INTEROMEGA

SHORE EXCURSIONS

2012

SHORE EXCURSIONS IN ALL TURKISH PORTS OF CALL

WE OFFER YOU PRIVATE TOURS  2012 

BEST QUALITY & RATES

Dear Cruise Specialist Travel Agents & All Cruise Lovers,

We are one of the oldest and largest Tourism, Travel, Shipping & Yachting agencies founded in 1981 at Izmir in Turkey with a branch office in Istanbul.

We wish you a very nice cruise and advise you that we can offer you all shore excursions in all Turkish ports of call at very available and competitive prices with an excellent service quality.

These offers are valid for individual and as well as for groups. 

We use very comfortable tour buses of new models and very good foreign language speaking professional lecturer tour guides who are specialists of the destination.

Also we can offer you pre - post cruise cultural tours & stays at the best available rates as well as your private transfers between sea ports / airports and hotels. 

We look forward to hearing from you very soon.

Mustafa Raşit AYHAN

President

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All above rates are valid for year round in 2012 per person in $ US DOLLAR without free and with lunch when it is mentionned in the program. All tours are assured by comfortable A/C vehicles and conducted by professional lecturer tour guides.

Turkish Ports of Calls where we can offer you our services

 ISTANBUL: Istanbul is one of the world's most interesting cities.  Its unique history, literally bridging the gap between 'East" and "West", is precisely what attracts tourist to the shores of the Asian Continent.  Across time, Istanbul (or is it Constantinople) has served as the capital of the Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman Empires: the city's heritage is on display and magnificently preserved.  From its famous mosques and churches (the Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Cami, and Hagia Sophia), through palaces (The Topkapi and Dolmbahce), and on to the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul is one memorable excursion after another.

 TRABZON: Trabzon, formerly known as Trebizond is a city on the Black Sea coast of north-eastern Turkey and the capital of Trabzon Province. Throughout history, Trabzon has been an important meeting point for international trade and cultural exchange due to its strategic location which controls the east-west (Asia-Europe) and north-south (Russia-Middle East) trading routes. Trabzon formed the basis of several states in its long history, and was the capital city of the Empire of Trebizond. The population of the city is 275,137 (2006 census).

 CANAKKALE:  The city, which is the cradle of Trojan, Assos like former civilization centers, and where Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park, various martyr, monument and graves are present, the most bloody fights of Çanakkale wars are occurred, and Aegean and Marmara seas are connected and Europe and Asia is met at its coasts has an important place in inland and foreign tourism.

 DIKILI: Dikili is a coastal town and a district of İzmir Province in the Aegean Region of Turkey. The district is quite picturesque both along its shoreline and in its interior parts and is a popular summer resort. The center town of Dikili is situated at about 120 km (75 mi) north of İzmir, served by a good road. The notable township of Çandarlı (ancient Pitane) is a depending center and is located close to Dikili. The port of call of Dikili is the nearest one to Pergamum ruins. Dikili town center is situated opposite the Greek island of Lesbos (Midilli in Turkish).

 IZMIR: Izmir is a working city that serves as a convenient base to explore the Aegean coast: many prime archaeological sites are relatively close to Izmir.  The city has limited attractions of its own.

 KUSADASI: Kusadasi is a resort town with great restaurants, good hotels, and pleasant hosts.  Known for its nightlife, Kusadasi is a good place for soaking up the sun and relaxing.  It is the gateway to Ephesus for many cruise lines.

 BODRUM: is a scenic town whose center is the famed Castle of Saint Peter (built by the Knights of Saint John).  Bodrum has much to offer and should be considered as a base to explore the surrounding countryside.

  MARMARIS: This lovely resort town located on a peninsula where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean is surrounded by a pine wooded landscape. It has a harbor sheltered with lush foothills and long beaches surround its bay. An important yachting center, both Bodrum and the Greek island of Rhodes are easily accessible by a daily car ferry.

 ANTALYA: the main city along the Mediterranean coast, Antalya is a major seaside resort with a beautiful harbor. Still standing on the cliffs which surround Antalya are the ancient city walls and ramparts built by the Greeks. Inside the town stands the 13th century Aladdin Mosque and Hadrian's Gate which was built in honor of the Emperor's visit in 130 AD.

