Dear Friends,
The team and I have so enjoyed catching up with you in recent weeks on our one to one calls - with the travel landscape changing by the minute, the big question we are asked daily is.... what is possible right now, where can we go and how can we get our clients there?
With this in mind, we wanted to take a moment to share some positive news about travel to Turkey and the extraordinary experiences crafted by destination magic maker Sea Song Tours, with travel safety their highest priority.
Excitingly, Turkish Airlines re-launched their flight schedule in June with three weekly departures from Washington D.C. Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago. In July their schedule increased to incorporate San Francisco, New York, Toronto, Montreal and Houston meaning, travel is absolutely possible right now.
Turkey is an amazing country full of wonderfully diverse experiences from location to location - we have highlighted a selection of exceptional experiences curated by Sea Song Tours that are available for travel in today's world.
Fondly,
Why Sea Song?
The Sea Song team has been working hard over the last 20 years to build a company that is completely focused on the experiences of their travelers, paying attention to every detail from the time of arrival until departure.
Sea Song are your consultant on the ground providing the most up-to-date information about how to enter and exit Turkey, and how to experience the country in today's world.
They will manage all the travel logistics throughout Turkey and ensure the hotels they are recommending are safe and have the most sophisticated protocols for the well-being of your clients. With private tailor-made trips and experiences to include restaurant recommendations for those eateries that adhere to all the regulated health and safety standards.
The Sea Song team provides a highly personalized service highlighting what to see and do in exclusive and imaginative ways.
Why Visit?
Turkey is a richly layered, multicultural mosaic - a captivating and intriguing destination for travelers seeking history, archaeological sites, incredible food, an array of natural landscapes and warm, welcoming people.
From ancient Ephesus to magical Cappadocia, the legacy of empires and rulers has left an indelible mark on the region. Travelers go back in time, to an era when Istanbul was an important stopover on the Silk Road.
Turkey is an excellent destination for those who want to get off the beaten path in Europe (and Asia) and delve into ancient history, take a hot-air balloon ride over the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia or sail out into the Aegean on a private yacht or traditional Gulet. And, where else than the great city of Istanbul can one be on two continents at once?
Private Yacht Cruise - The Bosphorus, Istanbul
Hop on a private luxury yacht and cruise along the European and Asian side of Istanbul enjoying the beauty of palaces and mansions for a completely different, captivating, and unforgettable perspective of the city of Istanbul.
The narrow strait of water separating the Asian and European continents is the life blood of Istanbul described by a Byzantine visitor in the 12th century as “the city of the world’s desire”.
This private yacht charter is an exclusive experience for couples, families or friends traveling together. A specialist crew will introduce your clients to this internationally significant waterway which connects the Black Sea with the sea of Marmara and forms part of the continental boundary between Europe and Asia.
Enjoy the Culinary Flavors of Istanbul
Istanbul is known for the many ethnic culinary cultures that have settled in the city from all over the country. There is a treasure trove of tastes waiting to be explored.
The culinary flavors of Turkey have been largely influenced by the Ottoman Empire and can be described as a delectable mix of Central Asian, Eastern European, Middle Eastern, Balkan and Armenian cuisines. Their culinary influences surpassed borders and can be seen in other neighboring cuisines across Asia and Europe.
This immersive experience takes in the many neighborhoods of flower markets, fish markets, vegetable stands, pickle hawkers, spice sellers, pistachio and almonds, baklava, and the famous (Cay) tea. Learn about Turkish traditions on a journey that is a feast for the senses.
Hot Air Balloon Flight - Cappadocia
Arrive at the take-off field, watch as your balloon fills up and gets larger by the minute, enter the basket and float up into the air. Enjoy the amazing lunar landscape of Cappadocia with a beautiful sunrise full of colors.
This is truly a once in a lifetime experience and there is no better way to see the distinctive landscapes of Cappadocia than by gently floating overhead in a hot air balloon. Your skillful pilot will skim the basket across fruit trees and rise up over the fairy chimneys, before ascending to great heights for breath-taking views. After landing, your clients will enjoy a tailored celebration of this very special journey to commemorate their experience.
Balloon flights will resume on 1st October 2020.
Whirling Dervish Ceremony
The Whirling Dervish Ritual has been performed in Mevlevi lodges for hundreds of years. The ritual symbolizes the mystical meaning of divine love, passion and spiritual maturity.
Your clients will discover this mysterious and exotic ritual with incredible guides who will explain the meaning of the ceremony that has been performed for over 750 years.
A Private Dinner at Celsus Library - Ephesus
This tailored private dining experience is an ideal opportunity for those wanting to truly appreciate the site of Ancient Ephesus and the Celsus Library, one of the most important structures in this ancient city.
After the crowds have gone, meander down the stone walkway and inhale the aroma of the surrounding pines which leads you to the Celsus Library. Delight with a pre-dinner cocktail whilst listening to the notes of chamber music filling this ancient Roman building. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner with white glove service and beautiful decorations in this awe inspiring library, designed by the Roman architect Vitruoya and built in memory of Celsus Polemeanus, a Roman senator.
Private Gulet Sailing Yacht - Bodrum
Sea Song hand select the most delightful Gulet sailing yachts so your clients can enjoy a private experience cruising along the coast. These wooden sailing vessels are native to Southwestern Turkey, providing a unique way to explore the coastline in generous and comfortable surroundings.
Embark your Gulet sailing yacht at Bodrum harbor, then sail away into the crystal clear Aegean Sea and view the beauty of Bodrum from the water. With a private crew on hand to ensure your clients experience a wonderful day on the water - swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing together. A variety of other water sports are also available.
The Gulet captain will find a beautiful private bay to enjoy a gourmet lunch before returning to Bodrum after a relaxing and energizing day.
Secluded Vacations on the Turquoise Coast
Escape to the Turquoise Coast for a secluded vacation with family and friends. Charter a Gulet for 7 nights and explore the spectacular Aegean Sea visiting non- populated areas and sites only accessible by water.
This Gulet experience is exclusively for your clients and their traveling companions with private luxury Gulet sailing vessels offering 2 to 5 cabins accommodating 2 to 12 people.
The 7-night sailings run from Saturday to Saturday with an attentive crew on board catering for every need.