Sample Incentive Programmes
Beijing, China
China is a land of contracts, a country of timeless mysticism and beauty undergoing dynamic development.
The unspoiled countryside and ancient villages sit juxtaposed against the towering skylines of some of the most modern cities in Asia. China has approx. 20% of the world’s population and is bigger than the U.S.
China has the longest continuous tradition of national identity. From over 2000 years the great Chinese Empire dominated East and Southwest Asia. The overthrow of the Qing Dynasty in 1911 marked the end of imperial traditions. For the next 38 years China suffered under the rule of various competing warlords and occupying foreign powers. China was unified in 1949 under the leadership of Mao Zedong, and he and the communists proclaimed the People’s Republic of China. Years of turmoil and adjustment followed. Friendly relations were established with the U.S. in 1972 after President Nixon’s visit, and full diplomatic relations followed in 1979.
The effect of the new economic policies on the 90’s, based on international co-operation and modernization are apparent everywhere as can be seen by construction cranes and traffic jams ! There is a movement towards a free market economy that could not have been contemplated a few short years ago.
Indeed, for the Chinese, the future is not what it used to be!
Beijing, the capital and formally known as Peking, is the political, cultural and economical centre of China. It is the second city in population terms, but the largest administrative territory of some 6,500 sq.miles including outlying rural areas. The first town here was constructed more than 2000 years ago. The Great Wall which runs along the Yan Mountains is 40 miles to the NW of the city. It was built to stabilize the frontier between the Han Chinese and the barbarian peoples during the 3rd century BC. Yet it took a later Mongol leader Kublai Khan to build the city of Ta-tu in AD 1264 at the site that is now Beijing, and to establish that city as the political centre for all China. Beijing sits between two rivers that flow out of the hills and onto the North China Plain. The city is located 100 miles from the gulf of Bo Hai, part of the Yellow Sea, and located on the eastern flank of Eurasia, the world’s largest landmass. Beijing has a climate that is largely continental with warm Summers and long, cold dry Winters. Most rainfall is in June-August.
Famous points of interest include Tiananmen Square, the Great Hall of the People, Quinmen Gate and the monument to the People’s Heroes, Chairman Mao’s Memorial Hall, the Forbidden City, museum of Chinese Revolution, Temple of Heaven, Beihai Park, the Summer Place and of course, the Great Wall.
Next to Beijing, Xi’an is the most important place to visit in China if you are interested in ancient Chinese history, traditional culture and archaeology. It is an important Neolithic site and was the capital intermittently for 1087 years (eleven dynasties including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui and Tang). From the 11th century BC to the 14th century AD it was the eastern end of the Silk Road.
Today Xi’an is an important textile centre and has over 1000 factories making everything from electrical equipment to Chinese medicines. Like so many other big cities in China, Xi’an is undergoing significant transformation from an old city to the modern one. The city’s distinctive walls and bustling streets remain, housing what is one of China’s most dynamic cities. The city today still has it’s 600 year old Ming Wall, one of the best in China.
It is in Xi’an that we visit the world famous Terra Cotta Warriors, one of the world’s greatest discoveries. In 1974 villagers chanced upon an astonishing archaeological find – an 8000-man army in battle ready formation, each life-size, made of pottery over 2000 years ago. They stand on guard at the tomb of emperor Qin Shi Huangdi for over 2000 years. The army puzzles experts because the emperor left no record of their existence, and it would be hard to hide a project of this magnitude.
Suggested Programme A
Day 1
Arrival and transfer to hotel of choice.
Welcome refreshments during check-in and relax until rooms are available.
Informal buffet lunch in the hotel and afternoon free.
Peking Duck dinner in Tiandi Restaurant with return transfers
Overnight
Day 2
Golfers transfer to the Beijing International Golf Club for 18-holes, caddies and lunch in the club house.
For the non-golfers new bikes will be delivered to the hotel and we set off with guides and support on a bike tour which ends at the Forbidden City. Leave bikes here and visit the Forbidden City.
Emperor Lunch at Fangshan restaurant and transfer back to the hotel.
This evening we take over the Firstar Restaurant, pre dinner drinks in the garden.
Overnight
Day 3
The Hong Qi car is a model unique to China, not exported and only available here. A convoy of Hong Qi’s with 2 police outriders take us in an impressive convoy to the Great Wall, here we take the cable car to the wall and free time to walk and wander and take your photographs.
