Fam Trip to Turkey with Flo Tours Difference

Turkey is a country of rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. It is a destination that offers something for everyone, from ancient ruins to modern cities, from Mediterranean beaches to snow-capped mountains.

A familiarization trip to Turkey is a great opportunity for travel agents to experience the best of this amazing country and learn how to sell it to their clients. Here are some of the highlights of a possible itinerary:

• Istanbul:The largest and most vibrant city in Turkey, Istanbul is a bridge between Europe and Asia, where you can see the iconic Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and the Topkapi Palace. You can also enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus, a traditional Turkish bath, and a delicious cuisine.
• Troy:The legendary city of Troy, where the Trojan War took place, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the layers of history from different civilizations. You can see the replica of the Trojan Horse, the ancient walls, the temple of Athena, and the archaeological museum.
• Ephesus:One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, Ephesus was once a major center of trade, culture, and religion in the Roman Empire. You can marvel at the impressive structures such as the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis, the Theater, and the Terrace Houses. You can also visit the nearby House of Virgin Mary, where she is believed to have spent her last years.
• Pamukkale:A natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pamukkale is famous for its white travertine terraces that are formed by mineral-rich hot springs. You can soak in the thermal pools, admire the views, and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, which has a theater, a necropolis, and a museum.
• Cappadocia:A fairy-tale landscape of rock formations, caves, and valleys, Cappadocia is a unique and magical place to visit. You can experience the thrill of a hot air balloon ride, the charm of a cave hotel, the history of the underground cities, and the culture of the local villages. You can also see the rock-cut churches and monasteries that are decorated with frescoes.

A familiarization trip to Turkey will give you a taste of the diversity, beauty, and hospitality of this country. You will be able to discover its attractions, learn about its history, and enjoy its culture. You will also be able to share your insights and tips with your clients and help them plan their dream vacation to Turkey.

• Absolutely Free!! When booked 12 full-paying passengers within 90 business days.
• No Additional Companion Fees.
• No hidden costs.
• 14% commission on all Turkey Tour Packages.

 

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival – Turkey (IST-Istanbul Airport)

As you arrive at the Istanbul Airport, please arrange your own transfer to the tour hotel. Our representatives will meet you by the Flo Tours Check In desk in hotel lobby.

Day 2: Istanbul Tour [Breakfast]

Today after breakfast, we start our day with a visit to the impressive Topkapi Palace, which served as the palace of the Ottoman Sultans between the XVI and XIX Centuries. It has a superb position overlooking the Bosphorus. We also pay a visit to the magnificent Haghia Sophia (St. Sophia’s Basilica) built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the VI Century. It is one of the world’s greatest architectural marvels. After lunch we will visit the fascinating and impressive Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets, its beautiful blue Iznik tiles, unique architecture and marble latticework. Then visit the Byzantine Hippodrome, the center of Byzantine life for 1000 years, where chariot races and competitive athletic events took place. We will also visit Basilica Cistern. Then we will finish the day with a visit to Grand Bazaar which is the world’s largest and the oldest shopping venue. In the afternoon we will return to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

 Day 3: Istanbul / Gallipoli / Canakkale [Breakfast, Dinner]

Morning departure for Gallipoli and visit Anzac Cove, Lone pine cemetery, Chunuk Bair and Gabatepe War Museum. The Gallipoli Campaign cost the Allies 141,113 casualties and the Turks 195,000. Gallipoli proved to be the Turksʹ greatest victory of the war. In London, the campaign’s failure led to the demotion of Winston Churchill and contributed to the collapse of Prime Minister H. H. Asquithʹs government. The fighting at Gallipoli proved a galvanizing national experience for Australia and New Zealand, which had not previously fought in a major conflict. As a result, the anniversary of the landings, April 25, is celebrated as ANZAC Day and is both nationsʹ most significant day of military remembrance. Overnight in Canakkale.

