TOURS
OPTIONAL DAILY TOURS
Optional Daily Tours are all additional enhancements that are not included in the registration fee. All tours are designed for participants and for accompanying guests during the congress, enabling a chance to admire the beauty of Antalya. For the following half and full day tours, minimum 10 participants are required.
Reservations and payments for these tours must be made prior to the congress. On-site reservations will only be accepted to the maximum capacity of the bus.
In order to book a tour fill in the TOUR RESERVATION FORM and send it to Saltur Tourism (see address at the bottom of this page)
1-) A guided tour to Antalya-Kurşunlu Waterfalls
(Full day tour, time: 27 April, 09.30a.m.-17.00-p.m.)
Departure from hotel. Drive to Antalya, located in the region called Pamphylia , was founded by Attalus II, King of Pergamum in the 2nd century BC. Kaleici, one of the most popular part of Antalya, has become a center point of attraction and the recent renovation of the old houses, and the small yacht harbour won Antalya an international award for excellence in architecture and preservation. Today, most of the houses have been turned into small hotels and pensions. And finally visit the Archeological Museum in Antalya where Antalya's several thousand years of history is laid out before you in chronological order.
After lunch break in traditional restaurant set out Kurşunlu Waterfall and Nature Park.
Carpet Demonstration at one of the largest carpet factory of the region.Learn about traditional and world famous hand made Turkish Carpets. Back to our hotel and end of the tour.
Price per person : 50 EURO
2-) A guided tour to Perge-Aspendos-Side
(Full day tour, time: 28 April, 09.30a.m.-17.00-p.m.)
.In the morning we drive to an important city of ancient Pamphylian, Perge (18 km from Antalya) was originally settled by the Hittites around 1500 BC St. Paul preached some of his first sermons here. The theater's stage has finely carved marble relieves; other carvings from around the city are displayed in the stadium. Amateur archaeologists will want to see the handsome city gate flanked by two lofty towers, a long colonnaded road once paved with mosaics and lined with shops, a large agora, the public baths and a gymnasium. The name Perge comes from Anatolian dialect; nonetheless, in ancient times the townsmen believed that it had been founded by Greek heroes after the siege of Troy. Perge is also know because it is the birth-place of the mathematician Apollonius, author of a famous treatise on geometry.
After visiting all sites of this unique ancient city; Perge, drive to Aspendos, the ancient city, 48km east of Antalya, is most famous for its theatre, probably the best preserved in Asia Minor. It is still in use today, and stages the annual Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival every summer. It was the scene of a huge bloody battle between the Persians and the Greeks in 469 BC, and then ruled by the Spartans 120 years later. The city became part of the Seleucid kingdom after the death of Alexander the Great, and then became part of the Roman province of Asia in 133 BC. The famous theatre was built in the 2nd century AD, using a Roman design, and it is still intact. The ancient theater in Aspendos makes an impressive setting for some of the festival's plays and concerts. Then lunch break in traditional Turkish Restaurant .
Drive to SİDE which used to be a well-known slave market. Visit the ancient Theatre, the Temple of Tyche, Agora, Basilicas, Baths, the Aquaduct. Return to hotel, end of our tour.
Price per person : 60 EURO
3-)Daily Boat Trip and Phaselis Tour
(Full day tour, time: 29 April, 09.30a.m.-17.00-p.m.)
Depart from hotel at 09.30 a.m. and drive to Kemer Yacht Marina for embarking on the boat trip. Besides all day lasting fun and entertainment as well as a delicious lunch guests will visit one of the oldest of ancient Lycian and Roman cities; Phaselis including its theatre, the Roman bath, and old Lycian harbor. Phaselis was founded by Rhodes at the beginning of the 6th century B.C. and it soon became an important harbor. The Theatre dates back to the 2nd Century A.D. The arches of the Aqueduct of the city stand out among the green color of pine trees. Guests will admire the baths and the paved road that leads to the gate erected for the honor of the Emperor Hadrian. After lunch, you will sail on the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, for fishing, diving, snorkeling; and if lucky, to see the dolphins that sometimes approach the boats. return to Kemer following short visits to the Three Islands - Bays of Pirates. Transfer to our hotel end of our tour.
Price per person : 60 EURO
4-)Post Congress Tours: Cappadocia
30 April - 02 May 2010 (Post Congress Tour)
Pre&Post Congress Tours are all additional enhancements that are not included in the registration fee. These tours are designed and will be operated exclusively for participants and for their accompanying guests.
