November 5-17, 2013

1. The Best of Turkey November 5-17, 2013 Presented by Janet Blair, President, Successfully Single, Inc. & World Traveler

2. The Value of Buying Direct Dolphin Bottle OpenerSharper Image:$13.95International Silver:$5.95Lucky Silver (Direct):$1.95 __________________________________________________________________ 12 Day Russian River CruiseViking River Cruises:$6200Gate 1 Travel:$2099Vodohod Best Russian Cruises (Direct):$1499 __________________________________________________________________ 13 Day Turkey VacationCollette Vacations:$2299Globus:$1799Gate 1 Travel:$899

3. 10 Reasons why to choose Turkey for your next vacation: A Turkey vacation maybe the perfect choice for you because it is a travel heaven and a tourist hotspot. Turkey is one of the top ten destinations in the world, according to number of visitors and revenues. If you are still wondering why to go to Turkey, here are some of the top 10 reasons why a Turkey vacation is the ideal getaway:1. History: Turkey is extraordinarily rich in history. Two of the Seven Wonders of the World were once located in Turkey, and although these wonders have been destroyed, it still hosts the most archaeological sites in the world. Anatolia is the birthplace of many civilizations, empires, historic figures and legends. One of the oldest known human inhabited areas is in Çatalhöyük, Konya dating back to 6500 BC. Ephesus (Temple of Artemis), City of Troy, Cappadocia and the cave church of St.Peter are among some of the countless important historic sites to visit.2.A unique combination of old and new: To contrast with the old, Turkey is considered a modern, thriving country. Istanbul is one of the most exciting cities in the world, with restaurants, museums, galleries and clubs that can rival any other major city. It has so much to offer a visitor who is interested in enjoying city life and it has a vibrant culture that is unlike that anywhere else in the world. 3. Accommodations: Turkey has the most amazing luxury and boutique hotels in the world, especially in Antalya region. The lavishness and the extravaganza in these hotels are probably unmatched since most of them cater to Russian oligarchs and tourists. You can find the most beautiful hotels at very affordable rates due to intense competition among travel agencies.4.Natural Beauty: The landscapes in Turkey are incredibly beautiful and varied. There are the hot volcanic springs at Pammukkale, the unique rock towers of Cappadocia, the beautiful sandy beaches along the Aegean coast, and the mountainous inland regions where it is possible to ski during the winter months.

4. 5. Shopping: Turkish carpets, rugs, and tapestries as well as hand painted ceramics are among the tourist favorites and shopping is a favorite activity to partake in. There are more artistic features and special creativity in Turkish carpets than any other carpet in the world. 6. Culture: Turkey’s population is a diverse mixture of many different ethnic origins and that shows when you visit different regions of the country. Each region has different traditions, their own arts, music and folklore, and even their eating habits are totally unique to the region. Even though they all pride themselves in being Turks, this multicultural environment adds great richness to the country.7. Cuisine: Turkish cuisine is among the best in the world. It is a fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. There are so many culinary delights like the Turkish tea, Turkish coffee and the famous Turkish delight. You can find these almost anywhere in Turkey, while the most delicious kebabs are in southeastern region. The most famous Turkish alcoholic drink is called “Raki” (anise flavoured national drink). Fish also holds a very important place in Turkish cuisine and an abundance of seafood restaurants and taverns can be found near the bay areas.8. Turkish Bath – Hamam – Spa Experience: This is definitely a must if you are intending to visit Turkey. Turkish Bath or hamam as it is called here, will help you relax and unwind and get rid of all your nervous energies. A Turkish Spa is also a favorite among tourists nowadays since it combines traditional hamam experience with more Far Eastern touches like using aromatic oils and massages.9. Nature and Water Sports: If you are into nature sports you are in the right place. Hiking, trekking, mountain biking, river rafting, scuba diving, windsurfing, wave surfing, kite surfing, paragliding, parasailing, skiing, jet-skiing are among the many nature sports that you can truly enjoy in Turkey. The golfing industry has grown very fast over the last few years and Turkey established itself as one of the leading golf destinations in Europe. The golf courses especially in Antalya are spectacular.10. Inexpensive: Turkey’s national currency is Turkish Lira. In terms of buying power, compared to the Euro or USD, it is weaker. This presents an advantage to travelers who convert their Euros or Dollars to TL and make purchases with their TL. As of 8/23/13 1 USD=1.99 TL.

