Best of Turkey — 14 days/13 nights Highlights: #Istanbul (#Hagia #Sophia, “#BlueMosque”, #Hippodrome, #TopkapiPalace, #GrandBazaar, half-day #BosphorusCruise), #Cappadocia, #Ephesus, #GuletCruise Departures: Frequently
Tour Prices: Ask for your personal quote.
Quick Overview Istanbul’s #Byzantine and #Ottoman treasures…the mystical landscape of Cappadocia…ancient Ephesus, once the pride of the Roman Empire… the last known home of the Virgin Mary… the glistening bays and secluded coves that dot Turkey’s “Turquoise coast”. This exciting vacation brings it all vividly to life.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul Upon your arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to get acquainted with the city. Tonight’s Welcome Dinner” will give you a genuine “taste” of Turkey. Overnight in Istanbul. (D)
Day 2 – In Istanbul (Full Day Tour) After breakfast, you begin a tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Highlights include: the Sultan Ahmet Center in the heart of the “Old City”; Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel originally constructed as a Christian basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian; the magnificent “Blue Mosque”, famous for its blue Iznik tiles and six towering minarets; the ancient Roman Hippodrome, site of chariot races and other sports events; and the illustrious Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman Sultans. You will also see the Fountain of Wilhelm II, and visit the exotic “Grand Covered Bazaar”, the largest covered “souk” (bazaar) in the world. You will have some free time to wander among the tiny shops that line the Bazaar’s virtually endless maze of winding passageways. (B, L)
Day 3 – In Istanbul (Half-Day Bosporus Cruise) This morning, you’ll be picked-up at your hotel and proceed to the “Spice Bazaar” (also known as the Egyptian Bazaar). With its array of spices, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, Lokum (“Turkish Delight”) and other exotic edibles, the Bazaar has the fragrance and atmosphere of the Middle East. Then you continue to the embarkation point of your Bosporus cruise. The relaxing cruise offers wonderful views of Istanbul’s European and Asian shorelines with their Ottoman palaces, citadels, and centuries-old mansions. At the end of the cruise (approx.1:00 pm), you will be driven back to your hotel. The balance of the day is free for independent activities. (B, L)
Day 4 — To Cappadocia Early this morning you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cappodocia. Upon arrival, you will be met and proceed through Cappadocia’s Martian-like landscape via the Dervent Valley, to see Pasabag’s “Fairy Chimneys”. Here it is said that “the voice of the wind harmonizes with the songs of the fairies”. Moving on, you’ll enjoy a visit to the Avanos Center of Terracotta Art, followed by lunch. After lunch, you visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum to see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia. Then you proceed to the Uchisar Rock Castles, from where you’ll have a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding valleys. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, L)
Day 5 – In Cappadocia The day begins with a visit to the “Red Valley” where you explore the famous rock-cut churches. Then it’s on through the Gulludere Valley to visit the ancient village of Cavusin. After lunch, you continue to the “Pigeon Valley” for a visit to the Kaymakli Underground City, one of the most fascinating underground settlements in Cappadocia, where early Christians lived in fear and faith. The underground city was originally eight floors, of which for can be visited today. The tunnels are still used today as storage areas, stables, and cellars. The tour ends with a visit to the “natural castles” at Ortahisar. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, L)
Day 6 – Cappadocia to Ephesus This morning you motor to the ancient Roman city of Ephesus, with a visit to the impressive Isa Bey Mosque, en route. Upon arriving in Ephesus, you begin your walking tour along it marble streets viewing the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Trajan Fountain. At the end of your walk, you will see the “Great Theater” where St. Paul preached. Then it’s time to relax and enjoy a Turkish buffet lunch. After lunch, you visit a carpet cooperative, where you’ll see how exquisite Turkish carpets are hand-woven. Then you proceed to the Shrine of Mother Mary, the house believed to be where Mary spent the last years of her life. After visiting the Shrine, we continue to the Ephesus Archeological Museum and the Temple Of Artemis (Diana), the site of one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” Overnight in Cappadocia.. (B, L)
Day 7 – To Gocek After breakfast, we drive to Gocek, a charming town on the Mediterranean Sea whose harbor is home base for private yachts and fishing vessels. Upon arrival, you board your traditional Turkish gulet (sailboat), and meet the captain and crew who will look after you for the next four days. Overnight aboard ship. (B, L, D)
Days 8, 9, and 10 – Gulet Cruise Three days of leisurely sailing along the beautiful “Turquoise coast”, a region that was once the home of the ancient Lydians. Along the way, the crew will drop anchor in beautiful, unspoiled coves, where your family can explore, go swimming, sunbathe, and go snorkeling in the warm waters. There will also be stops in small harbor towns; visits to the ghost town of Kayakoy, Gemiler Island, and the traditional farming village of Bezirgan, where you enjoy lunch at a local home; and special activities such snorkeling at Aperlae and an “adventure trek” around Soguksu Cove. Overnights are aboard ship. (B, L ,D)
Day 11 –to Andriace and Antalya This morning we cruise to Kekova Island to see the famous “Sunken City” (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Then we continue to Simena Castle and its ancient rock-cut tombs, and to Andriace, where your cruise comes to an end. Before driving to Antalya, you’ll visit the Church of St. Nicholas. Overnight in Antalya. (B, L)
Day 12 – In Antalya A full day at leisure for sunning, shopping and exploring in and around this popular seaside resort. Overnight in Antalya. (B)
Day 13 – Antalya to Istanbul This morning you will be transferred to the airport where you board your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for independent activities. A special “Farewell Dinner” will top off your family vacation in Turkey, (D)
Day 14 – Departure Free time until you are transferred to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)
WHAT THE PRICE INCLUDES: Airport transfers upon arrival and departure Accommodations at a 4-Star and 5-Star Hotels, and in cabin with WC and shower on Gulet Cruise Meals as specified in itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), plus late afternoon tea and cookies on Gulet cruise Transportation by non-smoking, air-conditioned mini/midi bus Services of a professional English-speaking escort/guide per itinerary Sightseeing tours in Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Ephesus, per itinerary Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise 4-day Gulet Cruise Entrance fees to the sites visited, per itinerary Hotel taxes and services charges Yacht charter and berth taxes, harbor and port formalities, mooring fees, marine fuel, and yacht insurance Use of onboard recreational equipment (fishing tackle, snorkeling gear)* *Optional activities such as windsurfing, Jetsking, and Banana boating are also available at extra charge
NOT INCLUDED Domestic flight Gratuities to tour guides and cruise crew All items of a personal nature (laundry, taxis, etc.) Beach towels while on Gulet cruise Beverages (except for those served with breakfast and other meals while on cruise) Visa fees

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