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Ephesus Tour-Bewertung von Andreas Lauko

1/30/2013

Wir haben die folgenden Ephesos Tour-Bewertung empfängt nach einen unserer Kunden, die wir im Dezember serviert:

Sehr geehrter Herr Pekoz,

Wir koennen kaum mehr lobende Worte ueber Volkan. Er ist wirklich eine sehr intelligente und professionelle Reisefuhrer und gleichermassen eine angenehme Person.

Er fuehrt die meistens kleine Reisegruppe (3-7 Personen) sehr kompetent durch Ephesos, zeigt alle wichtige Sehenswuerdigkeiten und kann jedermanns Frage beantworten. Volkan hat ein sehr breites Wissen ueber alles,
was ein kulturbegeisterter Reisender nur wuenschen kann.

Vielen Dank

Istvan Lauko

Wenn Sie möchten, dass wir zu organisieren Sie eine private Tour von Ephesos auch klicken Sie bitte hier, um Tour-Programme und Kosten zu sehen.

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Ephesus Private Tour Review by Harris Armstrong

1/30/2013

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We have just received the following Ephesus Tour Review by Harris Armstrong whom we served in December:

Dear Denizhan,

We just got home at the end of the week and have finally had a chance to look at our pictures.

We want to thank you again for the fabulous tour of Ephesus. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting your city. We learned so much thanks to your knowledge of history. It was a real pleasure to meet you and we will pass your
contact information on to two travel agents we know.

Everyone enjoyed you as a guide and what you arranged for us to see. They all send best regards. It's too bad we can't clone you and take you as a guide anywhere we go. Anyone would be EXTREMELY fortunate to have you as a guide. You are not just an excellent tour guide, you are a great person! You have truly enriched our
knowledge of Turkish history and culture and we had a great time learning it from you!

If your travels ever bring you to Toronto, please let us know. And good luck with your business endeavor.

Thanks again for everything.

Harris Armstrong

If you would like us to organize you a Ephesus Private Tour also please click here to see suggested tour programs and costs.

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Norwegian Jade в Измире

1/27/2013

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Измире

NCL `ы Norwegian Jade круизное судно находится в порту Измир сегодня.
У нас есть группа из 28 из cruisecritic.com. Один из наших выдающихся гидов: г-н Tazegul предоставляет им экскурсию на целый день Эфес, дом Девы Марии и Базилика Св. Иоанна. Norwegian Jade оставят Измир в 6:00 вечера.

Если ваш корабль также будет звонить в Измире, мы были бы счастливы быть в
обслуживание к вам. Пожалуйста, свяжитесь с нами для частных программ тур Эфес из Измира порт.

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Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisecritic.com Member Group

1/27/2013

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Norwegian Jade

Norwegian Jade of NCL cruise line is docked in Izmir today. We have a group of 28 cruisecritic.com members we serve. One of our outstanding tour guides Mr. Semih Tazegul is providing them a full day tour of Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John and Terrace Houses. Norwegian Jade will depart Izmir at 6pm for Istanbul.

We have received the following comments from the group leader which is listed on tripadvisor.com :
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298005-d1994790-Reviews-Ephesus_Travel_Guide-Ephesus_Izmir_Province_Turkish_Aegean_Coast.html

While cruising on the Norwegian Jade I had arranged a tour with Ephesus Travel Guide which included Ephesus, St John's Basilica, Terrace Houses and House of Mary.

I was initially hoping to get interest from around 8 people and ended with 28! Our guide for the day was Semih and he was great....very professional and knowledgeable. All our group seemed to have a great time.

While we had four sites to visit not everyone went into every attraction. I opted out of the first stop at the Basilica as it didn't appeal much to me. Ephesus, which I must admit I was sceptical about was amazing and Semih brought the place to life for us. Most did the Terrace House while at Ephesus and I found it really interesting too. After lunch only three people wanted to visit House of Mary and Semih was very accommodating and took them to the site while the rest of us had a carpet weaving demonstration. We were plied with drinks, mine being a rather large Lion's Milk!! Whether this is a ploy to loosen the purse strings I don't know but it was appreciated and thankfully no hard sell was put on us.