Day 4: Canakkale / Troy / Kusadasi [Breakfast, Dinner]

Today first, we drive to the legendary city of Troy and see the ancient city whose history goes back as far as prehistoric times. See the Trojan horse, Hellenic‐Roman ruins imagining the romantic love story of Helen with Paris and the famous Trojan War. This is where we will literally step back in time through history. The stories of King Priam, Hector, Paris, and the beautiful Helen immortalized this city. Archaeological excavations have revealed nine separate periods of settlement and the ruins of the city walls, house foundations, a temple and theater. A symbolic wooden Trojan horse commemorates the legendary war. The Battle of the Granicus River in May 334 BC also took place nearby Troy was the first of three major battles fought between Alexander the Great and the Persian Empire. Fought in northwestern Asia Minor, near the site of Troy, it was here that Alexander defeated the forces of the Persian satraps of Asia Minor, including a large force of Greek mercenaries led by Memnon of Rhodes. The battle took place on the road from Abydos to Dasclium (near the modern day Ergili) at the crossing of the Granicus River (Modern day Biga Cayı). Next heading out to Pergamon to visit the ancient kingdom of Pergamon, one of the finest sites in Turkey, this city was a great cultural center where we will also pay a visit to the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena and the famous library, before viewing the Red Courtyard from a distance and the ruins of Asklepion medical center. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 5: Kusadasi / Ephesus [Breakfast, Dinner]

After breakfast this morning we set off for the ancient city of Ephesus where our walking tour includes The Great Theater, which was built by the Romans between 41 and 117 AD and is still used today; Gymnasium of Veduis, the magnificent Library of Celsius, the Temple of Hadrian, guarded by a head of Medusa, the House of Virgin Mary and the Archeological Museum of Ephesus in Selcuk housing many precious items from the Roman Empire time including the statue of mother Goddess Artemis –Diana. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 6: Kusadasi / Pamukkale [Breakfast, Dinner]

This morning before we leave the area, we visit a Leather production center in Selcuk. Then onto Pamukkale, famous for its chalk-white natural limestone formations. Visit the ruins of ancient city of Hierapolis and see the world famous ‘’Cotton Castle’’ Here mineral-rich hot springs bubble to the surface and cascade down a steep hillside forming the white limestone terraces that give Pamukkale its name, which means “Cotton Castle.” The hot springs have served as a spa for centuries, attracting settlers as early as 190 BC. Beyond the walls of Hierapolis is an extensive necropolis containing more than 1200 tombs from ancient Greek to early Jewish and Christian times. Today there is the opportunity for you to swim in the Cleopatra’s Pool also called the Roman Antique Pool in which you may still see the Roman Ruins sacked at the bottom. We will have a chance to relax and enjoy the blissful thermal pools at our hotel. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 7: Pamukkale / Konya / Cappadocia [Breakfast, Dinner]

After breakfast, we drive to Cappadocia via Konya to see Whirling Dervish Sect. Mevlana Museum houses the philosopher’s tomb and personal belongings. Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi has recently been selected “Mystic of the XIII Century” by Time magazine. It was here that the mystic Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi founded a Sufi Order known in the West as the Whirling Dervishes. Mevlana Museum, named after the famous poet of Middle Ages, known for his mystical poems written in Persian language. This place, Mevlana Celaleddinʹs Mausoleum, was first opened to the public as a museum in 1927. Items and works belonging to Mevlana and the Mevlevi Order, such as Mevlevi musical instrument, specimens of calligraphy, fabrics and carpets, are on display in the museum. Next set out for Cappadocia en route stopping at the magnificent Sultanhani Caravanserai. Caravanserais were fortified inns, built to shelter caravans stopped on their journeys across trade routes entryway, elaborately decorated in the style of the Seljuk Turks. The Seljuk Turks swept across central Anatolia in the XI Century, bringing Islam to Asia Minor, and making Konya their capital city for some 400 years. Continue to Cappadocia and after having several photographic breaks in the area before sunsets. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 8: Cappadocia [Breakfast, Dinner]