5. Geography of Turkey Turkey is at the northeast end of the Mediterranean Sea in southeast Europe and southwest Asia. To the north is the Black Sea and to the west is the Aegean Sea. Its neighbors are Greece and Bulgaria to the west, Russia, Ukraine, and Romania to the north and northwest (through the Black Sea), Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east, and Syria and Iraq to the south. The Dardanelles, the Sea of Marmara, and the Bosporus divide the country. Turkey in Europe comprises an area about equal to the state of Massachusetts. Turkey in Asia is about the size of Texas. Its center is a treeless plateau rimmed by mountains.

6. DAY 1, Tuesday, November 5 - Depart the USADepart the USA to Istanbul,Turkey. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey Tuesday, November 5, 2013Depart DL 252 at 4:15 pm on 11/5/13 from DETROIT WAYNE COUNTY AIRPORT. Arrive AMSTERDAM SCHIPHOL AIRPORT at 5:55 am 11/6/13Depart DL 9622 at 11:25 am on 11/6/13 from AMSTERDAM Arrive ISTANBUL ATATURK AIRPORT at 3:50 pm on 11/6/13 TOTAL CHARGES: $956.90 including taxes, fees and fuel surcharges as of 8/17/13

7. DAY 2, Wednesday, November 6, 2013Arrive in Istanbul late afternoon and transfer to your hotel. This evening, enjoy dinner and orientation with your tour guide.Overnight: IstanbulMeals: Dinner

8. DAY 3, Thursday, November 7, 2013Enjoy a half day morning tour of Istanbul. Your tour includes a visit to the Blue Mosque, a 17th century Ottoman Mosque famous with its six minarets and magnificent interior with blue tiles. Continue to the Hippodrome, the place chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period. The immaculately preserved pink granite Obelisk of Theodosius in the centre was carved in Egypt during the reign of Thutmose III. Theodosius the Great had it brought from Egypt to Constantinople in 390 AD 390. You will also visit St. Sophia – the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century. From the date of its construction in 537 until 1453, it served as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral, the largest cathedral in the world. In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks under Sultan Mehmed II, who ordered this church be converted into a mosque and it remained as such until 1931. In 1935 it was converted to a museum. Spend the remainder of the day on an optional tour or at leisure.

9. The population of Turkey is approx. 67.8 million of which about 99 percent is Muslim. As of March 2013, there were 82,693 mosques in Turkey. Istanbul is the province with the highest number of mosques, 3113, with the most famous one being Sultanahmet Camii also known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of the interior design. The Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616, during the rule of Ahmed I. Just like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the founder, a madrasa and a hospice. It is still used as a mosque and has become a popular tourist attraction in Istanbul.Being an active mosque, it's closed to non-worshippers for a half hour or so during the five daily prayers. Before you step into the mosque, take off your shoes and put them in plastic bags provided at the entrance (free of charge). This is required of all persons as part of Muslim tradition when entering a mosque. There is also no charge to enter the Blue Mosque.Women are expect to wear a head covering when entering to Blue Mosque. Head coverings are available at the entrance for free. When you are inside the mosque, remain quiet and don't use flash photography. Avoid taking pictures of those praying.

10. ISLAM PRAYER TIMES Muslims pray five times a day according to the basic tenets of Islam. The timings of these prayers are spaced fairly  throughout the day, so that one is constantly reminded of Allah and gives opportunities to seek His guidance and forgiveness.The exact time of the ezan changes each day due to rotation of the earth, revolution around the sun, various latitudes of the earth's locations and daylight savings time. Therefore Islamic prayer times were not set based on clock but  traditionally set according to the movement of the sun. These timings are advised by The Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey.Here below is the names of the calls to prayers in Turkish and time of day: 1) Fajr            - Before sunrise 2) Thurh         - Just after noon3) Asr           - Mid afternoon4) Maghrib    - Sunset5) Isha           - At night