We got back to the ship with plenty of time to spare and bid Semih our farewells.

Communication beforehand with Denizhan was always prompt and helpful. Would definitely recommend Ephesus Travel Guide for a tour and Semih as a guide.

If your cruise ship also calls to Izmir, it would be our pleasure to be in service to you. Please click here to see suggested private tour programs to Ephesus from Izmir Port. For more information please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Istanbul Walking Tour Highlight: Galata

1/20/2013

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Narrow streets of Galata in1900s

Today with my wife. We had a walk through Galata neighbourhood on our own. Once again we were impressed with the beauty of 19th century NeoBaroque and NeoRenaissance style buildings. Once the richest in Istanbul lived. Noble Greeks, Jews, Armenians and Turks lived together happily. Each building has an individual story. Unfortunately so many of them are not in good condition. Some are turned into trendy cafes, restaurants and designer stores.

First settlement to Galata is made by Genoese trade colonies representing Republic of Genoa in 1273 during the Byzantine Era of the city. The Genoese built the famous Galata tower in 1348. After the city, conquered by the Ottomans, Latin and Catholic population continued living in the neighbourhood. Greeks and Jews started moving to the area. In the 19th century Galata and Karakoy became major business center. Gatala became a finance center with its bankers and stock exchange. Karakoy harbor was one of the busiest harbors of Europe.

There are 3 theories regarding the origin of Galata word. According to Italian historians the word is derived from Calata meaning downward slope. According to Greek Historians, the word is derived from Galaktos meaning milk. There is a possibility that the area might be used by the ancient shepherds in the ancient times. According to the last theory Celtic tribe, Galatians may have camped here in the Hellenistic period.

The nearby Grand Rue de Pera (today known as Istiklal Avenue) became a shopping center second only to the Grand Bazaar. An entertainment center with its cafes, theaters, bars, restaurants and pastry shops.

Galata had a cosmopolitan population. Mainly French, but also almost all other European languages were spoken there. Italians , Germans, French, British, Armenians, Greeks, Jews, Hungarians, Poles and Russians had their own communities. Each community had its own places of worship, not only based on its religion but also based on its different sects. Therefore, many churches and synagouges of different groups were located close to each other. There were quite many Muslim structures at Galata such as Galata Mevlevi Convent, Arab Mosque, Asmali Mosque, and Aga Mosque.

There were many foreign schools in Galata. French, British, Italians, Germans and Austrians opened high schools in
Galata. All these schools are still running. The rich and noble muslim families also send their children to these schools. Most of the Ottoman and Turkish scholars were educated in these schools.

Below please find some of the must see highlights of the area. During your visit to Istanbul make sure you see these sites besides the historical highlights like Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, St. Sophia, Grand Bazaar... Let us organize you a private walking tour of Istanbul.

Galata Tower

Galata Tower
Original name is Christea Turris, meaning Tower of Christ. Built by the Genoese in 1348. Galata Tower was the tallest building in the city at that time. Used as an observation tower for spotting fires. According to the legend in the 17th century an Ottoman genius Hazarfen Ahmet Celebi flew from this tower with artificial wings over the Bosphorus. Today the tower is running as a night club with Turkish Belly Dance shows. It is possible to see great views of Istanbul from the top balcony. There is an elevator. The cost to take this elevator is 10 Turkish Liras.

Bereketzade Mosque

Bereketzade Mosque
First mosque built in Istanbul in 1453 right after the conquest of the city. Named after Bereketzade Ali Efendi who is assigned as the governor of Galata by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmet the Conquorer. In the premises there is a small cemetery.

