2014 Exclusive Journeys - Turkey

ExclusivE JournEys

2014

82 | exclusive journeys: Turkey

TurkEyistanbul, cappadocia & Ephesusan Abercrombie & kent collaboration

T he historic natural link connecting Europe and Asia, Turkey wears the long-treasured cultural and architectural insignia of centuries of human history. And despite its many well-known sights of historic significance, some of Turkey’s most incredible wonders remain largely undisturbed. Join us in this epicenter of ancient and modern culture, where luxurious accommodations await and an ex-

pert private guide will offer you incredible behind-the-scenes access to some of the country’s most iconic and renowned landmarks. You’ll discover the wonders of Ephesus, Istanbul’s stunning Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace and more…you’ll even soar over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys on an unforgettable hot air balloon ride. This is mesmerizing Turkey as you’ve never imagined it.

exclusive journeys: Turkey | 83

Istanbul’s Sultan Ahmed Mosque, commonly referred to as the Blue Mosque because of the vivid blue tile mosaics decorating its interior, is just one of this ancient city’s many well-known landmarks.

Days 1-3

i sta n bu l

E mbark on your journey in Istanbul, the only city in the world to span two continents and one of the most significant cities in human history.

Here you’ll discover the awe-inspiring ancient Byzantine architecture of Hagia Sophia without a crowd in sight, thanks to private access to this much-visited landmark. Explore the mystifying Basilica Cistern, the cavernous underground structure dating back to the sixth century that once housed formal gardens and served as the commercial and artistic center of Constantinople (now Istanbul) during the Early Roman Era. Relax with your fellow members on

a private cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, the waterway separating Europe from Asia. Juxtapose your exploration of Istanbul’s many ancient legacies with a guided visit to the Pera District, the modern-day heart of the city. Enjoy an exclusive private opening of Istanbul’s celebrated Topkapi Palace, meandering the many historic rooms and courtyards that served as the seat of the Ottoman government and home of the sultans for 400 years.

And relish your elegant accommodations in an authentic refurbished Ottoman palace at the Çiragan Palace Kempinski, perched on the shores of the Bosphorus.


˘

c a p pa d o c i a

F rom Istanbul, you will fly southeast to Cappadocia, a region celebrated for its exceptional natural wonders. The area’s stunning volcanic peaks, high plateau and

whimsically nicknamed “fairy chimneys” combine to create a truly remarkable landscape—one you’ll no doubt delight in exploring. But the region’s rich cultural history is exceptional as well—some of which you’ll find right outside the door of your one-of-a-kind accommodations at Argos in Cappadocia, built on the site of an ancient monastery that still features remnants of historical dwellings and tunnels dating back thousands of years.

Stroll through Göreme’s mysterious rock-carved churches. Explore the ancient subterranean village at Kaymakli. Learn the art of weaving traditional Turkish rugs from local experts and try your hand at crafting pottery under the guidance of potters at Avanos. Marvel at a private performance of Turkey’s Whirling Dervishes, watching as they execute their unique Sema ceremony. Dine with a local family in the private garden of their home. And enjoy what will undoubtedly be one of the foremost highlights of your journey—an unforgettable hot air balloon ride, soaring over the minaret-like forms of the fairy chimneys.

Days 4-5


samazens (Whirling Dervishes)

Whirling Dervishes, as we know them in English, are members of the ancient Mevlevi Order. Their Sema ceremony, named among the Masterpieces of the

Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005, features members

of the order whirling in formation as a form of dhikr (or “remembrance of

God”). According to many, their rhythmic rotation to traditional ayin music gives the

participant a sense of soaring ecstasy, even spiritual flight, as they honor God through

their ritual acts of faith.

y our Turkish journey wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the archaeological

wonders of Ephesus, a site of incredible historic significance and home to the largest collection of Roman ruins in the Eastern Mediterranean.

To access Ephesus, you’ll fly from Cappadocia to Izmir on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. After checking in at the Swissôtel Grand Efes hotel, you’ll spend the afternoon exploring Izmir itself, visiting the restored Agora (“gathering place” in ancient Greek cities—much like a plaza today), and its modern-day counterpart, the Kemeralti bazaar, and more. And all of that before you join your fellow members for cocktails with an archaeologist who will share insights into the ancient history of Ephesus that you’ll encounter the following day.

At Ephesus, your guide will escort you through the archaeological park, sharing information about the ruins of the Library of Celsus and offering you a rare view of the breathtaking Terrace Houses. Wander through the Ephesus Archaeological Museum and stroll past the one lone column nearby that marks the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. And wrap up your day with a late lunch, learning to prepare traditional Turkish fare during a cooking demonstration with a mother and daughter chef team at a local restaurant.


e p h e s u s (via Izmir)

Days 6-7

Days 8-10

i sta n bu l

T o bring your journey to a close, you will return to Istanbul, this time armed with personal experiences and adventures that will unveil the ancient natural and cultural histories

that have shaped Turkey over thousands of years.

