Guided Tours to Turkey

1. SCHEDULED SPRING AND FALL GUIDED TOURS TO TURKEY LED BY PETER DAVIES CALLED "AN INSIDER'S VIEW OF TURKEY":

2. CUSTOMIZED TRAVEL SERVICES:

 

3. SCHEDULED TOURS LED BY PETER DAVIES:

Each spring (Late May/ early June)and fall (late September/ early October), Peter Davies organizes and accompanies a small tour group (no more than 12 persons) visiting five regions of Turkey.

The tour is called "An Insider's View of Turkey" because Peter Davies lived in Turkey for 3 years in the early 1960's and has traveled there regularly for over 40 years and, therefore, has a deep familiarity with the country , its history. and people. ( more about Peter Davies later).

The 2007 Itinerary for Spring & Fall:

An Insider's View of Turkey in Five Acts:

I. Ancient Ionia & Caria (the Ephesus area)
II. Lycian Coast by Gulet (the lower Aegean and eastern Mediterranean by yacht)
III. Ancient Pamphylia (the Mediterranean region)
IV. Cappadocia (central Anatolia)
V. Istanbul ( Once Constantinople)

*******************************************

Act I: Days 1-3:

ANCIENT IONIA & CARIA: (the Aegean coast): We visit Anatolia's greatest Hellenistic city, EPHESUS, the Selcuk museum of antiquites, the acropolis of Selcuk with its remains of Justinian's Basilica of St John, PRIENE, a perfect survival of an early Greek city and the first city to be built on the grid, MILETUS with its impressive Hellenistic theatre, and the magnificent TEMPLE of DIDYMA, the largest temple ever built in Anatolia, once site of an oracle that rivaled that of Delphi.

En route to the Meditarranean to begin ACT II, the cruise of the Lycian coast, we visit one of Turkey's most beautiful sites, the recently discovered APHRODISIAS.

Act I will not only put you in touch with the ancient Graeco-Roman culture of Ionia and Caria and the remains of its Byzantine and Selcuk Turkish periods, but you will also experience the rich culture of today's Turks and their remarkable cuisine.

*************************************************

Included: minibus transportation, hotel, site entries, guide service, and all meals (exclusive of alcoholic drinks) except one lunch and one dinner. Not included: international air fare, $20 Turkish visa, tips for guide & driver or for personal services at hotels or laundry, phone, room service charges.

*************************************************

"Act" II: Days 4-11:

THE BLUE CRUISE: LYCIA: The coastal area between Marmaris and Antalya, known in ancient times as LYCIA, is one of the Mediterranean's lesser known corners, best seen by boarding a "gulet", a Turkish sailing yacht. The Turks call this sailing experience "Mavi Yolculuk" ( the "Blue Cruise")because of the beautiful shades of turquoise of the waters of the lower Aegean and western Mediterranean. During our seven day cruise we  explore one of the most exquisite coastlines in the world. With its unspoiled beaches, extraordinary scenery, picturesque villages, and Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins the mysterious Lycian coast creates the perfect balance of pleasurable relaxation and intellectual stimulation. Each day will be a mix of relaxation on deck, stops for swimming, and visits to shore to visit archaeological sites, unspoiled villages and bustling towns for what the Turks call "gezzing", looking around.

In addition to stopping at Turkish villages and towns-- Dalyan, Kalkan and Kas-- and hidden coves, we drop anchor periodically at the ruined cities and ports of ancient Lycia, a little known Greek civilization, whose golden age was in the centuries just before and after the time of Christ. The possibilities include such archaeological sites as XANTHOS, PATARA, LETOON, CAUNOS, and MYRA, the sunken cities of KEKOVA ROADS and ARYCANDA, to name a few.

The travel writer Freya Stark said of Lycia: "There are not so many places left where magic reigns without interruption and of all those I know, the coast of Lycia was the most magical."

*************************************************

Included: on the yacht, meals (except for one on shore lunch and dinner, and excluding alcoholic beverages), site entries, minivan to sites, guide service. Not included: gratuities to the yacht crew, drivers and guide, alcoholic drinks, one lunch & dinner, gratuities for personal services, laundry & phone charges, etc.

*************************************************

"Act" III: Days 11-13 :

ANCIENT PAMPHYLIA: a major province in Roman times, Pamphylia encompassed the Mediterranean coast of Turkey around present day ANTALYA, where we stay in the picturesque, old walled city, in a hotel complex of restored Ottoman mansions near the ancient harbor. Besides enjoying the Selcuk, Byzantine, and Hellenistic sites and the lovely views and excellent restaurants of this ancient port, we visit its impressive museum of antiquities (containing artefacts from the Lycian & Pamphylian sites) and travel to the ruins of nearby major Pamphylian cities, including ASPENDOS, site of the best preserved Roman theatre in the world, and ancient PERGE, an extensive Hellenistic site. Time permitting we will make a stop at SIDE, the major port of the region in Roman times.
****
Included: transfers, hotel, all meals (except one lunch & one dinner and alcoholic beverages), guide service, site entry fees, minibus.
Not included:, gratuities to driver & guide, laundry, phone, room service, One lunch & one dinner, alcoholic beverages.