11. DAY 3, Thursday, November 7, 2013Optional: Half Day Istanbul with Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar (PM)The Topkapı Palace is a large palace in Istanbul, that was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years (1465-1856) of their 624-year reign.At its peak, the palace was home to as many as 4,000 people, and covered a large area with a long shoreline. In 1924 the palace was transformed into a museum which is now a major tourist attraction. It’s hundreds of rooms and chambers contain important holy relics of the Muslim world, including Muhammed's cloak and sword, large collections of porcelain, robes, weapons, shields, armor, Ottoman treasures and jewelry. The Topkapı Palace became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and it ranked one of the 10 most beautiful palaces in the world. From the walls of the Topkapi Palace you can see the continents of both Asia and Europe.

12. DAY 3, Thursday, November 7, 2013Optional: Half Day Istanbul with Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar (continued)The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 3,000 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.The construction of the Grand Bazaar started during the winter of 1455, shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Sultan Mehmet II erected this building for the trading of textiles. Today the Grand Bazaar is a thriving complex, employing 26,000 people, and one of the major landmarks of Istanbul. It must fight the competition of the giant malls built everywhere in Istanbul, but its beauty and fascination represent a formidable advantage for it. In 2011, the year of its 550th birthday – it was the |most visited monument in the world. The Grand Bazaar is open daily except Sundays and bank holidays from 9:00 am until 7:00 pm.

13. DAY 4, Friday, November 8, 2013Sightseeing in Troy, Drive to CanakkaleThis morning, cross the Dardanelles by ferry and drive to Canakkale located in northwest Turkey. Upon arrival in Canakkale, proceed to the classical city of Troy. Tour this 4000-year-old city and legendary center of the Trojan War, made immortal by Homer's epic poem The Iliad. Continue to the Canakkale province, located in northwest Turkey, where you will arrive in the early evening. Çanakkale Province, like Istanbul Province, has territory in both Europe and Asia. Ferries cross here to the northern (European) side of the strait. The "wooden horse" from the 2004 movie Troy is exhibited on the seafront. Çanakkale is the second city to be situated on two continents after Istanbul. Overnight: CanakkaleMeals: Breakfast, Dinner

14. DAY 5, Saturday, November 9, 2013 Visit the Asclepion, Drive to KusadasiDrive to Pergamum, a powerful kingdom during the ancient Hellenistic period, and visit the Asclepion, the ancient Roman spa center. The Asclepion of Pergamum was the world's most famous ancient medical center. It became famous under Galen (131-210 AD), a local physician who pursued his medical studies in Greece and Alexandria, Egypt before settling here as doctor to Pergamum's gladiators. From the entrance you walk along a monumental marble street bordered by columns. This was once an active market street, with shops lining both sides of the street. Coming into the main precinct of the Asclepion, notice the large marble column fragment bearing the Asclepion's symbol: two snakes facing each other across a wheel. As snakes shed their skins are are "reborn," so patients at the Asclepion were to shed their illnesses and regain health. Thereare several stone-framed sacred pools, filled with water and frogs in front of the large theater of the Asclepion.Drive to Kusadasi, a city believed to be the birthplace of Homer.Overnight: KusadasiMeals: Breakfast, Dinner

15. DAY 6, Sunday, November 10, 2013 Day at leisure in KusadasiEnjoy a full day at leisure in Kusadasi orOptional: Full Day Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary with LunchThe history of Ephesus goes back to 3000 BC. It is famous throughout history for its Temple of Artemis completed around 550 BC, one of the seven wonders of the world and is considered to be the showpiece among all the antique cities of the world. In 268 AD, the Temple was destroyed or damaged in a raid by the Goths and the town was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD. First stop is a visit the house of Virgin Mary. The Virgin Mary accompanied St. John to Ephesus, where she spent her last years living near a grove of olive trees close by to Ephesus. A visit is considered to be a Pilgrimage by the Vatican. You may collect holy water from the sacred spring. Visit the Basilica of St. John who came here and wrote his gospel. Among its impressive structures you will marvel at the library of Celsus, templeof Hadrian, the theater and the Odeon. Includes lunch at a local restaurant.

