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Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Istanbul, Turkey

Day 2: Arrive Istanbul We arrive in Turkey’s cultural and spiritual heart late this morning and transfer to our hotel. After time to relax, we have a briefing on our journey then take a short walking tour. Tonight we enjoy an authentic Turkish dinner at a local restaurant. D

Day 3: Istanbul Here where the waters of the Marmara, Bosphorus, and Golden Horn meet, Eur­ope greets Asia; past and present collide. We taste Istanbul’s allure on a full-day tour that begins with the Roman Hippodrome, the 3,500-year-old obelisk brought from Egypt in 390 AD; the Blue Mosque, with its 20,000 blue Iznik tiles and signature six min­a­rets; and Hagia Sofia, the 6th-century church that was Christendom’s most important before becoming a mosque in the 15th century. After lunch at a local restaurant, this afternoon we tour splendid Topkapi, medieval palace of sultans that today is one of the world’s richest museums. B,L

Day 4: Istanbul This morning we encounter the vast Grand Bazaar, housing 4,000 shops selling goods of all kinds; and the Spice Market, with exotic spices, nuts, and dried fruits from around the world. Next: a visit to the renowned Museum of Turkish & Islamic Art, housed in a restored palace. Treasures here include Seljuk and Ottoman-era calligraphy, glass, porce­lain, stone, and a fully furnished nomad's tent. Then we take a private cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, the water­way that separates Europe from Asia. We stop in the ­village of Ortakoy, known for its trendy art scene, cafés, and boutiques. There’s time to explore and have lunch on our own here before we return to our hotel mid-afternoon. B

Day 5: Istanbul/Gallipoli/Troy/Assos Leaving Istanbul this morning, we travel to the northern Aegean Coast for a brief visit to Gallipoli, haunting site of 31 Allied cemeteries from World War I. Then we ferry across the Dardanelles to Troy, once believed to exist only in Homer’s epic poem until the present site was discovered in the 1870s. After touring here we con­tinue south to Behramkale, ancient Assos, where we spend the night. B,L,D

Day 6: Assos/Pergamum/Kusadasi Today we ex­plore one of Turkey’s most spectacular ancient sites: windswept Pergamum, a major power in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, with a wealth of Greco-Roman ruins. Then we continue on to Kusadasi. B,L,D

Day 7: Kusadasi/Ephesus Few ancient sites compare to Ephesus, the world’s best-preserved classical city. Dating to at least 1300 BC, Ephesus was Asia Minor’s largest metropolis and principal port. We also visit the acclaimed Ephesus Archaeological Museum housing relics from the ancient site. Then we share lunch with a Turkish family in their home. B,L,D

Day 8: Kusadasi/Göcek Today we journey south to coastal Göcek, stopping along the way at a carpet factory to watch a demonstration of this age-old craft, then in a local village for lunch. Late afternoon we board our gulets and enjoy the first of our meals freshly prepared on board. B,L,D

Day 9: Cruising – Aga Limani/Cleopatra Baths Our route for the next five days is along the stunning coastline Antony is said to have given Cleopatra as a wedding gift. We begin our “Blue Voyage” today, as we cruise this morning to the hidden cove of Aga Limani, where an optional hike along herb-scented trails brings us to Lydea, a little-known Greco-Roman site. Later we relax at the breathtaking inlet sheltering the Sunken Baths of Cleopatra. B,L,D

Day 10: Cruising – Dalyan River This morning we disembark and drive to Dalyan, an environmentally protected area where we board a small skiff for a trip through an intriguing maze of channels. At the Lake of Koycegiz, we see our first Lycian rock tombs. After lunch in a local restaurant, we meet up with our gulets and cruise to a secluded cove for the remainder of the evening. B,L,D

Day 11: Cruising – Yassica Isles/Bedri Rahmi
Cove/Tersane Island This morning we sail to the sheltered cove at Bedri Rahmi for a day of hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. B,L,D

