21 Nisan 2015 Salı

Turkey: Home of TWO CONTINENTS

The Location of Istanbul




Istanbul is a city where two continents (Asia and Europe) meet.  Istanbul is a city of unparalleled ancient and cultural richness that is as fascinating and historical as it is dynamic and modern. Serving as the capital of three mighty empires and set squarely between two continents, Istanbul has cultures and traditions that blend east with west and Mediterranean with Anatolian. 


Istanbul has more than 200 shopping malls, 5 imperial palaces, dozens of summer palaces and mensions, 45 universities, 4 historic bazaars, 70 public and private museums
In past, Istanbul  was also former capital city of the Roman Empire, Byzantium and Ottoman Empire. Istanbul consists of 39 districts which are the mostly connected to each other.  14 of them is located in Anatolian(Asian) side and 25 of them in Europe side of Istanbul. In European side there are more touristic places such as Sultanahmet(Blue Mosque), Eminonu, Besiktas, Taksim and Beyoglu. On the other hand, Kadikoy and Uskudar are the most known districts of Anatolian side.

20 Nisan 2015 Pazartesi

#‎Gallipoli‬ National Park #Gallipoli Tour ‪#‎Anzac‬ day ‪#‎100th‬ anniversary ‪#‎25th‬ of April


Gallipoli National Park is the great significance in the world military history being the soil on which the battles of the Gallipoli Campaign took place, contains Turkish and Allied monuments, cemeteries and museums surrounded by forests.

Daily Gallipolli Tour:You will be picked up from our office at 06:30 am and transferred to bus station for catch 07:30 bus to Eceabat.You will arrive Eceabat apx.12:30 upon your arrival your guide will meet you and take you to the tour of Gallipoli.You will visit; Kabatepe War Museum, Beach Cemetery (John Simpson´s Grave), ANZAC Cove, Ari Burnu (First ANZAC landing place), Lone Pine Cemetery (Australian memorial), Johnston´s Jolly (Walk in the ANZAC trenches),View Shrapnel Valley,Turkish Memorial,The Nek and Walker´s Ridge,Chunuk Bair (Main New Zealand memorial). After the tour you will be transferred to bus station for taking 17:30 bus to Istanbul. Upon your arrival to the bus station in Istanbul. Upon your arrival the service comes to Sultanahmet area.

Tours: All tours are made as regular. There are about 15-20 people mostly from EU countries. There are less people on the tours in Istanbul as operated by our company. The tour guides speak fluent English and licensed by The Ministry of Culture. They are well educated and experianced. The tour vehicles are new and air-conditioned midibuses . The tours include transportation with air-cond. buses, entrance fees, and professional guidance. 

Buses: All intercities buses are very comfortable and air-conditioned provided through major local companies. They are specially designed for overnight journeys with recycling seats. They also have breaks at the roadside restaurants during the journey at about each 4 hrs for refreshment.

If you would like to attend in the Anzac Day Ceremony on 25th of April, please take advise

thelordofistanbultravelplanner@gmail.com
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https://www.facebook.com/lordofistanbultravelplanner

19 Nisan 2015 Pazar

İstanbul Galata Kulesi / Galata Tower HD







Galata Tower
Although it is not completely certain as to when the Galata Tower was built, it is claimed that the it was built during the reign of the Byzantian Emperor, Iustinianos in 507 CE.

