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Destination - Istanbul
It takes time to see Istanbul properly, since examples of its 2,000-year-old past can be difficult to find amid the chaos of the present. Most visitors go straight to the Sultanahmet district, the oldest part of the city, where there are at least some remnants of Byzantine Constantinople, such as Haghia Sophia, among the splendors of Imperial Ottoman architecture, such as Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. Sultanahmet is, however, a ‘tourist quarter’
with the usual irritations of badgering touts and crowds of people and it is not the only historic part of the city.
The city center, including the areas referred to as ‘the old city’ and ‘the new city’, which are separated by the estuary of the Golden Horn, is located on the European side of Istanbul, on the western side of the Bosphorus Strait. Northwest of Sultanahmet lies the area of Beyazit, focused around the famous Kapali Çarsi (Covered or Grand Bazaar), while directly north from Sultanahmet, following the tramway, visitors will quickly hit the noisy, chaotic Eminönü docks on the Golden Horn. From here, across the Galata Bridge, the area beginning at Karaköy port, running up to the landmark Galata Tower and then up through Beyoglu and Taksim, was for centuries the designated residence of foreigners, including Italian, Greek and Levantine traders. The Tünel climbs the hill from Karaköy port to the start of Istiklal Caddesi, a mile-long pedestrian thoroughfare leading up to Taksim Square, the heart of modern Istanbul and home to much of its nightlife.
 Mosques are almost always open to visitors, outside prayer times, although shorts and sleeveless clothes should not be worn. Shoes are left outside and women will be loaned a shawl to covers arms and hair. Visitors should not take photographs of women wearing the traditional black çarsaf, as this is forbidden. Parents of little boys in their full circumcision regalia will usually allow photos, although a small gift of money to the child is traditional.
Istanbul’s museum system is confusing, as each is run by different ministries, municipal authorities or private owners. Entrance charges or opening hours can change suddenly. Check with tourist offices for up-to-date opening times and prices. |
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Destination – Morocco
Morocco, with its palaces and monuments, its history and passions, is a country you will fall in love with. It is the Morocco of the ramparts of Marrakech the Red and the Ben Youssef
Medersa, of Jemaa-el-Fna square and the Badiaa palace. Or Fez, with the spectacle of the medina, the Kairaouine mosque or the Abou Imania
medersa, Fez the cradle of Arabo-muslim culture.
Essaouira, where the ramparts will tell you the history of a magnificent fortified town. The Oudaias kasbah and of course the Hassan tower that will symbolize Rabat in your mind; the sculpted cedar ceiling of Bit el-Mal in Tangier that will be imprinted in your memory, as will the treasures of
Meknes, the Dar el Baida palace, the splendid gates opening up to the imperial city. And Casablanca, that holds more recent treasures such as the Mahkama du Pacha or Hassan II mosque. A Morocco full of beauty and sensations, where the fine Arabo-Andalusian influence rubs shoulders with the sand architecture of the South: towns and places listed in the UNESCO world heritage. Because it is not only the mosques and their beautifully detailed minarets, the medersas and palaces, but Moroccan towns in their entirety that contain great historical treasures.
With several international airports and an efficient motorway network, Internet connections and an ultra-modern telephone network, Morocco offers the advantages of modernity with the added charm of tradition. Morocco is an ideal destination to host conventions or incentive trips.
Many Moroccan towns offer an exceptional setting to organise a convention with excellent value for money. Marrakech and Casablanca in particular have the entire infrastructure needed to welcome conventions and seminars. There is a vast choice of luxury hotels and charming residences. Restaurants offer the best of Moroccan and international cuisine. Also appreciated for this type of trip, the towns of
Ouarzazate, Rabat and Fez also offer excellent assets.
An incentive trip should inspire dreams to achieve its goal. In this area, Morocco benefits from tremendous advantages. Its grandiose landscapes have remained authentic as has the hospitality of its population, a fundamental value. Just a few hours away from the major European cities, Marrakech,
Agadir, Ouarzazate and Fez allow a wide range of cultural and sports activities, all year long.
For the successful organisation of this type of stay, take advantage of Morocco ’s exceptional cultural heritage and its first class tourist facilities and, wherever you go, you will be sure to receive the warmest possible welcome. |
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Hot
properties in UAE - Freehold |
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