******************************************************************************

"Act" IV: Days 14-16:

KONYA & CAPPADOCIA (Dervishes & Troglodytes) We leave Antalya and the Mediterranean behind climbing through the spectacular Taurus mountain range and ascending to the interior Anatolian plateau. Crossing a steppe-like plateau we make a midday stop at KONYA, in Greek times known as ancient Iconium. In the Middle Ages it was the capital of the Selcuk Turkish Sultunate, when the saying was "See all the world but see Konya.". It is known not only for its Selcuk architecture but also as the place where the sufi Mevlani (known to us as the Whirling Dervishes) originated and still are centered.

After visiting the tomb of Mevlana and selected Selcuk monuments we continue on to CAPPADOCIA, a strangely beautiful lunar landscape honeycombed with cave houses, churches, and monasteries that date back to the eleventh century. The huge underground cities, some of which may in part date back to Neolithic times, undoubtedly gave birth to the myth of the troglodytes. Becoming troglodytes ourselves we take up residence in beautifully refurbished cave houses perched high upon an acropolis. And we visit the monastic valley of Goreme with its frescoed cave churches and monasteries carved into the tufa rock. As the honeycombed acropolises of the region attest, much of the population until recent times were cave dwellers..

*************************************************

Included: minibus transportation, hotel, site entries, guide service and meals ( except one lunch & dinner, & exclusive of alcoholic drinks). Not included: one lunch and one dinner, and tips for guides & driver or for personal services at hotels; laundry, phone, room service charges.

*************************************************

Act V: Days 17-21:

ONCE CONSTANTINOPLE NOW ISTANBUL: For five centuries this ancient city served as the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and before that for over a thousand years as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. And even before that it existed as a settlement as far back as the thirteenth century B.C. Consequently it is a city rich in history with its mosques, churches, palaces, covered bazaars, castles, waterside mansions, and its energetic, polyglot population. Throughout its history this great imperial city has been a unique fusion of East and West and still today its spirit is unlike that of any other city. Now the largest city in Europe, it is a vibrant metropolis on a par with Rome, Paris, and London in terms of its wealth of attractions and touristic facilities.

It is a city Peter Davies once lived in and has visited regularly over the past forty some years and, therefore, knows intimately.

The itineraries you can choose from include:

After a short plane flight from Cappadocia we take up residence in the middle of the old imperial quarter. Since our Istanbul hotel will be situated only a stone's throw from Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and major museums, to name a few, mornings will be free for you to explore the immediate neighborhood while in the afternoons excursions will take you to distant attractions or places off the beaten path. To help you plan your evenings you will be supplied with a written guide to Istanbul's outstanding restaurants and night life. Peter Davies will be available each morning to help you plan your mornings and evenings.

*************************************************

Included: hotel, minibus transportation to sites and for airport transfers, guide service, site entries, breakfasts and one complimentary fish dinner at Kum Kapi. Not included: lunches, and dinners (except for Kum Kapi dinner), gratuities to driver, for personal services at hotels, as well as phone, laundry, room service charges..

Day 22:

Fly back to USA

*************************************************

NOTE:

The Five Act version requires a 3 week visit. It is possible to choose only 3 of the 5 Acts, requiring a 2 week visit.

A more detailed daily itinerary of the excursion is available once you have sent in your deposit.

 

The following is a visual version of the itinerary you have just read about suggesting the kinds of scenes, sights, and experiences that make up "An Insider's View of Turkey in 5 Acts.

THE FARE:

Note: we much prefer that you take the entire five act package, but we also know that for some it is not possible to be away for a three week period. Therefore, we have set up the following options:

***Option A: the five "acts": I. Ionia & Caria, II. Lycia (Blue Cruise), III. Pamphylia, IV.Cappadocia, V Istanbul, total cost, $7800

***Option B: "acts" II, III, and IV: $5900

***Option C: "acts" I, II, III, & IV: $6300

***Option D: "acts" II, III, IV, and V: $6860

***Option E: "acts" III, IV, & V: $3860

Note: These costs are based on the most recent trip. The price will be adjusted for this season to take into account seasonal rates, as announced by Turkish hotels, the yacht company, and other service providers, and currency fluctuations.

