30 APRIL - 3 MAY 2008
ISTANBUL CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTER
ISTANBUL / TURKEY

Carrying Hope Between East and West for 3 C's: Children, Cultures, Commitments

TOURS

TR 1       THE IMPERIAL TOUR ( Daily Morning Tour )

We begin our tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul, at Saint Sophia*. Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD, this church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Its massive dome dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses. Next we visit the Blue Mosque,which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Dating from the 17th century, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets. The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts in the palace of İbrahim Pasha, grand vezir to Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, houses exhibits from many eras, but is most famous for its collection of Ottoman carpets. The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Of these, an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi survive. The Grand Bazaar, was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4,000 shops are full of treasures – including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style. (also available on Tuesday afternoons)

*On Mondays, when Saint Sophia is closed, we visit the Chora Church, famed for its mosaics and frescoes.

Date                       :  Everyday during the congress dates (April 30 - May 3)
Time                      :  09:30 – 13:30
Price                      :  50€
Price Includes      :  Private Coach, Entrance Fees, English Speaking Guide.

TR 2       OTTOMAN SPLENDOURS ( Daily Afternoon Tour )

We begin our tour at Topkapı Palace, which, from the 15th to the 19th century, was the principle residence of the Ottoman Sultans. We will visit the fabolous Imperial Treasury and the Baghdad Kiosk. Topkapı Palace is now a museum and has unrivalled collections of jewelry, including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, the 3rd largest in the world, Ottoman court costumes and ceramics, notably one of the world’s finest collection of early Chinese ceramics, much of it gifts from other rulers. Interestingly, some of the ceramics have a special glaze that was said to change color in the presence of poison. We also visit the Imperial Armory, displaying centuries of Ottoman weaponry. But perhaps the loveliest features of Topkapı Palace are its courtyards with their ancient trees, and it is easy to imagine the sultan strolling here far from the cares of state and empire. The Süleymaniye Mosque is the largest and grandest of Istanbul’s imperial mosques. It dates from the 16th century heyday of the Ottoman Empire, and was designed by Sinan, the greatest architect of his day and originator of the Classical Ottoman style of architecture. Of the 2,000 structures Sinan designed, Süleymaniye Mosque and its complex of charitable institutions rank among the most important. (every day except Tuesdays)

Date                       :  Everyday during the congress dates (April 30 - May 3)
Time                      :  09:30 – 13:30
Price                      :  50€
Price Includes      :  Private Coach, Entrance Fees, English Speaking Guide.

TR 3       SPECIAL: FULL DAY OLD CITY TOUR, Combining tours 1 and 2 (T1+T2)

Date                       :  Everyday during the congress dates (April 30 - May 3)
Time                      :  09:30 – 17:30
Price                      :  100€
Price Includes      :  Private Coach, Entrance Fees, English Speaking Guide.

TR 4       MORNING BOSPHORUS CRUISE (Daily Morning Tour )

We begin with a brief visit to the 17 th century Spice Bazaar one of Istanbul’s most colourful and bustling attractions. Next, we take an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the majestic strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. From our cruise boat, we view the dramatic 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 he prepared to take Istanbul. Also noteworthy are the 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultan’s fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges.

Date                       :  Everyday during the congress dates (April 30 - May 3)
Time                      :  09:30 – 13:30
Price                      :  50€
Price Includes      :  Private Coach, Entrance Fees, English Speaking Guide.

TR 5       AFTERNOON BOSPHORUS CRUISE ( Daily Afternoon Tour )

We cruise the Bosphorus and from the deck of our cruise boat take in the sights and sounds of this legendary waterway, that is lined with historic villages, grand wooden mansions, imposing fortresses, like Anadolu Hisarı and the Baroque palaces of the late Ottoman sultans. After our cruise, we visit the Spice Bazaar, a thrilling riot of colours, sounds and the rich smells of exotic spices.

*The Spice Bazaar is closed on Sundays

Date                       :  Everyday during the congress dates (April 30 - May 3)
Time                      :  13:30 – 17:30
Price                      :  50€
Price Includes      :  Private Coach, Entrance Fees, English Speaking Guide.

TR 6       ASIA (Daily Afternoon Tour)

We begin by driving across the first Bosphorus Bridge and head for the summit of Çamlıca Hill, which affords panoramic views of Istanbul, the Sea of Marmara and the Princes’ Islands. From here a short brings us to the Palace of Beylerbeyi on the shore of the Bosphorus. Perhaps the most elegant of the late Ottoman palaces, Beylerbeyi boasts six sumptuously furnished reception halls.(every day except Monday and Thursday)

Date                       :  Every dat during the congress dates (April 30 - May 3)
Time                      :  13:30 – 17:30
Price                      :  50€
Price Includes      :  Private Coach, Entrance Fees, English Speaking Guide.

