SPECIAL INTEREST

The Istanbul Marathon (Eurasia Marathon) (5 Nights / 6 Days)

The Istanbul Marathon is truly a fantastic race. It is well organized and the course is one in a million. How many marathons can boast that they start in Asia and end in Europe? How many marathons start with the first two miles being on one of the great bridges of Europe spanning two continents and crossing one of the most spectacular waterways in the world? Most marathons run through the major historic sites of a city, but which ones can boast that their marathon ends in the mythical Hippodrome? This probably will not be your first marathon, but if you are a marathoner looking for great races to run, Istanbul's Eurasia Marathon is a must.

The 35th edition of the Istanbul Eurasia Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, November 17, 2013.

Byzantine German Fountain, Hurrem Sultan Bath, Hagia Sophia, The Million Stone, and The Burnt Column. While walking, we will stop to taste some of the local “street food” and your guide will point out some restaurants that you may enjoy for dinner. A Welcome Reception will be held later at the hotel.

November 14: Istanbul
This morning, we visit some iconic sites in Istanbul, including the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern.
In the afternoon, we visit the Grand Bazaar then drive over the Galata bridge to the Tophane area to see the “Museum of Innocence”, created by Nobel Prize-winning author Orhan Pamuk. Have a walking tour again late this afternoon: this time from Galatasary to Pera. Noteable buildings along the way include the British Consulate, St. Antoine's Catholic Church, the Consulates of the Netherlands, Russia and Sweden, Galata Whirling Dervish Hall, the Tunel area, The Galata Tower and Neve Shalom Synagogue. We end our walk at The Pera Palace Hotel and have a short drive back to the hotel. Those who wish to stay, may dine on their own at many local restaurants such as Kivahan or Guney (Turkish / Ottoman cuisine), Fureyya small fish restaurant or The Pera Palace Hotel’s Agatha Restaurant and can taxi back to the hotel on their own. (B)

November 15: Istanbul
Begin the morning with an extensive tour of Topkapi Palace, former residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Later we stop at Sirkeci Railway Station (last stop of the Orient Express), before visiting the Spice Market. After some free time for lunch we enjoy a Bosphorus cruise for about an hour along the shores of the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, disembarking at Uskudar, one of the largest towns on the Asian side of the Strait. We will visit the produce & fish market and view the Mihrimah Sultan’s Mosque as well as Maiden’s Tower in Salacak. Return to your hotel with a steamboat ride of twenty minutes, crossing the Bosphorus from Uskudar to Kabatas. (B)

November 16: Istanbul
Today is at your leisure. You can continue to discover this great city on your own. This evening we will have a pre-race pasta dinner at the hotel.(B)

November 17: Istanbul - Eurasia Marathon
Today your guide and driver will be at your service for getting to the starting point in the morning. The end of the race is very close to your hotel. (B)

November 18 - departure: Istanbul – Homebound departure
Included transfer to Istanbul Ataturk airport for your flight home. (B)

Optional extensions to other parts of Turkey are also available.

Please call for price information.

Price of the trip package includes:

1. Accommodation:
   5 nights Istanbul: Hotel Armada or similar

2. Meals as indicated by (B, L, D) - B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
   5 meals, 5 breakfasts.

3. Services of a private licensed, professional English-speaking guide.

4. All transfers and travel by private, modern, air-conditioned, chauffeur driven vehicles, appropriate to the size of your group.

5. All entrance fees to sites and museums mentioned in the program.

Price of the trip package excludes:

1. Airfare for international flights.

2. Beverages other than water during included meals.

3. Optional gratuities to the tour guide(s), driver(s)

4. Tipping for porters at hotels.

5. Travel insurance.

6. Visas, laundry, and personal items.

A welcome from the Mayor:
Once you have registered for the Istanbul Marathon, you will become our very special guest and will experience a unique journey between two continents. Running from Asia to Europe through the history of one of the oldest settlements in the world is part of what will make your efforts so rewarding.

 I am sure your experience in Istanbul will be memorable as well as enjoyable. Let's meet where the continents meet!
Kadir Topbas, Mayor of Istanbul

Registration for the 2013 INTERCONTINENTAL ISTANBUL EURASIA MARATHON starts on 1st of January at midnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who organizes the Istanbul Eurasia Marathon?
The Istanbul Eurasia Marathon is organized by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.

What other events will take place besides the marathon?
There will also be a 15 Km race, an 8 Km race and an 8 Km fun run without timing and ranking.

What is the start time of the event?
The Marathon, 15 Km and 8 Km races start together at 09:00 am. And the fun run starts at 09:30.

How do I qualify ?
There is no qualification by time for participation. You must be at least 18 years of age to enter the marathon. The lower age limit for the 15 Km and 8 Km races is 15.

More information on registering for the race itself is at:
http://www.istanbulmarathon.org/marathon-information/frequently-asked-questions.aspx