Turkey– Tulips, Gardens & History Tour 2014

Nov. 18, 2013 - PRLog -- Just imagine visiting a country where the tulip was first cultivated in 1000AD.  Way before the Netherlands made it so popular and expensive.  The Tulip, named after the Turkish word for turban is what we will see here…and so much more as we visit at the perfect time for the tulips to be on show.   Troy, one of the oldest sights in Asia Minor, Ephesus, an ancient Greek city and later a major Roman city and Cappadocia, a spectacular landscape, entirely created by erosion add to this delightful and insightful small group tour presented by www.gardeningtours.com (http://www.swiftpage4.com/SpeClicks.aspx?X=2W0L9PNNI9G0FE4400ZFWW)

The only city in the world to straddle two continents, Turkey's fabled city of Istanbul at the historic crossroads between East and West is the perfect place to start our tour.  Istanbul took 1st place in European Best Destinations 2013. In fact they entered the competition for the first time this year and became the first city to win the accolade upon its first year entering the competition.  So what are you waiting for…with only THREE Spots Left, don’t delay too much longer!

In romantic Istanbul you cannot miss the Blue Mosque and its six minarets whose 20,000 blue Iznik tiles will take your breath away.  Topkapi Palace, a showpiece and home for sultans and filled with treasures.  The Haghia Sofia, constructed in 326 by Constantine the Great firstly as a Cathedral, then a mosque and finally a museum is a stunning visual testament to Istanbul’s long and complex history.

Enjoy a visit to a fascinating botanic garden in the middle of the city at Nezahat Gokyigit Botanic Garden and of course see thousands of tulips on display during the Tulip Festival at Emirgan Park.  Sabanci Museum, once the home of one of the two richest families in Turkey is also on the must visit list as you will see exquisite calligraphic art and artwork from the Ottoman era – all enveloped in lovely manicured sculpture gardens with a view to die for over the Bosphorus.  We also pay a visit to the Bulbous Plants Park, filled to overflowing with annuals and perennials.

Seymen Village and the production of their tulip fields dates back to the Ottoman Empire and is where the City of Istanbul buys most of their tulips for the Tulip Festival.   Pergamum, once ruled by Alexander the Great is famous for parchment paper and the Acropolis with the Altar of Zeus and Amphitheatre.   Explore a bit of Spil National Park, made famous for the Mansia Tulip then enjoy tasting some Turkish wines at Sevilen Winery.

Just imagine walking down the marble covered streets of Ephesus, the largest ancient city ever uncovered.  Photograph the spectacular Celsus Library and imagine what it might have been like filled with over 12,000 scrolls.  Gaze quietly at the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and where only one pillar stands now.  Then on to the 400 year old Sirince Village with its peach, grape and olive gardens. Before you fly to Cappadocia visit Bayindir Village, once the main garden of the Ottoman Empire and now the heart of the Turkey flower growing industry.

On your way to Cappadocia visit the fascinating Goreme Valley with its lunar like landscape and ‘Fairy Chimneys’.  Many have homes carved into them.  Visit a carpet co-op and a local market then take part in a hands on Cooking Class followed by dinner plus YOU will experience a Cave Hotel for yourself.   The Underground City of Kaymakli beckons with thoughts of what it might have been like living with up to several thousand other Christians and a visit to Avanos takes us on a journey of ceramic art dating from the 12th Century BC.
REMEMBER, this is a small group tour so please get your reservation in to hold your space.  Email donna@icangarden.com for further information and check the full day by day itinerary out at www.gardeningtours.com (http://www.swiftpage4.com/SpeClicks.aspx?X=2W0L9PNNI9G0FE...)

ICanGarden.com is Canada's largest Internet gardening resource site providing free information to gardeners of all experience levels from amateur to master gardeners.  www.gardeningtours.com (http://www.swiftpage4.com/SpeClicks.aspx?X=2W0L9PNNI9G0FE...) is the exclusive tours only site where you will find more tours for 2014 including, India, Israel, London/Chelsea, Bulgaria, Ireland and South Africa.

Donna Dawson, formerly of St. Albert Alberta Canada, now residing in Panama City, Panama is a co-author of three gardening books and has been sharing her love of gardens around the world since 1998.

Donna Dawson, Master Gardener
Director Region 7 Garden Writers Association (Canada & International)
Affiliate Member Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors
Member North American Travel Journalists Association
2014 Garden Tours – Chelsea Flower Show, India, Ireland, Israel, Turkey, Bulgaria and South Africa