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Day 1:
Depart from the U.S. for Istanbul, Turkey. (In-flight meals).
Day 2: Istanbul
Arrive in Turkey's cultural and spiritual heart late this morning and transfer
to our hotel.(Transfer provided for air-inclusive guests). After time to relax
and unpack, participate in a briefing on our journey then take a short walking
tour of the Taskim Square area (the heart of modern Istanbul). Tonight, enjoy
an authentic Turkish dinner at a local restaurant as our welcome dinner. (In-flight
meals, D) Divan Hotel
Day 3: Istanbul
Here where Europe meets Asia, past and present collide in a jumble of sensory
experiences. This morning we get our first taste of it all as we cross over Galata
Bridge, which spans the Golden Horn, and begin our included tour in Old Istanbul,
home of splendid mosques and magnificent palaces. Visit the Blue Mosque; inside
is one of the world’s great collections of blue Isnik tiles (20,000 of
them), along with 260 stained glass windows. During our full day of touring,
we also visit the ancient Hippodrome, where chariot races once took place; tour
the Sunken Palace, an underground cistern that is part of an ancient Byzantine
network of waterways, with 336 marble columns; and see the Islamic Art Museum,
a marvelous palace once home to the son-in-law of Suleyman the Magnificent. Art
and artifacts here date from the 8th century, and lend great insight into many
centuries of Turkish creativity. There will be time for lunch on your own
before we tour famed Hagia Sophia, which was the world’s grandest Cathedral
when it was built in 537 AD (it was converted into a mosque in the 16th century). Then
we visit the huge Grand Bazaar, a converted medieval shopping center filled with
some 4,000 shops selling gold jewelry, leather goods, and every kind of souvenir
imaginable, before returning to our hotel. Dinner tonight is on your own,
and the area erted to a mosque in the 15th century; and the vast Grand Bazaar,
housing more than 4,000 shops. (B) Divan Hotel
Day 4: Istanbul
This morning enjoy a first-hand encounter with the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent
himself, who ruled during the height of Ottoman glory from 1520-1566. Here
he is interred beneath one of Istanbul’s most astonishing sites: a
dome that seems to defy the laws of physics. For lunch we head to
Topkapi Palace, former home of Turkey’s sultans, where we dine at the Topkapi
Konyali, a traditional Turkish restaurant that boasts magnificent views. Then
we’re off to explore the vast palace itself, where among other magnificent
artifacts, we see priceless paintings, jewel-encrusted swords, and delicate porcelains.
After our tour, the remainder of the day is for exploriation on your own. Visit
the fascinating Archeological Museum or take a stroll down Istaklal Street, a
pedestrian walkway and the crossroads of old and new Turkey. Tonight choose from
the many excellent restaurants for dinner on your own. (B, L) Divan Hotel
Day 5: Istanbul/Gallipoli/Troy/Assos
Rise early to begin our day of travel to the Northern Aegean coast and a brief
visit of the battlefields of Gallipoli, where in 1915 Allied troops faced the
Turkish army led by Lieutenant-Colonel Mustafa Kemal, also known as Ataturk,
the man who later became the leader of modern Turkey. Large numbers of
casualties were suffered here, and we pay our respects to those who gave their
lives as we visit one of the Allied cemeteries. Then travel across the
Straits of the Dardanelles to Troy, once believed to have existed only in Homer’s
epic poem. But Heinrich Schliemann discovered the real Troy in the 1870s;
indeed excavations have revealed the remnants of at least nine civilizations
here dating back 5,000 years. After an exploration of the ruins and relics
here, continue on to Behramkale, ancient Assos for the night. (B, L, D)
Nazlihan Hotel
Day 6: Assos/Pergamum/Kusadasi
Morning departure for Pergamum, once one of the richest small kingdoms in Asia
Minor, which housed one of the world’s largest collections of books. Here
we visit the magnificent Acropolis, which contains the ruins of Pergamum’s
acclaimed 200,000-volume library, so large it challenged the world’s greatest
library in Alexandria, Egypt. In fact, the Egyptians were so afraid that
Pergamum would attract scholars away from Alexandria that they cut off the area’s
supply of papyrus, forcing the invention of pergamen (Latin for parchment), made
from animal hides rather than papyrus reed. Along with the library, the
Acropolis also boasts a great theater seating 10,000 and the marble-columned
Temple of Trajan. Below the theater lie the ruins of the Temple of Dionysus
along with the Altar of Zeus, in a marvelous setting shaded by evergreen trees.
