Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Enchanting Turkiye… yours to discover

Hello Istanbul        

 “Half the fun of travel is the esthetic of lostness” - Ray Bradbury

The Middle East is quite simply extraordinary, one of the world's most fascinating & rewarding travel destinations. It was here that some of the most significant civilisations of antiquity rose & fell and where the 3 great monotheistic religions - Judaism, Christianity & Islam - were born. Left behind is an astonishing open-air museum of ancient cities & historic buildings, the stones of which still resonate with the sounds of the faithful. Above all else, however, your most enduring memory of the Middle East is likely to be its people. Their gracious welcome, kindness & boundless hospitality speaks of an altogether more civilised age.

And in Turkey, you will find a richly historical land with some of the best cuisine you will ever taste, scenery from beaches to mountains & the great city of İstanbul. Of course, not forgetting the other ancient wonders. Come……experience Turkey with us………

The Middle East is home to some of the world's most significant cities – Jerusalem, Cairo, Damascus, Teheran, Baghdad & Istanbul. The ruins of the once similarly epic cities of history - Petra, Persepolis, Ephesus, Palmyra, Baalbek, Leptis Magna & the bounty of ancient Egypt, also mark the passage of centuries in a region where the ancient world lives & breathes.

The landscapes of the region are equally spellbinding, from the unrivalled seas of sand dunes & palm-fringed lakes in Libya’s Sahara desert to the stunning mountains of the north & the underwater world of the Red Sea.

From the gravitas of the Sahara to the blue tiles of Esfahan, this is a region for discerning travellers, for those looking for the story behind the headline, and where the bridges between ancient & modern civilisations are everywhere evident. If you believe what the media tells you & decide not to visit, you would be missing out on the journey of a lifetime.

And now, let us talk about Turkey…… officially the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the peninsula of Anatolia in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on East Thrace in Southeast Europe.

An Epic History | Culinary Exploration | Lyrical Landscapes

Turkey is a land of vast open spaces, massive mountain ranges, fertile valleys & rugged coastline with unfrequented beaches, fast - growing cities & sleepy villages and bustling neon-lit seaside resorts.

Turkey, country that occupies a unique geographic position, lying partly in Asia & partly in Europe. Throughout its history, it has acted as both a barrier & a bridge between the 2 continents. Among the larger countries of the region in terms of territory & population with a land area greater than that of any European state, it is situated at the crossroads of the Balkans, Caucasus, Middle East & eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey is bounded on the north by the Black Sea, on the northeast by Georgia & Armenia, on the east by Azerbaijan & Iran, on the southeast by Iraq & Syria, on the southwest & west by the Mediterranean & the Aegean Sea and on the northwest by Greece & Bulgaria. The maritime boundary with Greece has been a source of dispute between the 2 countries on numerous occasions since World War II.

The modern Turkish republic, founded in 1923 after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, is a nationalist, secular, parliamentary democracy. After a period of 1 party rule under its founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk & his successor, Turkish governments since the 1950s have been produced by multi-party elections.

When you set foot in Turkiye (Turkey), you are following in the wake of some remarkable historical figures. Turkey has hosted A-list history-book figures including Julius Caesar, who famously 'came, saw & conquered' near Amasya, and St Paul, who criss-crossed the country.

Ottoman sultans used to luxuriate in İstanbul’s Topkapı Palace, surrounded by fawning courtiers, harem members, eunuchs & riches from an empire stretching from Budapest to Baghdad. Centuries earlier, Byzantine Christians cut cave churches into Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys & hid from Islamic armies in underground cities.

At other points in history, Romans coursed down the Curetes Way at ancient port city of Ephesus (Efes) to the soaring Byzantine dome of Aya Sofya, medieval Armenians built Ani's churches, whirling dervishes gyrated with Sufi mysticism & the Lycians left romantic & mysterious ruins on Mediterranean beaches.

Turkey has more than its fair share of world-famous ruins & monuments. The succession of historical figures & empires – Romans, Byzantines & Ottomans – have all left their mark on this former stopover along the Silk Road.

Experiencing their legacy takes you from the closeted quarters of the Sultan & his harem in İstanbul's sprawling Topkapı Palace to the wider horizons. This is the land where Alexander the Great slashed the Gordion Knot, where Achilles battled the Trojans in Homer’s Iliad & where the Ottoman Empire fought battles that would shape the world. History buffs can immerse themselves in marvels & mementos stretching back to the dawn of civilisation.

