Textiles and Crafts Escorted by Kate Oszko 20

Textiles and Crafts
Escorted by Kate Oszko
20 September - 5 October 2016
WHAT TO EXPECT
YOUR TOUR HOST
This tour has been designed for those who love to explore ancient
markets, visit awe-inspiring historical sights and to get hands on
experience with local artists to learn the different craft and textile
techniques.
Kate Oszko has been working with textiles
seemingly forever. As President of
Queensland Quilters, she helped to set up the art
quilt group 2QAQ. She has been Oceania Region
Co-Representative for Studio Art Quilt Associates
(SAQA), and is part of Broadstrokes, an art quilt
group.
During a 16 day journey through Turkey your tour host, Kate Oszco along with
your local leader will be able to teach and show you
all things Turkey. For the most part we travel by private vehicle
along with a short cruise and a domestic flight. For those wishing
for a truly unique experience there is also the option to take a hot
air balloon over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. For our
accommodation we have selected a range of 4 star properties with unique
character and all the modern comforts.
Happy travels!
HIGHLIGHTS
Discover ancient history, rich and
traditional cultures
Meet master artisans during hands on
workshops
See a variety of Turkish textiles and crafts
Explore spellbinding bazaars
Enjoy a cruise on a private yacht on the
Bosphorus river
Visit famous landmarks such as the Blue
Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace
For the past few years she has been
professionally involved in promoting and
supporting a wide variety of textile and fibre
artists in Australia and New Zealand. Kate finds
inspiration everywhere and is looking forward to
discovering unique designs and art while
travelling through Turkey.
Your adventure unfolds here...
Day 1: 20 September 2016 - Arrive Istanbul
A group transfer is offered to take you from the airport to your hotel.
In the afternoon you may like to experience a traditional Turkish bath
and massage.(D)
Day 2: 21 September 2016 - Istanbul
This morning we are taken on a sightseeing tour of Istanbul’s most
prized historical sights. We first visit the Blue Mosque with its signature
six minarets and stunning blue interior tiles, before continuing to the
ruins of the Hippodrome of Constantinople, an ancient sporting arena.
Afterwards visit the awe-inspiring Hagia Sofia church museum and
explore the beautiful Basilica Cistern. Our exploration of Istanbul
continues with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the first palace of the
Ottomans built in Istanbul in the late 1400’s.
Time permitting you can explore the Arasta bazaar next to the Blue
Mosque. Here there are some excellent examples of hand-woven
textiles and traditional Turkish patterns.(BL)
Day 8: 27 September 2016 - Kastamonu
Today we visit Kastamonu’s ethnographic museum where we will
get to see folk art and costumes from the region. We continue our
handicraft workshops with crochet, weaving and embroidery.(BLD)
Day 9: 28 September 2016 - Samsun
Today we drive from Kastamonu along the Black Sea coastline to
Samsun via Sinop located in the northern most point of Turkey.(BL)
Day 10: 29 September 2016 - Tokat
We continue our journey as we drive to Tokat. En-route we will visit
the charming city of Amasya seemingly lost in time with its
beautiful Ottoman era wooden houses perched above the
Yeşilırmak River. On arrival in Tokat we have a city tour before we
check into our hotel.(BL)
Day 11: 30 September 2016 - Tokat
Today we enjoy a variety of workshops including traditional doll
making, folk dancing and weaving in a village that still practices the
traditional weaving techniques of the region.(BL)
Day 3: 22 September 2016 - Istanbul
Today we will visit Chora Museum, one of the most beautiful surviving
Byzantine churches in Istanbul. Afterwards enjoy a cruise on a private
yacht on the Bosphorus river.