Surprise lunch set up exclusively for you actually on the Wall.
Coach transfer back to the hotel.
This evening we take over the Qin Han Room exclusively at the China Club.
Overnight
Day 4
This morning we take rickshaws to Hutong Village, an ancient undisturbed village close to the sprawling city. Here we see genuine Chinese village life and experience a typical Tea Ceremony, we even lunch in family homes in the village.
Later transfer to the airport and fly to Xi’an. Transfer to the Sheraton Hotel.
This evening we enjoy the Tang Dynasty Dinner & Show at the Grand Theatre.
Overnight.
Day 5
This morning visit the Ancient City Wall and the Wild Goose Pagoda where you experience a dramatic welcoming ceremony. Traditional Dumpling lunch at De Fa Chang restaurant.
This afternoon we visit the Terra Cotta Warriors, and later to the airport and flight to Beijing.
Transfer to your hotel.
This evening gala farewell dinner of international menu in the hotel with full entertainment programme
Day 6
Transfer to the airport.
Suggested Programme B
Day 1
Arrival and transfer to hotel of choice.
Welcome refreshments during check-in and while rooms become ready.
Welcome pack for each person containing a map, 2 stamped postcards, What’s On book, city information, your own Little Red Book with basic phrases, emergency numbers etc..
Casual international food buffet lunch and free afternoon.
This afternoon each guest will receive complete Foot Reflexology Massage to ease into the time zone, and the spirit of the trip.
Chinese dinner at China Lounge.
Day 2
Morning visit to Tiananmen Square to walk through it yourself, then on to visit the Forbidden City.
Hop onto a rickshaw to be transported to Nauge restaurant to sample wonderful Vietnamese food for lunch.
This afternoon visit the Temple of Heaven and Hong Qiao market.
This evening experience fine French cuisine at Firstar restaurant.
Day 3
Transfer to the airport and fly to Xi’an. Transfer to the Terra Cotta Warriors to see this amazing sight and enhance the visit with an IMAX presentation too.
Simple buffet lunch at the Friendship restaurant close to the site.
Back to the airport and fly back to Beijing.
International buffet dinner in the hotel.
Day 4
Golfers play the Beijing International Golf Club with caddies and snack lunch there.
Non golfers have a fun day starting off with transfer to the small narrow streets of the old town where we experience life close-up on bikes in small groups with guides and support, then on to the Confucius Temple, stop for lunch and later visit the antique market before returning to the hotel.
This evening transfer to dinner at The China Club and enjoy dinner, and entertainment by The 12-Girl Band. That’s right, 12 Chinese girls playing their version of Chinese music !
Day 5
This morning we visit the Great Wall of China, with an exclusive welcome to the Wall by 50 colourful drummers, a group photograph will be taken and each person will get a Great Wall booklet with the picture attached. Time on the wall and later surprise lunch on the wall itself.
This afternoon visit the Summer Palace and back to the hotel.
Where better to experience our Farewell to China than at the Great Hall of the People.
Dinner State-Banquet style with the China Children’s Choir, followed by a short performance from Peking Opera and an energetic Chinese Acrobatic Show.
Day 6
Transfer to the airport
Hotel Suggestions
Naturally, there are many fine properties there. These represent some of the best and most suitable for the group size and experience.
Miami & Bahamas
I am pleased to propose suggestions to combine these 2 exciting destinations into one unforgettable incentive experience. They may be long haul destinations but they are pleasantly easy to access on the excellent Virgin Atlantic via Heathrow.
I propose the fabulous Four Seasons in Miami and The Cove, at Atlantis, Paradise Island staring with 2 nights in Miami followed by 3 at Atlantis.
Please see the following proposed programme.
Day 1
Depart to Heathrow and connect on Virgin Atlantic direct to Miami.
Transfer to the Four Seasons and check-in reception.
This evening, after the long flight, dine & relax in splendor on board the luxury Biscayne Lady catamaran for a wonderful cruise and fine dining experience to settle you into the Miami lifestyle.
Day 2
Early start to the conference, coffee break and store visits.
Non-delegates enjoy Miami sightseeing discovery and some shopping time.
Al fresco lunch at the hotel and golfers depart to play the Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort.
This evening we get into the Caribbean mood at the fabulous Bongos Cuban Café for dinner and great music.