Camondo Stairs

Camondo Stairs
Donated by the wealthy Sephardic Jewish banker Abraham Camondo in 1785. Built in baroque style for his children to easily climb the hill from the Banker Street up to the
fashionable 19th century neighbourhoods. Banker Street at that time was named after Camondo Family as Rue de Camondo. Camondo family at that time was among the wealthiest in the city. Abraham Salomon Camondo founded Ottoman Imperial Bank in Karakoy. Unfortunately there is no descendants left from this famous family. Abraham Salomon Camondo died in Paris at the age of 88 and buried at Haskoy, Istanbul. His last descendants were deported and murdered in Auschwitz Concentration Camps during WW2.

British Seamen Hospital

British Seamen Hospital
It was built by a British artchitect as a quarantine hospital for British sailors during the Crimean War. Looks like a fort and having a tower which can be noticed in a far distance. Today runing by the Turkish government as an Eye Hospital.

Serdar-i Ekrem Street

Serdar-i Ekrem Street
The busiest, liveliest and the most popular street in Galata. Has many fancy designer boutiques, vintage shops, cafes, jewelry stores...
Named after a pasha of Ottoman Empire who has an Austrian origin, served as an high ranking officer for Ottoman State in the 19th century.

Famous Dogan Apartment (built 1895) is also located in this street. Many Turkish celebrities live here. The u shape building has breathtaking views of Istanbul.

Crimea Memorial Church

Crimea Memorial Church
Built in 1858 in the memory of British soldiers who had participated in the Crimean War. All the stones are supplied from the island of Malta. It is the largest active protestant chuch in Istanbul. Weekly mass services on sundays are provided in this magnificent neo-gothic structure.

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Ephesus Tickets Online

1/20/2013

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Ephesus Ticket

For the ones who would like to purchase Ephesus and Ephesus Terrace Houses tickets in advance. The Turkish government offers you an online service that you can purchase e-tickets:

https://www.muze.gov.tr/buy_e_ticket

Important Notice: Please be aware that these ticlets will not be mailed to you. You should print and bring them with you!

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Istanbul Walking Tour Highlight: MV Savarona

1/18/2013

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MV Savarona docked at Bosphorus

During the walking tours of Istanbul, if requested we also do a 1.5 hours cruise on the Bosphorus. One of the highlights during this cruise is MV Savarona.

Savorona is a luxury yacht. She was the largest in the world in 1931, having a length of 136 meters.

Savarona is the name of an African swan living in the Indian Ocean. The ship was designed in USA for Emily Roebling Cadwallader, the grand daughter of the architect (John Roebling) who build Brooklyn Bridge. Built in Hamburg and costed US$4 million. Due to high taxes by US government. Ms. Robeling decided to sell the yacht.

In 1938, Turkish Government purchased the yacht for the founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Ataturk spent only 6 weeks before he passed away few months later. After Ataturk's death, the Savarona passed to the Turkish Naval Authorities and used as a training ship. In 1989, the yacht was rented by Mr. Kahraman Sadikoglu for 49 years. After restorations the boat is available for charters.

During the Bsphorus cruises, guests may see this Istanbul highlight moored by the shores of Bosphorus. Bosphorus cruise is a must to do in Istanbul if you have time. For suggested tour programs of Istanbul please click here.

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Частные Эфес туры для норвежских пассажиров круизной линии

1/17/2013

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Адриана храм в Эфесе

Этой зимой, норвежский Jade остановки в порту Измир. У нас есть многочисленные просьбы Norwegian Jade пассажиров для частных туров.

Мы предоставляем эксклюзивные индивидуальные туры для Norwegian Jade пассажиров из порта Измир с русским языком гидов.

У нас были клиенты из Санкт-Петербурга от 6 января 2013 года. Мы дали им поездку в Эфес с нашим русским гидом: г-н Мехмет. Все члены группы пользовались посещения Эфеса.

Позднее в этом году Norwegian Spirit также будут остановки в порту Измир.

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Плата за вход в дом Девы Марии

1/17/2013

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Дом Девы Марии

Правительство увеличило вступительный взнос для дома Девы Марии. По состоянию на сегодня, Вступительный взнос для Эфесе составит 15 турецких лир. 15 турецких лир эквивалентна 260 Русская рублей или $ 9 или 7 евро.