TR 7       SPECIAL: FULL DAY BOSPHORUS TOUR, Combining tours 4 and 5

Date                       :  Everyday during the congress dates (April 30 - May 3)
Time                      :  09:30 – 17:30
Price                      :  100€
Price Includes      :  Private Coach, Entrance Fees, English Speaking Guide.

TR 8       ISTANBUL BY NIGHT

Istanbul by night, special dinner of Turkish cuisine and drinks, traditional Anatolian folk dance shows, famous belly dancers , mystic whirling dervishes and singer
Including dinner, half bottle wine or a soft drink
Price                      : 100€ PP
Min 15 persons needed
Daily except Monday

TR 9     DINNER CRUISE

Bosphorus by night on a boat with unique view and dinner with special Turkish cuisine an sea foods, belly dancer, folk dance show.
Including unlimited local drinks

Price                      : 100€ pp
Min 15 persons needed
Daily except Monday

TR 10     THE PRINCES’ ISLANDS (Daily Full-day)

If you feel the need to escape from the bustle of Istanbul for a day, nothing could be easier. You simply join us aboard a ferry bound for the charming Princes’ Islands. Our destination is Büyükada, the largest of the island chain, but we will pass by four other islands on the way. All are famous for their mild climates, lush vegetation and ornate Ottoman houses, and on all of them cars are banned. The preferred means of transportation is the charming horse-drawn carriage known as the phaeton, which we will use on our circular tour of Büyükada, passing elegant mansions draped in brilliant purple bougainvillea. You will feel as though you have stepped back into a more leisured and gracious age, almost expecting grand 19th century ladies and gentlemen to come strolling down to the waterfront on an afternoon promenade. Lunch will be at one of the many excellent traditional fish-restaurants on the waterfront, gazing across the water at the Asian shore of Istanbul, so close though it feels worlds away.

Date                       :  Everyday during the congress dates (April 30 - May 3)
Time                      :  09:30 – 17:30
Price                      :  90€
Price Includes      :  Private Coach, Entrance Fees, English Speaking Guide.

TR 11     BURSA & CUMALIKIZIK VILLAGE (Full-day)

We travel by ferry to Yalova, then by luxury coach to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and one of the great treasure houses of Islamic architecture. We will visit the Green Mosque and the neighboring Green Mausoleum, both world-renowned for their superb tile decoration, as well as the late 14th century Great Mosque and the Koza Han, which for centuries was the center of the silk trade. After enjoying a cable car ride up the slopes of Mount Olympus (Turkish Uludağ ), we drive to the village of Cumalıkızık. This is one of the best preserved Ottoman villages in Turkey with scores of picturesque houses built in the traditional style. Lunch is at one of Bursa’s finest Turkish restaurants, the Darüzziyafe, where we will enjoy the finest Ottoman cuisine in a historic setting where Sultan Murat the Second once dined. (Available Monday, Thursday & Saturday)

Time                      :  09:30 – 17:30
Price                      :  150€
Price Includes      :  Private Coach, Entrance Fees, English Speaking Guide.
FOR DEPARTURE MINIMUM 8 PERSONS NEEDED
Early reservation is needed.

TR 12     3 DAYS 7 CHURCHES

Pre-congress tour dates 27-29 April 2008
Post-congress tour dates 04-06 May 2008

Day 1    Ephesus and Leodicia
05.00 we take you from your hotel for 06.30 flight to Izmir airport .07.30 arrival and we take you from airport and 09.00 we start our tour for Ephesus , one of the "Seven Churches of Revelation". Visit to St. John Basilica and the, Last abode of Virgin Mary at Mount Solmissos . Visit to the old Greco-Roman city of Ephesus , most important site of the "Seven Churches of Asia Minor ", where St. John brought Mary in fulfillment of his pledge to Jesus to protect her, she is believed to have taken into heaven . After lunch, continue to Leodicia a Crossroads of the ancient world .Overnight in Pamukkale. (L,D)
Day 2   Pamukkale Philadelphia Sardis Thyatira
In the morning, we visit the ancient city of Hierapolis home of Philip the Evangelist . Have a break at the calcium terraces of Pamukkale later on proceed to Philadelphia . Philadelphia (Alasehir), the youngest of the "Seven Churches of Revelation", visiting the still standing remains of an early church and the city walls Lunch on the way. In the afternoon visit, ancient city and ruins of the famous church of Sardis the ancient Lydian capital. Later on the remains of the church of Thyatira then drive to Pergamon where we overnight stay. (B, L,D)

Day 3   Pergamon and Thyatira
Departure after breakfast for Pergamon ( Bergama ), the place where, wrote St. John to the church of Pergamon , "Satan's throne is sited . Visit the Church of Pergamon , the red-court, Acropolis, after lunch; we drive to Smyrna ( Izmir ), recipient of a letter from St Paul praising the early believers for their faithfulness. Visiting to St. Polycarp Church and a short tour of the city at the end of the tour, transfer to the Izmir Airport … (B,L)…end of our services.
Price Includes; English speaking guide, entrance fees, transportion A/C, breakfast ,lunch and dinner. >Airplane ticket is not included.
HOTEL ****: 500 € PP
SNG SPL. 100 €     

AIRPLANE TICKET : 265€ (This price is changeable, early reservation needed)        
  
FOR TOUR DEPARTURE 6 PERSONS NEEDED

Early reservation is needed.