Day 3
Morning flight to the Nassau, capital of the Bahamas and transfer to Atlantis.
Get-together lunch and resort orientation.
Afternoon proposed activities include golf – swimming with dolphins – close up encounter with dolphins – shark cage experience – horse trek – sailing – beach sports, or simply laze on the beach or at the resort.
Dinner in one of the resort dining options this evening.
Day 4
Enjoy the excellent water sport facilities, beach activities, golf or adventure activities.
Lunch at the resort.
This evening short walk to the pier to board state-of-the-art catamarans (2) and set sail into the Caribbean sunset enjoying pre-dinner cocktails. Soon arrive at Luciano’s Chicago Italian style top class American dining.
Coach back to the resort.
Day 5
Take your pick… all those fun and leisure activities available to you.
Lunch on the resort.
This evening gala farewell party!
Let’s get into Bahamian party mood with an exuberant celebration party to rival Mardi Gras or the Rio carnival.. traditional JUNKANOO CELEBRATION party with an ever changing kaleidoscope of colour, movement, dance, music… larger then life art sculptures, stilt walkers, feather masks, Bahamian house front facades, actors, colourful tables and over the top venue dressing and a very lively Caribbean band to dance the night away…
Day 6
Short flight to Miami to connect on the Virgin Atlantic flight to Heathrow
Day 7
Arrive Heathrow and connect to Dublin.
Istanbul Turkey
Four Seasons Istanbul Bosphorus
On the European bank of the Bosphorus which flows through Istanbul's history and heart Four Seasons gives a 19th century palace a fresh, eclectic spirit. Alluring facilities include a chic urban spa. Fine restaurants and pools by the
quayside overlook the Asian shore. And all are awash in the light, space and excitement of this water's edge location.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus has 141 guest rooms and 25 suites. They are bright and airy rooms which overlook a variety of waterfront, garden and city views with nearly a quarter featuring views across the Bosphorus strait to the hills of Asia
Location 16 miles (25 km) from Istanbul’s Atatürk International Airport.
Day 1
Flights with Turkish Airlines depart Dublin at 1120
Arrive Istanbul at 1735
Meet WTG Trip Director and staff at Dublin airport and check on flight. Our local guides will meet the group on arrival in Ataturk International Airport and transfer to the hotel via motor coach.
Speedy and stress free check in a the hotel. Guests have short time to unpack and change for dinner.
Dinner this evening at Feriye Restaurant
This is a very historic restaurant dating back to the mid 19th century located on the waterfront.
After dinner return to Four Seasons our local staff will be happy to make suggestions for late night venues.
Day 2
Breakfast at the hotel.
The following are some of the excursions available to the group while staying in Istanbul.
Discover the Wonders of Istanbul – Full Day tour of the Old City
WE VISIT ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
Hippodrome Square
Thıs is a vast stadium seating 100,00 spectators constructed by the Roman Emperior Septimus Severus back in 203 BC.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is a symbol of Istanbul, designed and built in the early 17th century famous of its glazed earthenwar Iznik tiles.
St. Sophia
Originally a church converted into a mosque and now a museum famous for its mosaics and frescoes decorating the walls which are fine examples of Byzantine art.
Underground Cistern
In 532 the emperor ordered that solumns all 336 of them lying unused from dilapidated temples be used to hold up the roof of this underground cistern with a capacity of 80,000 cubic meters.
Topkapi Palace
This Palace treaures the richest slections of jewels and precious stones and gold.
Morning walk through “Grand Due Du Pera”
An often neglected sightseeing route by tourists is that of Pera or Beyoglu, which in fact wields a whole number of historical interest points from churches, historical buildings, picturesque arcades, old Ottoman hans, to bazaars and fine restaurants, all easy to visit within a single day.
Independance Street
The 1.2 km pedestrian street leading from Taksim Square down to Tunel is packed with an arbitrary scattering of music and bookstores, movie theaters and cultural centers, cafes, restaurants and bars, commercial banks and offices, shopping outlets and bazaars, consulates and embassies, churches, historical arcades and passageways.
Peddlers and street children engage in their prospective businesses of tissue sales, shoeshine and odd bits and pieces, amid clanging tram bells, blasting music shops, and street chatter. It is a public parade of fashionistas, business people, artists and tourists from all walks of life. Beyoglu nights are for the clubbers and bar goers, or for those just in search of good food.