It was called the Christea Turris (Tower of Christ) by the Genoese and the Megalos Pyrgos (The Great Tower) by the Byzantines. It took its present shape during the Genoese period. The Tower was heavily damaged during an earthquake in 1509, and it was renewed by the architect, Hayrettin, who was very famous during that period. During the reign of Süleiman the Magnificent (1520-66), it was used as a jail for prisoners who were sentenced to work at the Kasımpaşa Naval Dockyard. The head astrologer, Takıyeddin Efendi, established an observatory on the top of the tower at the end of the 16th century and functioned as an observatory for a particular period of time. Later, it was closed and again turned into a prison by Sultan Murat III (1546-1595).
In 1638, Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi flew as an early aviator using artificial wings from this tower across the Bosphorus to the slopes of Üsküdar on the Anatolian side during the reign of Murad V. Towards the 17th century, it was used  by the Mehter Band, the janissary band of musicians. After 1717, it was used as a fire-observatory tower, butthe tower itself was unfortunately destroyed in a fire in 1794.
After it was repaired, a cumba, a little room made of wood, was added to the tower during the reign of Sultan Selim III (1761-1808). After another fire in 1831, Sultan Mahmut added two more floors to the Tower and covered the top of the tower with a famous cloth in the shape of a conical hat.  An inscription written by Pertev Paşa concerning the tower’s repair works was affixedduring that time. After a strong storm in 1875,  the framework of the roofwas damaged and was late repaired in 1960. Today, the Galata Tower operates solely as a touristic attraction by a private company. The elevator only goes to the 7th floor, and the last two floors of the tower must be climbed by stairs.
After passing though the restaurant on the top floor, there is a balcony that encircles the tower. The restaurant’s view showcases a scene of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.
Dimensions
The height of the tower is 66.90 meters (62.59 meters non-including the ornament on top), the outer diameter is 16.45 meters, the inner diameter is 8.95 meters, and the thickness of the wall is 3.75 meters.
Translated by Mr. Irfan KOKSAL 
For more inquiries or information please send us an e-mail and would be glad to answer you as soon as possible
Looking forward to hearing from you
Oguzhan APAK
The Lord of Istanbul Travel Planner
thelordofistanbultravelplanner@gmail.com
Mobile:0090 533 641 32 42

Yeni Akbıyık Cad No:30 Sultanahmet/Istanbul

17 Nisan 2015 Cuma

Night Shows with The Lord of Istanbul Travel Planner





Dinner Cruise on Bosphorus








** Please note that there will be an extra charge for pick up service from other locations which will be informed you separetely when we get your hotel details. The extra pick up service cost payable to the driver in cash change please.

PROGRAM
-D.J music
-Uskudara Gideriken (A traditional Turkish melody musical performance)
-Asuk Masuk (Asuk Masuk is an imitation play of dwarfs which belongs to the Taseli district of Silifke and is performed by 2 male dancers).
-Belly Dancer
-Anatolian Folk Dance (mixed show different part of Turkey)
-Turkish Floklor
-Turkish Romany Dance

MEAL
-Hors d´oeuvres dishes
-Break hot foods (cigarette pastry and sausage)
-Fresh seasonal salad
-Grilled Fish or Chicken Steak Baklava
-Unlimited local drinks ( include a selection of local wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks. Imported drinks are available for an extra charge)
-Turkish coffee

Price : 60 euro per person for cash payments






Book it now

thelordofistanbultravelplanner@gmail.com
http://lordofistanbultravelplanner.blogspot.com.tr






Tour Name : Turkish Night & Belly Dance Show
Duration : Dinner & Show
Itinary : Pick up from your hotel (**only Old City and Taksim area with free pick up service)  about 19:30 for a lovely evening. Drive to old part of the Istanbul and you have a dinner at a first class restaurant. We provide two type of menus as fix menu or deluxe menu. Watching spectacular, Floorshow of famous Belly Dancers, typical Anatolian Folklore Groups featuring popular musical enstruments and Turkish Singer. Been in an Oriental atmosphere, enjoy the "Kanun", a typical musical instrument; discover the delights of a typical "Fasil" orchestra; then a programme extravaganza to experience the flavour of words and customsof our folklore and belly dancing. Have Turkish Coffee in a Turkish home furnished with lacework all around. And as a finale, enjoy a nostalgic journey into the very heart of entertainment. A unique environment, good taste and first class service - just for you. End of the entertainment at about midnight, transfer to your hotel.

** Please note that there will be an extra charge for pick up service from other locations which will be informed you separetely when we get your hotel details. The extra pick up service cost payable to the driver in cash change please.

