BEST OF TURKEY W/ Ibrahim Khan & Family

Over the centuries, many have found themselves drawn to the diverse, beautiful land now known as Turkey. Even today, Turkey ranks among the top travel destinations in the world, thanks to such attractions as the modern and ancient Istanbul,  the wealth of Islamic and Ottoman historic sites and ruins, and the unforgettable landscapes of desert spots like Cappadocia. Add to that the incredible cuisine, the famous bazaars and artisan trades. It’s clear that Turkey travel offers something for everyone.

Safeguarding Your Health on Your Journey is our Priority

Temperature checks will be taken before trips for your safety.

Wearing masks on your journey helps keep everyone safe.

We’re committed to facilitating physical distancing.

All guests and staff are to adhere to sanitizing procedures at all times.

We’re adhering to best practices for cleanliness and disinfection. 

Istanbul 

Once serving as the capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires, Istanbul today is the largest city in Turkey and one of the largest in the world. Istanbul stretches across both sides of the Bosphorus, a narrow strait that connects Asia and Europe, making it the only city in the world spanning two continents. Impressive architecture, historic sites, dining, shopping, nightlife and exotic atmosphere all make Istanbul one of the world’s top tourist destinations.

The Old City is where most of the city’s impressive historic sites are found, which include the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Another important district is New City, known for its modern day attractions, skyscrapers and shopping malls. Beyoglu and Galata are popular zones for nightlife and entertainment, while the Bosphorus area is home to beautiful palaces, waterfront mansions and urban parks.

There is no shortage of exciting things to see and do in Istanbul. A shopping affair not to be missed is the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. Visiting a Turkish bath is also a great way to experience the local culture. The nightlife scene in Istanbul abounds in numerous restaurants, pubs and nightclubs to suit every budget and preference.

Bursa 

Bursa, Turkey’s fourth-largest city, is located in Anatolia at the foot of Mount Uludag, which is shrouded in mystery and legends. Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire from 1326 to 1363.

It is a modern, thriving city with a great many historical sites dating from the Ottomans and before, which you can enjoy without having to cope with the masses of tourists that often make a visitor’s life in Istanbul difficult.

Conveniently located toward the western end of the Silk Road, Bursa is famous for its silk market and gorgeous silk products. Add to this the Green Mosque, the origin of Turkey’s shadow theater, the original Iskender Kebab, and plenty of parks and green spaces which also gave Bursa the name Green Bursa, and you’ll see why this is one of my favorite places in Turkey to visit, and why you should go, too.

Konya

One of the oldest cities in the world and best known for its remarkable Seljuk architecture and Whirling Dervishes, Konya is a large city in Turkey’s Central Anatolia Region. In the 12th and 13th centuries, Konya prospered as a capital city under the rule of the Seljuk Dynasty. Today, attractive buildings from that era can still be admired such as the Alaeddin Mosque, which houses the tombs of several sultans. Another popular example is the Ince Minare Medrese, now a museum displaying artifacts from the Seljuk and Ottoman eras.

Although in ruins, the Seljuk Palace is also worth a visit. A modern day architectural attraction is the Seljuk Tower, one of the tallest skyscrapers in Turkey, featuring a revolving restaurant at the top two floors.

In the 13th century, Konya was the home of the Persian theologian and Sufi mystic, Rumi. His tomb, the Mausoleum of Rumi, with its neighboring Melvana Museum, is a must-see site in Konya. Rumi’s followers founded the Mevlevi Order, which are also known as the Whirling Dervishes due to their famous religious ceremonies in which they spin around and around on the left foot while wearing white, billowing gowns. These ceremonies, also known as Sama, can be observed weekly at the Mevlana Cultural Centre.

Konya also offers beautiful green spaces and parks such as Alaeddin Hill, in the city center, and the Japanese Park with its lovely pagodas, waterfalls and ponds.

Cappadocia

Situated in Central Anatolia of Turkey, Cappadocia is best known for its fairytale landscape of unusual formations resembling chimneys, cones, mushrooms and pinnacles. Natural processes such as ancient volcanic eruptions and erosion have all sculpted these odd formations over the ages, with some of them rising as much as 130 feet (40 meters) high. However, thousands of years ago, mankind added remarkable touches to the landscape by carving out houses, churches and underground cities from the soft rock.