Weekends see the street swarming with droves of people, which would test anyone's skills in crowd negotiation. Hence it is advisable to partake in sightseeing on a weekday. The Jazz Music Festival during the summer and Istanbul Film Festivals in the first week of April take over the area, seeing a large influx of musicians and artists and their audiences.
Antique Markets of Istanbul
Istanbul has several areas, which are considered to be old, antique areas. One of these is Cukurcuma. Very near to the center of the city with some restored buildings but kept their original atmosphere and lots of antique shops were mostly Ottoman furniture and prices are exhibited.
Tea & coffee will be served in one of the nicest restored buildings where the guests will have a chance to listen to a lecture on Ottoman period.
Some places of interests at Cukurcuma:
Evihan – It was established in November 2003 by Kristin Evihan. In her cozy shop which is also used for handmade glass bead work, Kristin also offers a rich variety of handmade accessories ranging from glass bead ornaments, silver cufflings / earings and other accessories with tiles to custom made dress tailed in specially woven fabrics, tailor made shoes and hand knitted bags with special prints.
Antikarnas – Antique shop in Cukucuma where all items are exhibited Lunch at French Street ( Antique Markets of Istanbul Tour)
Istanbul Past & Present
Istanbul has finally realized its longstanding aspiration of having a Museum of Modern Art.
The chief curator of Istanbul Modern is Rosa Martinez, who curated the 1997 International Istanbul Biennial and is currently curating the Venice and Moscow Biennials. Martinez draws attention to the importance of museums as centers of cultural production, stressing that they offer important opportunities for preserving and interpreting collective memory. Istanbul Modern's goal, says Martinez, is to integrate art and its audience and create a bridge between local and universal cultures. French President Jacques Chirac, German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and British Prime Minister Tony Blair sent a message for the opening ceremony.
In his message, Chirac said that all those who contributed to the founding of Istanbul Modern "may be justifiably proud of having conferred on Istanbul a cultural institution which enriches the city's unique heritage with its architectural beauty".
He then added, "My hope is that this new museum, whose design resembles that of the Pompidou Center, will naturally strengthen and intensify the cultural cooperation between our countries.
Dolmabahce Palace is one of the places in Istanbul that must be seen. This magnificent palace situated along the Bosphorus was constructed in the mid nineteenth century by Sultan Abdulmecid. It has 285 impressively decorated rooms and 43 halls. In wealth and magnificence the Dolmabahce Palace surpasses any palace in the world. The walls and ceilings are covered with paintings by famous artists and with decorations made by using tons of gold. Atatürk used to stay in this palace during his visits to Istanbul and this is also the palace where he died.
Lunch at Sardunya Restaurant ( Istanbul Past & Present Tour)
Sardunya has maintained its reputation as one of Istanbul’s finest restaurant’s through unchanging impeccable quality and service over the years. Thus it caters to a highly selective crowd, in its terrace overlooking the Bosphorus. The rich menu offers seafood dishes such as sea bass served with chard leaves, calamari kebabs, grilled eggplant marinated in “bostan“ sauce are the best of what Sardunya has to offer. Desserts also reflect traditional Turkish tastes along with delicious modern flavors.
Ottoman Style Shopping a visit to the Grand Covered Bazaar & Spice Market
Istanbul is where two great continents meet: Europe and Asia. The magnificent Covered Bazaar (Kapalicarsi), which stands in one of the oldest settlements of the city's European shore, has always been a favourite with foreign visitors. The story goes that the bazaar began as two vaulted halls built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror (1451 1481) to provide an income for the Hagia Sophia Mosque, and gradually turned into a commercial center as traders began to display their wares on counters around these two stone buildings.
The present alleys and galleries emerged as these areas were roofed over by tiled vaults. First time visitors to the Covered Bazaar are astounded by its splendor and size (30.7 hectares). The bazaar contains 3,000 shops, 25,000 full time staff, 61 streets and even two mosques, and looks as much to the present as it does to the past. In the jewelers' shops, bedecked with gold, silver and precious stones, you can find all kinds of valuable decorative items, from antique jewels to modern pendants. Goods from all the regions that make up the brightly colored tapestry that is modern Turkey are sold in the famous rug and carpet shops. As well as giftware made of pottery, wicker, wood, copper and silver, the Covered Bazaar is also a center for leather goods and accessories.