FIX MEAL MENU - 50 euro
Starters : Seasonal stuffed vine leaves, Haydari (yoghurt,garlic and mint), Ac�l� Ezme (tomato dip with pepper and onions), Tabule (wheat, tomato, garlic, parsley, fresh onion and mint, lemon, olive oil), Çerkez Tavu�u (chicken with walnuts), Turkish white cheese, Pilaki (white beans in olive oil), tomato and cucumber
Hot Appetizers : Specialities of the day
Salads : Mediterranean Salad
Main Courses : 


Desserts : Turkish Cream Pudding with top of fruits
Drinks : 35 cl Wine or 2 glasses of Local Alcohol or 2 Soft Drinks

DELUXE MEAL MENU - 70 euro
Soup of the Day and Cold Starters : Turkish Mezes Plate or Cold Meat Plate or Cheese Plate or Shrimps Coctail
Hot Appetizers : Specialities of the day
Salads : Mediterranean Salad or Sultanas Salad
Main Courses : 
Lamp Shish Kebab (Tomatoes, green pepper, rice and mashed potatoes) or
Chef’s Kofte (Exquisite meatballs,spiced and grilled,rice and mashed potatoes) or
Grilled Beef Steak (Mushroom sauce, mashed potatoes,rice) or
Grilled Chicken Breast (Rice, grilled vegetable, mashed potatoes) or
Chicken saute with curry sauce (Rice and mashed potatoes) or
Chicken Saute (Marinated diced sauteed chickenwith vegetable,rice and mashed potatoes) or
Mixed Grill (Lamb chops, chicken, meatballs with rice and mashed potatoes) or
Chopped beef on wok (Tomato, green pepper, onion and thyme) or
Shrimp Casserole (With peppers and cheese) or
Fish of the season (Grilled or fried)
Desserts : Turkish Pudding topped with fruits or Fruit Plate or Sultanas Viagra: Helva with peanut,apricot and orange Served with tea or coffee
Drinks : UNLIMITED TURKISH ALCOHOL or SOFT DRINKS
PROGRAM
Turkish Classical Dinner Music, Turkish Folklor Folklor, Traditional Costum Show, Belly Dancer

Fix Menu Price : 50 euro per person for cash payments
Deluxe Menu Price : 70 euro per person for cash payments

Book it know..
thelordofistanbultravelplanner@gmail.com
http://lordofistanbultravelplanner.blogspot.com.tr


White Rose




This show is performed by Hamam Dance Troupe which consists of 25 experienced dancers and musicians.Culture Center is a part of 550-year old Turkish Bath called Hocapasa Bath which is today used as a market. Dances from different regions of Anatolia are performed as well as group and solo oriental dances with modern choreography in the collages, with specially designed costumes and accompanied by live music. In addition, an exhibition in the foyer area which describes The History of Dance Culture in Turkey starting from 10.000 years back to today with graphics , pictures and video support can be seen.

White Rose : 

White Rose is a theatrical dance show that sensationally combines oriental dance, harem dance and modern dance in a unique setting exposing the daily harem life of Ottoman Palace.  The theme is based on an extraordinary true love story of an Ottoman slave woman from harem and a Dutch ambassador during tulip period in 18th century with awesome costumes and male belly dancers.  360 degree video projection effects are also used during the show. The play is performed by 25 dancers.  

The show starts at 21:00.  The length of the show is 1 hour and 45 minutes including 15 minutes intermission. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the show.  

The show is offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays every other week, alternating with Rhythm of the Dance show. 

The show is performed at the Hodja Pasha Dance Theater, a restored 550 years old Turkish bath known as HodjaPasha Hamam.  

Price:  Adult 25 € Children (under 12) 15 € for cash payments



Important Note : Please note that all reservations are subject to availability of the tour eventhough payment is done online. In such a case, we will inform you accordingly and refund you the whole payment on the first week day.

