A treasure house of history and culture, Turkey is a gateway into a world of exciting possibilities. Located at the juncture of Europe and Asia, Turkey is a superb venue for meetings, incentives and conventions.

Turkey offers a wealth of first class hotel accommodations and conference facilities, easy access to major cities worldwide, beautiful settings and unequalled sightseeing attractions. All this, plus wonderful weather, and at a much lower cost than at alternative destinations.

From European centres, Turkey is an ideal destination: exotic, but conveniently close. Flying time into Istanbul is only two or three hours by Turkish Airlines and other national carriers, with transfer connections or direct flights into Izmir, Antalya and Ankara. Daily connections link Istanbul to all major cities in the United States, Middle East and Asia. Sightseeing and entertainment programs can be fully packaged. Istanbul is among the world's greatest tourism destinations, with an unrivalled setting and a wealth of architectural treasures. Izmir, a city of palm trees and ancient ruins, is the gateway to the Aegean region. Charming seaside resorts such as Kuşadası, Marmaris, Bodrum and Fethiye are good choices for sales meetings, incentives and quiet getaways. Antalya, Mersin and the Mediterranean coastal resorts beckon visitors year-round to enjoy the sun, the beautiful sandy beaches and its ancient sites. Turkey's capital city Ankara boasts sophisticated hotels and restaurants, along with easy access to fabled Cappadocia, a wondrous landscape of rock-carved churches and underground cities. Bursa too, the first Ottoman capital offers a picturesque setting, as well as hotels with thermal baths, and excellent skiing on Uludağ (Mt. Olympos).

Turkey today is well equipped to handle meetings, incentives and conferences of all sorts and sizes in comfort and style. Traditional Turkish hospitality a high standard of local food and wine, and endless possibilities for entertainment and sight-seeing guarantee that any conference organised in Turkey will be a resounding success.

ISTANBUL

Istanbul is the only city, in the world that embraces two continents, one arm reaching out into Asia, the other into Europe. The former capital of three successive empires - Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman - the city is a fascinating mixture of past and present, old and new, modern and traditional. The museums, churches, palaces, mosques and bazaars, and the sights of natural beauty seem inexhaustible.

In addition to its unique historical and cultural background and innumerable attractions, the modern hotels, exclusive restaurants, night-clubs, cabarets, bazaars and shops make Istanbul a superb site for meetings, conferences and conventions.

Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Center (ICEC), with 21 meeting rooms including a 2,000 seat auditorium has all the facilities to make a meeting successful. (See ICEC web site at http://www.icec.org)

The IICC is ideally, located in the modern district of Harbiye, at the center of the city's business, cultural and commercial life; surrounded by some of Europe's top quality hotels.

Istanbul has 873 Class A licensed travel agencies. Their professionalism and openness to new trends in tourism has spurred the growth of a world-class tourism industry in Istanbul and other parts of Turkey. Some of these agencies are the members of ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association), constituting ICCA-Turkey chapter.

ICCA-Turkey Chapter Member Companies:

Idee Travel Services

Kongresist Inc.

Tuyap Fairs and Exhibitions Organisation Inc.

VIP Turizm Pirinççioğlu Inc.

Pamfilya Tourism Inc.

Republic of Turkey, Ministry of Tourism

Tantur Tourism and Travel Ltd.

Istanbul Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB) was established in 1997. The Bureau is a member of International Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaux (IACVB), and the European Federation of Conference Towns (EFCT).

The address of ICVB:

Meşrutiyet Cad., 57/4
80080
Beyoğlu-Istanbul / TURKEY
Phone: +90-212-293 3950 / 293 3951
Fax: +90-212-252 3183
e-mail: [email protected]

Main events

June-July: The International Arts and Culture Festival
April: The International Film Festival

Major sights

Topkapı Palace, Ayasofya (St. Sophia) Museum, Sultanahmet Mosque (The Blue Mosque), the Underground Cistern, the Grand Bazaar, and many other palaces, mosques and museums.