All anyone who wants to take home some traditional Turkish desserts or candies should visit the famous Misir Çarsisi (Spice Market) at Eminonu.
The group will have free time at Grand Bazaar & Spice Market for shopping.
Lunch at Hamdi Kebab House
Since 1970, Hamdi meat restaurants serves southeastern region’s uniquely tasty kebabs with a new approach at its location nearby spice bazaar. With its 20 person Orient corner, three storeys that sit 280 persons, 140 person terrace with superb view of Golden Horn, the restaurant continues its impeccable service. Aubergine kebab, plum kebab, poppy seed kebab, garlic kebab, pistacchio kebab are a few of many delicacies.
Chora Treasures Tour & visit of Suleymaniye Mosque
Chora Museum
The building in its present form was completed in the 11th century and adorned with beautiful mosaics and frescoes. The mosaics follow an iconographic order and have a rare quality. When in the 15th century the church was converted to a mosque after the conquest by the Ottomans, these were covered by whitewash; ironically enough, the Islam faith, which forbids representation of human figures, preserved them until our century. After becoming a museum in 1950 it has been restored and cleaned by the Byzantine Institute of the U.S.A., the mosaics were revealed in their original brightness.
Suleymaniye Mosque
One of the masterpieces by the great architect Sinan was built in the 16th century for Sultan Suleyman The Magnificent. The mosque towers over an extensive complex of institutions, including a hospital, a college, a hamam, a market and a primary school which surround it. The Süleymaniye mosque is awesome work of art, dating from a time when the Ottoman empire was at its most splendid period. This magnificent work of classical Ottoman architecture, which plays host to both worshippers and tourists today, is one of the most commanding features of Istanbul’s enchanting skyline.
Darülziyafe was bullt by world famous architect Mimar Sinan,between 1550 1555 upon the order of Süleyman the Magnificent for the 100 th year celebration of the conquering of Istanbul, as a public soup kitchen with in the dependencies of Süleymaniye Mosque and was usd as a banquetting room until the latest years of the Ottoman Empire. The buildings was later used as the Turkish Islamic Art Museum and thus has maintained ist quality of being a cultural center in every period. In 1991 following a restoration work respecting its original form, it was put into the service of the Turkish cusine culture. Darülziyafe preesents Ottoman Turkish dishes such as Suleymaniye soup, Tesrifatli Naim Efendi stew and fukura keskülü dessert. There are three separate enclosed rooms for private dinners. There is no alcohol service due to the fact that the restaurant is located at the interior courtyard of the Suleymaniye Mosque...
Bosphorus Cruise by Private Boat ( Lunch on Board)
Bosphorus Cruise:
The Bosphorus which connects Marmara Sea and Black Sea, is one of the most exquisite places in the world. The buildings embroidering the shores of free flowing waters, being embraced by a green background as a whole offer a view of unceasing delight. The best way to see the bosphorus is to take a cruise in a de luxe yatch. You'll take a short walk to the Pier for embarkation on a private deluxe boat. Bosphorus is a unique beauty of Istanbul and its charm from the shore is unforgettable when closer… As soon as you board on the deluxe boat, it will start sailing slowly on each side of the Bosphorus. While cruising on the Bosphorus you will have the famous Bosphorus breeze and you will feel like that you have packed all the world and threw it in the water. While cruising on the bosphorus your professional English speaking guides will give you a brief information about the surroundings.
Turkish Cooking Class At Darulziyafe
We invite our guests to learn the secrets of the famous cuisine from our well known Chefs. The Turkish Cooking Lesson will be held at an old restaurant, namely Darüzziyafe Restaurant located in the Süleymaniye Mosque complex. This most characteristic setting of Ottoman history is ideal to learn the secrets of the traditional Turkish cuisine. During the Turkish Cooking Lesson, the Chef will demonstrate the use of local ingredients, then our guests will try to cook one of the famous Ottoman dishes under the guidance of the Chef and will receive their Certificate of Excellence.
