ANATOLIAN DAYS & NIGHTS - BOOK LAUNCH TOUR
Istanbul & Cappadocia Turkey
May 19th – 29th 2012
Join Anatolian Days and Nights authors Angie Brenner and Joy E. Stocke for a journey into their world of one of the world's greatest cities, Istanbul - a city that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia - and on to spectacular Cappadocia, land of fairy chimneys and Byzantine cave churches.
We begin our Istanbul journey in Sultanahmet, where Romans once cheered chariot races in the Hippodrome, and Sultans resided in the grand Topkapi Palace—instructing chefs to create culinary masterpieces for up to 4,000 residents a day—and where women such as the famous Roxelana (married to Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent) lived in sumptuous confinement in the harem.
From a cooking class at the prestigious Istanbul Culinary Institute to the sensuous Turkish baths to a boat ride up the famous Bosporus to the Princes Islands, Brenner and Stocke share their intimate knowledge of a city that has become like a second home. And, no trip to Istanbul is complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar, where you will be introduced to Stocke and Brenner’s favorite shops—including a lesson in what to look for when purchasing carpets.
After enjoying several “tastes” of Turkey among Istanbul’s diverse restaurant offerings and sights, we journey to Cappadocia in Turkey's Anatolian heartland. Cappadocia, home of the earliest monastic Christians, is renowned for its natural beauty and peribacalar, fairy chimneys. There, we will stay in luxurious comfort in a cave hotel with womblike rooms built into soft tufa stone.
Along our journeys, Brenner and Stocke will share stories from their memoir, Anatolian Days & Nights: A Love Affair with Turkey, Land of Dervishes, Goddesses, and Saints, and introduce you to the people who populate its pages.
You will be offered a complimentary copy of Anatolian Days & Nights.
Pricing: $4070 – Land cost (air fare is not included)
Reservations through Avid Trips:
http://www.avidtrips.com/trip/overview/634/food-wine/turkey/anatolian-days-nights-trip
www.avidtrips.com/
email: sales@avidtrips.com or phone at (646) 374-3561
Except from Anatolian Days & Nights:
“Caught up in the romance of the neighborhood, we stop for a
drink at the Pera Palace Hotel, where mystery writer Agatha Christie
is said to have written her famous thriller Murder on the Orient
Express in homage to the luxury train that began its journey in Paris
and ended at Istanbul’s Sirkeci Station. The Pera Palace had a reputation
for hosting some of the world’s more interesting women, including
Dutch-born spy Mata Hari, who, during World War I, kept a
room at the Pera and passed secrets over cocktails.
“Eyes follow us when we walk into the Pera’s dark, paneled bar. At
a corner table, a group of businessmen drink scotch, smoke cigars,
and exchange documents from leather briefcases. A woman in a furtrimmed
jacket perches on a barstool, running a fingertip around the
rim of her martini glass. We settle into high-backed chairs under a tall
window and order two rakı.”
DAY 1: Welcome to Istanbul
On arrival at the Atatürk International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Istanbul, the beautiful Ottoman Park Hotel. You will be offered welcome refreshments and tea in the afternoon. There will be time to rest before meeting for a welcome dinner at Hamdi Restaurant near the famed Spice Bazaar. Hamdi serves a delicate selection of Turkish kebabs, grilled meats, in a setting overlooking the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, Galata, Süleimaniye and Rustem Pasha Mosques.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Ottoman Park Hotel
DAY 2: Istanbul – Sultanahmet Area Monuments
Today we will visit St. Sophia, the church of the Divine Wisdom which was the largest cathedral for a thousand years, and the stunning Blue Mosque, a 17th century mosque that dominates the skyline of Istanbul, and then a visit to Yerebatan, a Byzantine underground cistern. For lunch we will taste delicious kofte- meatballs at famous Sultanahmet Koftecisi—operating since 1920. Then take tea at the Lale (meaning tulip) Pudding shop. You will have the rest of the day free to explore and dine on your own.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Ottoman Park Hotel
DAY 3: Exploring Beyoglu and Cooking class
Our group will meet after breakfast at the hotel and take the Tünel, the shortest underground railway line in Istanbul. The Tünel is the second-oldest subterranean urban rail line in the world after the London Underground (1863), but the first subterranean urban rail line in continental Europe.
We will walk along the colorful, pedestrian Istiklal Blvd, and stop at St. Antoine Church—original built by Istanbul’s Italian community in 1725, then stroll in the Fish Market in the Pera district—a bustling labyrinth of stands peddles fish, fruits, vegetables, and spices, with a couple of pastry and confectionary shops thrown in.