Performance is in two parts and takes 1 hour total. As regularly every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Book it now

thelordofistanbultravelplanner@gmail.com
http://lordofistanbultravelplanner.blogspot.com.tr
https://twitter.com/lordofistanbult

TURKISH DELIGHT

Turkish Delight

An old Turkish aphorism tells one to "eat sweetly and speak sweetly". Sweets have always been an important component of Turkish cuisine. The origin of Lokum -Turkish Delight- dates back to the time of the Ottoman Empire.

Before the 18th century, honey and grape molasses were the only sweetening agents available to Turkish confectioners. With the introduction of sugar in the late 18th century, Turkey awakened to a new era of sweet making. Sugar brought with it the beginning of endless creative possibilities to Turkish confectioners. It was during this time that Turkish delight, one of the oldest known confections in the world, was created in the great kitchens of the Ottoman court.

A whimsical tale tells of the creation of turkish delight: In an attempt to appease his many wives, a famous Sultan ordered his confectioner to create a unique sweet. Eager to please his Sultan, the confectioner blended a concoction of sugar syrup, various flavourings, nuts and dried fruits then bound them together with mastic (gum Arabic). After several attempts, a most delectable sweet emerged from the royal kitchens. The Sultan was so delighted with these delicious little gems that he proclaimed the sweet maker the court's chief confectioner! And this is the story of how Turkish delight was created. Hereafter, a plate of Turkish delight was served at daily feasts in the Ottoman court.

For more information please contact us

16 Nisan 2015 Perşembe

Istanbul Package Tours with Lord of Istanbul Travel Planner

Istanbul Package Tours with Lord of Istanbul Travel Planner


1ng & 2 days Istanbul Package



The price of the program is 135 Eur per person, including:
-       1 night’s BB accommodation in double/twin room at 3* or equivalent hotel in Sultanahmet area
-       2 half-day regular group tours w/ professional guidance in English
-       Breakfast at hotel
-       Airport transfers
-       Entrance fees to the sites visited

The price excludes dinner, personal expenses and tips (optional).


Notes:
-       For single travelers, there will be an extra 50% single supplement surcharge.
-       The prices are not valid for New Year’s Period, Easter Period, Anzac Period and Eid Holiday Periods
-       Hotel upgrade options at 4*, 5* or equivalent quality accommodations are available upon request


The cost of the transfer from Ataturk Airport to Sultanahmet  is 25 Euro 
for one way for 1-4 people; 30 euro for 5-6 people; 40 euro for 7-13 people 
whereas from Sabha Gokcen Airport to Sultanahmet is 55 euro for 1-4 people; 
60 euro for 5-6 people;70 euro for 7-13 people

For more information do not hesitate to keep in touch



2ng & 3 days Istanbul Package


Day 2: Istanbul Old City Tour: You will be picked up from your hotel at around 08:00-08:30
for the Full-Day 
Walking tour. You will visit: Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern (Underground Water Palace) 
and Roman Hippodrome. You may also visit the Harem in the palace which is optional for 
15 TL per person extra. Lunch break. The afternoon part starts at around 13:00. 
You will see: St. Sophia Museum, Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque), Million Stone, 
omb of Sultan Mahmud and ancient Ottoman cemetery and Cemberlitas (Burnt Column). 
The tour ends at around 16:30 with free time in Grand Bazaar. 
You will be advised by your guide for getting back to your hotel on your own. 
Accommodation in Istanbul.

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise & Departure from Istanbul: You will be picked up from 
your hotel at around 08.00-08:30 from your hotel. You will first visit Rustem Pasa Mosque, 
special with Ottoman tiles and then walk through the Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market) 
built in 1664 and filled with the fragrance of the exotic East such as spices, dried fruits, 
Turkish delights. The Bosphorus cruise by public TurYol boat takes about 1.5 hour 
and you will see the most impressive sights along the shores of the Bosphorus including 
Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Maiden´s Tower, Bosphorus bridges, 
Rumeli and Anadolu fortresses and Ottoman Residences. Return to the hotel at around 
12:00. Then you will be picked up from your hotel depending on your flight time a
nd you will be transferred directly to Ataturk Airport.

