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Wonders of Eastern TurkeyOctober 19 - November 2, 2011Rashid Ergener, Leader Tour Price: $2750 Single Supplement: $550 Price includes: Arrival and departure transfers, accommodation, all breakfasts (B) and dinners (D), museum entry fees, parking fees and local taxes, gratuities to hotel staff and baggage handling. Price Does not include: Arrival and departure flight, airport taxes, visa fees, excess baggage, insurance of any kind, lunches, personal expenses such as laundry and soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, communication charges, and gratuities to the driver. To book this tour, please download the Mythic Travel Booking Form, read and sign every page. You may pay using Paypal, fax your credit card information directly to Mythic Travel, or send a check to: Mythic Travel, 655 Bayview Dr., Aptos, CA 95003.
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4 - ERZURUM TO KARS
DAY 5 - ANI
DAY 6 - ISHAK PASHA AND VAN
DAY 7 - AKHTAMAR ,CAVUSTEPE, HOSAB
DAY 8 - DIYARBAKIR
DAY 9 - MARDIN
DAY 10 - GOBEKLI - URFA - HARRAN
DAY 11 - MOUNT NEMRUT
DAY 12 - GAZIANTEP
DAY 13 - GAZIANTEP TO ANTIOCH
DAY 14 - TARSUS AND ISTANBUL
Client commentsIn 2010, Rashid will be celebrating his twenty fifth year as a tour guide. Testimonies of tour members reveal that he is practicing his job with as much enthusiasm and joy as he had when he first started. Rashid has led tours for distinguished organizations such as the CEO (Chief Executive Organization), YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) and WPO (World Presidents’ Organization) and Council of Foreign Affairs Delegations and for distinguished guests such as David Rockefeller, Zbigniew Brezinski (national security adviser for President Jimmy Carter) and financier George Saros. Rashid has been a guide for INSIGHT VACATIONS ever since this company introduced tours in Turkey beginning in late eighties and has been one of the key actors contributing to the expansion of the INSIGHT operation in Turkey from a limited number of private parties to Gallipoli, to being one of the leading coach operations in the country. Rashid also led coach tours in Turkey with TRAFALGAR during 2002 – 2004. Rashid has successfully led Christian Pilgrimages in Turkey with NAWAS, FRIENDSHIP and PILGRIMS tours and shares with members of non religious tours, key information on Seven Churches, on the separation of Eastern and Western Churches and on Paul’s missionary journeys in Turkey. Rashid (Resit) Ergener is a Turkish national, born in 1952 in Istanbul. He received his junior high school education at the English High School in Istanbul, where he learned English, and his high school education at the American Robert Academy, also in Istanbul. During his university years, Rashid was trained as an economist, receiving BA from Yale College (1974), M. Phil from Oxford University (1977) and Doctorate’s from Istanbul University (1985). His passionate interest in Turkey’s history and culture led Rashid to seek training as a professional tour guide, the certification for which he received in 1985, the same year when he received his Doctorate’s in economics. Currently, Rashid is researching the relations between religious and economic activities. He is teaching a part time course on the subject at the prestigious Bogazici University in Istanbul. Rashid shares with his clients his extensive knowledge on economy and religion as well as on politics and international relations, adding depth to his talks to tour members. Rashid is the author of several books on Turkey and a book of poetry.