***All options are exclusive of international air fare
***All prices are per person double occupancy. For single occupancy a supplement of $200 a day for a yacht cabin, and the difference between the costs of double and single occupancy in hotels will be added to the tariff. Note: Since our yacht has only six cabins, single occupancy on the yacht cannot be guaranteed..
***Those who do not fly Turkish Airlines to and from Turkey will pay a surcharge to cover the costs of the domestic round trip flight between Istanbul and Izmir, and Cappadocia and Istanbul(approximately $200).

Note: the Turkish Airlines international ticket includes either a free or discounted domestic leg.

 

4. CUSTOMIZED TRAVEL SERVICES:

An alternative to going on an arranged group tour is working out a customized itinerary for you, your family and friends with someone who is expert on the place you intend to visit. Having lived in Turkey between 1961 and 1964 and having visited at least once a year since I have what would have to be called an insider's knowledge of Turkey.

My interests in Turkey are varied: including the archaeology and monuments of the many stages of Anatolia's history (Hittite, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman).

I am also keenly interested in Turkish contemporary life, a devotee of Turkish cuisine, an expert on Turkish kilims and rugs (see the main Turkana Gallery tribal eye site) , and addicted to beautiful places and scenery. I see travel as a mix of pleasure, intellectual stimulation, and encounters with different cultures.

If you decided to use my services I would first discuss with you what you wish to do, where you wish to go, what your interests are, how long you wish to travel, what level of accommodations you prefer, what your budget is, etc. Once I had a sense of all of this I would present you with a rough-out of an itinerary with choices of accommodations and modes of travel. Then we would together further refine this and create a detailed itinerary. I would then make the travel arrangements and reservations.

I would look for the best rates and arrangements possible in most cases passing on to you costs that are below the standard retail rates. In all cases my recommendations would be based on my first hand experience with what I am recommending. In other words, any hotel or restaurant, for instance, that I would recommend would have been visited by me.

My fee for a standard consulting job of arranging a two week Turkish trip is based on an hourly rate of $75. On the average, a trip requires 15 to 20 hours of planning and arranging.

POSSIBLE CUSTOMIZED ITINERARIES:

1. The Five Act Insider's View of Turkey itinerary described above customized to your specifications.
   
   
2. The Greek Dodacanese Islands & the Turkish Aegean coast by gulet (yacht)
   
   
3. The Black Sea Coast: Ancient Georgia & Armenia
   
   
4. Southeastern Turkey: Upper Mesopotamia

 **************************************

5. CUSTOMIZED YACHT CRUISES

All rooms have en suite bathrooms and are beautifully decorated and furnished,
often in nineteenth century Ottoman style.

I have personally stayed at and inspected all of the hotels we will be staying at.

ABOUT THE YACHT:

The yacht used for Turkana Odyssey trips will be comparable to the ones used in the past few years (as photographed above): a wooden gulet approximately 30 meters long, sail and diesel powered, filling the gap between standard Turkish gulets and luxury mega yachts offering generous space and comfort.

Attractively decorated wood paneled double cabins have portholes and comfortable beds as well as en suite WC's, basins and showers with hot and cold water. (interior photos) The decks are spacious and the saloon features music, games and a small library. The galley is equipped to turn out meals in the Turkish and international styles. Meals can be modified to accommodate most special dietary requirements. The crew (captain, steward, busboy, and cook) have separate quarters.

The cook will introduce you to the best in Turkish cuisine and on request will present hands-on cooking demos. The yachts we use are suited for people who wish to be on the sea rather than insulated from it, for travelers who prefer quality and comfort. Snorkeling gear, windsails, fishing gear, and a kayak can be arranged in advance. Serious fishermen should bring their own gear. The yacht will have 24 hour ship's radio service and a cellular phone.

We have had first hand experience with any yacht we select and are rigorous in our standards.

 

 

ABOUT THE TRAVEL ORGANIZER, PETER DAVIES:

Peter Davies, who will accompany you on all five "acts" of the trip, taught at the American College in Izmir, Turkey, from l961 to 1964, when he developed his interest in Turkey. He has degrees in English Renaissance poetry & theatre (M.A. U. of Illinois), and Theatre History (Ph.D, Yale).

Living in Turkey for a three year period in the 1960's stimulated his interest in all things Graeco-Roman-Hellenistic-Byzantine-Ottoman and Tribal--as well as in contemporary Turkish life. While living in Turkey he traveled extensively and has since returned each year to continue his explorations. He holds a Ph. D. from Yale University in Theatre History.

Mr. Davies is also an expert on Turkish kilims and peasant and nomadic life and has authored numerous articles on these subjects. For further information see the rest of the Turkana Gallery website.