The price of the program is 215 Eur per person, including:
-       2 night’s BB accommodation in double/twin room at 3* or equivalent hotel in 
Sultanahmet area
-       1 full-day regular group tour w/ professional guidance in English
-       1 half-day regular group tour w/ professional guidance in English
-       Breakfast at hotel
-       Lunch during the tour (except drinks)
-       Airport transfers
-       Entrance fees to the sites visited

The price excludes dinner, personal expenses and tips (optional).



Notes:
-       For single travelers, there will be an extra 50% single supplement surcharge.
-       The prices are not valid for
New Year’s Period, Easter Period, Anzac Period and Eid Holiday Periods
-       Hotel upgrade options at 4*, 5* or equivalent quality accommodations are available 
upon request
  
The cost of the transfer from Ataturk Airport to Sultanahmet  is 25 Euro for one way for 
1-4 people; 
30 euro for 5-6 people; 40 euro for 7-13 people whereas from Sabha Gokcen Airport to 
Sultanahmet is 55 euro for 1-4 people; 60 euro for 5-6 people;70 euro for 7-13 people




3ng & 4 days Istanbul Package



Day 3: Suleymaniye Mosque, Chora Church Tour & Bosphorus Cruise: You will be picked up from your 
 hotel at around 08:00-08:30 for Suleymaniye Mosque, Chora Church Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. 
The first stop is Suleymaniye Mosque, constructed by Architect Sinan by the order of Sultan Suleiman 
The Magnificent.  This is the largest mosque complex of the city used as the Imperial Mosque and offer a 
gorgeous view over the Golden Horn. After the mosque, we will stop by Pierre Loti Hill named after 
the French Poet who gave the spot his name. There you will find a beautiful scenery of the city and 
peaceful location for taking a Turkish Tea. The next visit is to one of the oldest and most important churches 
in the city - The Church of Chora - representing fascinating wall paintings which tell the life of Christ in an 
historical order. Even though the building itself being small, the meaning was great for Byzantines 
as being founded at the borders of the city and welcoming the visitors. Today the environment is restored 
and this is a good place to spend time with local artisans and wooden houses. After lunch break, you will first 
Rustem Pasa Mosque, special with Ottoman tiles and then walk through the Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market)
 built in 1664 and filled with the fragrance of the exotic East such as spices, dried fruits, Turkish delights. 
The Bosphorus cruise by TurYol boat takes about 1.5 hour and you will see the most impressive sights 
along the shores of the Bosphorus including Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Maiden´s Tower, 
Bosphorus bridges, Rumeli and Anadolu fortresses and Ottoman Residences. Drop off at your hotel after the tour.
 Accommodation in Istanbul.

Day 4: Departure from Istanbul:You will be picked up from your hotel depending on your flight time 
and you will be transferred directly to Ataturk Airport.

The price of the program is 295 Eur per person, including:
-       3 night’s BB accommodation in double/twin room at 3* or equivalent hotel in Sultanahmet area
-       2 full-day regular group tours w/ professional guidance in English
-       Breakfast at hotel
-       Lunch during the tours (except drinks)
-       Airport transfers
-       Entrance fees to the sites visited

The price excludes dinner, personal expenses and tips (optional).

Notes:
-       For single travelers, there will be an extra 50% single supplement surcharge.
-       The prices are not valid for 
New Year’s Period, Easter Period, Anzac Period and Eid Holiday Periods
-       Hotel upgrade options at 5* or equivalent quality accommodations are available upon request

The cost of the transfer from Ataturk Airport to Sultanahmet  is 25 Euro for one way 
for 1-4 people; 30 euro for 5-6 people; 40 euro for 7-13 people 
whereas from Sabha Gokcen Airport to Sultanahmet is 55 euro for 1-4 people; 
60 euro for 5-6 people;70 euro for 7-13 people

For more information do not hesitate to keep in touch


  4Ng & 5 days Istanbul Package

Day 1: Arrival to Istanbul:You will be greeted at the airport by one of our colleagues, he/she will accompany you to our vehicle and you will be transferred to your hotel directly. Free day in Istanbul. Accommodation in Istanbul.