16. DAY 7, Monday, November 11, 2013 Pamukkale Hot Springs, Necropolis, and HieropolisDepart Kusadasi and drive to Pamukkale. Visit the Necropolis of the ancient city of Hieropolis ("Holy City"), a UNESCO a World Heritage Site situated atop the Pamukkale hot springs. The necropolis is one of the largest and best-preserved cemeteries in all of Turkey. It contains many different types of tombs, and funeral monuments dating from the Hellenistic until the early Christian times. The Pamukkale hot springs have served as a therapeutic thermal bath since the 2nd century B.C. It is located in Turkey's Inner Aegean region, in the River Menderes valley, which has a temperate climate for most of the year. The water is warm and the shape resembles a frozen waterfall. Pamukkale has become one of top tourist attractions in Turkey not to be missed.Overnight:PamukkaleMeals:Breakfast, Dinner

17. DAY 8, Tuesday, November 12, 2013 Travel to KonyaToday, we travel from Pamukkale, to Konya, a city renowned for its Seljuk architecture and also as the home of the whirling dervishes. Arrive in the afternoon and visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana before dinner this evening. Mevlana Museum also known as the Green Mausoleum is one of the famous, interesting, mystic and amazing places to that you must see before you die.It containes the tomb and shrine of the Mevlana, or Rumi, a famous poet, theologian, and Sufi mystic.Overnight: KonyaMeals: Breakfast, Dinner

18. DAY 9, Wednesday, November 13, 2013 Visit Caravanserai of Sultanhan en route to CappadociaDepart for Cappadocia, visiting the magnificent Caravanserai of Sultanhani en route. The Sultanhani is the largest caravanserai in Turkey, enclosing 4,900 square meters. Commissioned in 1229 by Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I, it was built by the architect Muhammet of Syria where travelers could rest and recover from the day's journey. Caravanserais supported the flow of commerce, information, and people across the network of trade routes covering Asia, North Africa, and southeastern Europe, especially along the Silk Road. Continue to Cappadocia. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, visit a carpet factory and have a demonstration of carpet weaving. Turkish carpets and rugs, whether hand knotted or flat woven, are among the most well known and established hand crafted art works in the world. Overnight:CappadociaMeals:Breakfast, Dinner

19. DAY 9, Wednesday, November 13, 2013 Optional Whirling Dervish Performance See a stunning 1-hour show of the Mevlevei Sema ceremony where you will follow a mystical journey through man’s spiritual ascent through mind and love to perfectionas the whirling dervishes take their place and praise the Prophet Mohammed. Following a chant, the whirling dervishes revolve to represent the birth of humanity.With his hat (his ego's tombstone), and his white skirt (his ego's shroud) the dervish is spiritually born to the truth. When he removes his black cloak, he journeys and advances to the spiritual maturity through the stages of the Sema. At the beginning and each stage of the Sema, holding his arms out he testifies to God's unity, ending with a prayer. Dating back centuries, the tradition represents the idea that in the universe and everything, from atoms, to the solar system, to our blood, revolves.

20. DAY 10, Thursday, November 14, 2013 Day at leisure in CappadociaEnjoy a full day exploring Cappadocia independently. Famed for temples and houses cut directly into the region's spectacular rock formations, Cappadocia has captivated travelers for centuries. Cappadocia contains several underground cities used by early Christians as hiding places before Christianity became an accepted religion. The underground cities have vast defense networks of traps throughout their many levels.Optional: Cappadocia Balloon Ride (AM) Optional: Full Day Cappadocia (AM) Overnight: CappadociaMeals: Breakfast, Dinner

21. DAY 10, Thursday, November 14, 2013 Optional: Cappadocia Balloon Ride (AM) Depart early in the morning for a fantastic hot air balloon tour that takes you soaring over the magnificent Cappadocian landscape with its incredible fairy chimney rock formations. A hot-air balloon flight is unique from all other methods of flying in that there is no sensation of motion, creating an experience of tranquility unlike any other. Traveling at heights of up to 1500 feet, the feeling is both serene and sublime. Within moments of lifting off, drift over the treetops and discover the spectacular landscape from an unrivaled perspective. The deep canyons and lush, fertile valleys of Cappadocia provide an ideal settingfor a memorable flight and it may even be possible to pick apricots from the trees when they are in season.