His books, The Tribal Eye (Rizzoli Press), and Antique Kilims of Anatolia (WW Norton Professiona Books) were published in 1993 and 2000 respectively. He has lectured widely at museums and rug societies nationwide and has organized numerous exhibitions, including a major exhibition of kilims at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, Ct., in 1997.

He has taught at The University of Montreal, Tulane University, and Simon's Rock (now a campus of Bard College). He now owns and manages Turkana Gallery of Old and Antique Kilims in New York's financial district and will soon celebrate his thirtieth year in business. He also manages Turkana Farms, a farm devoted to raising heritage breeds of animals in a natural and humane way.

Periodically he has since 1976 created tours for small groups with a special interest in Turkey. In June, 1997, he began his "An Insider's View of Turkey" tours which he has led annually since. Additionally, he has annually customized a number of trips he does not accompany.

ABOUT OUR GUIDES:

Turkana Odyssey uses accredited guides trained in the Turkish government school, who hold advanced university degrees, and are fluent in English. Futher, our guides are instructed not to introduce our clients into shopping situations unless they request it. Additionally, Peter Davies, on trips he accompanies, provides historical overviews, and guides in situations in which he has specialized knowledge, in particular Graeco Roman theatre.

INTERNATIONAL AIR TICKETS

Turkana Odyssey has been able to work with consolidators to arrange New York /Istanbul air tickets at significantly lower prices than standard air fare (and to arrange connections to the New York flight from other points in the USA). If you would like to take advantage of this service please speak to Peter Davies. The recent costs of round trip air fare to Turkey arranged by Turkana Odyssey have lately averaged around $800 coach class(including a domestic air segment in Turkey). Note: a $50 arrangements fee will be added to the discounted air ticket price.

If you wish to arrange your own tickets Turkish Airlines has a daily direct flight from JFK, New York City to Istanbul and now has one of the most modern fleets of airbuses in the world as well as excellent service, and relatively good food. Another advantage to Turkish Airlines is that a free or reduced domestic air ticket is offered for connecting flights in Turkey as part of the cost of the international ticket. Delta also now offers a direct flight from New York to Istanbul; their international ticket does not include the free Turkish domestic legs.

Having tried other carriers, including Delta, we highly recommend Turkish Airlines -- especially since the connecting Turkish domestic legs are included in the international ticket. Note: remember that if you will be flying from the United States you will need to book your ticket to depart the day before the beginning of the tour. And your domestic legs will have to be coordinated with the arrangements of the group.

TURKANA ODYSSEY RESERVATION FORM

PLEASE (CLICK TO) PRINT AND FILL OUT THE FOLLOWING AND ENCLOSE WITH YOUR DEPOSIT CHECK
($1000 A PERSON; $1500 a couple):

Write your name exactly as it appears on your passport

___________________________________________________________________________
Your name, Passport No. Place of Issue

_____________________________________________________________________________
Your name, Passport No. Place of Issue

______________________________________________
Street Address

______________________________________________
City State Zip Code

______________________________________________
Telephone (home) (business)

______________________________________________
Fax number

___________________________________________
E-Mail

Enclosed is my/our check for $_____________ as a deposit for Option A B C D E (circle one)

Please make reservations for me/us in the following category:
___Double occupancy ___Single occupancy
___ Shared double: I desire assistance in finding a roommate. I understand that if one cannot be found I will be charged the single rate.
I/we prefer ___smoking ___nonsmoking
If a double you require ___shared bed ___separate beds.

Air Reservations:
___I would like Turkana Odyssey to book my international air ticket
___I plan to arrange my own international round trip air ticket
___I will not be flying Turkish Air internationally and will pay the surcharge for a domestic air ticket in Turkey.

*To Reserve today please make out your DEPOSIT check to Turkana Odyssey and mail it to 125 Cedar St., Penthouse, N.Y., N.Y, 10006. Once your deposit check has been received you will receive the payment schedule for the balance due and a detailed daily itinerary.

If you choose to have Turkana Odyssey arrange your international air ticket, payment will be due once the ticket has been arranged.

QUESTIONS?

If you have questions Peter Davies can be reached by phone at 212-732-0273 or 518-537-3815; or fax at 212-964-6903; or e-mail at daviesturkana@valstar.net If you would like a personal interview with Peter Davies this can be arranged either in New York City or Germantown, New York.

---

Services:

Scheduled Tours to Turkey

Travel Consulting

Private Yacht Charters

Contact Peter Davies' Turkana Gallery at:

125 Cedar St., Penthouse, New York, NY 10006
Tel. 212-732-0273 or 518-537-3815, fax 212-964-6903

Viewing Appointments can be arranged in Lower Manhattan or the mid Hudson Valley