Inhabited as early as 1800 BC, Hittites and other residents chiseled out underground tunnel complexes, seeking safety from invading Persians and Greeks. Much later in the 4th century AD, Christians, fleeing out of religious persecution from Rome, sought refuge in Cappadocia’s tunnels and caves. Today, the region’s natural wonders and historic sites all make it a popular destination.

While much of Cappadocia is located in the province of Nevsehir, some of the main towns in the region are Ürgüp, Göreme, Avanos, Ortahisar and Mustafapasa. Many of these towns offer hotels, restaurants, nightlife options and attractions such as museums, rock castles, fairy chimneys, underground tunnels, old Greek villages, monasteries and handicraft markets. Some of the caves in the region are actually hotels and cater to tourists.

Izmir

İzmir is one of the oldest cities of the Mediterranean world and has been of almost continuous historical importance during the last 5,000 years. Excavations indicate settlement contemporary with that of the first city of Troy, dating from the 3rd millennium BCE. Greek settlement is first clearly attested by the presence of pottery dating from about 1000 BCE. According to the Greek historian Herodotus, the Greek city was founded by Aeolians but soon was seized by Ionians. From modest beginnings, it grew into a stately city in the 7th century, with massive fortifications and blocks of two-storied houses.

Captured by Alyattes of Lydia about 600 BCE, it ceased to exist as a city for about 300 years until it was refounded by either Alexander the Great or his lieutenants in the 4th century BCE at a new site on and around Mount Pagus (modern Kadifekale; 540 feet [165 metres]). It soon emerged as one of the principal cities of Asia Minor (Anatolia) and was later the centre of a civil diocese in the Roman province of Asia, vying with Ephesus and Pergamum for the title “first city of Asia.” Roman emperors visited there, and it was celebrated for its wealth, beauty, library, school of medicine, and rhetorical tradition.

Choose Your Trip

8 Day Trip

June 29 – July 6

LAND PACKAGE DETAILS

 

Arrival to Istanbul: June 29, 2024

Departure from Istanbul: July 6, 2024

Triple $1,650 per person
Double $1,695 per person
Single $2,285 per person

Child rate no bed: $1095 per child ages 2-9 years old, above 9 years old Adult rate. Under 2 years old is FREE

 

All room occupancy must be within family individuals due to Covid-19 guidelines. Single travelers must choose Single room

Inclusions/Exclusions

PRICE INCLUDES:

INCLUSIONS:

  • Accommodations with breakfast provided in 5-star hotels
    3 nights in an Istanbul hotel
    1 night in a Bursa hotel
    1 night in a Konya hotel
    2 nights in a Cappadocia hotel
  • Group transfers between Istanbul Airport and your hotel in Istanbul
  • Guided group tours of Istanbul, Bursa, Konya, and Cappadocia, inclusive of guide services, entrance fees, and transportation
  • Dinners during your stay in Bursa, Konya, and Cappadocia

EXCLUSIONS:

  • International airfare
  • Lunch and dinners not specified in the itinerary
  • Beverages (drinks)
  • Tips
  • Any other items not explicitly mentioned in the trip details

EXCLUSIONS:

Roundtrip International Airfare
Turkish Visa
PCR cost in Istanbul is not included
Lunch
Tips
Optional Tours (Whirling Dervish show, Hot Air Balloon highly recommended)
*In case of any quarantine due to COVID all expenses are not included for any days

Hotels

Istnabul: Legacy Ottoman Hotel | Bursa: Hilton Hotel | Konya: Dedeman Hotel | Cappadocia: Exedra Cave Hotel

Roundtrip International Flight Not Included

Please contact our offices for International ticket options from your local gateway to Istanbul

I’m deeply thankful for all your kindness in assisting and guiding through this journey. May Allah bless you and all your loved ones with the best in this world and the next Ameen JAK.

Navid Khan

Columbus, OH

Thank you Dar El Salam for everything you have been amazing in every way and may Allah bless you and jazakom Allah Khairan .

Reema Alkaik

Los Angeles, CA

For more information please contact us at (866)327-7252:

 

Najma Qureshi Ext. 142 or email: [email protected]