Greece 2009-2010

Turkey We are very happy to announce that Asimina Tours now offers hotels and land package combinations to Greece and Turkey! Below are daily tours offered in Istanbul, Izmir and Cappadocia. All tours maybe arranged on a private basis. FroM iSTaNBul half Day Morning Tour sT. soPHia: The magnificent Byzantine Church, one of the finest architectural works in the world. It has been nominated as the 8th wonder of the world by many historians. Considered one of the world’s most beautiful buildings, the Hagia Sofia, which means Church of Holy Wisdom of God, is an important surviving example of Byzantine architecture. blue MosQue: One of the largest mosques in Istanbul dating from the 17th century is one of the principal adornments on the skyline of Istanbul. Also famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets. HiPPoDroMe: The former centre of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. During this visit you’ll be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt Serpentine Column from Delphi and fountain of Wilhelm II. obelisk oF THeoDosius: This obelisk once graced the Karnak Great Temple of Amun (Amon) in ancient Thebes (now, Luxor). It was one of two erected at the south of the 7th Pylon of the Great Temple by Tuthmosis III. No one knows who ordered its removal from Karnak, or whether it was still standing when it was taken. serPenT coluMn: An ancient column at the Hippodrome in Sultanahmet quarter of Istanbul, Turkey. It is an ancient Greek sacrificial tripod, originally located in Delphi and later relocated to Constantinople by Constantine. The serpent heads of the 8–meter high column remained until the end of the 17th century. granD bazaar: In addition to its historical importance, it’s a bazaar that will tempt even the non–shoppers with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewelry, leather and souvenirs. isTanbul classics (tour 1) Morning half day tour egYPTian sPice MarkeT: A short visit to the famous oriental shopping area where spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruits are sold. bosPHorus cruise: An unforgettable excursion starts between two continents, Europe and Asia. The cruise takes you along the Bosphorus, past the European style palaces of The Ottomans, Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi, as well as beautiful wooden kiosks from 19th century. Disembark in Sariyer a small village by the Bosphorus on the European side. bosPHorus cruise (tour 4) green bursa (cont.) DolMabaHÇe Palace & Two conTinenTs (euroPe To asia) tour 5 half Day afternoon Tour DolMabaHÇe Palace: The Dolmabahçe Palace became the main Palace of the Empire when it was built is a conglomeration of European architectural styles. bosPHorus briDge caMlica Hill: First stop will be the highest point of Istanbul which offers the possibility of taking the best pictures of the panoramic view. green MausoleuM: Facing the Green Mosque in Bursa, rather higher up, is the Green Mausoleum (Yesil Türbe) of Mehmet I, a domed octagonal building clad externally with the green tiles with which parts of the interior walls are still faced. The missing tiles have been replaced with modern reproductions. green MosQue: The mosque for the Complex of Mehmet I, known as Yesil (Green) Mosque, was built by architect Haci Ivaz Pasa. Lunch of the famous “Kebap”. Iskender (or Bursa) Kebap is named for the chef who created the dish and the city of Bursa where he created it. As the story goes, Mehmetoglu Iskender Efendi created the first plate of Iskender kebap in Bursa in 1867. cable–car To MounT olYMPus: (if weather permits) FroM iZMir ePHesus Full Day Tour (local set menu lunch included) Meet at Izmir Airport or Hotel in Izmir, and then proceed for a full day tour to Ephesus. Visit the Shrine of Virgin Mary where she spent her last days. Proceed to Ephesus and see the spectacular ruins from the period of St. Paul, some of which are recently excavated. See Odeon, Bouleterion, Fountains, Temples, Bothel, Library, Great Theatre and Gymnasium, Double Church, Stadium. After lunch, visit St. John Basilica and his tomb, Temple of Diana (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world). isTanbul bY nigHT return transfer * Set menu Dinner * limited local drink * Shows * Belly