Мы предлагаем индивидуальные туры в Дом Девы Марии и Эфес. Для получения дополнительной информации, пожалуйста, посетите: Эфес Индивидуальные туры или напишите нам.

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Частные Эфес туры от аэропорта Измира

1/17/2013

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Эфес

Мы организуем индивидуальные туры Эфес из Измира аэропорта. Путешественники, которые остаются в Стамбуле можно совершить однодневную поездку в Эфес. Измир Аднан Мендерес аэропорт находится ближайший аэропорт в Ефес. Продолжительность полета из Стамбула в Измир составляет 55 минут.

Мы предоставляем эксклюзивные индивидуальные туры Эфес в том числе подобрать и уходят из / в Измире аэропорта Аднан Мендерес.

Для путешественников, которые будут летать из Стамбула мы рекомендуем следующие рейсы:

Atlas Jet: http://www.atlasjet.com/
Стамбул> Измир: KK20 отдел Стамбуле в 7:20 утра
Измир> Стамбул: KK4021 отдел Измир в 7:40 вечера

Pegasus: http://www.flypgs.com/
Стамбул> Измир: PC2811 отдел Стамбуле в 9:10 утра
Измир> Стамбул: PC2816 отдел Измир в 6:15 вечера

Onur Air: http://www.onurair.com.tr/
Стамбул> Измир: OHY150 отдел Стамбуле в 7:45 утра
Измир> Стамбул: OHY155 отдел Измир в 6:45 вечера

Turkish Airlines: http://www.turkishairlines.com/
Стамбул> Измир TK2312 отдел Стамбуле в 8:00
Измир> Стамбул: TK2329 отдел Измир в 6:00 вечера

Пожалуйста, нажмите здесь для рекомендуются частные туры Эфес от аэропорта Измира.
Если вам нужна дополнительная информация, пожалуйста, свяжитесь с нами.

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New excavations in Istanbul

1/11/2013

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Neolithic Village excavation in Pendik, Istanbul

Remains belonging to a village from the Neolithic period have been discovered recently in Istanbul’s Pendik district.

The 8,500-year-old foundations of houses, graves, and waste pools were unearthed as construction continues to enlarge the current railway as a part of
the Marmaray project between Gebze and Pendik. The village is reportedly located 50 meters away from the coast and around 1,500 meters from the district center.

Sea shells found in the uncovered waste pool reportedly show that people living in the area in Neolithic period had been eating seafood. Personal material, including hand axes, needles and spoons made of bones, and pots from the Byzantine period, were also found in the graves. Archaeologists are working to clarify whether there was a connection with another Neolithic settlement.

Some of these new excavations are displayed in the Istanbul Archaeology museum. Make sure you add Istanbul Archaeology Museum to your tour program in Istanbul. We do walking tours of Istanbul. For more information please contact us.

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Heavy Snow in Istanbul

1/8/2013

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Istanbul has been experiencing heavy snow since yesterday. The snow caused major traffic in the roads. Heavy weather conditions caused obstacles to the air traffic. Turkey's national air carrier Turkish Airlines has cancelled 102 domestic and international flights to and from Istanbul .A lot of schools closed down. Snow will contunue tomorrow.

Istiklal Avenue

Galata Bridge

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Private Ephesus Tours for Princess Cruises Passengers

1/6/2013

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Ruby Princess at the Port of Kusadasi

Ruby Princess and Pacific Princess of Princess Cruises will call to the Port of Kusadasi in 2013. First call will be made by Ruby Princess on May 16th during 12 Days Greek Isles Cruise.

It is our pleasure to be in service to Princess Cruises passengers for their needs of private tours to Ephesus from Kusadasi Port. We organize custom made private guided tours of Ephesus with English, Spanish, Russian and German speaking tour guides at competitive prices. For more information please contact us.

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Norwegian Jade in Izmir today, tomorrow in Istanbul.