 ALANYA: That’s a city located among the orange trees and lemon trees. Alanya is a well frequented and very much appreciated seaside town surrounded by two beautiful beaches.  The old city walls and picturesque streets, invite there one to walk around hours and hours. Just before our era, Alanya has been used as a headquarter by the pirates that controlled the entire coastal line.  The Ottomans established there the order and built up at the 13. Century a fortress called as the Red Tower from the top of which one will have a superb view on the old city. 

DESCRIPTION OF VISITING SITES AND MUSEUMS FOR SHORE EXCURSIONS

ANTAKYA: (Antioch) one of the great cities of antiquity, Antioch was known throughout the ancient world for its nearby Grove of Daphne, a massive temple and oracle complex to the god Apollo. It was also the base from where Peter, Paul and Barnabas started their preaching and the Romans first referred to the followers of Jesus Christ as Christians. Just outside of town is a cave where St. Peter is said to have first celebrated the mass.

ASPENDOS: This antique city established in the early age is 48km east of Antalya. Its most important feature is its theatre. The theatre and its stage are the best preserved of the Roman theatres in Anatolia which have reached our times. 15000 spectators can sit in the theatre. It was built during the reign of Emperor Antonius Pius (134 - 164) by architect Zenon.

BLUE MOSQUE: This very beautiful mosque of the 7. Century is located in the opposite of St. Sophia on the place of Hippodrome and it’s characterized by its 6 minarets and the harmony of its domes. The mosque was called as BLUE because of its blue and green fine mosaics decorating its tribunes and one admire the fineness.

BYZANTINE CISTERN: In order to preserve water in case of necessity in Istanbul they were hundreds of water reservoirs the one closest  to Hagia  Sophia was  this sumptuous one which setting of music and lights and reflects its columns in the water.  

CRUISE ON BOSPHORUS: These straits long of 38 kms.  links up the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea is located between Europe and Asia with alongside the wooded hills.  A cruise by boat will allow you to admire the fortress of Rumeli Hisar built up by Ottoman Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 to ease to occupation of the city of Old Constantinople.

DIDYMA: Just inland of the Aegean coast lies the remains of a massive temple to Apollo. Ancient Didyma was not a town, but the home of Apollo, so only priests lived here. This oracle was as important as the one at Delphi. Began in the 300's AD, the great temple that remains were in use for 1400 years. On the grounds are fragments where the statuary that lined the way to a small harbor stood before being taken to the British Museum in 1858.

DOLMABAHCE PALACE: A palace which is built up in the middle of the 19. Century by the orders of Sultan Abdulmecit. This immense palace is surrounded by gardens earned  on the Bosphorus shores realizes a strange synthesis of the eastern and western arts that’s where died  Ataturk, in November 10, 1938 at  09H05 A.M. as testified by  all the clocks of the palace. 

EPHESUS: Ephesus, an ancient city in the process of being restored, is a must see.  Dating from the seventh century BC (and possibly earlier) Ephesus provides an interesting view of ancient life: the city's ruins illustrate how ancient cities worked and how the people played.  Ephesus is a site that should interest anyone but it holds special reverence for Christians who believe that the Virgin Mary lived in the area at the end of her life.

GOLDEN HORN: This is a Sea Arm of Bosphorus and Marmara Sea used as a natural harbor for several centuries in the old Istanbul.  This sea arm that the shores were released of their warehouses has now beautiful gardens.  But Golden Horn has not yet all its original purity and its waters still again polluted.

GRAND BAZAAR: This big cover market opens its doors at least since 15. Century, time when the merchants have been grouped according to their specialties.  This huge city of commerce has more than 4000 shops that represent all the charm of Orient. 

HIPPODROME: Ancient hippodrome was founded first time in 3. Century A.D. and has been renovated in 6. Century A.D.  by Justinian and it was the place where he was inaugurating the chariots races as well as festivities. It is decorated with the monuments such as: Wall Column, Serpentine Column, Obelisk and German Fountain. 

MILETUS: Famous for its military might, ancient Miletus had a harbor that could hold 200 warships. The eventual silting of the Meander River put an end to this thriving ancient city. However, its theater, Faustian Baths and Ilyas Bey Mosque still remain.

