Centuries-old historical structures over an area of 2.7 hectares will be restored to boost cultural tourism in Central Anatolia’s Cappadocia region, one of Turkey’s most popular tourism regions.

The “Kayakapı Cultural and Natural Environment Protection and Revival” project envisages the restoration of 1,215 houses carved from the rock, historic mansions, churches, mosques, as well as the historic Kayakapı neighborhood, where the house of Saint John is located.

Ürgüp Mayor Fahri Yıldız and the project’s manager, Kayakapı Tourism Investment A.Ş. General Manager Mustafa Dinler, organized a visit for press members in the Kayakapı neighborhood on Jan. 30.

Speaking at a press conference after the visit, Dinler said the project focused on Göreme Natural Park, which is on UNESCO’s cultural heritage list, and Kayakapı.

A significant part of the project will be directed toward a rural area that includes 20 structures such as fountains and historic Roman baths, said Dinler. The estimated cost of the project is 30 million dollars, according to officials.

He said that in the first stage of the project, mosques, rock churches, St. John’s Church, a handicrafts center, cafes, restaurants and agricultural fields in the skirts of Kayakapı would come into use.

“These places will be open to the public. When the project is done, it will not only be a profitable tourism investment but will also contribute to the social-economic and cultural life of Ürgüp and the whole Cappadocia region. The number of tourists and employment rate will also increase,” he said.

Mayor Yıldız said the region had been left to its fate in 1970s, when it was declared a “disaster area.” “The region was declared a disaster area because there is a danger that a big rock mass can fall. Those living in the area moved to houses built by the state in another neighborhood. Afterwards this place was left to its fate,” he said.

“Muslims and Christians had lived in peace in the Kayakapı neighborhood. “There is a centuries-old history in this neighborhood. There are traces of many civilizations, from Roman baths to Selçuk mosques and rock churches.

Thinking of a tour to Turkey – check out Treasures of Turkey from Insight Vacations.

check out the tour details Call 604-659-4176 or
1-877-659-4176 to Book Now!  Avoid the single supplement – ask us about the single share program. Email whiterock@travelmasters.ca

Britain Sampler

With optional nights in London

May 26 – June 8, 2010

Our most popular Britain vacation offers you the best of this great land. Guided sightseeing shows you all the famous landmarks in London: Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and visits to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Changing of the Guard, if held. Head southwest to admire the breathtaking gardens at Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace, then venture on to prehistoric Stonehenge, the Roman excavations of Bath, the Cotswolds village of Stow, Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, and picturesque Llangollen in North Wales. Travel north through the Lake District, pausing in Wordsworth’s Grasmere and Gretna Green before arriving in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital. Admire the Crown Jewels at Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford House. In medieval York, enjoy a walking tour that features York Minster and the narrow Shambles. Return to London by way of the market town of Stamford and the university city of Cambridge

May 26/10: Early departure for optional extra 4 nights in London.

May 27 – 31/10:  Enjoy 4 extra optional nights in London.  Visit Portobello market, one of the world’s largest antiques market with over 1000 dealers. See a London Play; visit the London Eye, the Cabinet War Rooms, or the Chelsey Flower Show.  The sights in London are many.

May 31/10: Another free day to enjoy London as the group arrives for the tour.  (if you choose not to do the extra nights in London you would depart Canada on May 30/10

June 1/10: London: After a hearty English breakfast, morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. Highlights are a visit to ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL (except on Sundays) and the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, if held. Free time in the afternoon for independent activities or to join an optional excursion to Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with its fabulous Crown Jewels. Later, maybe an optional dinner followed by a cruise on the River Thames? (B)

June 2/10: London–Hampton Court–Stonehenge–Salisbury–Bath Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart at 8 am for a memorable day of sightseeing. First, a special visit to admire the breathtaking ORNAMENTAL GARDENS of Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace. Your Tour Director will take you on a walk to see the Great Vine, Pond Garden, Privy Garden, and the flower borders of the Great Fountain Garden. Then, westward to the intriguing prehistoric monument of STONEHENGE. Via Salisbury with its magnificent cathedral, the ultimate in Early English Gothic architecture, head for the elegant Georgian city of Bath, where you see the amazing excavations of the ROMAN BATHS. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. (B, D)

June 3/10: Bath–Stratford-upon-Avon–North Wales–Chester: Savor vistas of the Cotswolds on your way via the medieval market town of Stow-on-the-Wold to Stratford-upon-Avon. Time here to visit SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE and for pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. The afternoon is dedicated to North Wales. Take a stroll in picturesque Llangollen, home of an annual international contest for poets and musicians. Spend the night at Chester, the historic county town on the River Dee. (B, D)

June 4/10: Chester–Lake District–Edinburgh, Scotland : This morning’s walking tour includes the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, the cathedral, and the two-tiered shopping arcades called the “Rows.” Focus now on the tranquil Lake District, considered to be the finest of England’s national parks. After a break in Wordsworth’s beloved Grasmere, head north for the Scottish border. On the way through the history-steeped Lowland Hills, stop at Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. In Edinburgh, don’t miss our optional Scottish evening with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and the Ceremony of the Haggis. (B)

June 5/10: Edinburgh: Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” drive up the narrow Royal Mile to EDINBURGH CASTLE to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels, then explore HOLYROOD PALACE (except when the Queen is in residence). The afternoon is free to enjoy this “Prince of Cities” at your own pace. Later, a unique optional experience: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, once the perfect royal residence for the Queen’s glittering state visits and family holidays. Dinner rounds off this optional evening. (B)

June 6/10: Edinburgh–York: First on today’s agenda is Sir Walter Scott’s ABBOTSFORD HOUSE for a fascinating guided tour. Melrose Abbey and the ruins at Jedburgh are pointed out on the way to the English border and Northumberland National Park. South now to York, England’s most complete medieval city. Stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster, and then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets including the narrow Shambles. (B, D)

June 7/10: York–Stamford–Cambridge–London: Leave Yorkshire and its associations with James Herriot, and drive through the richest farmland in Britain. Pause in the market town of Stamford before arriving in the beautiful university city of Cambridge. Return to London around 3:30 pm. How about celebrating with new-found friends with a night out on the town? (B)

June 8/10: Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Rates:  Britain Sampler Tour – $1789.00 Dble, $2321.00 single

Four extra nights London $620.00 Dble   $1036.00 single

Click here to get a PDF version of the tour (makes it easier to print out!).

Call for best air rate
604-659-4176 or 1-877-659-4176

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