Turkey might be the world’s most contested country with its landscape dotted with battlegrounds, ruined castles & palaces of great empires. The diverse landscapes, from Aegean olive groves to eastern steppe, provide a lyrical setting for its many great ruins. Its magical scenery is to be found in Asian Anatolia, where beautiful vistas are provided by the vertiginous Mediterranean coastline, Cappadocia's otherworldly 'fairy chimney' rock formations & wavy valleys, the alpine pastures of the Kaçkar Mountains & golden beaches.

Whether you settle down with a çay to enjoy the view across mountain-ringed Lake Egirdir or explore the hilly hinterland on the southwest coast's many peninsulas, Turkey's landscape will leave a lasting impression.

The greatest surprise for first-time visitors to Turkey, with its stereotypes of kebabs, carpets & moustachioed hustlers in the bazaar, is the sheer diversity found between its Aegean beaches & eastern mountains. In İstanbul, you can cruise - on the Bosphorus as well as through markets & nightclubs - in a Westernised metropolis offering equal parts romance & overcrowded insanity. In holiday spots such as Cappadocia & the southwestern coasts, mix trekking, horse-riding & water sports with meze savouring on a panoramic terrace. Then there are the less-frequented eastern quarters, where honey-coloured outposts overlook the plains of ancient Mesopotamia & weather-beaten relics add lashings of lyricism to mountain ranges.

Of course, Turkey's current inhabitants are just as memorable. The gregarious Turks are understandably proud of their heritage & full of information (of variable accuracy) about subjects from kilims (flat-weave rugs) to the Aya Sofya's floating dome. Turkey's long history has given it a profound depth of culture. Immersing yourself in that culture is as simple as soaking in an ancient hamam, eating a kebap & tasting influences brought along the Silk Road, or visiting the ruins scattering the fields, bays & hills.

A rich history has left an indelible mark & Turkey overflows with historic sites & archaeological wonders set in a varied & beautiful landscape. The Mediterranean coastline is punctuated with well-preserved Greco-Roman cities such as Pergamom & Ephesus, while the austere & rugged Anatolian plateau has cave churches hidden away in the improbable fairytale landscape of Cappadocia. Istanbul, still very much the pulse of the nation, has even more to offer, with Roman aqueducts, Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques & palaces.

Bon vivants need look no further than Istanbul, where the markets & bars are among the most stylish & atmospheric and the mod Ottoman cuisine rates as the tastiest, in the world. The best thing about sampling Turkey's delicious specialties - ranging from meze on a Mediterranean harbour to a pension breakfast featuring products from the kitchen garden - is they take you to the heart of Turkish culture. For the sociable & family-orientated Turks, getting together & eating well is a time - honoured ritual. So get stuck into olive oil - lathered Aegean vegetables, spicy Anatolian kebabs & dishes from Turkey's many other corners & as you drink a tulip-shaped glass of çay & contemplate some baklava for dessert, remember that eating is deepening your understanding of Turkey.

Then again, if you want to simply unwind, spend an afternoon being pampered at a hamam, or let the warm waters off the Mediterranean coast lap at your toes. Adventure lovers can head east to Nemrut Dagi National Park.

The country’s tumultuous history has left a deep legacy. People who have never had to suffer for an idea or fight for a patch of land can be overwhelmed by the passion of ordinary Turks for their country. But for ordinary Turks that passion finds its outlet, not in martial ardour, but in simple pleasures: family, food, music, football & friendship. Turks have an inspiring ability to keep things in perspective, to get on with everyday life & to have a bloody good time in the process. Hearty locals are always ready to chat over a çay or Efes beer. As the old Turkish saying goes: 'A cup of coffee commits one to 40 years of friendship.' This proverb nails the addictive qualities of the Turkish lifestyle, enjoyed by people who are blessed with a land of ancient bazaars & sandy beaches, magnificent ruins & soaring mountains - and who are keen to make sure visitors love it as much as they do.

But however deep its past, Turkey is now a thrusting & dynamic society that embraces cultural, economic & political change while consciously seeking to retain the best of its multicultural heritage & time -honoured traditions of hospitality.