TR 13     CAPPADOCIA (3 DAYS)

Pre-congress tour dates 27-29 April 2008
Post-congress tour dates 04-06 May 2008

Day 1      Arrive in Ankara, half day tour (Hittite Museum, Citadel of Ankara,
                Mausoleum of Ataturk,city tour in Ankara) and transfer to Cappadocia, lunch on the way and                 visit Seljuk Caravanserai. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2      Full day tour in Cappadocia with lunch (Devrent Valley, Zelve Open Air Museum,
                 Pasa Baglari, Avanos, Goreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, Guvercinlik Valley).
                Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3      Full day tour with lunch(Ayvali Village, Kaymakli Underground City,
                Ihlara Valley, Belisirma,Yaprakhisar and Selime Villages, ) and
                  transfer to the airport (Kayseri).

Price                      :  In Dbl PP FB 300€          Sgl Supl 120 €
Price Includes      :  Private Coach, Entrance Fees, English Speaking Guide.
Baloon Tour         : 160 € pp

FOR TOUR DEPARTURE 8 PERSONS NEEDED
Early reservation is needed.

AIRPLANE TICKET 265€ ( THIS PRICE IS CHANCEABLE)   

TR 14     BODRUM

Pre-congress tour dates 27-29 April 2008
Post-congress tour dates 04-06 May 2008

DAY 1 : Pick up from the airport or busstation, and daily city tour, myondos gate, bodrum castle, mausoleum, leader factory, windmill, dinner and overnight(Lunch,Dinner)

DAY 2 : After breakfast, pickup for daily boat trip. The tour begins at 10.30 and ends at 17.30, we visit 5 bays. After the trip transfer to the hotel and free time, in the night optional Bodrum night Tour.(Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner)

DAY 3 : After breakfast, free day at the hotel, and transfer to the airport or busstation(Breakfast, Lunch)

Price      :  In Dbl PP FB 385€      Sgl Spl 120€
Price Includes      :  Private Coach, Entrance Fees, English Speaking Guide.

AIRPLANE TICKET 265€ (Early reservation needed. No guarantie for airplanetickets)

FOR DEPARTURE 8 PERSONS NEEDED

Early reservation is needed.

TR 15     GALLIPOLLI – TROY

Pre-congress tour dates 28-29 April 2008
Post-congress tour dates 04-05 May 2008

Day 1                Early departure for Gallipolli, after visit Kabatepe Museum, ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston's Jolly, (Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels), The Nek, Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. After the tour went to Çanakkale for dinner and overnight (Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner)

Day 2                After breakfast departure for Troy, famous for the legendary Trojan horse from the times of Beautiful Helen, Queen of Sparta, and Paris, the Trojan Prince(Breakfast, Lunch)

Price      : In dbl pp 290€ Sgl Supl: 65€

FOR DEPARTURE 8 PERSONS NEEDED
Early reservation is needed.

*24-25 April STOP SALE (only one day tour possible while Anzacday) 

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TR 16 2 NIGHTS EASTERN ANATOLIA

Pre-congress tour dates 27-29 April 2008
Post-congress tour dates 04-06 May 2008

Day 1     Pick up at Gaziantep airport and drive to Adıyaman, Kahta. After luch visit the mount Nemrut to see the tumulus of the  Commagene, the special tomb known for its gigantic statues, the heads spread around and reflecting the charming periods of the past. After sunset diner and overnight in Adıyaman(B.L.D)

Day 2     After breakfast departure for Urfa, the old city of Prophets, one of them is Abraham. Visit Halil Rahman Mosque situated        next to a special pool where the sacred fish are living. Lunch and drive to Harran to visit the biblical place which has the bases of one of the first universities of the world. Dinner and overnight. Optional special Turkıshnight(Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner)

Day 3     After breakfast departure for the visit world famous ancient city ZEUGMA and return  to Gaziantep, for a visit to the
archaelogical museum which is the second mosaic museum. Lunch during the tour. After the tour transfer to the airport.(Breakfast, Lunch)


PRICE: IN DBL PP : 450€ ( airfare is not included)  
SING SPL: 85€
Price Includes      :  Private Coach, Entrance Fees, English Speaking Guide.
 
FOR DEPARTURE 8 PERSONS NEEDED

Early reservation is needed.

AIRPLANE TICKET 265€ ( THIS PRICE IS CHANCEABLE)