Tours and Excursions

The Treasures of Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar (half day).
Two continents (half/full day).
Cross the Bosphorus, visit Çamlıca hill and the pine forests on the Asian side, and Beylerbeyi Palace, return to the European side by bus via the Bosphorus Bridge.
Highlights of Istanbul (half/full day).
Süleymaniye Mosque, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, Haghia Sophia, Topkapı Palace and Grand Bazaar.
Istanbul by night.
Turkish cuisine dinner, floorshow and belly dancing.

Access

Air: Istanbul International Atatürk Airport, 20 km from the city centre.
Road: Direct bus connections from all parts of Turkey.
Rail: Connections to European capitals as well as to Ankara, Izmir and East Anatolian cities.
Sea: Connections to European ports and a port-of-call for Mediterranean cruises.

ANKARA

Ankara, Turkey's capital, is, despite its long history, a thoroughly modern, well-planned city. The City is distinguished by its wide avenues, green parks, elegant shops, embassies and government buildings, and a large number of first-class restaurants and hotels. The city has been continuously inhabited since the Bronze Age. The very fine Museum of Anatolian Civilisations details the ebb and flow of cultures that have passed through the area, from the Hittites, the Romans, Byzantine, Seljuk Turks and Ottomans. A small provincial town until being named the capital of the new Republic in 1923, Ankara developed quickly It is the only city in Turkey with an urban development plan dating back to the 1930s. In addition to the numerous historical buildings, mosques and museums, visitors enjoy touring the Citadel and browsing through the old shops in Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu near the Ulus area. On the street of Bakırcılar Çarşısı, you can find many interesting old and new items: copper objects, jewellery, carpets, costumes, antiquities and embroidery. In Çankaya, the Atakule Tower, at 125 meters, offers a magnificent view over the whole city Ankara offers an attractive infrastructure for international meetings and is an excellent starting-point for excursions to Cappadocia and day trips to other ancient sites.

Main events

April: International Arts and Music Festival.
April 23rd International Children's Festival.

Major Sights in the city

The Citadel, Anatolian Civilisations Museum, Ethnographical Museum, Painting and Sculpture Museum, Temple of Augustus, Roman Baths, Mausoleum of Atatürk, Copper Market.

Tours and Excursions

Morning city sightseeing.
Half day to Gordion.
Phyrgian Necropolis, King Midas' mound, Museum, Midas city and rock carvings. Full day tour to Hattusas.
Boğazkale, Hittite city Cylopean fortification, Royal Gate', Lions Gate, Temple of Storm God, Yazılıkaya.

Access

Air: International Ankara Esenboğa Airport, 25 km from the city centre.
Road: Accessible from all over Turkey by bus.
Rail: Connections to Istanbul, Izmir, Adana, Erzurum and Van.

ANTALYA

Set amid amazing scenery of sharp contrasts, Antalya, Turkey's principal holiday resort, is an attractive city with shady palm-lined boulevards and a prize-winning marina. In the picturesque old quarter, Kaleiçi, narrow, winding streets and old wooden houses abut the ancient city walls. Since its founding in the second century B.C., Antalya has been continuously inhabited. The Romans, Byzantines and Seljuks successively occupied the city before it came under Ottoman rule.

At Antalya, the pine-clad Toros (Taurus) Mountains sweep down to the sparkling clear sea forming an irregular coastline of rocky headlands and secluded coves. The region, bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year, is a paradise of sunbathing and swimming and of sporting activities like windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, mountain climbing and hunting. If you come to Antalya in March and April, in the mornings you can ski the slopes and in the afternoons swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Important historical sites await your discovery amid a landscape of pine forests, olive and citrus groves and palm, avocado and banana plantations.

The Turquoise Coast is Turkey's tourism capital. Its full range of accommodations, sunny climate, variety of excursions and activities and warm hospitality make it a sought after venue for meetings, incentives and conferences. The inauguration of Sabancı Congress and Exhibition Center in 1997 boosted the conference capacity of the city.

