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Itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)

Day 1 ISTANBUL Depart via overnight International flight to Istanbul with all meals on board.

Day 2 ISTANBUL Upon arrival at Istanbul’s airport you will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day on your own to relax or get acquainted with this fascinating city.

Day 3 ISTANBUL (B,L) Start your tour of the city built astride two continents with visits to St. Sophia Church, the 6th century Byzantine Basilica famous for being the largest Christian church of its era, the 17th century Blue Mosque with its six minarets, and, the Byzantine Hippodrome. After lunch visit Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans between the 15th and 17th centuries, now a world famous museum, the 16th century Imperial Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent and the Grand Bazaar, world’s largest covered market with more than 4,000 shops and a multitude of alleys.

Day 4 ISTANBUL-ANKARA (B,L) Your tour of the city today starts with a cruise on the Bosporus, the winding strait that separates the city as well as Europe from Asia. Its shores offer a delightful mixture of past and present. You will view Istanbul’s great landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Rumeli Hisar Fortress and more, as you sail through the city on the narrow strait. After lunch at the seaside village of Seriyen your tour continues to the Asian side of the city. Visits include the white marble Beylerbeyi Palace, summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans during the 19th century, the Handicraft center on the coast and more. This evening you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Ankara. Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to your hotel for overnight.

Day 5 ANKARA-CAPPADOCIA (B,L,D) A morning tour of the capital of modern Turkey, features the Ataturk Mausoleum, the Museum of Anatolian civilizations and the Citadel. Depart for Cappadokia with a stop for lunch on the way. Then a short break at Salt Lake for pictures before arrival at the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 6 CAPPADOCIA (B,L,D) This morning drive through the Cappadocian plains to the Goreme open air Museum with its 10th century churches cut out of soft rock where you can still see the beautiful interior frescoes. Then, proceed to the natural citadel of Uchisar for a panoramic view of the area. After lunch continue to the Valley of Zelve a site most famous for its troglodyte residences; then a short stop at Cavusin and finally the village of Avanos famous for its pottery and handicrafts.

Day 7 CAPPADOCIA-KONYA-PAMUKKALE (B,L,D) Drive through the beautiful countryside today, following the ancient Silk Road enroute tothe Agzikarahan Caravanserai and Konya (Ikonion). Paul and Barnabas addressed the crowds here. Visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, where the master of whirling dervishes lies. Lunch on the way and continue to Pamukkale for dinner and overnight.

Day 8 PAMUKKALE-APHRODISIAS-HIERAPOLIS-KUSADASI (B,L,D) Proceed to Hierapolis to visit the Greek and Roman ruins and early Christian remains. Free time for bathing perhaps, in Pamukkale’s thermal waters. Continue to Aphrodisias, the ancient city named after the Greek Goddess Aphrodite. After lunch visit the ancient city. Sites include the Odeon, the Temple of Aphrodite, the stadium and the theater. Then on to the lovely resort town of Kusadasi for dinner and overnight.

Day 9 KUSADASI (EPHESUS)-ISTANBUL (B,L) Ephesus awaits you this morning, the most complete of the ancient cities ever excavated. Walk the (Arcadian Way) marble street, and visit the ancient theater, the library and the Temple of Artemis. Then to the Basilica of St. John. After lunch a visit to the Shrine of Virgin Mary, where she lived her last years. The tour concludes with a visit to the Selcuk archaeological museum. Continue to Izmir airport for your flight to Istanbul. Meeting upon arrival and transfer to your hotel

Day 10 ISTANBUL-DEPARTURE (B) You will be transferred at the airport this morning for your departing flight home.

Rates

DEPART: Wednesday (other departure days available)

               LAND
           First Class  Deluxe*
Jan        $1,715       $1,950
Feb        $1,715       $1,950
Mar        $1,798       $1,990
Apr        $1,798       $1,990
May        $1,798       $1,990
Jun        $1,875       $2,155
Jul        $1,875       $2,155
Aug        $1,875       $2,155
Sep        $1,875       $2,155
Oct        $1,898       $1,990
Nov        $1,898       $1,950
Dec        $1,898       $1,950

Rates are per person, in double occupancy.

Air add-ons from your airport

Single Supplement: First class $475, Deluxe $750. Triple Reduction: First class $40, Deluxe $60.

EXTEND YOUR STAY.
Rates are per person per night and include breakfast, hotel service charges and taxes.
OR CHOOSE ONE OF OUR MINI TOURS TO OTHER CITIES IN TURKEY.

Hotels

First Class hotels: Istanbul: Golden Age. Ankara: Ickale. Cappadocia: Club Lodge. Pamukkale: Richmont. Kusadasi: Barmek.
Deluxe hotels: Istanbul: Hilton, Ankara: Sheraton, Kusadasi: Korumar (*Deluxe hotels are available in Istanbul, Ankara and Kusadasi only).

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