August 13, 2003 -- "Minarets & Minuets" is the great name for an unusual package put together by Austrian Airlines Vacations, and who should know better about both topics, after all? It was at the gates of Vienna that European armies finally stopped the advance of Turkish invaders back in 1683, and the culture of that great city is replete with reminders of the event. (Even the croissant, in the shape of a scimitar, was a Turkish gift). Now, they have a package deal combining both cities for as little as $739, with air, six nights in the two cities, and breakfast.
Having once flown from Vienna to Istanbul the morning after seeing Mozart's Abduction from the Seraglio, I was overwhelmed by the difference in cultures, especially the Eurocentric vision of Turkey as seen by The Genius of western opera. (If you can manage tickets and the "Abduction" is playing, by all means, take the evening off to see it while in Vienna.) While in Istanbul, be sure to visit the Topkapi Museum in the Caliph's former palace (with that seraglio), and skip over to Asia, just across the Bosphorus, if only just to say you've been there.
You'll fly from New York's JFK or Washington, D.C.'s Dulles on Austrian Airlines, and spend four nights in your choice of two first-class (four-star) properties in Istanbul, and two nights in a three-star, superior tourist class hotel in Vienna. Included also are daily breakfast buffet, hotel service charges and hotel taxes. The package is available for travel between September 3 and October 31, 2003, with reservations paid for no later than 14 days in advance of departure. Prices, which are per person and are based on double occupancy, do not include airport and security fees of about $117.52 per person. Single supplements cost $159 extra. Similar rates are available from your own local airport, and so are extension nights and possible upgrades, so please inquire.
Participating hotels include the Yusuf Pasa Konagi and Germir Palas in Istanbul and the Am Augarten in Vienna. Note that these packages and airline seats are subject to availability. The single supplement is $159.
For more information or to make reservations, contact Austrian Airlines Vacations at 800/790-4682 or visit www.europevacationcenter.com/minarets.htm to read more details -- including links to your hotel choices.