Ebru Painting Workshop
The Center for Turkish Handcrafts at the Medrese of Caferaga offers courses in many fields, including Turkish calligraphy paper marbling, wood carving and inlaying mother of pearl, Ottoman Turkish and musical instruments such as ney, ud, kanun and the violin”
Walking through the narrow roads of St. Sophia to visit Medrese of Caferaga:
“This is charmingly located in an medieval building, arranged around a courtyard on a back street around. A "medresi" is a school, word deriving from the arabic "madrassa". It is customary to find these in mosques where students are taught the Koran. It is a Turkish handicraft center and gallery, and its purpose is to keep traditional crafts alive by teaching those who want to learn. You will be able to find very elegant examples of traditional handcrafts reflecting the style & taste of Ottoman era through modern times.
Marbling on paper was invented by the Turks, then the similar artcrafts were seen on Persians in the history and spread through the Middle Eastern civilizations. Aside from marbling, there are other crafts classes such as calligraphy, porcelain painting, jewellery, mosaic, pottery. The tools were very simple, and they used a water bath into which they poured their colors. The colors and water don't mix as there is a resist factor which exists between the two. The colors are then combed into a pattern which may be very simple, or very intricate. The sheet which will bear the design is then placed or floated on the water bath and lifted quickly and set to dry. I'm oversimplifying here in the interest of expediency. An exclusive “Ebru painting” show & Calligraphy will be held for our group from an artist in one of the ateliers of Medrese.
Ebru Hand Arts
Ebru has long been the name given to the authentic turkish art of paper marbling and to the marbled papers produced by Ebru artists. Classical ebru is performed using aqueous natural pigments mixed with ogall and a rectangular trough filled with a mucilaginous mixture, traditionally prepared using gum tragacanth. Colors are sprinkled using brushes made of rose stalks and horsehair on the surface of the mucilaginous solution in the trough. The floating pattern is taken off to paper either as is or after being reshaped and retouched using pins, needles, combs or the like.Ebrus were once admired as calligraphy media, as borders for inscriptions and scripts or as endpapers for fine bindings. Aside from the various crafts and classes that go on, there is a center café where you can sit and enjoy the atmosphere.
Golf Tournament at Kemer Golf & Country Club
KG&CC Golf Club is without question Istanbul's most impressive golf club. The course is 6,300 meters long, with 18 holes on a 73 par. Set amongst the rolling hills of the Belgrad Forest, the Club offers a championship golf course of rare beauty and challenge, a stunning wind through the hilly forests of Kemer, featuring lush green fairways and artfully contoured bunkers designed by internationally renown courses designer Joan Dudok Van Heel and set among lakes and streams. In tribute to this, the quality of the course and the unique facilities at KG&CC have earned the Golf Club the honor of being the headquarters of the Turkish PGA and the training centre for the Turkish National Team.
"Short, but tight" is a common description of the course whose narrow patches of fairway provide an interesting challenge especially on T shots. It challenges golfers whether they are beginners or professionals. The Club also gives golfers the chance to get together at the Golf Bar after an exciting round to relive that long drive down the green, the miraculous hole in one and the perfect putt that just didn’t have quite enough gas…
The rest of the facilities live up to the high standards set by the world class course. They include a Driving Range, the Driving Range Café and the Golf Shop, all staffed with experienced, attentive professionals.
This Evening Dinner in the Dinner at Reina
If not the most, Reina is one of the most popular night clubs of Istanbul. The place which brings the best restaurants of the city together under one roof.
Just on the edge of Bosphorus, Reina embraces the breathtaking views of Istanbul. Glittering Bosphorus view, Beylerbeyi Palace across from it, the natural decoration which is embellished with its historical mosque and magnificient bridge completed the atmosphere of Reina perfectly. The pleasure of sipping a drink at the sunset and the moonrise facing Asia is a privilege for the guests of Reina.
Reina which hosts many celebrities both local and foreign, has become a brand that the world talks about. Respectable businessmen, world famous artists, sports players, journalists, top models, cinema stars, politicians, investors prefer Reina. Reina has famous visitors like Sting, Uma Thurman, Michael Schumacher, Salma Hayek, Boris Becker and more....
Day 3
Breakfast at the hotel.
Sign up excursions from the list outlined above on Day 2 Friday.
Gala Dinner – Dinner at Maiden's Tower
Leander’s Tower is a unique site along the Bosphorus, jutting from the rocky terrain a little off the coast of Üsküdar. There are many myths as to its origins and the best known one is an allegory on the indomitable ways of fate. The tower functioned as a fort, lighthouse, prison and isolation hospital during Byzantine and Ottoman times and was restored a number of times. Maiden's Tower let you discover Istanbul from a different angel with its unique view of which covers a sightseeing in 360 degree.
