Istanbul – More To Explore In Turkey!

Did you pass your neighbors and colleagues at St. Sophia or while sorting through trinkets in the Grand Bazaar?  We sent many clients to Turkey this summer, most on their way to the sea, heavenly yacht charters off the coast of Turkey and Greece.

But there is more to see, the Uchisar Village of Cappadocia, this very unique region includes the famous site known as Three Beauties. Created by weather erosion of volcanic turf from Kayseri’s Erciyes Mountain over thousands of years.

Visit one of the world’s oldest-known cave dwellings dating to 1,700 B.C. where ancestors of Hitties lived. Explore the nearby open-air museum Zelve dedicated to the history of this period.

Enjoy an early morning hot air balloon ride over the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia to celebrate the sunrise, ending with a champagne breakfast.

Followed by an unforgettable visit to the Valley of Göreme that houses the “Open Air Museum of Rock Carved Churches.” The incredibly beautiful frescoes, adorning the walls of these early churches of Christianity are carved inside the rocks.

Cappadocia’s famous open air museum has been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List, as one of the cultural Wonders of the World. Continue to visit the Underground City of Ozkonak – built by the early Christians, who hid here from the persecution of the Roman soldiers.

You will have the opportunity to learn about the secrets and techniques of the traditional weaving art unique to this region. Young village girls from all over Cappadocia learn how to become master weavers of Turkish carpets and kilims, in order to contribute to their traditional dowry before they get married.

Also enjoy a visit to the atelier of the Old Master of Pottery at the Avanos Village.

A flock of clients depart in the next week and we have already reserved tandem Gulets, a traditional design of a two-masted wooden sailing vessel from the south-west coast of Turkey for next summer – Turkey is still sizzling!

Spain In Three Acts – October Escape

Madrid – Seville- Barcelona

Sharing a few selected highlights of an upcoming trip, as always behind the scenes exclusives…you won’t be bumping into any tourists in these venues.

A special evening of Flamenco Fiesta, a unique opportunity to see flamenco in its original context; an intimate party, sharing food, wine and music with singers, dancers and guitarists rarely seen in commercial venues. An authentic gypsy fiesta is usually inaccessible to visitors.Private visit to the Brave Bull’s ranch of the family of the Marques de Albaserrada. This family has been raising bulls for at least a century. There are 500 animals between brave bulls and cows, this is a truly Spanish experience. At the end of the visit you will enjoy the typical Spanish aperitif with olives, cheese, Spanish Wine and Sangria. A bull fight that evening can be arranged, meet the matadors and understand the passion of this historic sport.

Enjoy a marvelous dinner and wine tasting at a private club with a Spanish aristocrat and deputy manager of his family winery. Meet your host at the private club located on Gran Via and close to Cibeles Square. This Spanish aristocrat – the famous Spanish knight, El Cid, was his ancestor – is a renowned wine maker and wine taster. He is currently the deputy manager of his family winery at la Rioja, and works for an international bank in Madrid. You will visit this club, which is closed to the general public, and housed in a centennial Madrid building. Dinner will be served at the club restaurant while you taste some of the wines produced at his family winery learning about its production and quality.

Exclusive visits and this is just a taste, Que Aproveche!