You are invited to join a professional study trip to Istanbul, organised in cooperation with the Kondor Travel Agency. The trip offers an opportunity to visit numerous important engineering structures and to explore advanced solutions in road infrastructure and mobility. The journey begins on 4 October 2024 and lasts 6 days.
EXCURSION PROGRAMME
DAY 1 (Friday, 04. 10. 2024)
ISTANBUL
Early transfer to Vienna Airport. Direct flight eastward. Landing in Istanbul, Türkiye's largest city, at the new airport opened in 2018. Transfer to the city centre, hotel check-in, and first sightseeing visits.
A visit to the historic Beyazit district in the heart of old Istanbul offers remarkable insight into the urban planning and architectural heritage of the city. This part of Istanbul is home to Istanbul University, the Beyazit Mosque, and the world's largest covered market. An evening stroll through the area reveals impressive illuminated minarets. The lighting not only enhances aesthetics and safety but also plays a key role in the nocturnal urban identity of the district. A walk to the Golden Horn provides an opportunity to explore the transport infrastructure.
Return to hotel, dinner, overnight stay.
DAY 2 (Saturday, 05. 10. 2024)
EURASIA TUNNEL AND VISIT TO THE TOGG FACTORY
Crossing the Eurasian Tunnel, which connects the European and Asian parts of Istanbul beneath the Bosphorus, represents an outstanding example of civil engineering. The project, managed by Avrasya Tüneli İşletme İnşaat ve Yatırım A.Ş. (ATAŞ), combines innovation and international cooperation through the use of advanced technologies and earthquake-resistant structures. The Eurasian Tunnel, with its double-deck design and advanced safety features, stands as a benchmark of efficiency and safety in infrastructure, and underscores the importance of meticulous planning and execution under challenging geological conditions.
A visit to the TOGG factory in Gebze offers a glimpse into the future of mobility, with a focus on electric vehicles. The TOGG assembly plant, opened in October 2022, is located in Gemlik in Bursa Province, alongside its subsidiary Siro, which manufactures lithium-ion batteries. Sales of the first vehicle, the Togg T10X, began in March 2023. By November 2023, it had become the 10th best-selling brand in Türkiye.
The afternoon will focus on architectural and engineering landmarks such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Yerebatan Saray underground cistern, the Hippodrome, Sirkeci railway station, and the Grand Bazaar. Special attention will be given to structural and engineering aspects, including a Bosphorus crossing that allows observation of the 1,560-metre bridge symbolising the link between Europe and Asia.
Return to hotel, dinner, overnight stay.
DAY 3 (Sunday, 06. 10. 2024)
ANKARA
Departure towards Ankara, hotel check-in.
Guided visit to the Atatürk Mausoleum, a symbol of modern Türkiye, highlighting architectural and historical aspects, followed by exploration of the urban structure of old Ankara.
Dinner, overnight stay.
DAY 4 (Monday, 07. 10. 2024)
KONYA
A professional meeting with the management of Turkish State Railways and a presentation of the high-speed rail project by Yapi Merkezi, which reduces travel time between Ankara and Konya to 1 hour and 30 minutes. This 309 km line enables speeds of up to 300 km/h and was completed in four years at an investment of 54 million USD. The afternoon features a visit to Konya, where the Mevlana Mausoleum and Seljuk architecture provide rich cultural context to complement the technical programme.
Dinner at a local restaurant or hotel. Overnight stay.
DAY 5 (Tuesday, 08. 10. 2024)
CAPPADOCIA
A tour of Cappadocia, known as the "Lunar Landscape", forms an extraordinary part of the journey, where volcanic activity and erosion have shaped unique landforms. Highlights include Göreme Open Air Museum with its numerous monastic settlements, Uchisar Castle offering spectacular views, and distinctive geological features such as the fairy chimneys in Pasabag and the historically inhabited Zelve Valley, which was occupied until 1950.
Return to Konya, dinner, overnight stay.
DAY 6 (Wednesday, 09. 10. 2024)
Free time in the morning for independent exploration. At noon, transfer to the airport, check-in, flight to Vienna and onward transfer to Maribor, arriving in the late evening hours.
EXCURSION PRICE: 990.00 EUR
The price is per person in a double room. Included in the price: transfer Maribor – Vienna Airport and return, airfare on the Vienna – Istanbul and Konya – Istanbul – Vienna routes, 5 overnight stays with breakfast at 3*/4* hotels, 5 dinners at the hotel or local restaurants, entrance to Cappadocia, all external sightseeing and transfers as per the programme, tour leadership and trip organisation.
SUPPLEMENT:
• Single room: 200.00 EUR
• Bosphorus dinner cruise: 50.00 EUR
• Cancellation insurance: 50.00 EUR
• Coris insurance
REGISTRATION:
WRITTEN REGISTRATIONS are accepted at the address: Turistična agencija KONDOR, 2000 Maribor, Jezdarska 8B or by e-mail to kondor@siol.net by 30 APRIL 2024 or until places are filled. An invoice will be issued after registration. The General Terms and Conditions of TA KONDOR form an integral part of this programme. Further information is available by phone at 041 615 349.
Places are limited to 50.
EXCURSION ORGANISERS:
• DCM Društvo za ceste SV Slovenije, Smetanova ulica 17, 2000 Maribor
• KONDOR TA d.o.o., Jezdarska 8B, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
• The general terms and conditions of the Kondor travel agency form an integral part of the programme and are available at the KONDOR office.
• The package price is fixed. Flight tickets are booked on a scheduled service. Personal and checked luggage are included.
• Participants are specifically advised to take out cancellation insurance in the event of illness or accident (a medical certificate must be provided), as this is the only basis for a refund of travel costs.
• The included flight covers 1 piece of hand luggage up to 8 kg and 1 piece of checked luggage up to 20 kg.
REGISTRATION FORM (WORD)
REGISTRATION FORM (PDF)
DCM excursion Türkiye October 2024