Istanbul : between two seas and two continents

Istanbul is a city at the crossroads of Europe and Asia bathed in a mild and pleasant climate.  Steeped in both Ottoman and Roman history, Istanbul’s museums, domes, cupolas, palaces and mosques are symbols that portray its fascinating heritage. Half European and half Asian, Istanbul is a bustling cosmopolitan city; an ancient and venerable metropolis.

Byzantium, Stamboul, Constantinople : Queen of the Bosphorus, has long been a cultural melting pot that thrived through multiple eras at the mercy of empires and conquests.

Follow the Bosphorus and let yourself be swept away into the old part of Stamboul where most of its prestigious heritage is nestled.  To the north, the new town which is built on seven hills opens up to a pathway of large boulevards and small entangled alleyways…

Istanbul is easily accessible, with two very well serviced international airports and flights from London as well as a large number of other cities.  Excellent hotels with suitable infrastructure are available to host seminars. The Congress Centre can also accommodate large events.

Afel Travel can assist you with the organisation of your seminars, conventions, conferences and incentive events.  Our team is there not only to coordinate all your logistic requirements, transportation, accommodation, meetings, catering, as well as evening entertainment, but also to provide added value by helping you to create fully serviced events.

The Pera

Bohemian Stamboul

From Taksim Square, Istiklal Caddesi – the old and very cosmopolitan Pera street – gently absorb the atmosphere of the Genoese area of Galata.  Lined with baroque or «Belle Epoque» style buildings, this pedestrian artery of the Beyoğlu district, Istanbul’s soho, is constantly buzzing by day and night. Stroll down the streets and come back up in the old tramway.  On the way, take several breaks and short cuts by using the covered passageways « pasaj » and lose yourself in the maze of adjacent alleys, which have become the epicentre of bohemia: alternative cafés in Cihangir, antique shops in Çukurcuma, designer shops and art galleries which cohabit with old traditional shops in Galata.  The walk is an adventure in itself – a requisite to understanding the age in which we are living – and light years away from the oriental clichés, that have forged the myth of Istanbul.

Sultanahmet

Following in the tracks of James Bond

The stunning opening scene of Skyfall, one of the latest James Bond films, revives the legendary Istanbul.  So why not follow in the footsteps of 007 and discover the historic old Stamboul peninsula at a more leisurely and light hearted pace.

Amongst the most important landmarks of this pedestrian route are the Grand Bazar and the Egyptian Bazar, Sainte-Sophie and the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the Cistern Basilica.  As the most notorious spies of His Majesty, the itinerary through these landmarks will lead you to encounter the enigmas of this worldly city founded by the Greeks under the name of Byzantium to later be known as the seat of the “Sublime Porte” under Constantinople before being reborn as Istanbul in modern times.

At lunchtime, participants will meet up on the patio of Erten Konak, a venerable Ottoman home to marvel its ancient calligraphy, glass paintings and distinguished toilets dating from the early days of Ataturk’s Republic.  Afternoon is free and at your leisure to shop or take a pause at the luxurious Turkish baths Hürrem Sultan Hamami for some oriental wellbeing.

The Bosphorous

Istanbul’s stunning lifeline

Let’s create pure magic and play at being pashas for a day by privatising one of the sublime Ottoman residences on the edge of the Borphorous, the « yalis ».  Dressed in gala attire, you will board a yacht and cruise the subjugating waters of the strait.  At the second bridge, you will be able to see the Sait Halim Pasa Yalisi with its pale yellow facade lit up by the blaze of the setting sun.  This wooden palace houses several reception rooms, its walls painted with delicate frescoes and elegant gilding.  Such a surrealist scene.

Champagne !  With the first notes of music, the trance and mediation dance of the whirling dervishes is announced and as the dance begins, the audience freezes under their hypnotic spell.   At last the gala dinner, one of the highlights of the trip.  Afterwards, some people may go on to a trendy club, just at the foot of the Ortaköy Bridge with their feet in Europe and their eyes riveted on Asia…

Activities in Istanbul

• Visit of the spice and fish market on the ancient byzantine port : during this meander through the market, you will not only discover a thousand and one flavours and the specialties of the city, but you will soak up the perfumes of the local culture.
• A rally to discover the alternative districts of Galata and Pera : discover the city in an amusing and fun way! But will you be able to solve all the proposed enigmas?
• Turkish baths at Kılıç Paşa with a body scrub and soap massage : a half-day devoted to relaxation and wellbeing.
• Helicopter ride over Istanbul : an activity that will allow you to take some altitude and appreciate the city from a new perspective…
• Treasure hunt in the Istanbul Grand Bazaar : this treasure hunt will take you through the traditional alleyways of Istanbul in search of lost treasure…
• Regatta on a dragon boat or sailboat : split into teams, your colleagues embark on a frantic race on the waters of the Black Sea.
• Oriental coffee break at Café Loti, ascent by cable car over the cemetery : after an oriental coffee break in a traditional café, take some height and discover Istanbul in a different way.
• Creative challenges : awake the soul of the artist that lies dormant within you by participating in several workshops of calligraphy on marbled paper, Turkish cuisine and oriental dance.
• Yalis boat cruise on the Bosphorus : take this waterway trip along the banks and discover the palaces and historic monuments of Istanbul.
• Walk and visit of Sirkeci station which hosted the famous Orient Express : the meeting venue will be on the platform for an unusual view of Sirkeci station.
• Delicious Turkish delight tasting workshop : a gourmet workshop that will delight all your fellow colleagues.

Evenings

• Evening cruise on the Bosphorus :  discover Istanbul by night. Your team will delight in a meal created exclusively with local products.
• Dinner on the rooftops of Istanbul : an unusual place where you can enjoy local cuisine and take in the exceptional panoramic views.
• Gala evening in the salons of the French Embassy : spend your gala evening in an atypical place … the private rooms of the French Embassy.
• Dinner-show at the Kervansaray restaurant : oriental dishes, a festive atmosphere, a folklore show and traditional dance…
• Culinary challenge : team building for the delight of your taste buds ! In teams, you will prepare real Turkish mezzés (Ottoman cooking) under the watchful eye of our chef.
• Dinner with fish specialties in the fishing district of Kumkapi : rendez-vous in a restaurant with charm and authenticity on the old port for a traditional and festive evening.