1/6/2013

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Izmir Port Meeting Point

Today Norwegian Jade of NCL is docked at the Port of Izmir. We had three groups from Australia, Russia and Paraguay. We met our guests in front of Izmir Port Passenger Terminal. All the groups are booked for private Ephesus tours. All departed the Port of Izmir with their tour guides who are the experts of the area.

Norwegian Jade is doing a 10-Day Eastern Mediterranean. The cruise started on Jan 02 from Rome and will end in Rome on Jan 12th. Norwegian Jade is scheduled to stop at Greek ports such as Olympia and Athens. Turkish ports such as Izmir and Istanbul. Italian port such as Rome and Naples. Cruise will end in Rome.

Tomorrow we will have guests from Canada from Norwegian Jade. We will do a walking tour of Istanbul for them. Tomorrow Norwegian Jade will dock at the Port of Istanbul at 1pm. Will have an overnight in Istanbul. On Tuesday Norwegian Jade will depart Istanbul at 8pm.

Next call of Norwegian Jade to Izmir Port will be Jan 27th. We already received a booking from CruiseCritic.com members. We will provide them a full day tour of Ephesus from Izmir Port. If you are also interested in booking a private tour of Ephesus, please contact us today.

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Istanbul Walking Tour Highlights: Church of Santa Maria Draperi, Church of St. Anthony and Church of Saint Esprit.

1/2/2013

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There are around 35,000 Catholics in Turkey. Majority live in Istanbul. During our walking tours of Istanbul for the ones who are interested we visit some of the active Roman Catholic churches of Istanbul.:

Church of St. Mary Draperis

Church of St. Mary Draperis
An active Roman Catholic Church located at Istiklal Avenue. Current building was built in 1769. During the 19th century Church of St. Mary Draperis became one of the most prestigious Catholic Churches in the city of Istanbul. The church is still run by reformed Franciscan Friars who offer daily masses in Italian and mass in Spanish every Sunday. In the main altar of the church visitors can notice the icon of the Virgin Mary from 16th century from the house of Clara Maria Draperis which the church was named after her. Clara Maria Draperis donated her house with a tiny chapel to Franciscan Friars of Constantinapolis in the 16th century.

Church of St. Anthony

Church of St. Anthony
Largest active Roman Catholic Church of Istanbul. The original church was built in 1725 by the local Italian catholic community of Istanbul, but was later demolished and replaced with the current building which was constructed on the same location. The current church of St. Anthony, along with its adjacent buildings on Istiklal Avenue, was built in 1906 in the Venetian Neo-Gothic style. Pope Giovanni XXIII, preached in this church for 10 years, when he was the Vatican's Ambassador to Turkey before being elected as Pope. He is known in Turkey with the nickname "The Turkish Pope" because of his fluent Turkish and his often expressed love for Turkey and the city of Istanbul.

Church od Saint Esprit

Cathedral of Saint Esprit
Also known as the Cathedral of Holy Spirit. In 1846 built by the famous architect brothers Giuseppe and Gaspard Fossati who built Russian Colsulate, Dutch consulate and restored Hagia Sophia. Today It is one of the principal active Catholic Churches of Istanbul. It is the second largest Roman Catholic church in the city after St. Anthony at the Istiklal Avenue. Built in Baroque style. St. Esprit has been a destination of several papal visits to Turkey, including those of Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II, and Pope Benedict XVI. A statue of Pope Benedict XV stands in the courtyard of the cathedral. Giuseppe Donizetti, a musician at the court of Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II, is buried in the vaults of the church.

Giuseppe Donizetti who started to be called Donizetti Pasha later played a significant role in the introduction of European music to the Ottoman military. Apart from the training of the European-style military bands of Ottoman`s modern army, he taught music at the palace to the members of the Ottoman royal family. Donizetti Pasha is believed to have composed the first national anthem of the Ottoman Empire, supported the annual Italian opera season in Pera, organised concerts and operatic performances to famous visitors visiting Istanbul.

We organize walking tours of Istanbul and stop at these fascinating churches of Istanbul. Let us take you to the above Roman Catholic Churches of Istanbul. For more information please contact us.

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