It is hardly surprising that Turkey has attracted so many folks over the centuries. Treat Turkey as that most quintessential of Turkish dishes, the meze, a table piled high with scrumptious treats. Throw away the menu, order a plate of everything & feast till you can’t go on. Afiyet olsun!

On this short break, explore Istanbul - the iconic city that connects the east with the west. Istanbul is hot. And we are not talking about the weather. It has more top-drawer attractions than it has minarets (& that is a lot).

Living History | Art & Architecture | Culinary Heritage

İstanbul's strategic location has attracted many marauding armies over the centuries. The Greeks, Romans & Venetians took turns ruling before the Ottomans stormed into town & decided to stay - physical reminders of their various tenures are found across the city. The fact that the city straddles two continents wasn't its only drawcard - it was the final stage on the legendary Silk Road linking Asia with Europe & many merchants who came here liked it so much that they, too, decided to stay. In so doing, they gave the city a cultural diversity that it retains to this day.

Capital of 3 empires, Istanbul is an old city, you can see the remains of many ancient civilizations and their culture in harmony with Turkish culture. The old versus the new, the traditional versus the modern is a conflict a visitor often observes. The city is full of contrasts, and colorful views. Where the blowing winds from the 7 peaks of Anatolian Olympos on Asia & Europe merge into each other, where Amazon's cooled their bodies in the waves that break apart from the Black Sea & roll mightily against the shore ; where love is symbolized in the Tower of Leandros, where stand the rocks of Symplegad that brought nightmares to the Argonauts. Where romance & traffic jam go hand in hand. Lively & exciting, a world metropolis - that is Istanbul.

The conquering armies of ancient times tended to ransack the city rather than endow it with artistic treasures, but all that changed with the Byzantines, who adorned their churches & palaces with mosaics & frescoes. Miraculously, many of these remain. Their successors, the Ottomans, were quick to launch an ambitious building program & the magnificently decorated imperial mosques that resulted are architectural triumphs that together form one of the world's great skylines. In recent years, local banks & business dynasties have reprised the Ottomans' grand ambitions & endowed an impressive array of galleries, museums & festivals for all to enjoy.

The city’s over-abundance of important historic buildings & exciting new art galleries & museums provides visitors with more than enough to see during the day, but it is at night that the place swings into high-velocity, mega-stylish action. Locals are flocking to see & be seen at an ever-growing array of bars, clubs & restaurants, bringing with them an infectious sense of joie de vivre & a discerning ability to judge these places on their standard of service, drinks, music & food as well as their position in the what’s-hot & what’s-not stakes.

These days, there are more happening restaurants, bars, galleries & clubs around town than there are exquisite Ottoman mosques. The international fashion & design press have been talking up İstanbul ad nauseam, but the most significant thing about the accolade ‘World’s Hippest City’ is that İstanbullus themselves have come believe it. The creeping sense of decrepitude that had fallen like a pall over their once-all-powerful home town has vanished, replaced by a sense of energy & innovation not seen since the days of Suleyman the Magnificent.

'But, what about the food?' we hear you say. The city's cuisine is as diverse as its heritage & delicious to boot. Locals take their eating & drinking seriously - the restaurants here are the best in the country. You can eat aromatic Asian dishes or Italian classics if you so choose, but most visitors prefer to sample the succulent kebabs, flavorsome mezes & freshly caught fish that are the city's signature dishes, washing them down with the national drink, rakı (aniseed brandy), or a glass or two of locally produced wine.

That’s not to say that the locals are turning their backs on much-loved city institutions such as the rakı-soaked meyhane (tavern) or tranquil çay bahçesi (tea garden), because they wouldn’t dream of doing anything so foolish. They know, after all, that such institutions are one of the reasons that their home is - and always has been - rightfully dubbed the ‘City of the World’s Desire’.

A unique experience is just the beginning. Spectacular & surreal. Locals have an infectious love of life & generosity of spirit in this vibrant inclusive community which has no problem melding tradition & modernity. Take the plunge now & yep….the iconic Istanbul & Istanbullus are waiting. A warm welcome awaits you and The Journeys is ready to take you on well, a journey (or journeys) of discovery.

