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The Chris Robinson
Travel Show
Saturday June 04, 2011
10:00 am – 11:00 am EST
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Weekly Prize: Expires June 04, 2011
Click the yellow Enter Contest box to send your Newstalk 1010 email question to Chris on Turkey and for a chance to win a Transat Holidays seven night Turkey Express Coach Tour package for two, including return airfare Toronto to Istanbul, seven nights’ accommodation in four star hotels, most meals and sightseeing tours.
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Enter
Contest |
Turkey - astride Asia and Europe
This week we explore a country that sits astride Asia and Europe, a land of astonishing landscapes, architectural monuments of staggering beauty and a culture that emanates from two continents.
Experience the magnificence of Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque; see the Fairy Chimneys and Underground City in fabled Cappadocia; wander the ancient streets of Ephesus; marvel at Nature’s unique crystal balconies at Pamukkale; and lose yourself in the magic and mystery of this ancient land.
Turkey is Transat Holidays’ latest destination and they offer a wonderful window into this fascinating and beautiful country. Fly direct from Toronto to Istanbul this summer on Air Transat and then choose from a selection of tours, city breaks and Mediterranean beach vacations at prices that start from under $1000.
Tune in Saturday to win a Transat Holidays seven night Turkey Express Coach Tour package for two, including return airfare Toronto to Istanbul, seven nights’ accommodation in four star hotels, most meals and sightseeing tours.
For your chance to win, phone into the show at 416-872-1010, 1-877-518-5151 or *TALK on your cell, or send your question any time this week by entering the contest here online by clicking on the Yellow "Enter Contest" button.
Here is the itinerary our lucky winner will experience – the perfect introduction to the wonders of Turkey.
Transat Holidays Turkey Express Coach Tour (9 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS)
3 nights Istanbul • 1 night Ankara • 2 nights Cappadocia • 1 night Pamukkale
DAY 1: Departure to Istanbul
Overnight flight to Istanbul.
DAY 2: Arrive Istanbul (2 nights)
You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Istanbul.
DAY 3: Istanbul
Breakfast at the hotel, then begin sightseeing tour of the city: Byzantine Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque with its thousands of blue tiles, Saint Sophia Basilica, which marked the apogee of Justinian’s empire. Lunch. In the afternoon, visit Topkapi Palace, former residence of the Sultans, and see its splendid porcelain collection, the Baghdad Kiosk, reliquaries and famous treasure. Later, enjoy time at leisure in the Grand Bazaar. Return to the hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 4: Istanbul / Ankara (450 km)
In the morning, visit the treasures of the Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans from the end of the 15th century to the first half of the 19th century. After lunch, depart for Ankara, anciently known as Angora, and chosen by Mustapha Kemal Ataturk as the centre of national resistance. It has been the Turkish capital since 1923. Dinner and overnight at hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 5: Ankara / Cappadocia (320 km)
After breakfast, visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilization filled with fascinating artifacts, including a unique Hittite collection. Then visit Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey. After lunch, continue to Cappadocia. Dinner and overnight at hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 6: Cappadocia (50 km)
Spend the day discovering this unique region and its lunar landscapes. Visit the rock-cut churches of the Gorem Valley, decorated with superb frescoes: Santa Barbara Church, the Church of the Serpent, Church of the Sandal, Church of the Apple. Also visit the valleys of Uchisar and Avcilar, and the Valley of the Camels, then visit the underground city of Saratli. See the troglodyte villages and fairy chimneys all around. Lunch en route. Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 7: Cappadocia / Konya / Pamukkale (630 km)
After breakfast, visit the necropolis of Hierapolis, and then Konya, sacred city of the Whirling Dervishes. Visit the Monastery/Museum of Mevlana. Lunch en route and departure for Pamukkale. Overnight in Pamukkale. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 8: Pamukkale / Ephesus / Izmir / Istanbul (280 km)
After breakfast, visit the “Cotton Castle” with its astonishing limestone deposits. Departure for the ancient city of Ephesus. See: the Agora, the Odeon, Trajan’s Fountain, the Temple of Hadrian, the Library of Celsius, the amphitheatre. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, declared a reliquary by the Roman Catholic Church in 1896. Lunch en route. Head to Izmir. Flight to Istanbul. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 9: Istanbul / End of tour
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight. (Breakfast)