Day 2: Istanbul Old City Tour:You will be picked up from your hotel at around 08:00-08:30 for the Full-Day Walking tour. You will visit: Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern (Underground Water Palace) and Roman Hippodrome. You may also visit the Harem in the palace which is optional for 15 TL per person extra. Lunch break. The afternoon part starts at around 13:00. You will see: St. Sophia Museum, Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque), Million Stone, Tomb of Sultan Mahmud and ancient Ottoman cemetery and Cemberlitas (Burnt Column). The tour ends at around 16:30 with free time in Grand Bazaar. You will be advised by your guide for getting back to your hotel on your own. Accommodation in Istanbul.

Day 3: Suleymaniye Mosque, Chora Church Tour & Bosphorus Cruise: You will be picked up from your hotel at around 08:00-08:30 for Suleymaniye Mosque, Chora Church Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. The first stop is Suleymaniye Mosque, constructed by Architect Sinan by the order of Sultan Suleiman The Magnificent.  This is the largest mosque complex of the city used as the Imperial Mosque and offer a gorgeous view over the Golden Horn. After the mosque, we will stop by Pierre Loti Hill named after the French Poet who gave the spot his name. There you will find a beautiful scenery of the city and peaceful location for taking a Turkish Tea. The next visit is to one of the oldest and most important churches in the city - The Church of Chora - representing fascinating wall paintings which tell the life of Christ in an historical order. Even though the building itself being small, the meaning was great for Byzantines as being founded at the borders of the city and welcoming the visitors. Today the environment is restored and this is a good place to spend time with local artisans and wooden houses. After lunch break, you will first Rustem Pasa Mosque, special with Ottoman tiles and then walk through the Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market) built in 1664 and filled with the fragrance of the exotic East such as spices, dried fruits, Turkish delights. The Bosphorus cruise by TurYol boat takes about 1.5 hour and you will see the most impressive sights along the shores of the Bosphorus including Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Maiden´s Tower, Bosphorus bridges, Rumeli and Anadolu fortresses and Ottoman Residences. Drop off at your hotel after the tour.

Day 4: Dolmabahce Palace & Yildiz Royal Gardens Tour: You will be picked up from your hotel at around 08:00-08:30 for Dolmabahce Palace & Yildiz Royal Garden Tour. We firstly visit Dolmabahce Palace, recent residence for Ottoman Sultans. Famous with great collection of European antiquity, furniture and 4.5 tons chandelier, the palace has 285 rooms of 46 halls. After palace the next stop is Yildiz Royal Garden. We take a walk in the imperial gardens ornamented with some kiosks and beautiful vegetation in the middle of Istanbul. The tour ends at around 12:00, then you will be dropped off at your hotel. Free afternoon. Accommodation in Istanbul.

Day 5: Departure from Istanbul:You will be picked up from your hotel depending on your flight time and you will be transferred directly to Ataturk Airport.

The price of the program is 380 Eur per person, including:
-       4 night’s BB accommodation in double/twin room at 3* or equivalent hotel in Sultanahmet area
-       2 full-day regular group tours w/ professional guidance in English
-       1 half-day regular group tour w/ professional guidance in English
-       Breakfast at hotel
-       Lunch during full-day tours (except drinks)
-       Airport transfers
-       Entrance fees to the sites visited

The price excludes dinner, personal expenses and tips (optional).


Notes:
-       For single travelers, there will be an extra 50% single supplement surcharge.
-       The prices are not valid for 
New Year’s Period, Easter Period, Anzac Period and Eid Holiday Periods
-       Hotel upgrade options at 4*, 5* or equivalent quality accommodations are available upon request

The cost of the transfer from Ataturk Airport to Sultanahmet  is 25 Euro for one way 
for 1-4 people; 30 euro for 5-6 people; 40 euro for 
7-13 people whereas from Sabha Gokcen Airport to Sultanahmet is 
55 euro for 1-4 people; 60 euro for 5-6 people;70 euro for 7-13 people
For more information do not hesitate to keep in touch