ISLAMABAD, OCT 13 (DNA) – Turkish Airlines’ Islamabad office organized a four day exclusive Familiarization [FAM] Trip to Istanbul for various travel agencies from Islamabad and Peshawar.Top officials from these travel agencies participated in the FAM trip along with Turkish Airlines General Manager Islamabad, Yunus Mert and Marketing Representative Adeel Shoaib Butt.

After touching down in Istanbul the participants were taken to breakfast where they were served Turkish delicacies. Subsequently they went to Gulluoglu Baklava Shop, one of the best in Turkey.

Following they enjoyed some sightseeing at the old city where they also visited the Grand Bazar and the tour guide briefed them about the history of the location.

The participants checked in at CVK Park Bosphorus, which is one of the best hotel properties in Istanbul and has a direct view of the sea. Post check-in they were given a detailed round of the hotel and were briefed by the hotel manager. The group was then taken out for dinner at Kurucesme, where they had seafood.

On the second day the participants visited various spots of the old city/Sultanahmet including Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Underground Cisterm where the tour guide briefed them on the rich Turkish history and culture.

The participants also visited the Topkapi Palace and the Topkapi Museum which they thoroughly enjoyed. The group then had Turkish Kebab at Kosebasi Restaurant and later dinner at Ali Ocakbasi Restaurant.

Turkish Airlines also organized a workshop on Day 3 for all travel agencies to interact with Turkish travel management companies. Around 75 agencies were invited from around the world to participate in the workshop along with Islamabad’s agencies. Each agency had a separate meeting to discuss how they should collectively promote Turkey and Pakistan further. After the two hour session the group was taken to a private Bosphorus tour followed by dinner.

On Day 4 a visit of Turkish Airlines’ catering company Turkish Do&Co was also arranged. Upon arrival the participants were warmly greeted by the Turkish Do & Co staff and received a detailed presentation about the company.

Following the presentation the participants were treated to high end delicious food which is offered to business class passengers onboard Turkish Airlines, including a rich selection of hors d’oeuvres served from a cart, followed by a soup service, a Turkish tradition.

A choice of multiple entrees was served and the meal was completed with an assortment of fruit, cheese and sweets. The participants got a chance to visit the kitchen and saw how well the high quality food is prepared for Turkish Airlines passengers.

The participants were taken to the Turkish Airlines flying academy where they took part in a short training session, including emergency evacuation. They visited the cockpit model of the Air Bus 330. In the end the participants visited Ciragan Palace where a detailed tour of the palace was arranged for them and they were served with delicious dinner at the private Ottoman Room (Ciragan Palace).=DNA