DISCOVER TURKEY

Where West meets East

In Turkey West meets East literally in Istanbul where the continents of Europe and Asia meet, separated only by the Bosphorus, which flows from the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.

Istanbul, once known as Constantinople and Byzantium, is not only a great historical monument; it is also a magnificent city, vividly alive with spires and domes of mosques and medieval palaces dominating its skyline. Old and new traditions live here in perfect harmony. The Asian side of the city is full of Western-style suburbs, while its European side contains Old Istanbul, an Oriental wonderland of mosques, opulent palaces and crowded bazaars. The Topkapi palace, the Haggia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are some of the well-known sights of the city. The best place for bargains is the famous Capsali Karsi, also known as the Grand Bazaar, in the old city.

Pergamon [Bergama], Troy [Truva] and Kusadasi are to be found on the Aegean Coast. Kusadasi is the ideal base to explore sites like the ancient city of Ephesus and Pamukkale, famous for its spectacular calcified facade and thermal waters. Izmir, the biblical Smirna, is today Turkey's third largest city. Marmaris is one of the most beautiful holiday areas in Turkey. The magnificent 15th Century castle of St Peter dominates Bodrum. It is a popular resort, which has been compared to St Tropez on the French Riviera.

Cappadocia is one of nature's surprises - here the weather has eroded the soft volcanic rocks into hundreds of strangely shaped pillars, cones and wonderful "fairy chimneys". The early Christians made countless cave churches and monasteries; even underground cities, where they took shelter from their enemies.

We offer:

1. Hotel Packages
2. Istanbul City Packages
3. Izmir City Packages
4. Regular Tours from Istanbul and Ankara
5. Gulette Cruises

1. HOTELS - Please contact (012) 460 8382 for rates, or e-mail: info3@duto.co.za

2. ISTANBUL

2.1 CITY PACKAGES:
City packages including airfare, return transfers, sightseeing and accommodation on request.

2.2 HALF-DAY AND FULL-DAY PACKAGES:

AN 1: BYZANTINE VISIONS (daily morning tour)
Visit St. Sophia Museum, the magnificent Byzantine Church of all times; Blue Mosque, one of the biggest mosques of Istanbul famous for its blue tiles and six minarets; Museum of Turkish Islamic Arts, a museum in which you can see the old Turkish way of life; Hippodrome, the former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople; Grand Bazaar, a bazaar that will tempt even the non shoppers with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewelry, leather and souvenirs. (St. Sophia is closed on Monday, rep. Chora Museum)

AN 2: OTTOMAN VISIONS (daily afternoon tour / except Tuesdays)
Visit Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence from where the Great Ottoman Empire was once ruled. Today, it is a spectacular museum that has one of the largest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelains and the very famous treasury of the Royal Family. Continue the tour with the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, Roman Land Walls and the Golden Horn.

AN 3: BYZANTINE AND OTTOMAN VISIONS (full day tour / except Tuesdays)
Combination of AN 1 and AN 2 including lunch.

AN 4: THE BOSPORUS (daily morning tour)
After a short visit to the famous Egyptian Spice Bazaar (closed on Sundays), cruise along the European and the Asiatic shores of the Bosporus. After a short drive by the sea, visit Rumeli Fortress (closed on Monday, rep. Ethnological Museum).

AN 5: ASIATIC VISIONS (daily afternoon tour / except Mondays, Thursdays)
A pleasant drive to the Asian part of Istanbul through Intercontinental Bosporus Bridge. Visit Camlica Hill, the highest point of Istanbul for panoramic view; Beylerbeyi Palace, 19th century summer palace of the late Ottoman Sultans; and Beylerbeyi village for shopping and leisure.

AN 6: THE BOSPORUS AND ASIATIC VISIONS (full day tour / except Mon, Thu)
Combination of AN/4 and AN/5 including lunch.

AN 7: ISTANBUL BY NIGHT (daily)
Drive through the illuminated avenues of Istanbul and Bosporus. After this short drive you will be taken to an exclusive night club where you will taste the specialties of the rich Turkish cuisine, including drink. Full a la carte dinner will be served. After dinner, spectacular oriental show will be performed by well known belly dancers.

AN 8: PRINCE ISLANDS (daily)

Boat trip across the Marmara Sea to Buyukada (Grand Island). Lunch at a fish restaurant. After the lunch, phaeton tour of the island and free time for leisure, swimming and shopping.

AN 9: BURSA: The first Capital of the Ottoman Empire (operated on Tue, Thu, Sat)
Ferry to Yalova, then drive to Bursa to visit the Green Mosque, Green Mausoleum Grand Mosque and Mausoleum of the Ottoman Sultans. After the lunch at a very nice _Kebap_ Restaurant, visit the Covered Bazaar and the Old Silk Market. Then climb to Uludag (Olympos Mountain) by cable for the panoramic view of Bursa. Late evening return to Istanbul.

Please contact (012) 460 8382 for rates, or e-mail: info3@duto.co.za

3. IZMIR

3.1 TRANSFERS [one way]:
Please contact (012) 460 8382 for rates, or e-mail: info3@duto.co.za

3.1 REGULAR DAILY COACH TOURS FROM IZMIR:

* Half day Izmir
* Full day Ephesus
* Full day Pergamum
* Full day Pamukalle: minimum 2 pax
* Full day Sardes: minimum 2 pax
* Full day Aphrodisias: minimum 2 pax

3.2 TWO DAYS PERGAMUM AND EPHESUS TOUR
[Code; AN 11] [Daily]

Day 1: Arrival at Izmir airport and drive to Pergamum. Visit the Acropolis and the famous library which once had 200 000 volumes. After having lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Asclepion, the famous medical center of the ancient world. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Izmir.

Day 2: Breakfast and full day tour to Ephesus. Visit the remains of the city, the Temple of Artemis, the last House of Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St John. Lunch en route and return to Izmir.[Suggested overnight.]

Included: All transfers, guide services, entrance fees, lunches en route
Excluded: Hotel accommodation in Izmir. Domestic flights

Please contact (012) 460 8382 for rates, or e-mail: info3@duto.co.za

Updated: 2006