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Tour Description
Discover a virtual treasure trove of relics, ruins and remnants of the roots of modern civilization in alluring Turkey along with extraordinary phenomena that you’ll only see on this remarkable journey. The limestone-dotted expanse of Cappadocia takes your breath away with its tufa stone made of ash, mud and lava shaped into an astounding landscape of cone-shaped monoliths in various colors. Then there are the amazing fairy chimneys that were formed from boulders of hard basalt. And nature flaunts its finest as you cruise the Turkish coast amidst sparkling clear waters, beautiful coves, pine-clad landscapes and ancient historical sites. You’ll come across remarkable villages that have merged modern living with wonderful time-honored traditions that include a sincere and gracious welcome for visitors from other lands. Churches, museums, palaces and theaters tell you the amazing story of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires that inhabited this land over the centuries.
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Itinerary
DAYS 1 - 3
Istanbul, Turkey
Explore the landmarks of the city once called Constantinople. Visit the fabulous Topkapi Palace, the Basilica of St. Sophia, and the spectacular Blue Mosque. Take a private cruise on the Bosphorus. Explore the Grand Bazaar with its incredible collections of jewelry, antiques and Oriental rug shops.(2B)
Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
DAY 4
Gaziantep Zeugma
This morning fly to Gaziantep, in the land of Upper Mesopotamia. Drive along the shore of the Euphrates River to tour the ancient Roman Empire city of Zeugma. (B)
Dedeman Hotel, Gaziantep
DAYS 5 & 6
Antakya Adana
Tour the Archaeological Museum of Gaziantep to see its extensive collection of ancient Roman mosaics. At Antakya (Antioch), visit the Grotto of St. Peter and the Archaeological Museum. See Bakras Castle, one of the most photographed medieval castles in the Middle East.(2B)
Liwan Hotel, Antakya Hilton Hotel, Adana
DAYS 7 & 8
Cappadocia
Tour Gumusluk Monastery and Kaymakli Underground City, with its nearly 100 underground tunnels. Enjoy an enchanting evening presentation of the mystical Whirling Dervishes.(2B)
Museum Hotel, Cappadocia
DAY 9
Hattusa Ankara
Arrive at Hattusa, capital of Hittite civilization. You will tour the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations of Ankara and the ancient capital of Hattusa and Yazilikaya.(B)
Hilton Hotel, Ankara
DAY 10
Kusadasi
Visit the fascinating Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to see artifacts belonging to the Hittites, Urartians and Phrygians. In Izmir, visit the House of Virgin Mary, an example of Roman architecture made entirely of stones.(B)
Charisma Hotel, Kusadasi
DAYS 11 - 14
Ephesus, Bodrum Depart for Home
Visit Ephesus and see the Temple of Hadrian, the Library of Celsus, and the Great Theater of Ephesus. In Bodrum, view the medieval Crusaders’ Castle and the site of King Mausolus’ Tomb, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. On Day 14, you will be taken to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination.(4B)
Kempinski Barbaros Bay, Bodrum
Departures
Pricing Information
September 30, 2011
From $6,395.00 per person double occupancy.
From $1,415.00 single room supplement.
December 31, 2011
From $6,895.00 per person double occupancy.
From $1,595.00 single room supplement.
Journey Includes
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- All transfers and fully guided daily sightseeing provided by a private deluxe A/C vehicle
- Local English-speaking guide for sightseeing in each city
- Entrance fees per final scheduled itinerary
- Airport porterage, where available (2 bags per person)
- Local taxes
- TravcoAssist (Medical Travel Assistance Plan)
All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