Main events

October: International Film Festival.

Major Sights in the Environs

Archaeology Museum, Hadrian's Gate, Old Harbour, Upper and Lower Düden Waterfalls, Truncated Minaret, Fluted Minaret, Aspendos, Perge, Side, Termessos and Phaselis.

Tours and Excursions

Ancient Cities:
Perge, Aspendos and Side.
Alanya.
Museum, Seljuk Castle, Kızılkule, including a short boat trip.
Termessos and Düden Waterfalls.

Access

Air: Antalya International Airport, 10 km from the city centre.
Road: Direct bus connections from all the main cities.
Sea: Port- of-call for Mediterranean cruises, ferry service to and from Venice in the summer.

Kemer

Located on the slopes at Beydağları-Olympos National Park against a backdrop of spectacular mountain scenery, Kemer is one of the loveliest resort towns of Turkey A fully equipped marina allows yachtsmen to enjoy the unspoilt bays and beaches south of the town. Shoppers delight in the wonderful range of souvenirs for sale. A beach promenade north of the marina is lined with lively cafes and restaurants. In the Yörük (Nomad) Theme Park, visitors can watch traditional craftsmen at work. Along the successive bays on both sides of Kemer, many charming and delightful resorts with first class accommodations, sports and entertainment facilities offer excellent conditions for national and international meetings and conventions.

Main events

April: International Kemer-Girne Yacht Rally
October: Kemer Carnival.

Major Sights in the Environs

Phaselis, Olympos, Kale, Kekova, Kaº, Kalkan, Termessos, Bey Mountains, Perge, Aspendos, Side, Alanya, Manavgat, Kurºunlu and Düden Waterfalls.

Tours and Excursions

Boat tour to Olympos or Phaselis.
Kale (Museum of Santa Claus), Kekova.
Perge, Aspendos, Side.
Düden, Kurºunlu and Manavgat Waterfalls.
Termessos.
Pamukkale.
Cappadocia.
Safari Tour.

Access

Air: Antalya International Airport, 55 km from Kemer.
Road: Direct bus connections from all the main cities.
Sea: Port of call for Mediterranean cruises.

Side

Side, an ancient settlement dating back to 1,000 B.C., was a small fishermen's village until the early 1980s. Today it is one of the most charming resorts on southern coast of Turkey It offers modern hotels on the sweeping sandy beach, lively cafes, discos and restaurants; in addition to colourful shops. The impressive ancient theatre is the only one in Turkey, which is not built on a hillside.

Sorgun and Titreyengöl to the east of Side, as well as Kumköy and Çolakly on its west, are inviting resort areas with modern hotels. Major Sights in the Environs Museum, Manavgat, Waterfalls, Seleukia, Etenna, Selge, and Köprülü Canyon National Park.

Tours and Excursions

Antalya.
Aspendos, Perge, Düden and Kurşunlu Waterfalls, Antalya Archaeology Museum.
Alarahan, Damlatas Inn, Alanya Castle, Kızılkule (Red Tower), Ulaş Park, Manavgat Waterfalls.
Köprülü Canyon National Park and Selge.
Manavgat River boat excursions.

Access

Air: Antalya International Airport, 70 km from Side.
Road: Direct bus connections from all the main cities.
Sea: Port-of-call for Mediterranean cruises.

BURSA

Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, is a picturesque city located in the foothills of Mount Uludağ (Mt. Olympos) amidst green countryside and forest. The city is filled with gardens and parks and overlooks a verdant plain. Bursa was and still is famous for its silk trade, textile manufacturing and thermal springs.

Uludağ is Turkey's most developed ski resort and a wonderful place to visit all year round. The city's many good hotels are ready to host national and international meetings. The cultural heritage of the city includes monuments, imperial mosques, mausoleums, caravanserais, typical old houses and a covered bazaar dating from Ottoman times.