In the afternoon visit the medieval Galata Tower in the Pera district
before continuing to the Spice Market. Finally visit the winding alleys
of the Grand Bazaar and explore the different textile designs.(BL)
Day 12: 1 October 2016 - Cappadocia
We depart early this morning for Cappadocia. In the afternoon we
visit the rock formations and cave houses at the Zelve Open Air
Museum, Devrent Valley and Pasabagi with its famous ‘fairy
chimneys’. We also visit the Goreme open air museum famous for
its cave churches with their beautiful, well preserved painted
frescoes.(BLD)
Day 4: 23 September 2016 - Bursa and Inegol
Depart Istanbul and proceed to Bursa and Inegol. These spots are
famous for silk cocoon and silk making. The city of Bursa, was one of
the centres of silk manufacturing. It was one of the cities on the Silk
Road, which brought the finest cloth in the world from the East to the
West. We might have a chance to visit Kazım Uzunöz, an educator and
writer living in the western province of Bursa. Uzunöz exerts great
efforts to breathe fresh life into local sericulture and determinedly
continues his traditional silk production using the old machinery.(BL)
Day 13: 2 October 2016 - Cappadocia and Kaymakli
This morning there is an optional hot air balloon ride over
Cappadocia (at additional cost), before we travel to the
underground city of Kaymakli and Soganli Valley where we meet
with locals who earn their living by making dolls. In the afternoon
we attend a half day carpet making class where will get a hands on
experience in carpet weaving. We will be taught the basic
techniques of carpet weaving by a master weaver. Finally we will
see pottery and traditional ceramic tile making with the signature
Turkish motifs in Avanos.(BLD)
Day 5: 24 September 2016 - Beypazarı
Proceed to Beypazarı, a small town in a rural district with rich history,
architectural heritage and living traditions with many women wearing
their traditional dress day to day. The white cobbled streets and
Ottoman period buildings are particularly attractive.(BL)
Day 6: 25 September 2016 - Beypazarı
Today we rotate between a range of workshops where we participate
in making handicrafts famous to this region including: silver filigree
jewellery, glass blowing, Kilim weaving and ebru (marbling).(B)
Day 7: 26 September 2016 - Kastamonu
After breakfast we begin our journey to Kastamonu. En-route we will
pass by Devrek, a small town famous for cane making. The cane
masters in Devrek turn the branches of applewood, cornel tree,
boxwood and walnut into artistic souvenirs laden with memories.
Upon arrival in Kastamonu we enjoy a city tour where we learn
about Turkey’s recent history.
Participate in a block printing workshop with a master craftsman
followed by a visit to local female woodcarvers and macramé lace
makers.(BLD)
Day 14: 3 October 2016 - Konya
Departure from Cappadocia in the morning and proceed to Konya,
home of the Whirling Dervishes in the 13th Century. Today we visit
Karatay Medrassah with the collection of tiles and Mevlana
Museum which is one of the most important museums in Turkey
for the ancient Turkish rugs. Tonight there will be the possibility of
seeing Whirling Dervishes.(BL)
Day 15: 4 October 2016 - Konya - Istanbul
This morning we visit the atelier of one of the most important dyers
of Turkey in Konya. See the art of natural dyeing and participate in
the process. Also see performance of felt making from one of the
last remaining masters in Konya.
In the afternoon transfer to Konya Airport for our flight back to
Istanbul. The afternoon is free at your leisure to explore the old
town.(BLD)
Day 16: 5 October 2016 - Depart Istanbul
A group transfer to the airport will be offered to meet your flights
home.(B)
$6998pp twin share
$718 single supplement (subject to availability)
TOUR INCLUSIONS
The services of tour escort Kate Oszko
15 nights accommodation
15 breakfasts at hotels, 13 lunches at local
restaurants, 6 dinners at hotels
Private vehicle
English speaking licensed tour guide during
entire program
Entrance fees for mentioned sites during
excursions
Private boat during Bosphorus river tour
Service charges and local tax
Porterage at hotels
Flight from Konya to Istanbul
OPTIONAL TOURS
Turkish bath and massage in Istanbul- various prices
Hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia – $350pp
subject to availability
NOT INCLUDED
International flights
Meals not listed in the above
Beverages during meals
Entrance to Harem section at Topkapi Palace
All personal expenses
Visa fee
Tips to guide and drivers
Any other item which is not indicated
1300 783 188
133/24 Mode3, Lonsdale St, Braddon, ACT 2612
groups@activetravel.com.au | www.activetravel.com.au