| Turkish Adventure |
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East and West converge in the spellbinding, Mediterranean country of Turkey. Begin your 15-daytour in Istanbul, where the great empire of Byzantium was created in 657 B.C. From there, continue on to ruins of Troy, classical Ephesus, the hot springs of Pamukkale and more, as the cities and towns of Turkey leave you with a sense of wonder.
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Istanbul
Day 1 Board your overnight flight to Turkey.
Day 2 Land in Istanbul, the ancient capital of civilization known previously as Byzantium and Constantinople. This evening, enjoy an included dinner with your group. (B in flight, D)
Day 3 On your guided tour of Istanbul, visit 15th-century Topkapi Palace, home of Ottoman sultans; the ancient Byzantine church of Aya Sophia, illuminated by 30 million gold mosaic tiles; and the stunning Blue Mosque. Pass by the Hippodrome, an elaborate stadium once the site of ancient chariot races. This evening, opt for an Istanbul by Night event with dinner. (B)
Day 4 Enjoy free time to explore Istanbul. You might visit the Museum of Ancient Civilizations. Or join an optional cruise through the Bosphorus Straits, the ancient waterway that connects Europe and Asia. Venture off the beaten path on this afternoon’s special optional tour, Istanbul’s Unknown Treasures. (B)
Canakkale
Day 5 Stop for a guided tour of Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman empire. Continue to Canakkale, a town coveted in centuries past for its strategic location. (B, D)
Kusadasi
Day 6 A local guide leads a tour of Troy, where Homer’s Iliad comes to life. Tour the ruins, where experts have identified the relics of nine civilizations dating back 5,000 years. Then follow the Aegean coast to Pergamon, where you’ll visit the ancient Greek Acropolis. Continue on to seaside Kusadasi. (B, D)
Day 7 Visit Ephesus, one of the Mediterranean’s best-preserved classical cities. View the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the house where Mary is said to have spent her final days. This afternoon, opt for a journey to the village of Sirince for a firsthand glimpse at Turkish rural life. (B, D)
Pamukkale
Day 8 Stop today at the ruins of Miletus. Next, visit Didyma’s Temple of Apollo. (B, D)
Day 9 Take a guided tour of Pamukkale’s travertines, a cascade of snowy white calcium terraces formed from hot springs. The tour includes the ruins of Hierapolis, the Roman spa city built around Pamukkale’s calcium-rich waters. In the afternoon, opt for an excursion to Aphrodisias, the best-preserved Hellenistic site in all of Turkey, dating back to at least the 1st century B.C. The site includes a temple dedicated to Aphrodite. (B)
Antalya
Day 10 Cross the Kale River Delta to Demre. Here you’ll visit the 4th-century Church of St. Nicholas. Continue to the ruins of Phaselis, an ancient Lycian city. Later reach Antalya, ancient retreat of Antony and Cleopatra. (B, D)
Day 11 On your tour of Antalya, view the Old Town and enjoy included visits to the archaeological museum and Hadrian’s Gate. Later, opt for a trip to Aspendos and Perge. (B, D)
Cappadocia
Day 12 Stop in Konya. Visit the Mevlana
Museum. Continue to Cappadocia. This evening, join an optional excursion to see a Whirling Dervishes performance (seasonal). (B)
Day 13 Tour the rock churches of Göreme
and visit the towns of Pasabag and Avanos. This evening, opt to attend a traditional Turkish Folklore Evening. (B)
Istanbul
Day 14 Enjoy a free day in Cappadocia or opt to visit the Eskigimus Monastery. After anincluded dinner this evening, board your return flight to Istanbul, where you’ll spend your last night in Turkey. (B, D)
Day 15 Depart for home or continue your
journey in Greece. (B)
Extend your stay
Athens
Day 15 Fly to Athens. A Go Ahead representative escorts you to your hotel. (B, D)
Day 16 Follow in the footsteps of epic heroes, gods and Olympians on this morning’s guided tour of Athens, including the Acropolis. After your tour, opt for an excursion to Cape Sounion to see the Temple of Poseidon. (B)
Day 17 Enjoy a full day to explore Athens at your leisure today or join an optional excursion to Delphi. This evening, partake in our optional Ancient Greek Evening. (B)
Day 18 Board your flight home. (B)
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Round-trip transatlantic air transportation with a major airline, airport transfers and escorts
The services of a bilingual Go Ahead Tour Director/licensed Turkish guide
A licensed local city guide in Istanbul, Bursa, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, Göreme
13 nights accommodation in comfortable and well-located hotels that include twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower
All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling and local taxes
Buffet breakfast (B) daily; 8 three-course dinners (D)
Private deluxe motorcoach featuring reclining seats and air conditioning
Guided sightseeing and entrance fees to select sights as described
Go Ahead travel bag and membership in our World Traveler Club, which includes credit toward your next tour |
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| Daily Departures from 1/1/2009 to 12/31/2010 |
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Destination Information
Itinerary
Items Included
Departure Dates
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