Major Sights in the Environs

Çekirge (Atatürk Pavilion, Thermal Baths, Karagöz Monument, Kültür Park, Archaeological Museum); Tophane (Osmangazi and Orhangazi Tombs, ancient Turkish houses and cafes); Muradiye (Ottoman House Museum, Muradiye Complex); Koza Square and environs (Ulu Mosque, Orhan Mosque, Covered Bazaar, Old Inns (Yeºil Mausoleum and Mosque, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum).

Tours and Excursions

Uludağ (Mount Olympos).
Picnics in summer, skiing in winter.
Mudanya, Gemlik, Kumla.
Iznik (Nicaea).
Iznik Lake, Ayasofya Church, Underground burial rooms, City walls, Ancient theatre, Archaeological Museum and Caravanserai.

Access

Air: Bursa Airport, 3 km from the city centre.
Road: Accessible from all parts of Turkey.

IZMIR

The "pearl of the Aegean", Izmir is Turkey's third largest city and second most important port. A city of palm-lined promenades, avenues and green parks set in sweeping curves along a circular bay, Izmir has an exceptionally mild climate and many fine hotels. The city is a busy commercial and industrial centre as well as the gateway to the Aegean Region. Turkey's Aegean shores are among the loveliest landscapes in the country The magnificent coastline, lapped by the clear water of the Aegean Sea, abounds in vast and pristine beaches surrounded by olive groves, rocky crags and pine woods. Dotted with idyllic fishing harbours, popular holiday villages, and the remains of ancient civilisations (attesting to the inheritance of more than 5,000 years of history; culture and mythology) this region offers an exceptionally attractive venue for meetings, incentives and conferences. Luxury and first-class hotels, and exclusive restaurants throughout the region provide excellent accommodations and facilities for sports, entertainment, shopping and meetings of all kinds.

Main events

April (28-30): Theatre and Folklore Festival in Ephesus.
June July: International Çeºme Song Festival, The International Arts Festival.
July,-August: Folklore and Sports Festival in Foça.
August-September: International Trade Fair.

Major sights in Izmir

Archaeology Museum, Ethnography Museum, Atatürk Museum, Selçuk Yaºar Art Museum, Kadifekale, The Agora, The ªirinyer and Yeºildere Aqueducts, Mosques from Seljuk and Ottoman Periods.

Tours and Excursions

Ancient/Early Christian Civilisation (half/full day).
Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary
Classical Cities (full day).
Pergamon.
Ancient Civilisation and Natural Wonders.
Pamukkale, Hierapolis and Aphrodisias.
Early Ottoman Architecture and Classical Archaeology
Mosque Complexes and Archaeology Museum in Manisa.

Access

Air: Izmir International Adnan Menderes Airport, 10 km from the city centre.
Road: Direct bus connections from all the main cities and nearby towns.
Rail: Direct connections to Istanbul and Ankara.
Sea: Car ferries from Venice in summer and overnight car ferries from Istanbul all year round.

Cesme

Çeºme is one of the Turkey's most beautiful stretches of coast, surrounded by clear blue seas, with a landscape of cultivated fields. Visitors can enjoy unspoiled bays, excellent holiday accommodations, restaurants, sports and entertainment facilities. Thermal Baths offer a healthy break from the rigors of modern life. Excellent shopping is available, with a good selection of carpets, leather goods and souvenirs. At night, a lively atmosphere pervades, especially in the restaurants, cafes, bars and discos along the promenade. Çeºme hosts many national and international meetings and conventions throughout the year.

Main events

July: The Annual International Song Contest, Çakabey Yacht Races.
September: International Optimist races.

Major Sights in the Environs

Citadel, Caravanserai, The old town and houses, Ilıca, Boyalık Bay, Dalyan, Şifne, Paşa Liman, Çiftlikköy, Pırlanta Beach and Altınkum Beach, Ildırı (Erythrai), Alaçatı.

Access

Air: Adnan Menderes International Airport in Izmir, 90 km from Çeºme.
Road: Direct bus connections from all the main cities.
Sea: Car ferries to and from the Greek island of Chios (Sakız).

