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CRUISE NEWS FROM TURKEY

Cruising

the Eastern Mediterranean

In addition to its beautiful coastlines, weather and exotic charm, Turkey offers many different options as Shore Excursions to explore the historical remains dating back to 9000 BC., as well as water sports and vast shopping opportunities. Beyond the ports of call, Turkey also has many intriguing destinations which can be visited on Pre – Post land tours.

Ports of Call in the Turkish Waters

Classical Cruises, Cunard Line, First European Cruises, Mediterranean Shipping, Orient Lines, Princess Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas, Royal Olympic Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Star Clippers and others are visiting different Turkish Ports such as Istanbul, Çanakkale, Dikili, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Marmaris, Antalya, Alanya, Mersin for many years, and Istanbul is one of the most important turnaround ports.

Must See Picks

EPHESUS

No visit to Kusadasi is complete without a day trip to the ancient city of Ephesus, located at 13 miles from the Kusadasi port. It is considered the best preserved classical city of the Eastern Mediterranean, and among the best places in the world enabling one to genuinely ‘soak in’ the atmosphere of Roman times.

How about an exclusive theme party at this breathtaking open air museum. From a Classical Concert by the State Philharmonic Orchestra to a full Roman Night Experience with lavish open buffets, Gladiator shows, Antonius and Cleopatra, let us take you back in time.

Shopping Tips

Turkey is a treasure chest of crafts: wool and silk handmade carpets; kilims (flat weave rugs); cicims (embroidered rugs); jewelry, including everything from traditional harem rings to the latest designer settings; leather goods; copper and brassware; spices; ceramics; even Turkish musical instruments, belly dancing costumes, and Ottoman women's velvet court-costumes embroidered with silver or gold thread. Sight seeing tours will take you to reputable, tax free shopping centers where there are a wide selection of guaranteed quality items. Even though the prices may be higher, these stores offer many services such as informative lectures and presentations, door to door delivery, exchanges and certificates which other small local shops do not. One thing for certain is; The choice is endless, question the products, look around and bargain…

Unique Greetings

The Mehter band used to play military marches during the Ottoman times and was usually associated with the janissary organization which symbolized the power and independence of the empire. The Mehter establishment was attached to the Sultan with a high ranked official called Emir-i-AlemI and its members were janissaries who would accompany the Sultan into battle. The songs they sang were about their hero-ancestors and Ottoman battle victories. The music of Mehter has entertained the Ottoman army and frightened the enemy with its lively and energetic tunes.

CAPPADOCIA

Explore the spectacular land of the surrealist rock formations and subterranean dwellings while tasting the local wines from the regions wineries. Enjoy these miraculous formations from the air. How about a sunrise balloon ride for your group followed by Mystic breakfast in the valley. Contact us for pre-post tour specials.

Deluxe Hotels for your Extensions

Istanbul has 6500 rooms on Deluxe 5 Star category only. These properties are all located at a 15 to 30 minute distance from the port and centrally located. Room rates per night can range from 150 US Dollars to 350 US Dollars + VAT and Breakfast. Current tax in Turkey is 18%.

Hilton FourSeasons Kempinski

Let luxury continue on land

Flying across the Ocean, sailing from one country to another, cruise ships provide the consistent luxury and attention we all look for during our trips away from home.

However, what happens when the ship docks at a foreign country and you expect the same impeccable service on land…

Moving large groups of guests comfortably and timely is an operation that requires many years of experience and know how. Knowing the expectations of guests and meeting the standards they have come accustomed to is another very important factor in organizing successful port operations and land services.

Quality of coaches, professionalism and language of the guides must equally meet expectations.

TOPKAPI PALACE

The Topkapi palace was the residence of the sultans until the 19^. Century . It was built on the acropolis of the antique Byzance, which dominates the city, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, on the extreme point of the peninsula of Istanbul. This palace, which looks like a real city with its independent buildings like the harem, mosques, libraries, etc, was surrounded with high walls and its towers. The palace is a museum today famous for its treasures.

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