We will have the Tower exclusive for the Group.
Entertainment this evening Belly dancers during cocktails and after dinner we will be entertained by the Towers house dance band.
Day 4
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for your direct flight to Dublin getting into Dublin mid-afternoon.
Rome - Italy
Suggested Hotel
Since 1906, The Westin Excelsior, Rome has hosted celebrities, statesmen and artists visiting the Eternal City. The hotel, which was named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2007 Gold List, enjoys a prime location in the celebrated Via Veneto district.
Day 1
Fly with Aerlingus direct to Rome departing Dublin at 0720 arrive Rome 1130.
Clear the airport and transfer via motorcoach with local staff. A luggage van will take the luggage straight to the hotel. As it is early we won’t be able to check in but will embark on a walking tour of Rome followed by lunch.
Half Day Renaissance Rome Walking Tour
On arrival we will met by local guide at airport transferred to the city for a Renaissance Rome Walking tour highlights of the tour Plazza Barbeini, Trevi Fountrain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona and more …. This will be a tour on foot as it is the very best and only way to see Rome centre.
Morning Coffee stop on route in one of the coffee bars in the many squares of Rome.
Lunch in the Festive Piazza Navona at Restaurant Tre Scalini.
Day 2
Breakfast at the hotel.
Optional sign up excursions –
Half Day Discover Ancient / Imperial Roma
This tour is designed to allow you to discover the ancient part of Rome. According to the legend Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus (the two brothers who were nursed by a she-wolf) over the famed Seven Hills. More reliable sources date the beginnings of the city from the 8th century BC when a small village was founded on the banks of the Tiber River as a meeting place for shepherds and farmers. By luxury motor coach you will be taken to Piazza Venezia, dominated by a large memorial to King Victor Emanuel II (the first king of a united Italy) and you pass by the Capitoline Hill, the site of the City Hall. You will see also two of the oldest bridges in Rome and the island of the Tiber. Driving by the well preserved pagan temples of the 1st Century BC you reach the Aventine, from where you’ll admire the Circus Maximus the largest of the Roman circus. It served as a model for all the others. Proceeding by two of the seven hills, you will arrive at the Arch of Triumph of Emperor Constantine, a notable example of the Roman artistic and cultural genius. The arch was erected in AD 315 to celebrate Emperor Constantine’s victory over Maxentius three years before. You will then visit the famed Colosseum.
It rises majestically in the valley formed by the Esquiline, Caelian and Palatine Hills. It was begun by Vespasian in 72 AD who filled in the man-made lake belonging to Nero’s Domus Aurea to make way for it. In 80 AD, under Titus, the Colosseum was inaugurated with 100 days celebrations and spectacles. Fights between men and beasts, races and mock naval battles, gladiatorial contests (Romans’ best-loved spectacle) took place in the arena for several years. For centuries it was subjected to a terrible fate: enormous blocks of travertine were hacked off it to be used for other buildings, among them even St. Peter’s Basilica. The tour continues by Oppius Hill and to the Basilica of St. Peter’s in Chains, where you will admire another Michelangelo’s masterpiece: The Statue of Moses. The church was constructed to protect the chains, which bound St. Peter as prisoner, sent to Rome from Constantinople. Legend tells us that these chains, once placed next to other chains, which held the Saint prisoner in Rome, welded themselves together forming one singular chain, which you can see today. The next stop is the Roman Forum, to be seen only from the outside, the oldest of the Fora, which was the first political and religious center of Rome. The Fora were built by Caesar, Augustus, Trajan, Nerva and Vespasian. There are hardly any remains of the latter two. The Via dei Fori Imperiali, laid out in 1932 by Mussolini, divides the imperial forums. The Seven Hills: Capitoline, Caelian, Quirinal, Aventine, Viminal, Palatine, Esquiline.
Lunch at Sabatini Restaurant.