KUŞADASI

Kuşadası, literally "Bird Island", is a lovely port built around the shores of a glittering bay. The terraced town overlooks the most beautiful inlet of the Aegean and seems to have been created purely for the delight of the holidaymaker. A large marina offers full facilities for visiting yachts. Well-appointed hotels and holiday villages provide a wide range of accommodation. Discos and fish restaurants overlook the harbour. The picturesque old t

Major Sights in the Environs

Mehmet Paºa Caravanserai, Güvercinada (Pigeon Island), Dilek National Park, Ephesus, Miletos, Didyma, Priene, Aphrodisias, Pamukkale, Lake Çamiçi (Bafa), Heracleia, Bodrum, Samos.

Tours and Excursions

Ephesus, Virgin Mary's House.
Priene, Miletos, Didyma.
Pamukkale, Hierapolis and Aphrodisias.
Bodrum, Lake Çamiçi (Bafa), Boat Tour of Bodrum Peninsula.

Access

Air: Adnan Menderes International Airport in Izmir, 70 km from Kuşadası.
Road: Direct bus connections from all the main cities.
Sea: Port-of-call for cruises from European ports, ferries to and from the Greek island of Samos.

MARMARIS

Situated on a breathtakingly beautiful bay, Marmaris is surrounded by rugged pine-clad mountains. Tranquil in its setting, Marmaris is ideal for watersports and sailing. Nevertheless, the town offers a lively atmosphere during the summer- season, with a good variety of bars, restaurants and shops. The marina is one of the largest and best equipped in Turkey,. Marmaris offers excellent and conferences with a wide range of accommodation and facilities.

Main events

May: Yacht Agents' Week.
November: International Yacht Cup Regatta.

Major Sights in the Environs

Citadel, Kaunos, Datça, Knidos, Priene, Milet, Didyma.

Tours and Excursions

Boat trip to Gökova Bay.
Datça, Knidos.
Köyceğiz, Dalyan, Kaunos.
The "Blue Voyage" (2-7 days).

Access

Air: Dalaman International Airport, 85 km from Marmaris.
Road: Direct bus connections from the main cities.
Sea: Car ferries to and from the Greek island of Rhodes and a port of call for Mediterranean cruises.

BODRUM

Bodrum, known in ancient times as Halicarnassus, is the birthplace of Heredotus and the site of the Tomb of King Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The town is dominated by the Crusader castle of St. Peter, now the Museum of Underwater Archaeology With its typical Mediterranean architecture, lively narrow streets, attractive marina and friendly Bohemian atmosphere, Bodrum is an enchanting holiday destination with a wide variety of accommodations, lively nightlife and lovely scenery. Hotels and vacation villages in and around the town are equipped to handle meetings and conferences.

Main events

September: Bodrum Art and Culture Week.
October: Bodrum's Cup (Gulet yacht races).

Major Sights in the Environs

Castle of St. Peter, Underwater Archaeology Museum, Mausoleum, Amphitheatre, nearby beaches and villages.

Tours and Excursions

Blue Voyage Cruise (2,3 or 7 days).
Boat trip to Karaada (the Black Island).
Excursions to the nearby beaches and fishing villages.
Boat trip to Kos.

Access

Air: Imsık Stolport, 30 km from Bodrum. Dalaman International Airport, 200 km from Bodrum.
Road: Direct bus connections from the all-main cities.
Sea: Port-of-call for Mediterranean cruises, ferries to and from the Greek island of Kos.

FETHIYE

Set in a lovely bay,, the popular resort of Fethiye is built around a charming town full of restored houses and local bazaars. A hill crowned by the ruins of the crusader fortress built by the Knights of Rhodes overlooks the little port. Above the town numerous Lycian rock tombs, reproducing the facades of ancient buildings, are cut into the cliff face.

The beautiful and unspoiled coastlines are ideal for water sports and nature lovers. The calm, crystal clear water of the Ölü Deniz lagoon is justly famous. First-class hotels in the nearby resorts, especially the ones in Sarıgerme, offer excellent possibilities for meetings and conventions.