22. DAY 10, Thursday, November 14, 2013 Optional: Full Day Cappadocia (AM)Depart your hotel for a full day tour in Cappadocia. Visit the Open Air Museum in Goreme Valley to see the early Christian churches decorated with unique frescos depicting various scenes from the Bible. Later, visit the Ozkonak Underground City, an ancient city built on the northern slopes of Mt. Idis. The city has many strata made up of volcanic granite. Its larger areas are connected to each other by tunnels. Ozkonak had a built-in communication system of pipes on each of its levels, unlike Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, which have no such systems. Each carved out room had ventilation provided by holes when the city was closed against enemies. Lastly, visit the village of Avanos that is famous for its beautiful old houses, pottery and onyx.

23. DAY 11, Friday, November 15, 2013 Ankara, Mausoleum of Kemal AtaturkThis morning depart for Ankara, the capital and the second largest city of Turkey. Upon arrival, visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. Leading up to the Mausoleum, also known as the Anitkabir, lies a vast brick courtyard and monumental avenue lined with NeoHittite stone statues and cenotaphs beneath its colonnades. The most noted cenotaphs within the complex are those of General Ismet Inonu, a close comrade of Ataturk's and his successor, and that of Ataturk himself, a large and highly decorative marble cenotaph, beneath which lies his tomb. Continue to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum – built in two Ottoman buildings located near Ankara Castle. The Museum, being among exceptional museums with its unique collection, exhibits Anatolian archaeological artifacts, as well as artifacts from the Paleolithic Age to the presentOvernight: AnkaraMeals: Breakfast

24. DAY 12, Saturday, November 16, 2013 Afternoon at leisure orOptional:Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Market This morning, depart for Istanbul. Arrive in the early afternoon and enjoy some time at leisure before a farewell dinner this evening.Optional: Half Day Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Market Depart from the hotel in the afternoon for a visit to the famous Spice Market of Istanbul, one of the largest bazaars in the city. It is the second largest covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. Afterwards, board a ferry for a delightful Bosphorus cruise. No stay in Istanbul would be complete without this unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding straits separating Europe and Asia. Overnight: IstanbulMeals:Breakfast, Dinner

25. DAY 13, Sunday, November 17, 2013 Return to the USATransfer to the airport for your departure flightMeals: Breakfast Sunday, November 17, 2013Depart DL 8385 at 6:25 am on 11/17/13 from ISTANBUL ATATURK AIRPORTArrive CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT at 9:10 am on 11/17/13 Depart DL 99 at 10:30 am on 11/17/13 from CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT Arrive at DETROIT WAYNE COUNTY AIRPORT at 1:35 pm on 11/17/13TOTAL CHARGES: $956.90 including taxes, fees and fuel surcharges as of 8/17/13

26. DAY 13, Sunday, November 17, 2013 We arrive back at home around 1:30 pm with new friends, memories to last a lifetime and perhaps a new appreciation for the county we live in.

27. Passport & visa informationYou need a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Turkey and must have enough blank space to allow for Turkish entry and exit stamps. You can purchase a tourist visa at a at the Turkish airport for $20 USD. IMPORTANT: Take a photocopy of your passport. It should be packed separately from your actual passport. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact. Time Zone Turkey is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. ClimateAverage temperatures in November in Istanbul are generally around 60°F. It’s perfect weather for touring the city on foot and there are fewer lines in the off season. The average low temperature is around 48°F. Usually, these lows are only seen at only at night and early morning. Pack an umbrella as there may be a few rainy days.ElectricityTurkey operates on 220 volts, with round-prong European-style plugs that fit into recessed wall socket. An adaptor and converter are necessary if you plan to use an electrical appliance.Tipping: In Turkey, tipping is discretionary, but expected, mostly in restaurants and hotels. Don’t tip for bad service. You can tip in Dollars (not coins) or Turkish Liras. Tipping in Turkish Liras is better. Carry small bills with you, tips on credit cards are not possible.

28. The Islam religion believes in life after death, but…. I hope you’ll decide to join us on this wonderful journey to a land so rich in history, that has a unique combination of old and new, with stunning scenery, delicious cuisine and exciting nightlife.