Half Day Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour
From the hotel, you will be taken to the closest parking lot of the Vatican and after a pleasant walk you will reach the Vatican Museums entrance. Your time will be entirely devoted to the visit of the Vatican Museums, where the world's most important art collections of all ages are housed. The Museums of the Vatican occupy part of the palaces built by the popes from the 13th century onward, which have been extended and embellished to the present day. You'll visit the Gallery of Candelabras, the Gallery of Tapestries, the Library, the Sacred Museum, sections containing hundreds of masterpieces collected over the centuries by the Popes. You will then reach the Sistine Chapel; perhaps the highlight of your program in Rome, for it is the only place where you can admire Michelangelo as a fresco painter. The Sistine Chapel was constructed by order of Sixtus IV. The sidewalks of the Chapel are covered with frescoes by great Umbrian and Florentine artists who paved the way for the three greatest genius of art: Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci. Pope Julius II commissioned the breathtaking ceiling of the Sistine Chapel to Michelangelo. The scenes depicted on the ceiling are meant to represent symbolically the course of human events from the Creation through the Book of Genesis towards the revelation of God the Father and Creator. Thus Michelangelo depicted the Creation, the Prophets and Sibyls. Pope Paul III Farnese commissioned the overwhelmingly dramatic “Last Judgment” on the wall above the altar to Michelangelo. Two windows had to be walled over and the existing paintings scraped off. Then the wall was shaped so as to create a projection of above 24 inches from the top to the bottom in order to avoid dust settling on it. The paintings of the walls represent stories of the Old and New Testaments. Criticism was so violent with the nudes of the figures that Pope Hadrian VI even considered scraping the ceiling, Paul IV knocking down the wall and Clemente VIII wanted to whitewash the frescoes. However, the critical reaction was reduced by the intervention of Daniele da Volterra who painted breeches on some of the nudes, earning him the nickname of “il braghettone” (the trousers man). Because of all the paintings, the Sistine Chapel is considered the “Temple of the Italian Renaissance.” A tour to remember!
Lunch at Restaurnt “St Ana”.
Shopping Tour of Roma!
Past historical monuments, down twisted narrow alleys and through charming piazzas, our guide will lead the way to the best local designer clothing boutiques, jewelry shops, art and antique galleries, fine furniture showrooms, artiisanal workshops and open-air markets. Simply let us know what you are shopping for an our shopping expert will design a tour based on your interests, she will pick up up at your hotel and take you through the maze of streets that make up Rome’s shopping districts. Indulge yourself, maximise your time and let our guie source out the places where you’ll find only the very best to satisfy your tastes.
Marco Simone Golf Club
The Marco Simone Golf Club is one of the most prestigious golf courses and resorts in Europe. It is positioned at only 17 Km from Rome, where everything is uniquely arranged on 130 hectares. The whole complex is developed around a castle which dates back to the 1400’s, with a central 11th century tower. In an extraordinary landscape made of clusters of flowering trees and shrubs, the Championship Course has the natural shape of the hillside and the challenging fairways and bunkers of a traditional American course. The Marco Simone Golf Club has already held important events like the 1994 Italian Open, played on the par 72 Championship Course. Guests and members may also enjoy another course, the par 64 Executive Course.
Dinner this evening at Taverna de’Mercantl located on Trastevere one of the oldest sections of Rome.
This beautiful restaurant, with huge candles on every table and its 17th-century feel, is the perfect place for a romantic dinner ( period dramas are often filmed here. ) There is a classic pizzeria menu: fried antipasti, delicious bruschette, pizzas and desserts. The freshest mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil and dough are used to create such masterpieces as the fontina e tartufo pizza and the classic margherita. The desserts are homemade - the tiramisù, pannacotta and the torte della nonna are very good. Prices are only slightly higher than in other pizzerias. The ancient walls and the beams overshadow the rest of the furnishings. However, there are always new details to catch the eye: garlic, onions and peppers hang from the beams, as well as antique oil lanterns. People from centuries past have written along the high walls and their words are still visible; meat hooks and antique nails and cracks also ooze history.
Day 3
Breakfast at the Westin Hotel.
Excursions as outlined above.
Gala Dinner at Palazzo Brancaccio
Brancaccio Palace is the last Roman Patrician Palace built in 1880 in the heart of city of Rome. Brancaccio Palace is the last Roman Patrician Palace built in 1880 in the heart of the eternal city, Rome. Located on Colle Oppio, near Emperor Nero's,"Domus Aurea" and the seven hills, between Colosseum and the famous Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Welcome cocktails and canapés on arrival followed by dinner. Entertainment during dinner will be by a Classic strolling trio – guitar, violin and flute.
Day 4
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out followed by transfer to the airport for flight home.