For the following tours minimum 15 participants are required.
Two Days Cappadocıa & Konya Tour
Ortahisar In Winter (Cappadocia)
Some three million years ago, violent volcanic eruptions covered the plateau in this area with tufa, a soft stone comprised of lava, ash and mud. Subsequently, the wind and rain have eroded the brittle rock to form a spectacular surrealistic landscape of rock cones and capped pinnacles, called FAIRY CHIMNEYS, that are painted in colours ranging from warm reds and gold to cool greens and greys. During Byzantine times, Christian chapels and monasteries were hollowed out of the rock and later these dwellings served as a refuge for Christians, persecuted by the Romans.
Day 1:
Departure from the hotel at 07.00 a.m. and drive to Konya, visit the tomb of Celaleddin Rumi (Mevlana), the great mystic poet and Islamic spiritual leader who founded the “whirling dervishes.”. and continue to Cappadocia; the land of stone dwellings, rock chapels and monasteries with a stop at Sultanhani. Upon arrival we will will visit The Citadel of Uçhisar, Pigeon Valley, Monk's Valley (Pasabagi) where you will find the world known fairy chimneys. Drive to hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at Burcu Kaya Hotel or Dedeman Kapadokya.
Day 2:
After breakfast set out to Göreme Valley, featuring 365 rock carved churches and monasteries, decorated with remarkable frescoes, then visit Avanos famous with its potteries . Devrent Valley, Ürgüp; tourism center of the region, visiting the Turasan Winery. Return back to hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Optional HOT BALLOON Tour for 2nd Day : Price Per person 140 EURO
You are going to be picked from your hotel early in the morning, usually before sunrise and driven to take-off site. While you are having a light breakfast, you will also see the inflation of the balloon get passenger brief which explains basic rules about balloon flights. Right after the passenger brief, highlight of your Turkey trip will start and you will take-off gently. After taking hundreds of pictures over the valleys of Cappadocia, you will land and celebrate your flight with champagne. After getting your flight certificates you will be back in your hotel around 08:00 am.
Day 3:
After breakfast departure from the hotel, set out to Kaymakli Underground City a place early Christians hid from persecutors , then drive to Ihlara. Walk along the Ihlara Gorge visiting rock-hewn churches. Continue to Antalya, upon arrival transfer to your hotel, end of our tour.
Price for PP in DBL room : 310 EURO
Price for one SNGL room : 350 EURO
PRICE INCLUDES
• Transportation by air-conditioned deluxe vehicles
• 2 nights hotel accommodation Burcu KAYA Hotel or Dedeman Kapadokya Hotel include breakfast and dinner, lunchs during the tours.
• Entrance fees for museums
• English speaking guidance
PRICE EXCLUDES
• All drinks and tips
Note: Transfer to Istanbul, Ankara, Kayseri international airports available upon request. It will be arranged optionally.
5-)Post Congress Tours: Ephesus & Pamukkale & Troy & Anzacs Tour
30 April - 02 May 2010 (Post Congress Tour)
Travertens In Pamukkale;
Ephesus is the best-preserved classical city on the Mediterranean, and perhaps the best place in the world to get the feeling for what life was like in Roman times. As a strategic coastal gateway to the Eastern World, this Ionian refuge grew to be the second largest city in the Roman Empire, the site of a Christian shrine, and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Legend has it that the Virgin Mary, accompanied by St. Paul, came to Ephesus at the end of her life, circa 37-45 A.D. Renaissance church historians mentioned the trip, and it is said that local Christians venerated a small house near Ephesus as Mary's. In 1967 Pope Paul VI visited the site, where a chapel now stands, and confirmed the authenticity of the legend. Also the Basilica of St. John is located near Ephesus. St. John is said to have lived the last years of his life here and after his death, a shrine was located over his grave.
Day 1:
Departure from the hotel and transfer to Pamukkale, visit the Cotton Castle and the wonderful travertines, the ancient Hierapolis, Necropolis, The Roman Baths and the Theater. Lunch in a local restaurant. Drive to Kuşadası. Upon arrival transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2:
After breakfast departure from the hotel, continue to Selçuk and visit the Ionian city of Ephesus, the Roman capital of Asia Minor, The Odeon, The Marble Street, The Hadrian Temple, The Celcius Library - magnificent restoration by Austrians - The Great Theatre. After, we will visit The House of Virgin Mary. Lunch at Şirince Village. Depart from Selçuk for Çanakkale. Dinner and ovenight stay at Çanakkale.