Dancers * anatolian Folklore TurkisH nigHT club: After a short drive, you will be taken to an exclusive night–club where you will taste the joy of the famous Turkish cuisine. Four course dinner including drinks will be served while the spectacular oriental show will be performed by well–known belly dancers, folk groups from various regions of Anatolia and Turkish singers. FroM CappaDoCia caPPaDocia 2 Night/3 Day Tour DaY 1 – Fly from Istanbul Airport to Kayseri Airport. Upon arrival, visit the Goreme Valley with its rock–cut churches, the village of Zelve with its curious rock–hewn architecture, the citadel of Uchisar and the village of Avanos with its pottery workshops. DaY 2 – Cappadocia. Full day Cappadocia tour, visit the underground city of Derinkuyu, the Ihlara Valley and the typical villages of Belisurma and Selime. Lunch included. Return to the hotel late afternoon. DaY 3 – Breakfast at the hotel and return flight back to Istanbul or Izmir. JewisH HeriTage Tour oTToMan relics (tour 2) half Day afternoon Tour ToPkaPi Palace: The former imperial residence from where the Great Ottoman Empire was ruled, today it’s a spectacular museum that has one of the largest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain. rusTeM Paşa MosQue: Masterpiece of Sinan, the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire, built in the name of Rustem Paşa who was grand vezir of Sultan Suleyman and son–in–law during the 16th century, might built rival of his imperial master, Suleymaniye Mosque, The Magnificent. bYzanTine & oTToMan relics (tour 3) Full Day Tour (local set menu lunch included) Combination of Tours 1 & 2 Prince’s islanDs Pick up at the hotel. Proceed to downtown Beyoglu & Pera and take a stroll down Istiklal Avenue to the Galata quarter, a Jewish neighborhood for centuries with many synagogues and bustling street life. Visit the Ashkenazi Synagogue, which serves the community of European Jews. Also visit the Neve Shalom Synagogue, the largest modern synagogue in the city center to a strong Jewish community. Later in the afternoon, we cross to the Western shore of the Golden Horn to take a stroll through the atmospheric old streets in the Jewish quarter of Balat, where many Jewish immigrants settled to help repopulate the city under Sultan Beyazit II. Today the Star of David can be seen on the facades of some buildings. Also in this colorful area, we visit the Ottoman Baroque style Ahrida Synagogue, with beautiful furnishings, including the bema (pulpit) shaped like the prow of a ship. Explore Turkey YEAR ROUND recoMMenDeD HoTels First class isTanbul caPPaDocia izMir Nippon Hotel Perissia Kaya Prestige Full Day Tour (local set menu lunch included) Prince’s islanDs: During the summer months the Princes’ Islands are popular destinations for day trips from Istanbul. As there is no traffic on the Islands, the only transport being horse and cart, they are incredibly peaceful compared with the city of Istanbul. green bursa Deluxe Hyatt Regency Anatolian Houses Swissotel Izmir Full Day Tour (local set menu lunch included) granD MosQue: The “Grand Mosque” is located in the commercial centre of town, next to the covered bazaar and silk manufacturers’ bazaar (Koza Han). It is worth the visit with its water fountain inside and its pulpit which is considered to be a masterpiece on woodworking. Recommended hotels are based on our clients positive reviews. Additional recommended hotels are also available. www.asiminatours.com For rates and Quotes of Your Personal Tailor Made Package call: 1 (877) 833-3454 http://www.asiminatours.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Greece 2009-2010

Greece 2009-2010 About Asimina Tours Contents A Few Words about the Greek Isles Greece Turkey Historical Greece I & Santorini Historical Greece II & Santorini Back to the Basics! Mamma Mia! Curious Lovers Island Hopping Island Triptyque Cruising the Islands: 3 Days & 4 Days Cruising the Islands: 7 Days Blue! Harmony Yacht Cruising: 7 Days Breeze with a Yacht Historical Greece II and 4 Day Cruise Yades Historic Hotels Destination Weddings Grape Escape Tastes of Crete Useful Information for Greece/Turkey and Travel Insurance Recommended Hotels Terms and Conditions

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