Istanbul market
We will shop for some ingredients for your cooking class and head to the prestigious Istanbul Culinary Institute for a cooking class with one of the remarkable Turkish Chefs. After our cooking session: 4 courses of Turkish dishes—one of the world’s three most important cuisines, we will enjoy the lunch we cooked. We walk the back streets in this area and make our way to Galata Tower, in the old Jewish neighborhood, meandering among boutiques, art shops, and music stores, where will taste Turkish wines at Sensus Wine Boutique. We will return to the hotel for an evening on your own.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Ottoman Park Hotel
DAY 4: Topkapı Palace – Bosphorus Cruise
Today we will visit the Archaeological Museum, which has an excellent collection of pre-historic Istanbul, Mesopotamian cultures, such as the first inscribed love poem, the first peace treaty, and the Code Of Hammurabi. You will also see artifacts from Turkey’s rich history such as those from Troy, and Alexander the Great’s Sarcophagi. Then we will visit the magnificent Topkapı Palace, the residence of the sultans for almost three centuries. It is located on the promontory jutting out between the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. This setting provides a magnificent view.
The construction of the Topkapi Palace was completed between 1465 and 1478. Being the imperial residence of the sultan, his court and harem, the palace was also the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire. In the Treasury, we will see the 7th biggest diamond in the world, the Spoonmaker’s diamond and the Harem, a vast labyrinth of rooms and corridors once occupied by the black eunuchs, concubines, the Sultan’s mother, the Valide Sultan, and the Sultan himself.
We will enjoy lunch at Karakol Restaurant, which is converted from the karakol (police station) of Topkapi Palace. This refine restaurant was established by Vedat Basaran, famous Chef of Feriye (another top restaurant of Istanbul).
After some downtime, we will take the 6:10PM commuter boat up the Bosphorus with the locals going home for dinner. We will able to view the palaces, bridges, mosques, and famous yalis, waterfront mansions, and enjoy a sea food dinner Set Balik Restaurant , at the end of our cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ottoman Park Hotel
DAY 5: Spice Market & Ferry to Asia, Bath
Today, we will visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque with most wonderful Iznik tiles and tour the Spice Bazaar. The bazaar is often referred to as the "Egyptian Market" due to the fact that spices used to come to the market from India and Southeast Asia via Egypt. There is plenty to discover for the "foodie." We will stop at shops tasting and discovering some typically Turkish delicacies.
We will then board a local ferry and disembark on the Asian side of Istanbul. After visiting some specialty shops and walking through the colorful market of Kadiköy—an open air market very different from the Spice Market, and more in tune with the way most Istanbullus cook and eat.
We will walk on to Çiya Restaurant where the chef Musa Dagdeviren, one of Turkey’s foremost cooks who is devoted to the glorious food of his homeland in South Eastern Anatolia: aromatic red pepper, pistachios, chickpeas, olive oil and pomegranate molasses.
Then, we will take the ferry back to the European side.
In the late afternoon, you will have an opportunity to be pampered at the Cagaoglu Baths, featured in the book: 1000 Places to See Before You Die!
Dinner will be served at Maya Lokanta. With its cozy atmosphere and the simplicity of the decoration, Maya Lokanta’s friendly owners and staff serves delicious and creative dishes. The chef of Maya studied in NY at the legendary cooking school French Culinary Institute and she also has published a great cook book.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ottoman Park Hotel
DAY 6: Grand Bazaar
After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the Grand Bazaar and stop for a “carpet talk” by Hasan Semerci. Then we will have time for a walk through the bazaar for exploring and shopping.
Angie & Joy with Hasan Semerci and his daughter
After this, we will drive to Edirnekapi neighborhood, and enjoy lunch at Asitane Restaurant that serves Imperial Ottoman Cuisine. Asitane incorporates Central Asian, Anatolian, Middle Eastern and Balkan flavors, resulting from the intensive research undertaken at three palace kitchens (Dolmabahce, Topkapi and Edirne) .
We will visit the St. Savior in Chora which is is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of a Byzantine Church and the Suleymaniye Mosque, which was built on the order of sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and constructed by the great Ottoman architect Sinan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Ottoman Park Hotel
Baklava
DAY 7: Baklava Factory
Today we will visit the Gulluoglu Baklava Factory in Karakoy, and will tour the area where the baklava dough is rolled out, and watch baklava production. We will then taste various kinds of Baklava along with Turkish coffee.