This morning following the breakfast we drive to Cappadocian Valley, meaning the “Land of beautiful horses’ an area surrounded by the fantastic landscape of volcanic ashes formed in astonishing shapes all over. Today, begin your explorations of this fantastic wonderland of geological formations. Violent volcanic eruptions three million years ago covered the plateau here with tufa, a soft stone comprised of lava, ash, and mud. The wind and rain have eroded this brittle rock and created a spectacular surrealist landscape of rock cones, capped pinnacles, and fretted ravines. Cappadocia, known now also as Göreme, is one of those rare regions of the world where the works of man blend unobtrusively into the natural surroundings. During Byzantine times, chapels and monasteries were hollowed out of the rock, their ochre- toned frescoes reflecting the hues of the surrounding landscape. We will visit Uchisar, Avcilar Valley, Pasabag and Zelve Valleys where you can explore cave dwellings and a rock mosque complete with a minaret made of volcanic tuff. There We will walk through the unusual rock formations and rock-cut dwellings, hidden vineyards, orchards, and tiny farmlands, which are embroidered into the characteristic tufa rock. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 9: Cappadocia [Breakfast, Dinner]

Today, early in the morning you will be given the opportunity to catch an optional Hot Air Balloon ride experience (not included in the price will be presented as an optional tour that you can buy on the spot) We will begin the dayby visiting the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a monastic complex of rock churches and chapels covered with frescoes, is one of the best-known sites in central Turkey. Most of the chapels date from the X to the XIII Century. Then, pay a visit to the famous Underground City of Kaymakli or Sarhatli and see a Turkish Rug production center. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 10: Departure from Kayseri-ASR Airport [Breakfast]

Transfer to the Kayseri Airport first for a flight back to your final destination in  US.

 PLEASE FAX BOOKING FORM TO 888-514 7070 OR SEND A SCANNED COPY BY E MAIL TO info@flotours.com ALONG WITH YOUR TRAVEL AGENT ID.

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Inclusions:

All transportation in air-conditioned vehicle/ 9 nights hotel accommodation in 5 * hotels/ Daily breakfasts and dinners as indicated in daily itinerary/ Professional English-speaking guide throughout/ Entrance fees to museums/ All local taxes and service charges/ Flo Tours Travel Documentation Kit/ Departure transfer on final day.

 Exclusions:

International flights/ Visa fee/ Arrival transfer on firts day / Travel insurance/ Meals not mentioned in the itinerary Extra drinks with meals/ Tips for your tour guide and driver/ Domestic flight from Kayseri to Istanbul

Hotels:

Istanbul: Radisson Blu Sisli (5*)/  Canakkale: Parion (5*)/ Kusadasi: Korumar (5*)/ Pamukkale: Collasae (4*)/ Cappdocia: Crowne Plaza (5*)

Dates:

March 20 (Arrive in IST-Istanbul Airport) / March 30 (Depart from ASR-Kayseri Airport), 2024

November 8 (Arrive in IST-Istanbul Airport) /November 17 (Depart from ASR-Kayseri Airport), 2024

Pricing: 

• Per Person in Double or Twin Room: $ 1,199
• Single Supplement: $ 399
• Additional companion fee: $ 0

 

Payment:

• Full payment required at the time of booking.
• 4 % merchandise fee apply with credit card payments.
• No merchandise fee is required when paid by company or personal checks.
• Flo Tours mailing address (3575 West Lake Mary Blvd. Suite 108 Lake Mary FL 32746)

 

Recommended Flight Information (By Turkish Airlines):

Departure flight from USA to Turkey-IST (Istanbul) Airport are available from following Gateway Cities: JFK-MIA-HOU-SFO-LAX-SEA-BOS-ORD-ATL-DFW-ERW

Return flight from Turkey ASR (Kayseri) Airport to USA- Make sure your return flight is booked from Kayseri (ASR) Airport back to your final US destination.