Checking in this time at the Four Seasons Hotel® Istanbul at Sultanahmet, converted from an historic prison and ideally located downtown, you’ll find yourself just steps from some of the highlights of Istanbul that you have not yet discovered. Explore the nearby Archaeological Museum, actually a complex comprised of three separate museums, including the Tiled Kiosk Museum which

is housed in a building dating back to 1466 and the Museum of Classical Archaeology, which boasts the Alexander Sarcophagus, a relic from the days of Alexander the Great. Find yourself in awe of the architectural wonders of the Suleymaniye Mosque and the exquisite Iznik tiles of the Rüstem Pasha Mosque. Test your bargaining skills as you stroll through Istanbul’s world-renowned Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar. And say farewell to your fellow members and your guide at a private dinner, after which a local tasseographer will send you on your way with your future foretold (from a “reading” of your coffee grounds anyway).



Turkish kilims, like these on display at a local bazaar, are colorful tapestry-woven carpets that have been produced by hand for centuries, both for decorative purposes and to serve as prayer rugs.




No experience better highlights the incredible natural scenery of Cappadocia than a private hot air balloon ride, soaring above the natural formations that have come to be called “fairy chimneys.”

i s ta n b u l Three Nights

For the first three nights of your experience, you’ll call the Çiragan

Palace Kempinski hotel—originally an Ottoman palace—home. Your Superior Bosphorus View room

features classic Turkish décor and, like most of the hotel, faces the Bosphorus, offering views of the water and the Asian coastline of

Istanbul beyond.

c a p pa d o c i a Two Nights

The world-renowned Argos in Cappadocia is a boutique hotel located on the site of an ancient monastery in the heart of Old

Uçhisar Village. Careful restoration of remnants of the monastic buildings means you’ll find

historic dwellings, underground tunnels and even caves just

steps from your door. And your distinctive accommodations

here will be plush, fascinating and full of unique character.

e p h e s u s (via Izmir) Two Nights

Certainly the best hotel in the region, Swissôtel Grand Efes is surrounded by three acres of gorgeous landscaped gardens

overlooking the Aegean Sea and offers a rooftop terrace and the Amrita Spa & Wellness facility,

complete with a traditional Turkish hamam (bath ritual),

indoor and outdoor pools and more. Your Advantage Room offers

a sumptuous bath, a wealth of modern amenities and a private

balcony featuring views of the hotel garden or the city.

i s ta n b u l Two Nights

Upon your return to Istanbul, you’ll check in at the Four Seasons

Hotel® Istanbul at Sultanahmet, an intimate retreat in the heart of the city, housed in what was

once a prison. Your deluxe room features a full marble bath, a

handwoven Turkish kilim (rug), original Turkish artwork and lovely views of either the hotel courtyard

and garden or the city skyline.


a c c o m m o d a t i o n s

˘


e x p e r i e n c e d e ta i l s

t r i p l e n g t h10 days, 9 nights

2014 d a t e s o f t r a v e lJune 1-10 • September 14-23 September 28 - October 7

i d e a l f o rAdults or families with children age 12 or older looking for a somewhat active experience highlighting unique cultural, historic and natural wonders.

t r a v e l w i t hUp to four people with two reservations (double-occupancy accommodations only).

g e t t i n g t h e r eThis journey begins and ends in Istanbul. Fly into and out of Istanbul Atatürk International Airport (IST).

w h y y o u’l l l o v e i tPrivate access to everything from Istanbul’s iconic Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia to an authentic performance of the Whirling Dervishes means you’ll experience Turkey without crowds, lines or delays. And in addition to insider access, you’ll enjoy ultra-luxurious accommodations throughout this journey, an incredible hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia and several more special “extras.”

r e s e rva t i o n r e q u i r e m e n t s

1 Advanced Reservation 9 Plan Days (per double-occupancy accommodation unit)

d a i ly f e e$695 per person

f o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o nFor more information about this 2014 experience, including a day-by-day itinerary, detailed information about what’s included in the program cost, and more, visit the Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Ephesus experience overview page on ER Compass.

3

2

1 istanbul

cappadocia

ephesus

turkeyArea of

detail

black sea

mediterranean sea

syria

bulgaria

black sea

mediterranean sea


Date post:	10-Mar-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	exclusive-resorts
View:	221 times
Download:	5 times

2014 Exclusive Journeys - Turkey

Documents