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Social Activities

The social program of the 4-week workshop will consist of the welcome banquet, the gala dinner, Istanbul walking tours as well as weekend guided tours to historical & cultural sites in and near Istanbul. The workshop participants who are interested in stage performances, such as the concerts of Istanbul jazz festival, will also be able to find the relevant information in these pages. The quoted prices are tentative but in the correct order of magnitude.  Please contact Oya Aran (aranoyaboun.edu.tr) for any questions and guidance.

We kindly ask interested participants to send an email to aranoyaboun.edu.tr and indicate the weekend tours that they plan to attend, not later than July 10th, 2007. Payments will be collected during the week before each social event. Please also indicate whether you will participate in the welcome banquet and the gala dinner as well.

** We also plan to organize a walking tour in order to give you a taste of ordinary life and entertainment in Istanbul. The tour will be on the Bagdat Avenue (Asian side), which is known for its elegant shops and popular "hang-outs". Details will follow during the workshop.

** The two seminars on Wednesday, 25 July 2007 will take place on the campus of Koc University, which is the second SIMILAR partner from Turkey. The transportation will be handled by the eNTERFACE'07 organization. We plan to have the dinner at the Koc University.

 

Social Events & Weekend Tours


16 July 2007

Welcome Reception, 19:00 Arnavutkoy

The welcome reception will take place on a cruising boat on Bosphorus.  The cruising boat is a wonderful opportunity to see the harbour and both sides of the Straits of Istanbul. The eNTERFACE'07 participants will thus observe historical monuments, Ottoman palaces and elegant seaside villas and live Istanbul's Bosphorus by night.  The reception, between 19:00-24:00, includes cocktail followed by dinner.

21 July 2007

Istanbul guided tour

Price: 25 YTL (transportation, guided tour, entrance fees)

Departure at 08:30 in front of Superdorm

This guided tour encompasses the historical peninsula of Istanbul. We will visit some of the masterpieces of the Byzantine & Ottoman eras, such as The Church of St. Sophia, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Grand Covered Bazaar, Spice Bazaar ...

28 July 2007

Trip to Kilyos Beach

Price: ~20 euro (transportation, entrance fee)

Istanbul has several beaches on the shores of Bosphorus, of the Marmara Sea and of the Black Sea.  We propose to go to the Kilyos Beach on the Black Sea, some 35 kilometer away. Boğaziçi University has a small campus as well as beach facilities there.

The beach offers besides  sea and sand, several activities such as volleyball, wind surfing, katamaran, kite surfing... The beach is generally windy, the sea is wavy and welcomes several watersports championships each year.

4 August 2007

Trip to Princess Islands

Price: ~10 euro (transportation)

There are eight inhabited islands in the Sea of Marmara at one hour's boat trip distance. These are also known as Prince's Islands. These islands, mostly inhabited by monks and political prisoners during Byzantine period, have become popular summer retreats to escape from the bustle of the city.

We propose to visit Buyukada (the Big Island), the largest and most popular one. The island consists of two hills, both surmounted by monasteries, and covered with pine trees. Motor vehicles are banned, so you can get around the island  by horse carriages or bycicle. You can enjoy the peaceful of the atmosphere of the island while sipping your beer and eating fried mussels.

10 August 2007

eNTERFACE'07 Gala Dinner

Kiliza Restaurant
   

 

Concerts and Festivals


Here you can find links to some of the concerts and festivals that will be held in Istanbul during the time of the eNTERFACE'07 workshop and to ticket providers, city guides and music clubs as well. You should book well in advance for many of the events, since the tickets may be sold out weeks before the event date.

 

 

City Tours & Excursions


 City tours that can be organized by tour operators.

Please contact tour operators for more information.

BYZANTINE & OTTOMAN RELICS

On this tour, the masterpieces of the Byzantine & Ottoman Era will be visited.

St. SOPHIA: The magnificent Byzantine Church is now a spectacular museum; one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world.

HIPPODROME: The former centre of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. During the visit it will be possible to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi and Foundation of Willhelm II.

