SOCIAL PROGRAMME

Opening Ceremony & Spectacle
Saturday, June 14th, 2008 17:00 - 20:30
The Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception (with cocktails, snacks and a unique cultural programme) will be held at Istanbul Convention & Exhibition Center. (Included in the registration fee)

Gala Dinner
Monday, June 16th , 2008 (20:00 - 00:00)

The Gala Dinner is planned to be held in one of the Ottoman palaces. These are located at best part of the Bosphorus, waterway between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. The panoramic view of Istanbul by the Bosphorus at night will be memorable. (Included in the registration fee)

Please note that there is limited space at this event. To guarantee your registration, we therefore recommend that you register for the event during pre-registration. A non-refundable reservation fee of Euro 25 will be required. This will be payable upon collection of your invitation.

Optional Daily Tours

Treasures of Istanbul

TI-01 Saturday, June 14, 2008 (09:00 - 13:30)
TI-02 Monday, June 16, 2008 (13:30 - 18:00)

First visit is to the Roman Hippodrome to see the Serpentine Column, the Egyptian Obelisk and then visit Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and magnificent blue Iznik tiles which line its interior. Proceed to the magnificent Topkapi Palace to see the unique crown jewellery, Chinese porcelain and exquisite displays of clothing, dating back many hundreds of years. Last visit will be to the Covered Bazaar to explore the maze of over 4'000 tiny shops selling leather, copper, carpet, antiquities, souvenirs and jewelry. (Covered Bazaar is closed on Sunday)

EURO 45.- per person

Bosphorus Cruise by Private Boat

BC-01 Sunday, June 15, 2008 (09.30-13.30)
BC-03 Tuesday, June 17, 2008 (09.30-13.30)

Sail up the Bosphorus, the waterway between Europe and Asia, as far as the Black Sea passing under the suspension bridges and viewing Ottoman summer palaces, waterside mansions and modern villas which line the European and Asian coasts. Also pass by the15th century fortress built before Istanbul was conquered by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. Disembark at a small village near the Black Sea and return to Istanbul by motorcoach.

EURO 45.- per person


Byzantine Marvels of Art

BMA-01 Saturday, June 14, 2008 (13.30-18.00)
BMA-02 Tuesday, June 17, 2008 (09.00-13.30)

Visit the 6th century Byzantine Basilica, St. Sophia Museum which is one of the great architectural marvels of the ancient world; the Hippodrome, once the chariot race track of the Byzantine and Romans. See the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. The last visit is to the Church of St. Saviour in Chora to see the world famous frescoes and mosaics.

EURO 45.- per person

Ottoman Relics

OR-01, Monday, June 16, 2008 (09.00-13:30)

The 17th century Ottoman Blue Mosque is famous for its six minarets and magnificent blue Iznik tiles which line its interior. The next visit is to the magnificent Topkapi Palace, housing the richness of 700 years of the Ottoman Empire. Collection of jewels, porcelains, clothing and armory will be seen. Last visit is to the Suleymaniye Mosque; “Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent” to witness the greatness of Architect Sinan; best architect of all times during Ottoman Period.

EURO 45.- per person

Cancellation policy for daily tours
Cancellation can be made up to 4 weeks prior to the tour for a full refund. After this date no refund will be provided. TOPKON Congress Services reserves the right to cancel a tour if the minimum number of 20 participants is not met. Such cancellations are fully refunded.

Post-congress Tours
Tour A: Cappadocia: Mystery of the Early Christians
June 18-20, 2008

Rate: EURO 590.- per person in double room / EURO 90.- single supplement

Rate is inclusive of:
2 nights accommodation in a first class hotel on half-board basis, 2 lunches en route, all sightseeing tours with an English speaking guide, hotel / airport transfers in Istanbul, all entrance fees, domestic airfare Istanbul/Kayseri/Istanbul, service charge and VAT. Minimum 10 participants.

Tour B: Ephesus and Pergamum: Resurrected Cities of the Roman
June 18-20, 2008

Rate: EURO 590.- per person in double room / EURO 90.- single supplement

Rate is inclusive of:
Domestic airfare Istanbul / Izmir / Istanbul, 2 nights accommodation at a first class hotel on bed & breakfast basis, 3 lunches and 2 dinners, all sightseeing as per above itinerary with an English speaking guide, all entrance fees, service charge and VAT. Minimum 10 participants.

Cancellation policy for pre/post-congress tours
Cancellation can be made up to 6 weeks prior to the tour for a full refund. Thereafter no refund can be provided. Topkon Congress Services reserves the right to cancel a tour if the minimum number of 10 participants is not met. Such cancellations are fully refunded.