Tour of "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled.Hagia (St.) Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating the Hippodrome. Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and the biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenir.

HALF DAY MORNING TOURS TERMINATE AT SULTANAHMET CENTER IN FRONT OF HAGIA SOPHIA

Topkapı Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. (Harem section is not included in the program and due to extra entrance fee if requested) Rüstem Paşa Mosque, designed by the court architect Sinan for the Grand Vizier of Süleyman The Magnificent. A typical sample of Islamic architecture amidst the rows of shops near the Spice Bazaar, famed with its exquisite and colorful tiles set in floral and geometric designs.

Tour of "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Hagia (St.) Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating the Hippodrome. Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and the biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenir.

Lunch at a Turkish Restaurant. Topkapı Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc.(Harem section is not included in the program and due to extra entrance fee if requested) Rüstem Paşa Mosque, designed by the court architect Sinan for the Grand Vizier of Süleyman The Magnificent. A typical sample of Islamic architecture amidst the rows of shops near the Spice Bazaar, famed with its exquisite and colorful tiles set in floral and geometric designs.

Golden Horn, the arm of the Bosphorus and a natural harbour of the historical peninsula separating the old and the new parts of istanbul where the first colonies settled during the Byzantine. The residential area for Byzantine Jews, Italian traders and other non-muslim minorities. Drive along the traces of history at Balat viewing Metal Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian and 21 kms. long City Walls, the strongest fortification of the middle age. -from the bus-

Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), mystical smells of different aromas of various spices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers etc. Bosphorus Cruise, through the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residentials and luxurious apartments. Rumeli Fortress, historical armament built by the Conqueror to control and protect Bosphorus. A unique example of military architecture. -from the boat-

In the afternoon Spice Bazaar maybe substitued with Zindan Han, built during the Byzantine Empire and it was used as the first Women Prison in the world by the Ottomans. Restored back to the original style, today it is the Jewellery Center by Storks exhibiting the unique collections of famed products.

HALF DAY MORNING TOURS TERMINATE AT SULTANAHMET CENTER IN FRONT OF HAGIA SOPHIA

Dolmabahçe Palace, recent residence for Ottoman Sultans built by two Ottoman architects Karabet and Nikogos Balyan on a 110.000 m2 area composed of three sections; Selamlık allocated for state issues, Harem (Seraglio) for private life of the sultan and his family, and the Parade Hall, study and bedroom of ATATÜRK, founder of the Turkish Republic is also here. Famous with great collection of European antiquity, furniture and 4.5 tons of chandelier, the palace has 285 rooms and 46 halls. Bosphorus Bridge, unique chance to step from one continent (Europe) to another (Asia) in 2 minutes. Çamlıca Hill or Yeditepe, exposing a panoramic view of istanbul and Bosphorus from the best point of view.

• Tour reservation requests should be sent to worldconps@figur.net
• At least 10 participants are required for all tours.

Pre Congress Date: July 08-09, 2012
Post Congress Date: July 14-15, 2012

Day 1
Transfer to Istanbul Airport for TK2010 07.20-08.45 flight to Kayseri Airport. Full day touring in CAPPADOCIA; visit the GOREME Open-Air-Museum with its fairy chimneys and dozens of cave churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible, the ZELVE Valley, the natural Citadel of UCHISAR, the pottery town AVANOS. Dinner and overnight in CAPPADOCIA. (L,D)

Day 2
After breakfast, visit the underground city of KAYMAKLI (built by the early Christians to evade Roman Armies). Then visit the local Wine Factory of Cappadocia. Shopping opportunity at local workshops. Transfer to Kayseri Airport for TK2019 20.50-22.20. Flight back to Istanbul. END. (B,L)

Included Services : Roundtrip domestic flights, transfers to the airport & hotel, professional English speaking guide, transportation by A/C vehicles, Half-board accommodation, lunch, entrance fees to the museums.

Pre Congress Date: July 08-09, 2012
Post Congress Date: July 14-15, 2012

Day 1
Transfer to Istanbul Airport for TK2310 07:00-08:00 flight to Izmir. Full day tour to the ancient city of EPHESUS. Visit the HOUSE OF THE VIRGIN MARY, and then the Basilica of St. John (who accompanied the Virgin Mary to Ephesus), the Celsus Library, the marble paved Arcadian Road, the Brothel, the Roman Baths, the Theater where St. Paul preached, the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), and see the statue of Ephesian Artemis while touring the Archeological Museum of Ephesus in Selcuk. Return for overnight to IZMIR. (L)

Day 2
Depart to PERGAMON to visit the ACROPOLIS in the city built on four terraces perched upon a hill, overlooking the Bergama Plain. Tour the “Steepest Theater of the Ancient World”. Then visit the ASCLEPION, the famous ancient medical center dedicated to Asclepion, the god of health and medicine, and the Archaeological Museum in Pergamon. Transfer to IZMIR Airport for TK2333 18.50-19.55 flight to Istanbul. END.(B,L)

Included Services: Roundtrip domestic flights, transfers to the airport & hotel, professional English speaking guide, transportation by A/C vehicles, Bed&Breakfast accommodation, lunch, entrance fees to the museums.