Come…be inspired & discover the World with us

Enchanting Turkiye… yours to discover

Hello Istanbul        

Istanbul

4 Days | 3 Nights

Alas, like all good things, the wonderful experience comes to an end. Time to say good-bye to this enchanting city & go home.

 

Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the use of the hotel facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk, if you have the time to walk out). 

 

Experiencing the legacy of the Romans, Byzantines & Ottomans takes you from the closeted quarters of the Sultan & his harem in İstanbul's sprawling Topkapı Palace to the wider horizons. This is the land where Alexander the Great slashed the Gordion Knot, where Achilles battled the Trojans in Homer’s Iliad & where the Ottoman Empire fought battles that would shape the world. History buffs can immerse themselves in marvels & mementos stretching back to the dawn of civilisation.

 

And that, we are sure that will entice you come back & discover a bit more of this ‘old’ new ultra-modern country which goes back centuries. Republic of Turkey will be waiting to host you again….

 

 “Travel is like knowledge. The more you see the more you know you have not seen” - Mark Hertsgaard

 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to International Terminal - Istanbul Kamal Ataturk Airport for your onward journey.  B

 

 

 

***        End of Services      ***

  

 

Thank you for travelling with us & your candid feedback will be greatly appreciated. We look forward to helping you explore some more.   

 

 

 

Enchanting Istanbul…prepare to be charmed

Hello Istanbul

*Seat in Coach. Guaranteed departures with minimum 2 guests. There will be other participants & group size may vary. Participants may come from all over the world & most of them will be English speaking. Private services with English speaking Tour-guide & vehicle can be arranged with a supplement cost. For less than 10 guests, the Tour will be guided by Tour-guide cum Driver. For 10 +, there will be a separate Tour-guide, in addition.

 

** Please note that the Program highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. The sightseeing tours combine ‘walking’ & driving. Some Monuments / Buildings, you will enter & some you will see from outside. Some Monuments / places may require extra Entrance Fees to be paid for accessing some of the areas.

 

*** It is extremely rare that Programs need to be changed but it can occur. We reserve the right to change, amend or alter the Itinerary if required, for example, occasionally the tour sequence & duration of time spent in each place / city can change due to local conditions which are out of our control or due to heavy traffic conditions or bad weather. The Price will not be affected.

 

Conditions related to specific Tours will be advised in due course, if required.

 

 

 

 

Enchanting Istanbul yours to discover…Hello Istanbul

And last but not least:

Departures:

Arrival in Istanbul on Any Day (minimum 2 guests)

Validity:

→ December 2024  

Prices:

We offer several accommodation choices for this Journey. The price varies by selected accommodations. The itinerary remains unchanged.

Exchange rates fluctuate on a daily basis. Please contact us for current pricing and we will respond within 24 hours.

Some important notes

• Flights are subject to constant modifications / delays and cancellations.  In such cases, we will do all possible to find the best available alternative / solution but will not accept any liability, whatsoever.
• Our rates only include those items which are specified in the Itinerary / Inclusions.
• The cost has been calculated on the existing tariffs / conditions and in case of any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to revise the tour price accordingly.
• Our quotations are calculated on base category of accommodation at each property and are subject to modification, if the same hotel / category of room not available at the time of reservation. In that case, we will confirm a superior category of room at a comparable or better hotel and supplement charges, if any, shall be advised accordingly. Final Itinerary will illustrate updated information and / or it would be furnished at the time of confirmation.
• All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability at the time of booking. The from price reflects the lowest available price at time of publication, which is valid for a specific start date or dates and also based on availability at the time of booking.
• Room availability is getting saturated due to heavy demands from the tourism industry, international Fairs and Congresses. Due to these constant sold- out situations the hotels are applying the cancellation rules more stringently. Once the reservation is guaranteed, the booking will be subject to full cancellation charges as per our Terms & Conditions (details will be advised at the time of deposit). We strongly recommend obtaining Insurance to protect yourself against any unforeseen scenarios.
• Additional services including Optionals, if any, can be paid directly by the clients to our local offices

The Journeys strongly recommends that all Guests purchase appropriate Travel Insurance (Trip Cancellation / Interruption & Medical) to cover any eventuality & / or Emergency. Between missed Connections, lost or delayed Luggage, or Medical Emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected. No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a Travel Protection Plan before you travel. Still unsure? Talk to us.