We will cruise past the Prince’s islands enjoying the fresh air, seagulls, and the Istanbul shoreline at a distance. We will disembark on the largest of the Prince's Islands, Buyukada, which boasts lush foliage, pine forests, turn of the century wooden mansions and incomparable views of Istanbul. Best of all, cars are banned on Buyukada, so you travel by horse-drawn carriage.
A delicious "meze" lunch will be awaiting us at a restaurant on the pier. After lunch we will stroll through the pier to visit the island's local market and stop at specialty shops.
A horse -drawn carriage will drive us throughout the pine woods. We will cruise back to town after our experience.
On our last evening in Istanbul we will enjoy dinner at Giritli Restaurant, that serves Cretan influenced Turkish mezes and fish. Drinks are included tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ottoman Park Hotel
DAY 8: Departure to Cappadocia
We will wake early for the drive to Istanbul Atatürk Airport to take the flight to Nevsehir at 07:25am. Upon arrival to Nevşehir Airport at 08:40, we will settle into the lovely Kale Konak Hotel. Later, we’ll join a cooking demonstration in a home with village women. They will show us how to make, gozleme, "yaprak dolma" (stuffed vine leaves) and manti, a traditional dish whose heritage stretches back in to the Central Asian origins of modern Turkey.
Today’s tour ends with a descent towards the center of the earth, with a trip to the underground city of Kaymakli; one of the largest and deepest of Cappadocia’s many such settlements. Horseback riding will be organized for those who wish to ride at additional cost, or enjoy an afternoon of hiking among fairy chimneys between villages.
Before dinner we will stop at the largest and oldest winery (since 1943) in Cappadocia. We will have a detailed tour of the winery while tasting their local wines. The Öküzgözü-Bogazkere combinations (grapes native to Turkey) are quite promising. The family-operated winery is located underground, carved in natural rock. This natural cellar also provides excellent storage conditions for the wine.
We will have dinner at Ziggy’s Restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kale Konak
DAY 9: Open Air Museums
Our first real encounter with Cappadocia’s almost Martian-style landscape is in the Dervent valley, where the rock formations are amazing. A walk through the Zelve Open Air Museum is a journey into the past, with its troglodyte houses. This is one of the earliest inhabited and latest abandoned monastic settlements in Cappadocia. After Zelve, we visit Pasabag’s “fairy chimneys”, where the voice of the wind harmonizes with the songs of the fairies. From here we pause at Avanos, a center of terracotta art since 3,000 BC, for a demonstration in a traditional pottery workshop.
After lunch in Avanos, we visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum to see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia. These are found in rock-cut churches with frescoes dating from as early as the 10th century. We complete the tour with a visit to the Uchisar Rock-Castle, giving us a panoramic view of the valleys of Cappadocia.
At the end of the day while sipping our Turkish Tea or coffee, we will enjoy a demonstration and explanation of Turkish carpet making techniques, symbols and different types of carpets. We finish our day sipping our wines while watching sunset over the Red Valley.
Tonight’s dinner will give us the delicious taste of testi kebab- pot kebab (meat stew cooked in a seamless pot, broken with a hammer upon service) as well as varieties of Turkish meze selections and more local Cappadocian wine.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kale Konak
DAY 10: Hot Air Balloon tour (optional) and Greek town
Enjoy a leisurely morning or choose the optional early morning balloon ride at additional cost, where we will transfer to the balloon launching site to meet the balloon crew. The gentle and stable wind conditions are ideal during the first few hours of the day in Cappadocia. It is also the ideal time for photography, with splendid colors and contrasts. The deep canyons and gentle winds carry us over places that could never be reached except by balloon. After flying over Cappadocia for about one hour, we will land to an awaiting champagne breakfast!
We will then meet the rest of the group and visit to Mustafapaşa (Sinassos), an ancient Greek town with its spectacular old Greek houses: very fine examples of late Greek settlements and architecture. Lunch will be in one of them.
After lunch, we drive to Soganli, on the way we visit the Medrese in Taskinpasa, a Theological School of the Seljuk Turks. Our last stop is the Soganli (onion) Valley, which is one of the earliest settlements in Cappadocia. After this, we drive back to the town of Urgup through the unspoiled villages of Cappadocia, surrounded by the “table-top” mountains. You will have the opportunity to explore Urgup and pick your own dinner location.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Kale Konak
DAY 11: Final departure
We will depart for our flight to Istanbul at 9:25am, arrival in Istanbul at 10:45am, to connect with your international flights.
While our trip ends today, we are confident your love affair with Turkey will continue and you will come back to visit.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
