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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. 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 Hellenistic 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 which we explore today. 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 enjoy lunch in the rustic village of Sirince. 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 for our first night on board. B,L,D

Day 9: Cruising – Aga Limani/Cleopatra Baths Our route for the next few days is along the stunning coastline Antony is said to have given Cleopatra as a wedding gift. We begin our “Blue Voyage” this morning as we cruise to the hidden cove of Aga Limani. From here we have the option of taking a three-hour hike to the Greco-Roman ruins at Lydea, ending at the Sunken Baths of Cleopatra. Set in a breathtaking inlet, the Baths offer crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkeling. Those who prefer a less strenuous day can stay aboard the gulets as they sail to the Sunken Baths. B,L,D

Day 10: Cruising – Ekincik Cove/Dalyan This morning we disembark and drive to Dalyan, an environmentally protected area known for its loggerhead sea turtles. Here we board a small skiff for a trip through an intriguing maze of channels; high on the hills above we see well-preserved ancient Lycian rock tombs.  After lunch at a local restaurant we drive back to our gulets for a relaxing afternoon in this stunning setting. B,L,D

Day 11: Cruising – Gemiler Island/Kayakoy Today we cruise to Gemiler Island to tour its 6th-century Byzantine monastery. After lunch on board our gulets we drive to the Greek “ghost town” of Kayakoy, which was abandoned after World War I and is now preserved as a historical monument. We explore the town and its churches then return to our gulets for our last night on board. B,L,D

Day 12: Fethiye/Demre/Myra/Antalya This morning we have a short cruise 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 13: 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. Tonight we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. B,D

Day 14: 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 15: 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
• 13 nights' accommodations: 9 nights in Superior First Class, First Class, and unrated hotels; 4 nights aboard privately chartered gulet yacht
• 33 meals: 13 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 11 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

2010 Tour Dates & Prices

	Oct 18 Oct 25	Oct 4 Oct 7 Oct 11	Aug 28 Aug 30 Sep 6* Sep 11 Sep 13 Sep 23
New York	$2,895	$2,995	$3,195
Balt, Boston, Chi, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Wash, DC	$3,195	$3,295	$3,495
Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleve, Detroit, Minn	$3,295	$3,395	$3,595
Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Ang, Phoenix, Port (OR), San Fran, Seattle	$3,395	$3,495	$3,695

 

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 $995. Your $375 deposit is fully refundable up to 95 days before departure. All 2010 tour prices above are guaranteed.

* Accommodations in Istanbul will be at the Conrad Istanbul

Business Class upgrade on round-trip Trans-Atlantic flight:  $5,495 per person. Airline taxes and departure fees of $397 are subject to change and 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 8-11 Turquoise Coast cruise Gulet yacht Not rated 12-14 Antalya Divan Talya Sup. First Class 15 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.