Day 12: Cruising – Gemiler/Kayakoy We cruise today to Gemiler Island to tour its 6th-century Byzan­tine monastery. After lunch on board we drive to Kayakoy, the Greek “ghost town” abandoned after World War I. After touring the town and its two churches, we return to our gulets. B,L,D

Day 13: Fethiye/Demre/Myra/Antalya This morning we sail to Fethiye, disembark, bid farewell to our crew, and begin the drive to Antalya. Along the way we visit Demre to tour the striking Roman ruins at nearby Myra and visit the 12th-century Church of Saint Nicholas. After lunch in Demre we continue the drive along the Turquoise Coast to the resort town of Antalya. B,L,D

Day 14: Antalya On this morning’s walking tour, we encounter highlights of Antalya’s charming Old Town, including the extravagantly carved Hadrian’s Gate and the lovely Yivli Minare (fluted minaret). After a visit to the city’s Archaeological Museum, this afternoon is at leisure. B,D

Day 15: Antalya/Perge/Aspendos This morning we visit the ruins at ancient Perge, which reached its apex during the reign of Alexander the Great. We continue on to Aspendos, whose huge theater is con­sidered among the best preserved in all of antiquity. This afternoon is at leisure before we gather for a farewell dinner this evening. B,D

Day 16: Depart for U.S. This morning we board an early flight for our return to the United States. B

Please note: This trip involves considerable walking on uneven or cobblestone streets and at sites of ancient ruins. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy the tour to the fullest.

Included

Tour Price Includes

• Round-trip air transportation from listed cities
• 14 nights' accommodations: 9 nights in Superior First Class, First Class, and unrated hotels; 5 nights aboard privately chartered gulet yacht
• 36 meals: 14 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 12 dinners
• Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
• Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
• Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
• Luggage handling for one bag per person
• Gratuities for dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
• $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after three tours)

Dates and Prices

2009 Tour Dates & Prices

Prices Reflect $200 Savings	Apr 8 Oct 26	Apr 15 Apr 22 Apr 27* Oct 7 Oct 14 Oct 19	May 2, 6* May 13 Sep 5* Sep 9+ Sep 14* Sep 21 Sep 28*	May 25 Jun 3
New York	$3,095	$3,195	$3,395	$3,695
Balt, Boston, Char, Chicago, Mia, Orl, Tampa, Wash, DC	$3,395	$3,495	$3,695	$3,995
Atl, Cinc, Cleve, Den, Detroit, Minn	$3,495	$3,595	$3,795	$4,095
Dallas, Houston, Los Ang, San Fran	$3,595	$3,695	$3,895	$4,195
Phoenix, Port (OR), Seattle	$3,695	$3,795	$3,995	$4,295

 

Please call if your city is not listed or for land only prices. Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Single travelers please add $1,195. Your $375 deposit is fully refundable up to 95 days before departure. All 2009 tour prices above are guaranteed.

Accommodations in Istanbul will be at: * Conrad Istanbul; + Central Palace Hotel

An overnight stay at the Sheraton JFK Airport Hotel (upon departure or return) is available for $135 (single supplement $95). Depending on flight schedules, certain U.S. departure cities may require an overnight stay at your expense.

Business Class upgrade on round-trip Trans-Atlantic flight: $3,695 per person. Airline taxes and departure fees of $397 (subject to change) will be listed separately on your invoice.

Hotels

Hotels & Ratings

Day Itinerary Hotel Rating 1 Depart U.S. for Istanbul 2-4 Istanbul Hilton Instanbul Sup. First Class 5 Assos/Troy Nazlihan Hotel Not rated 6-7 Kusadasi Kismet Hotel First Class 8-12 Turquoise Coast cruise Gulet yacht Not rated 13-15 Antalya Divan Hotel Sup. First Class 16 Depart Antalya for U.S.

Ratings are based on the Hotel & Travel Index, the travel industry standard reference. Unrated hotels may be too small, too new, or too remote to be listed.