Foodies and those looking to learn more about the cuisine of Turkey now have even more reason to attend ASTA’s International Destination Expo (April 19-22, Istanbul)—the Turkish Delight tour.
Alexandria, VA – Put together by Tour de Forks, this post-tour will offer participants not only an intimate look at Turkish culture but provide an authentic culinary experience found nowhere else. Those interested are advised to register immediately as space is extremely limited.
“For anyone interested in cooking or culinary travel, this is the tour to take. When combined with the culinary session—‘A Turkish Culinary Adventure: History, Ingredients, & Tastes of Turkey’s Exotic Cuisine’ presented by Engin Akin at the International Destination Expo—travel agents will have a more in-depth understanding of this niche and the many elements that make Turkey’s cuisine such an essential part of its culture,” said Chris Russo, ASTA president and chair.
Tour de Forks partnered with renowned Turkish culinary expert Engin Akin, who designed this unique Turkish Delight tour to include a full day in Istanbul followed by a stay in her native village of Ula to experience her cooking-class program. Participants will learn about – and taste – food that has its roots in the imperial kitchens of the Ottoman Empire and embodies centuries of a rich multi-ethnic history. En route to Ula, they will visit ancient Ephesus and the old Greek Orthodox village of Sirince.
The four-day tour will take place April 23-27 and is priced at $950 pp, based on double occupancy (single supplement $121). Costs include four nights hotel, domestic air and transfers, all breakfasts and lunches as well as two dinners and several tasting experiences, cooking lessons and demonstrations, and admission fees to sights and museums.
Qualified travel agents and journalists who register by Feb. 26 to attend IDE are eligible to receive free accommodation for the four nights of the conference, April 19-22, in Istanbul. Check www.ASTA.org/ide to register for IDE and see which hotels are available. For more information or to register, go to ASTA.org/events.
The mission of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable and growing and a rewarding field in which to work, invest and do business.
Picture: Carstino Delmonte/ Touristikpresse.net (Picture shows remote Lake Bafa in Turkey)