Much of Pergamum has been lovingly restored; it is now considered one of the
premier ancient sites in Turkey. After lunch in a typical Turkish kebab
restaurant, continue to Asclepieum, a sanctuary and healing center built in the
4th century BC in the name of Ascelepius, god of healing. Later this afternoon
continue on to Kusadasi and our hotel, where we dine together tonight. (B, L,
D) Kismet Hotel
Day 7: Kusadasi/Ephesus
Visit Ephesus, perhaps the world’s best-preserved ancient city. In
Roman times, Ephesus was the provincial capital of Asia, with a population of
250,000 at the height of its glory. An important Christian community arose
here, and Ephesus was visited by St. Paul, who later wrote one of his epistles
to the Ephesians. Perhaps its greatest claim to fame is the fact that Ephesus
once housed the Temple of Diana, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today
the magnificently preserved ruins attract visitors from across the globe. A
full day of exploration here includes the immense amphitheater that holds 24,000
people and is still used today. Walk along the Sacred Way, where the rich
once lived and where an ingenious water and sewer system was constructed beneath
paving stones of marble; see the Temple of Hadrian, a Corinthian-style building
with the head of Medusa on the porch to keep away evil spirits; and admire the
Library of Celsus, which once held 12,000 ancient scrolls. After having
our home-hosted lunch in the beautiful village of Sirince, we’ll visit
the Ephesus Museum, filled with statuary, ancient relics, mosaics, and artifacts
excavated from the site. The last stop of the day is at the House of Virgin
Mary, who is believed to have come to Ephesus near the end of her life in 37
AD. Return to our hotel late this afternoon and dine there together this
evening. (B, L, D) Kismet Hotel
Day 8: Kusadasi/Marmaris
Today continue our journey south, stopping along the way to see a demonstration
of the ancient art of carpet weaving at a local factory. Stop in a local
village for lunch and a visit to the Camlik Steam Train Museum to view the excellent
collection. Continue on to coastal Marmaris, arriving this afternoon. Once
a sleepy fishing village, Marmaris is now a bustling center of commerce where
fishing trawlers dock next to million dollar yachts. Here we board our
14-guest gulet, a replica of a traditional Turkish fishing boat. Today’s
gulets are built with modern comforts in mind, containing small but cozy cabins
with private bath and shower, public areas, and broad decks in an area approximately
85 feet long and 21 feet wide. Beautiful craftsmanship combined with ancient
artistry makes the gulet the perfect vessel in which to cruise the waters of
the Turquoise Coast. After settling in to your cabin, you’ll enjoy
your first dinner on board, prepared by the ship’s crew with fresh local
ingredients. Tonight you may wish to join others sleeping on deck under
the stars. (B, L, D) Gulet
Day 9: Cruising - Dalyan River/Ekincik Cove
Our route for the next five days is along the coastline that Mark Antony is said
to have given Cleopatra as a wedding gift. Named for the brilliant color
of its waters, the Turquoise Coast is nature’s gift to all those who travel
here. The swimming is glorious, in crystal clear waters that afford views
into the depths. With the scent of eucalyptus perfuming the air, and forested
mountains as our backdrop, we begin our “Blue Voyage” by traveling
to the mouth of the Dalyan River. Here we disembark and board a small riverboat
for a trip through a maze of channels surrounded by bamboo and cattails. Keep
your eyes open for the Lycian rock tombs skillfully carved into the mountains
century upon century ago. These relics of ancient Lycia, which stretched
along the Mediterranean coast from Koycegis in the West to Antalya in the East,
are the few remaining artifacts of this great culture. After lunch in a
local restaurant, we meet up with our gulet in Ekincik Cove where we anchor for
the night. (B, L, D) Gulet
Day 10: Cruising - Aga Limani/Cleopatra Baths
Cruise today to the hidden cove of Aga Limani where an optional hike of approximately
three hours along an herb-scented trail brings us to Lydea, a little-known Greco-Roman
site. The hike concludes at the Sunken Baths of Cleopatra, built in a breathtaking
inlet by Mark Antony for the last Egyptian pharaoh. If you prefer a less
strenuous day, you can choose to stay on board the gulet as it sails to the Sunken
Baths to meet up with the hikers. There’s plenty on board with which
