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 34th edition of the Istanbul Eurasia Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, November 11, 2012.

November 10: Istanbul
Private sightseeing includes Topkapi Palace and The Harem, the Spice Market, a boat ride on the Bosphorus Strait and a backroads walking tour. (B)

November 11: Istanbul – Eurasia Marathon
Today your guide and driver will be at your service for getting to the starting point in the morning till the end of the run and getting back to your hotel. (B)

November 12: Istanbul
Today is at your leisure. You can continue to discover this great city on your own. Optional afternoon tour available including: Uskudar, Leander’s Tower, Kadikoy and its fresh food market on the Asian side. (B)

November 13 - 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.

$1,045 per person in double
$995 per person in double - with early booking discount (deposit received by May 1, 2012)
Single rooms: add $340 single supplement

Price of the trip package includes:

1. Accommodation:
   5 nights Istanbul: Hotel Ottoman Imperial or Hotel Celal Sultan
   (both are located in the historic Sultanahmet neighborhood)

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 2012 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