PERGAMUM: One of the 7 churches of Asia Minor, Paramus was the rival of Ephesus in commerce. Home to the famous physician Galen, Paramus was the city that invented parchment after Egypt cut off the supply of papyrus. Unfortunately, most of the ruins from the Altar of Zeus were taken to Berlin, though the Temple of Trojan, theater and Asclepios still remain.

PERGE: A city of considerable importance during the Hellenistic period, Perge is where St. Paul preached his first sermon. Located inland from the Mediterranean, Perge's ruins are vast, including an agora, theater, stadium and baths. Many of the statues and relics are now housed in Antalya.

PRIENE: This small city from the Hellenistic period which was being part of the confederation of the twelve cities was constructed according to a geometrical plan.  Its hung up site to the mountain is particularly beautiful.  One will notice and admire its theater well preserve, despite of all deteriorations from which it suffered and kept well its Roman and Greek characters.  The temple of Athena and the bouleterion decorated by bull heads sculptures are magnificent. 

SARDIS: Situated in Salihli - Manisa province, it is an antique city which served as capital to the Lydian State. Archaeological digs since the 19th century have revealed important works such as the Artemis Temple, gymnasium, stadium, Roman and Byzantine baths. The picture shows a section of the gymnasium.

SIDE: Situated on a peninsula, Side is famous with its magnificent roman theater of 15 000 seats and museum as well as by its beaches.

MOSQUE OF SOLIMAN THE MAGNIFICENT: Constructed by Sinan, the most famous architect of Ottoman Empire, this mosque is admirable by its sobriety and purity of its forms was built up between 1550 and 1557.  Its dome that peaks 53 meters from the ground is supported by four columns of porphyry. In the cemetery at the neighbor, you will be able to admire the mausoleums of Sultan Soliman and of his favorite Roxelane

SPICE MARKET: Known also under the name of Egyptian Bazaar is situated facing the bridge of Galata, has under its domes the merchants of spices, perfumes and herbalists.  This perfumed and picturesque covered market is one the most attractive places of Istanbul. 

ST. SAVIOR IN CHORA CHURCH: This former Byzantine church has the most beautiful mosaics of the 14. Century which are representing the history of the beginning of Christianity and they are here in an exceptional conservation state.  Superb frescos of the church are also very well preserved.

ST. SOPHIA: Initially built in 325 A.D.  This basilica was rebuilt under the reign of emperor Justinian who wanted   to make build up the largest and the most beautiful churches of the world.  Two architects worked to build up this monumental church with more than 10.000 workers which were inaugurated in 537 A.D. After the Ottoman conquest this church was transformed into a mosque and then to a museum. 

SUMELA MONASTERY: Hung to the hillside of a mountain at the foot of which flows the « Golden River », the monastery appears as in a very good state.   You must climb to visit it.

Sumela was one of the most important monasteries of oriental Church.  Deserted today, the buildings are in poor condition; nevertheless the site remains an astonishing beauty. 

TARSE: the birthplace of St. Paul, Tarsus was also the place where Anthony and Cleopatra met. Much of the ancient city is now buried 15-20 feet below the present city, although a few of the remains can still be seen.

TOPKAPI PALACE: In 1478 Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror has decided to make built this residence at the place of ancient acropolis of Byzance.  The palace was living place of the prestigious court of the sultans during four centuries. Soliman the Magnificent is the one who transferred there the Harem which can visited today. You will also been  impressed by the kitchens where could be seen a superb collection porcelain from  China and Japan as well as  especially the treasurer  section conserving  unique jewels of the world and in particularly emeralds. 

TROY: Troy, with its 4,000 years of history, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. The first excavations at the site were undertaken by the famous archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann in 1870. In scientific terms, its extensive remains are the most significant demonstration of the first contact between the civilizations of Anatolia and the Mediterranean world. Moreover, the siege of Troy by Spartan and Achaean warriors from Greece in the 13th or 12th century B.C., immortalized by Homer in the Iliad, has inspired great creative artists throughout the world ever since.

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LAST UPDATE: 02.02.12