Over the years Rashid has been repeatedly received praise from his clients for his “knowledge,” “sense of humour” and “attention and care for his customers.” Many clients have remarked Rashid was the “best guide they ever had.” Statements such as “You have restored our faith in tour guides,” and “Who could ever ask for a better guide,” were very touching indeed. “You are different from any other guide because your knowledge is so extensive.” Gan Boon Seng (November, 2009) “I very much enjoyed your very enlightening and interesting comments during my visits with you to various Istanbul sites. Your observations were always insightful, and it was a pleasure to discuss with you a variety of subjects bearing on Turkish history.” Zbigniew Brezinski, National security adviser to President Jimmy Carter “A walking CD rom is Rashid.” Elyn Aviva, Author “I have never encountered anyone so well informed about all aspects of the sites, country, history, culture, folklore, shopping, culinary traditions, lifestyles, ethnic issues, economics, trade - wow” Jody Brightman, Professor “Our guide was ‘Tops’ – This has been an awesome experience due to his knowledge!!” Lisa Frost “We enjoyed every minute of our adventure and feel that we have equivalent of a college education in understanding Turkey’s background, history, art politics, etc.” Sonya & Bill Lee “Mr. Ergener taught more about Turkish history, geography, daily life, politics, architecture, geology, religion and many other subjects than we imagined could be possible.” Dixie DuPree “His knowledge covers a breadth of information about Turkey: From its culture and people, to Turkey's ancient and modern history. I highly recommend Dr. Ergener” Colleen Fliedner, Travel Writer “Rashid Ergener was an exceptionally knowledgeable and articulate guide who put everything we saw into a clear context.” Constance Doran “A special thank to you Rashid for such a perfect historic overview of the many wondrous places we visited and which provided exactly the kind of information that the members of the delegation wanted.” John Millington, Council on Foreign Relations, 1999 The tour was the best learning experience any of has had. But, even more importantly, it was really fun. We all love your personality and sense of humour.” Susan and David Dykstra, Susie and Warren Ogden, Meagen Bur “My wife and I just completed the Treasures of Turkey 15 day tour. Our tour group was lucky enough to have one of the best Tour Guides in Turkey, Rashid Ergener, who was extremely knowledgeable , compassionate, and made sure that all the travelers were well looked after and comfortable. Peter A. (Posted on Insight Vacations website, September 29, 2007, 03:14) “I have done three bus tours this year. Rashid was above all expectations in knowledge, people skills, caring nature, organization.” Wendy Critchlow (INSIGHT Treasures of Turkey, December 2009) “In our travels, we are both in our late sixties and have worked overseas, Mr. Ergener proved to be exceptional as a tour guide. This ranged from his excellent command of English to his encyclopedic knowledge of the cultural sights to his even handed and insightful explanations of sensitive issues such as Turkey’s relations with its neighbors and First World War and so on.” Lieselot and Tom Scales (2005) “We had read on a website that you were voted #1 and now we know why.” Joey and Bill Hewitt “Our tour guide far exceeded any other directors I have had in my six tours.” Betty Watson “I have been on several trips and Rashid has been the best. Thank you!” Gary Jones “I have taken many trips & tours. Resit is the best guide I can remember. He added immensely to the enjoyment of this trip.” R. Trimmel "I do a fair bit of journalist travel, I get to listen to guides of all sorts ... you are the best I've met ... Other tour members had a similar respect for you. In fact, you spoiled us for future guides!" - Ian Dunwoodie (Journalist and Travel Organizer) “I have had many knowledgeable and entertaining guides through the years, both through my personal travel and as a tour escort for a museum group in North Carolina. I can honestly say you have been the best of the best in every way.” Celea Poole "Rashid could not be improved on." Lyn Bales (Travel Agent) “You have restored our faith in tour guides.” Marlene and Scott “We cannot imagine a better tour director.” Earle and Carolyn Newton “Through you I can now better understand my grandfather’s respect for the Turks. Kia Ora.” Paul “It has been a real pleasure and honor to be your guest on this wonderful trip.” Chuck Manning “An honor to have met Rashid.” Wayne Deed, Travel Agent, New Zealand “Rashid is the best tour guide I have ever had out of the eight tours I have led through Turkey. I’d like to have him next time.” Mildred Olson “We have not yet experienced a better tour manager. Your knowledge, attention to detail and the obvious love for the great Ataturk, your country and your history were both astounding and heartwarming.” Jack Vissar “With over thirty years in the travel industry, I have never experienced such a wonderful guide in all aspects of his work.” Peter Kanis “We really do feel quite honored to have had you as our tour director.” Anne and Oz deRidder “You can be assured our next tour will be with Trafalgar. But Rashid has set the bar very high!!” Meridel and Peter McDougallOther Magic Carpet Tours: Mary & the Divine Feminine | Sufi Solstice | Jewish Life | A dip into the Past | Standing Stones | Between the Great Rivers, Eastern Turkey | Anytime Departures