to keep occupied, including games, cards, or simply chatting with your fellow
guests. (B, L, D) Gulet
Day 11: Cruising - Yassica Isles/Bedri Rahmi Cove/Tersane Island
After breakfast we set sail in the stunning, calm Gulf of Fethiye, surrounded
by the pine-covered lower slopes of the Taurus Mountains. Our destination
is Bedri Rahmi Cove, where we spend the day exploring the islands dotted with
Lycian rock tombs, swimming, and relaxing. Called Taskaya Cove by the locals,
Bedri Rahmi is now widely known for Turkish writer and artist Bedri Rahmi Eyupoglu
who painted a well-known fish on a boulder here in 1973 on one of the earliest “Blue
Voyages.” Tonight we anchor in a quiet cove nearby. (B, L, D) Gulet
Day 12: Cruising - Gemiler/Kayakoy
Early in the morning we sail for our next anchorage, Gemiler Island, where we
disembark for a tour of the 6th-century Byzantine monastery here. After
lunch, disembark and drive to the Greek “ghost” town of Kayakoy,
deserted after World War I and the Turkish War of Independence. Residents
abandoned approximately 2,000 stone houses, which eventually will be restored
by the Turkish Ministry of Culture. Explore the town and its two churches,
which still retain some of their painted decoration and mosaic floors. Later
we return to our gulet and remain anchored in Gemiler tonight, our last night
on board. (B, L, D) Gulet
Day 13: Fethiye/Demre/Myra/Antalya
This morning sail to Fethiye, to disembark, bid farewell to our gulet crew, and
board a motorcoach for the long drive to Antalya. Along the way we stop
in Demre to tour the ancient site of Myra, with an extremely well preserved Roman
theater and striking Lycian tombs (including one topped with a dramatic deathbed
scene). As a point of interest, Demre is where the legend of Father Christmas
(“Noel Baba” in Turkish) is said to have originated with a Christian
bishop who gave dowries to penniless girls. The bishop became known as
St. Nicholas. Also visit Demre’s 12th-century Church of St. Nicholas,
whose last major renovations in 1862 were sponsored by Czar Nicholas I of Russia. After
lunch here continue our drive to Antalya along the beautiful Turquoise Coast. Late
this afternoon we reach our hotel, splendidly perched on a cliff at the edge
of the sea. We dine there tonight (B, L, D) Talya Hotel
Day 14: Antalya
This morning take a walking orientation tour of Antalya, to see the resort city’s
Old Town, the extravagantly carved Hadrian’s Gate, and the lovely Yivli
(“fluted”) Minaret. Then we board a coach for the ride to Antalya’s
Archaeological Museum, which chronicles the history of the area through a wealth
of ancient artifacts discovered locally. Of special interest here is the “God
Gallery” housing statues of 15 gods from Aphrodite to Zeus. For lunch
we’ll have a cooking lesson, learning to prepare traditional Turkish cuisine – then
enjoy the fruits of our labors together. Return to our hotel and the remainder
of the day is for exploration on your own; you may wish to indulge in an authentic
Turkish bath! Dinner tonight is at our hotel. (B, D) Talya Hotel
Day 15: Antalya/Perge/Aspendos
This morning set off for a tour of the once-thriving Roman city of Perge, which
reached its pinnacle during the era of Alexander the Great. Among the outstanding
ruins here are the ancient shopping arcade, the awe-inspiring 12,000-seat stadium,
and a 15,000-seat theater. Then move on to Aspendos, whose huge theater
is considered one of the best preserved in all of antiquity. We return
to Antalya in time for lunch on our own and an afternoon for exploration on our
own before we gather for a farewell dinner at our hotel tonight. (B, D) Talya
Hotel
Day 16: Depart for U.S.
If you are returning today to the United States, transfer early this morning
to the airport for the one-hour flight to Istanbul, where you will connect with
your flight to the U.S. If you are joining the optional extension to Cappadocia
and Ankara, please read the post-trip extension itinerary for further information.
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.
Please note:
We will do our best to adhere to our printed itinerary. Occasionally, though,
unexpected obstacles, and opportunities, may arise that will force us to deviate
from the itinerary as written. We would ask you to be open-minded and flexible
should we vary the itinerary slightly. In addition, please note that airline
schedules are subject to change. We will provide you with updated flight
information closer to your departure.