Major Sights in the Environs

Archaeology Museum, Lycian rock tombs, Kayaköy, Cadianda, Pınara Tlos, Letoon, Xanthos, Patara, Kaunos, Didyma, Ölüdeniz, Gemili Island, Çalı Beach, Twelve Islands, Günlük, Katrancı, Göcek, Saklıkent, Kayaköy

Tours and Excursions

Saklıkent Canyon.
Ölüdeniz and environs, Gemili Island.
Tlos, Patara.
Xanthos, Letoon.
Kayaköy

Access

Air: Dalaman International Airport, 55 km from Fethiye.
Road: Direct bus connection from all main cities.
Sea: By boat to Marmaris and then by coach.

MERSIN

Surrounded by densely cultivated fruit and vegetable gardens, Mersin lies midway on the eastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Its shady, palm-lined avenues, city parks and modern hotels create a pleasant ambience from which to visit the nearby historical sites and numerous beaches.

Mersin is a rapidly developing city and the largest free-zone area on the Turkish Mediterranean. Despite its very modern appearance, the city occupies the site of an extremely ancient city At the Yumuktepe tumulus, 3 kilometres west of the town, excavations have unearthed several successive settlements dating back to the Neolithic Age.

The modern hotels in and around Mersin are well equipped to host national and international meetings. Mersin is close to the important commercial cities of Adana and Tarsus and well situated for excursions to the Taurus Mountains, the eastern Mediterranean coast and Antakya, ancient Antioch. The sunny climate and mild temperatures make it a pleasant venue for meetings all year-round.

Main events

September/October: International Mersin Festival and Fair.

Major Sights in the Environs

Yumuktepe, Adana, Tarsus (Cleopatra Gate), Viranºehir (Pompeipolis), Silifke, Kanlıdivane (Kanytelis), Kızkalesi (Korykos), Cennet, Cehennem and Narlıkuyu Caves, Uzuncaburç (Diocaesarea).

Tours and Excursions

Adana.
Archaeology Museum, Seyhan Dam Lake, Historical Bridge (Tarsus).
Cleopatra Gate, St. Paul Cistern, old houses, Tarsus Waterfall ( Mersin).
Pompeipolis, Kanytelis, Korykos, Narlıkuyu, Silifke, Uzuncaburç (Diocaesarea), Meryemlik, Taºucu, Antakya.
Mosaic Museum, St. Peter's Grotto.

Access

Air: Adana Airport, 69 km from Mersin.
Road: Direct bus connections from all the main cities.
Rail: Connections from Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.
Sea: Car ferries to and from Gazimagosa (Famagusta North Cyprus), Port-o f-call for Mediterranean cruises.

ÜRGÜP - GÖREME

The town of Göreme is set right in the middle of a valley of cones and fairy chimneys. Known in Roman times as Cappodocia, Göreme is one of those rare regions in the world with a spectacular surrealistic landscape of rock cones, capped pinnacles and fretted ravines in colours that range from warm reds and golds to cool greens and greys. The architects of this unique environment are nature and man together. Dwellings and churches have been hewn into the rocks dating as far back as 4,000 B.C.

Ürgüp, a lively tourist centre at the foot of a rock riddled with old dwellings, serves as an excellent base from which to tour the sights of Cappadocia. As a National Park and also as a conservation area, the ",construction of new buildings is under strict control. But no need to worry! Excellent accommodation provides all the facilities necessary, for a memorable meeting in this very impressive setting.

Main events

October: International Ürgüp Wine Festival.

Major Sights in the Environs

Göreme Open Air Museum, The famous churches (Elmalı Church, Yılanlı Church, St. Barbara Church, Çarıklı Church, Tokalı Church, Karanlık Church), The underground cities of Kaymaklı, Mazı, Derinkuyu and Özkonak.

Access

Air: Esenboğa International Airport in Ankara, 300 km from Ürgüp-Göreme.
Road: Direct bus connections from all the main cities.

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