Day 3:
After breakfast departure from the hotel, drive to the legendary city of Troy - Troj of Schliemann - visiting the site of the Trojan wars, its symbolic Trojan horse, the City Walls the Athena Temple and The Odeon. Travel across the Dardanelles by ferry to get to Gallipoli. Visit all famous battlefields and the cemeteries of Gallipoli and see the tragedy and the heroism of this famous
Continue to İstanbul. Transfer to international airport or your hotel. End of our tour.
Price for PP in DBL room : 360 EURO
Price for one SNGL room : 410 EURO
PRICE INCLUDES
• Transportation by air-conditioned deluxe vehicles
• 2 nights hotel accommodation at 4*hotels, lunchs during the tours.
• Entrance fees for museums
• English speaking guidance
PRICE EXCLUDES
• All drinks and tips
Note: Transfer to Istanbul, Ankara, Kayseri international airports available upon request. It will be arranged optionally.
6-)Post Congress Tours: İstanbul & İstanbul
30 April - 02 May 2010 (Post Congress Tour)
Pre&Post Congress Tours are all additional enhancements that are not included in the registration fee. These tours are designed and will be operated exclusively for participants and for their accompanying guests.
For the following tours minimum 15 participants are required.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 :
ARRIVAL IN ISTANBUL
Upon your arrival we will pick you up from the airport and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in İstanbul.
DAY 2 :
OTTOMAN & BYZANTINE RELICS TOUR
After breakfast 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 jewelery, including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, the 3rd largest in the world, 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. Continue to 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 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.Return back to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 3 :
BOSPHORUS & TWO CONTINENTS TOUR
After breakfast in your hotel, a brief visit to the 17th century Spice Bazaar*, we embark on an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the beautiful strait that divides Europe from Asia. Winding between wooded hills, it is lined with mosques, castles, 19th century mansions, picturesque villages and the extravagant baroque places of the late Ottoman sultans, the Rumeli Hisarı and Anadolu Hisarı fortresses . After boat tour we will visit the Dolmabahçe Palace. Return back to our hotel.
We will have our dinner at an exclusive night club where we will enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine, including the delicious array of appetizers known as meze. The Turks are justly proud of their food. They are equally proud of their traditional music, and after dinner folk musicians from different regions of Anatolia will perform for us. And of course no night out in Istanbul would be complete without Turkish belly-dancers. We will be entertained by some of the city’s finest. Overnight stay.
DAY 4 :
İSTANBUL GOODBYE
After breakfast transfer to the airport and end of our tour.
Price for PP in DBL room : 390 EURO
Price for one SNGL room : 480 EURO
PRICE INCLUDES
• Transportation by air-conditioned deluxe vehicles
• 3 nights hotel accommodation at 4*hotels, .
• All breakfast and dinners.
• Entrance fees for museums
• English speaking guidance
PRICE EXCLUDES
• All lunchs, drinks and tips
7-) Post-Conference Tour: “ICARDA”
ICARDA, is one of international research center supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) (http://www.icarda.cgiar.org) located in Aleppo Syria (about 1100km from Antalya). ICARDA hosts full-fledged crop improvement programs for kabuli chickpea, lentil, and faba bean to serve non-tropical dry areas around the world. It also works on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Agrobiodiversity in the Dry Areas. You will be able to see the legume breeding programs when crops are fully developed. In the evenings enjoy the old city of Aleppo, one of the oldest, permanently inhabited cities of the world.
PROGRAM FOR ICARDA POST CONFERENCE VISIT (Turkey lap)
30 April -1 May 2010
Friday 30 April
14:00 Depart from Antalya to Mersin
23:00 Travel and Arrival to Olbios Marina Resort Hotel (Erdemli, Mersin)
Saturday 1, May
9:30-12:00 Visit to ARBEL Pulses Industry
12:00-13:00 Lunch
13:00-14:30 Visit to Mediterranean Exporter Unions
15:00 Depart from Mersin to Aleppo –ICARDA ( Mersin→ Adana→Hatay)
Please contact: M. Imtiaz ; email : m.imtiaz@cgiar.org with copy to R.Nalbandian@cgiar.org
The participants can make their traveling arrangements either fly back to their home country from Damascus, Aleppo (Syria) or Adana (Turkey).