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OCTOBER 20, Today we visit the main attractions in Istanbul: Topkapi Palace where one can view the fabulous jewelry and Chinese Porcelain collections of the Ottoman Sultans while at the same gaining insights into the functioning the Ottoman system. Haghia Sophia, which is probably one of the most daring structures ever attempted and one of the greatest architectural achievements and the Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman Mosque architecture, which was inspired by the Haghia Sophia. The day will end with a cruise on the Bosphorus and welcome dinner at a Bosphorus Restaurant. Overnight in Istanbul. (HB) 
OCTOBER 21, Morning flight to Trabzon, on Turkey's Black sea shore. Our tour bus meets us at the airport. Visit the thirteenth century Church of Haghia Sophia with beautiful frescoes and marble floor mosaics; the Sumela Monastery located in an extremely attractive setting, on a cliff, in a valley covered with tall spruce trees. Interior and exterior walls of the chapel are covered with frescoes. Four hours drive to Erzurum for overnight stay. Overnight in Erzurum. (HB)
OCTOBER 22, In Erzurum, visit Yakutiye Medrese, a fourteenth century Seljuk school building and Seljuk tombs. Drive to Kars. Stop by Pasinler Bridge and obsidian beds on the way. Overnight in Kars. (HB)
OCTOBER 23, Visit Ani, capital of 9th century an Armenian Kingdom, located on Turkey’s border with present day Armenia. Fascinating ruins of churches, monasteries, caravanserais, palaces and city walls. Frescoes tell the stories of Armenian Christians, Armenians being the first nation to convert to Christianity as a nation. Drive to Dogubeyazt. Fascinating view of the Mount Ararat, where Noah's Ark may have landed! Overnight in Dogubeyazt. (HB) 
OCTOBER 24, Visit the recently restored eighteenth century palace of Ishak Pasha, who was a regional Kurdish lord. Drive to Van. Visit the Van Castle where there are mysterious grave chambers of Urartu Kings and Urartu inscriptions. (Urartus are a people who ruled in East Turkey during 9th to 6th centuries BCE, building water channels and castles and producing remarkable bronze objects.) Fascinating view of the sunset over Lake Van. Dinner and overnight in Van. (HB) 
OCTOBER 25, Visit Akdamar (Akhtamar) Island on Lake Van. Visit the tenth century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross which was recently restored. In the afternoon visit Cavustepe, an eighth century BCE Urartu Castle and Hosab, a seventeenth century castle belonging to a local Kurdish Lord. Dinner and overnight in Van. (HB) 
OCTOBER 26, Drive to Diyarbakir, stopping by the thirteenth century Malabadi Bridge on the way. Visit Great Mosque of Diyarbakir and view the city walls. Dinner and overnight in Diyarbakir. (HB) 
OCTOBER 27, Drive to Mardin, a picturesque town with stone houses of unique character. Later drive to Dayrulzafaran to visit a Syriac Monastery. Overnight in a boutique hotel in Mardin. (HB) 
OCTOBER 28, Drive to Gobeklitepe, fascinating circles of T shaped megaliths which are the only known monuments made up by hunter gatherers, which also happen to be the oldest known monuments dated to 9500 BCE. Proceed to Urfa for lunch. In the afternoon visit the cave where Abraham was born according to tradition and also visit the pool which was formed when he was thrown into fire - also according to tradition. Now there are sacred carp in the pool. Finish the day at Harran. Visit the traditional, circular mud brick houses designed like beehives. Harran was centre of the worship of pagan moon-god Sin and home of the mysterious "Sabians." It was at Harran where Abraham took Sarah and where Jacob sought refuge when Esau threatened him. Dinner and overnight in Urfa. (HB) 
OCTOBER 29, Watch the sun set from the peak of 2100 m high Mount Nemrut – in company of the monumental statues of Gods such as Zeus and Apollo and of the King Antiochus of Hellenistic Kommagene. The statues are located in front of the pyramid tomb of King Antiochus, located at the peak of the 2100m tall mountain. How this pyramid of pebble stone was created remains a mystery. Dinner and overnight in Kahta. (HB)
OCTOBER 30, Drive to Gaziantep. Opportunity to taste the best kebaps and baklavas in Turkey at lunch time. Visit the museum where the spectacular Roman mosaics from Zeugma are on display. Wander through the old city. Dinner and overnight. (HB)
OCTOBER 31, Today we drive to Antakya, Biblical Antioch. On the way, we stop at Yesemek, to visit the "outdoor unfinished Hittite sculpture gallery." Lunch in Antakya. Visit the cave known as "St. Peter's Grotto," where according to tradition Christians first started to meet regularly and the museum where floor and wall mosaics from Roman Antioch are on display. This is regarded as the best mosaic collection in the world. Free time, followed by dinner and overnight in this cosmopolitan and colorful city, which also has wonderful cuisine. (HB) 
NOVEMBER 1, We continue on to Tarsus, the hometown of Saint Paul, to visit the well which is according to tradition in the courtyard of a house which belonged to the Saint. We then drive to the Adana airport to catch our flight to Istanbul. Free time in Istanbul for last minute shopping at the Bazaar or for further sightseeing. Farewell dinner. (HB)