, weapons, calligraphy section, etc. After visiting the Archaeological Museum lunch in Sultanahmet area. Walk back to the hotel for a free afternoon. Optional Visit of Cistern. Overnight Istanbul (B, L). Monday, March 12 Early morning drive along the northern shores of the Sea of Marmara to get to Canakkale. After crossing the Dardanelles proceed to Troy to see a replica of the legendary wooden horse of Troy and the site with nine inhabitation levels covering a period of 3.000 years and where the legendary Trojan War in the book of Homeros of Smyrna took place. Then drive on to Bergama for overnight (B, D) Tuesday, March 13 In the morning visit Acropolis and then continue to Selcuk for lunch. In the afternoon visit the Ephesus Museum and then the Ephesus Antique City (Optional ride to the House of Virgin Mary). Overnight in Kusadasi (B, D). Wednesday, March 14 Early morning drive to Didyma to see the well preserved Apollo Temple that had been inhabited only by the priests and suppliants who came to consult the famous oracle there. Continue on to Aphrodisias, the city of Aphrodite; visit the Museum, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Theatre, the Stadium, the Agora, the Hadrian Baths, the Odeon, and the Bishop's Palace. Drive to Pamukkale and visit the ancient Hierapolis with the Theatre, Apollo Temple and magnificent Necropolis and the graveyard before checking in to the hotel. Overnight in Pamukkale (B, D). Thursday, March 15 Early morning drive on to Konya and visit Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-wide famous mystic. Proceed to Cappadocia for overnight (B, D). Friday, March 16 Tour in Cappadocia with Kaymakli Underground City, the place where early Christians hid from persecutors. After visiting Pigeon Valley, one of the most colorful points, proceed to Open Air Museum in Goreme through Avcilar Valley and visit to the early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. Transfer to the airport in Kayseri for the flight at 20.20. On arrival to Istanbul transfer to the hotel in Sirkeci area (B, L). Saturday, March 17 A morning walking tour with St. Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture constructed as a basilica in 536 by Emperor Justinian; Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its more than 20.000 blue Iznik tiles and unique with its 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet in the 17th century, one of the best examples of classical Turkish art; Hippodrome, the scene of Byzantine chariot races, athletic events, victory celebrations, and political activities of the old city where one can also see today the “Obelisk of Theodosius” from Egypt, “Serpentine Column” from Delphi, the “German Fountain of Wilhelm II” and the “Colossus”. Free after lunch. In the evening. OPTIONAL dinner at a night club with the accompanying belly dance and folk show. Overnight Istanbul (B, L). Sunday, March 18 Transfer to Istanbul airport (No guide) for the departure flight to home (B). | ||
Photo Tour in Turkey
This is a trip for photographers at all levels although a working familiarity with one's camera is required. The group is limited to 12 participants.
Our journey begins in Izmir with a visit to Ephesus perhaps the best preserved classical city in the world. The following day it's on to exquisite Priene, overlooking a beautiful valley, and the astonishing Apollo Temple at Didyma. Next we'll go inland to delicate and beautiful Aphrodisias followed by sunset at the limestone “cotton cliffs” of Pamukkale. Along the Turquoise Coast of the Mediterranean, we’ll see the Lycian rock tombs at Tlos, the abandoned city of Kaya Koyu, and spend an afternoon cruising the Mediterranean near Fethiye, dining on a traditional gullet. From Fethiye we’ll fly to Cappodocia spending four nights in a cave hotel. The landscape in Cappadocia is astonishing. We will have more than 3 days to experience this remarkable place on the ground and in the air via an optional hot air balloon ride. We’ll walk in spectacular valleys early and late. Visits to see traditional rug weaving and pottery making are included. Extraordinary items can be purchased to bring or ship home. From Cappodocia we’ll fly to Istanbul for three more nights touring St Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Tokapi Palace, the Spice Bazaar and so much more. We will fly back from Istanbul.Our experiences will be enhanced where possible by choosing accommodations that offer unique interest such as the village of Sirince (vs. the large port town of Kusadasi), or a cave hotel in Cappadocia. The cost is $3,995 per person double accommodations (single supplement $875). Additional charges would include international airfare, lunches and most dinners.
To download a day by day itinerary, a list of hotels, deposit and cancellation policies, click here.
To view photos from last years trip click here.
For additional questions, please contact Eliot.
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