For Land Only Guests:
Along with your airfare, airport transfers and luggage handling at airports are
not included when you purchase a land only tour. However, should you be
at the airport concurrent with the group of arriving Odysseys Unlimited travelers
and see the signs for our motorcoach transfer, you are welcome to transfer with
the group at no charge, providing additional seating is available. Please
note that the motorcoach cannot wait for you; you must be aboard when the coach
is leaving. Similarly, when departing from the last hotel for your flight
home, you are also welcome to take advantage of the group transfer, provided
there is room and you are on board when the coach is leaving.
It is important to note, however, that a motorcoach may not be used for transfers
in all cases. Depending upon the number of guests arriving or departing,
we may utilize taxis or smaller vans. At such times, space restrictions
will preclude your joining the group transfer and you will be responsible for
your own transportation to or from the airport.
Cappadocia & Ankara Post Trip Extension
Day 16: Transfer to Cappadocia
Guests who are joining our optional extension to Cappadocia and Ankara will have
a full-day motorcoach transfer via historic Konya, where we’ll stop for
a visit to the Mevlana Museum, home of Turkey’s renowned Whirling Dervishes – a
mystic order whose members dance wildly to free themselves from earthly bondage. We’ll
have lunch here before continuing on to Cappadocia in central Turkey. Renowned
for its awe-inspiring natural rock formations – which were utilized for
everything from housing to churches and even complete underground villages – Cappadocia
is as magical today as it was when early farmers discovered the fertile powers
of the volcanic ash that covered the area thousands of years ago. Cappadocia
became a haven for the first Christians, who ultimately carved more than 3,000
churches in the porous rock, painting many of them inside with splendidly preserved
scenes from the Old Testament. Reach Cappadocia late this afternoon, and enjoy
a buffet dinner this evening at the Kapadokya Lodge, our hotel built from lava
and rock. (B, L, D) Kapadokya Lodge
Days 17 & 18:Cappadocia
For the next two days, explore more of this unique region. Tour the rock
churches of the Goreme Valley, including open-air museum with 8th-century murals;
and the refuge of Kaymakli, which was constructed over a period of centuries
and provided a safe haven for Turks during times of war and conflict. A
maze of tunnels reaching four stories deep, this underground city held as many
as 3,000 people who were able to breathe thanks to a ventilation system that
allowed fresh air into the complex structure. Visit the vast Zelve Valley
complex of caves laced with dwellings, churches, and public spaces where villagers
lived until just 50 years ago; and marvel at the fairy tale chimneys at Pasabag;
and the troglodyte village of Uchisar. During a stop in the charming town of
Avanos watch local craftspeople as they practice their arts, which include fashioning
beautiful hand-colored pottery; and weaving rugs of natural colored wool, a regional
specialty that has been perfected by the Turks over many hundreds of years and
continues to be passed down from generation to generation. Both evenings,
dine at the delightful Kapadokya Lodge. For those who wish, an optional
early morning balloon ride is available on Day 18 (at additional cost). The
ride offers an unparalleled view of the lunar-like landscape and may be reserved
on-site during your stay. (2B, 2L, 2D) Kapadokya Lodge
Day 19: Transfer to Ankara
This morning board a motorcoach for the half-day transfer to Ankara, Turkey’s
capital. Upon arrival visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, where
we will gain insights into Turkey’s fascinating past. One of the
exhibits dates back to the earliest known human community, and takes us through
civilizations that include the Urartu, Hattie, Hittite, Phrygian, and Assyrian. The
building itself dates from the 15th century, and is a restored covered market. As
we tour the museum, we will bring together all we have learned about Turkey and
its people during our 21⁄2 weeks of traveling. Tonight we gather
one last time for a farewell dinner at our hotel. (B, D) Ankara Hilton
Day 20: Depart Ankara for the U.S.
Early this morning, you’ll transfer to the airport for the one-hour flight
to Istanbul, where you’ll connect with your flight to the United States.
(B, In-flight meals)
Please note:
We will do our best to adhere to our printed itinerary. Occasionally, though,
unexpected obstacles, and opportunities, may arise that will force us to deviate
from the itinerary as written. We would ask you to be open-minded and flexible
should we vary the itinerary slightly. In addition, please note that airline
schedules are subject to change. We will provide you with updated flight
information closer to your departure.
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