Islamic Heritage Tours of Europe

Society Travel & Tourism
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Whenever we think of Islamic Heritage we think of the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Northern Africa.

However their is a rich heritage of Islam in Europe going back 1000 years. Most noticible are the Moors in Spain and their legacy in Andalusia. However, there is also a rich heritage of the Turks in Eastern Europe from the last 500 years particularly Bosnia and the Balkans in what was Yugoslavia, as well as Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, Hungary, and Russia which have all been under Turkish Islamic rule at different times.

I am in the process of organizing three seperate group tours to explore the Islamic History of Europe

  1. Al-Andalus : Islamic Spain (Seville, Cordoba, Granada)

  2. Bosnia : Sarajevo, Mostar, Travnik

  3. European Turkey : Istanbul, Edirne

More details with daily itineraries are on my website Home

These tours will be offered in the spring of 2010 and will be based on Toronto air departures. However, interested persons from other parts can still join the group for the land portion.

There is also a facebook page ‘Islamic Heritage Tours of Europe’ for more details if you want to join or tell your friends with videos and photo albums

  1. Spain Tour
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Spain was under direct Islamic rule for over 700 years. This has left a lasting influence most noticeably in Andalucia where the longest surviving Islamic Kingdoms were. We will explore the treasures of Islamic heritage in Seville, Cordoba which was the capital of Islamic Spain for 500 years (including the 10th Century capital Madinat Al-Zahra), and finally Granada the last Muslim kingdon to fall in 1492.

IslamicHeritageSpain

  1. Bosnia Tour
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Bosnia has been an important part of the Eastern Ottoman Empire for over 400 years. Travnik and then Sarajavo have both been capitals of the Ottoman province of Bosnia which was the strategic and cultural crossroads between Christian Europe and the Muslim East. We explore the legacy of 400 years of Turkish rule and its rich islamic heritage including Mosques, the Turkish Bridge in Mostar, the Blagaj Dervish monastery, and unique Ilahije music.

IslamicHeritageBosnia

  1. Turkey Tour
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This fascinating region has passed hands over the years from The Greeks, to The Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, and finally the Ottoman Turks, each leaving their legacy and influence on the history, traditions, and landscape. We discover the European side beginning with Istanbul and exploring Edirne on the Greek border which was once the capital of Ottoman Turkey

Services

Thanks

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Re: Islamic Heritage Tours of Europe

facebook page with more videos and photos

Islamic Heritage Tours of Europe | Facebook

Similarities b/w Pakistan and Israel and their followings
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Re: Islamic Heritage Tours of Europe

We will be having Two Information Sessions on

1) Sat Jan 16 from 2-4 pm @ Jasmine Restaurant & Juice Bar (Lebanese)
2273 Dundas St W, Mississauga (after Erin Mills): 905-607-4477

2) Sat Jan 23 from 2-4 pm @ Alara Restaurant (Turkish)
2044 Sheppard Ave East, Toronto (between DVP and Vic Park) : 416-497-0134

See our Events page on Facebook for more info
Please tell your friends and let us know numbers so we can arrange seating

If you do not live in Toronto and are intestested in these tours, we can arrange seperate transportation or join the Land Only option - Contact us for details via Facebook

Islamic Heritage Tours of Europe | Facebook

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I wish I would have joined.

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Islamic Heritage Tours of Europe | Facebook

One Week Tour of Istanbul and Edirne on the Greek Border
May 13-20, 2010
full 7 day itinerary at
Services

Included

  • return air from Toronto direct flight on Turkish Airlines Economy Class
    (member of Star Alliance so you earn Air Canada Aeroplan Miles)
  • airport pickup and dropoff
  • escorted daily sightseeing
  • six nites accomodation in air conditioned 3 star hotel next to the blue mosque, single and double rooms, private ensuite, cable tv, minibar
  • daily breakfast
    Ayasofya Hotel Istanbul

Entry Visa payable at Istanbul Airport Extra
Daily Meals Extra

Istanbul Sightseeing includes (entrance fees extra)
Lets go Istanbul. Istanbul Sights, Attractions, Hotels and Travel information.

  • Sultanhamet district
  • Arasta Bazaar
  • Blue Mosque
  • Haga Sophia
  • Basilica Cistern
  • Museum of Islamic Art
  • Hippodrome
  • Topkapi Palace
  • Grand Bazaar
  • Suleymaniye Mosque
  • Roman Aqueduct
  • Spice Bazaar
  • Gelata Bridge
  • Tunel Train
  • Istiklal Caddesi
  • Taksim Square
  • Dolmabahce Palace
  • Bosphorus boat cruise
  • Gelata Tower

Optional Extras

  • Dervish Dance
  • Carpet Shopping
  • Turkish Baths

Edirne was the Ottoman Capital from 1361-1453 until the capture of Constantinople (Istanbul) and also dates back to Emperor Hadrian in Roman Times from AD125. The layout of the town centre is typical of a Turkish Silk Road trading town

Day trip to Edirne on the Greece border includes (bus fare and entrance fees extra)

  • Selimiye Mosque
  • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
  • Old Mosque
  • Mosque of three balconies
  • Rustem Pasa Caravenserai
  • Beyezit II Mosque Museum of Islamic Medicine

Daily freetime included
Also, one whole free day after the tour to continue to explore more on your own

Group size : Min 5 - Max 10

Be sure to tell your friends about this exciting travel opportunity

PRICING - $1899 Based on Double Occupancy
including return air Toronto to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines in Economy class
airport pickup and dropoff, six nights accomodation in 3* hotel
all taxes

Deluxe Insurance Package $60 Extra

Single Supplement $250
Land only Portion $699 for Double Occupancy or $899 Single Occupancy

EARLY BOOKING SAVINGS
BOOK BEFORE VALENTINES DAY AND SAVE $50 ON THE AIR/LAND PACKAGE
IF TWO OR MORE PEOPLE BOOK TOGETHER THEY EACH SAVE ANOTHER $50
(land only portion not eligible for discounts)

So if you book together with a friend before Valentines Day you each pay $1799!

$200 non refundable deposit required at time of booking
Balance due by April 1

Registration Deadline - March 1, 2010
All prices in Canadian Dollars

All Travel Arrangements by Imagine Holidays.ca

What is 'Dawn Leaks'?
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Re: Islamic Heritage Tours of Europe

I strongly recomend you visit the re-built Mostar bridge ;)

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