TOPKAPI PALACE: The former imperial residence from where the great Ottoman Empire was once ruled . Today a spectacular museum that has one ofthe largest collection of the Royal Family is displayed (Treasury, Chinese Porcelain, Calligraphy, etc.)

BLUE MOSQUE: One of the biggest mosques of Istanbul from 17th century, famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets. The tour concludes with a spectacular show and lecture on Turkish carpets at the School of Hand Woven Silk and Wool Carpets.

GRAND COVERED BAZAAR: In addition to its historical importance, this world's biggest bazaar with over 4000 shops will tempt even the non-shoppers with its richcollection of handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs (closed on Sundays).

Full day, lunch included (not operated on Mondays and Tuesdays, guaranteed departure Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays)


TREASURES OF ISTANBUL

On this tour, the masterpieces of the Byzantine Era will be visited.

St. SOPHIA: The magnificent Byzantine Church is now a spectacular museum; one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world.

HIPPODROME: The former centre of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. During the visit it will be possible to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi and Foundation of Willhelm II.

GRAND COVERED BAZAAR: In addition to its historical importance, this world's biggest bazaar with over 4000 shops will tempt even the non-shoppers with its rich collection of handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs (closed on Sundays).

Half day, operated in afternoon (not operated on Sundays and Mondays)


HIGHLIGHTS OF ISTANBUL

On this tour, the masterpieces of the Ottoman Era will be visited.

TOPKAPI PALACE: The former imperial residence from where the great Ottoman Empire was once ruled . Today a spectacular museum that has one of the largest collection of the Royal Family is displayed (Treasury, Chinese Porcelain,Calligraphy, etc.)

BLUE MOSQUE: One of the biggest mosques of Istanbul from 17th century, famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets. The tour concludes with a spectacular show and lecture on Turkish carpets at the School of Hand Woven Silk and Wool Carpets.

GRAND COVERED BAZAAR: In addition to its historical importance, this world's biggest bazaar with over 4000 shops will tempt even the non-shoppers with its rich collection of handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs (closed on Sundays).

Half day, morning (min. 10 persons required, not operated on Sundays and Tuesday)


DOLMABAHÇE PALACE

Come and see why this magnificent 19th century palace is called incomparable to the others of its time - with 14 tons of pure gold used for its interior decoration, a rich collection of Bohemian crystal in addition to its famous Harem section.

Proceed to the Europe’s largest of the most elegant shopping malls; "Akmerkez"

Half day tour, afternoon (min. 10 persons required, not operated on Monday & Thursday)


ISTANBUL BY NIGHT

Departure from Meeting hotels Dinner at a first - class restaurant , with half a bottle of wine or a soft drink included , watch a spectacular floorshow , which includes famous Belly Dancers , typical Anatolian Folklore groups featuring popular musical instruments and a Turkish singer.

(min. 10 persons required)


BOSPHOROUS CRUISE TOUR

After a short visit to the famous Egyptian Spice Bazaar (closed on Sundays), an unforgettable Cruise starts between two continents, Europe and Asia.

Morning (min. 10 persons required, not operated on Sunday)


GOLDEN HORN AND ST SAVOR IN CHORA

Visit by driving around Golden Horn between Old city and Pera . Visit of St Savor in Chora museum legendary Byzantine church with unique and extraordinary frescoes and mosaics exposing the life of Christ.

Morning or afternoon, half day (min. 10 persons required, not operated on Wednesday)


ASIA

After a drive over the Bosphorus Bridge a stop at Camlica hill to enjoy a panoramic view of the city . Visit of the Asian part by bus and return to the hotel.

Half day tour, afternoon (min. 10 persons required, operated on everyday)


EUROPE AND ASIA

Combination of tours "GOLDEN HORN AND ST SAVOR IN CHORA" and "ASIA".

Fullday tour with lunch (min. 10 persons required, operated on everyday)


TURKISH BATH

A wonderful experience in an authentic bath with a history of more than 100 years, relaxation while receiving a massage on the heated marble.

3 hours (operated on everyday)




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