 GLOBUS 2012: TURKISH DELIGHT (QT)
14 days from Istanbul to Istanbul, or 15 days incl. travel
This in-depth vacation is ideal for those who wish to see the many famous attractions of Turkey. Your Istanbul stay includes visits to the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Seraglio, and the Grand Bazaar. Cross the Bosporus into Asia Minor and continue to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, where sightseeing includes the Green Ottoman Complex and the Great Mosque. Via Gordion, where Alexander the Great cut the proverbial knot and thus opened the way to Asia, continue to Earth Tumulus. In Ankara, capital of the Turkish Republic since 1923, visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Near Cappadocia , explore the exotic Caravansary of Sultanhani and visit the early Christian's Rock Chapels, the underground city of Ozkonak, Konya, and more. Also enjoy a full day at leisure in Antalya and, a visit to the fascinating archaeological site of Hierapolis in Pamukkale. Discover the fascinating history of Ephesus, Troy, and the World War I Cemetery on your way back to Istanbul.
HOTELS
ISTANBUL Grand Surmeli (SF), BURSA Kervansaray Thermal (F), ANKARA Barcelo Altinel (SF), CAPPADOCIA Peri Tower (F) at Nevsehir, KONYA Ozkaymak (F), ANTALYA The Marmara (SF), PAMUKKALE Lycus River (F) at Karahayit, IZMIR Crowne Plaza (SF), TROY AREA Tusan (F) at Canakkale
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| Call (715) 866-4242 for more information or to book today! Mention code 10578849 | | Globus | | Offer valid through 3/31/2012 | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Istanbul | After arrival at Ataturk Airport, check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to start soaking up the unique atmosphere of this city built on two continents. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D) | | Day 2 | Istanbul | Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, renamed Constantinople in 330 AD when Constantine the Great elected it the capital of the Roman Empire, and finally called Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, the city on the Bosporus always was and still is one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, predestined it for a turbulent history. Start your sightseeing at Emperor Justinian's HAGIA SOPHIA and Sultan Ahmet's BLUE MOSQUE, magnificent monuments to two competing world religions standing peacefully side by side. Next, turn to the TOPKAPI SERAGLIO, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Admire its exquisite collection of Chinese porcelain and the stunning Imperial Treasury, including the 'Spoonmaker's Diamond.' The rest of the afternoon is free. You may wish to cruise the Bosporus, and for a taste of Turkish nightlife, join our optional dinner outing and discover the fascination of belly dancing. (B) | | Day 3 | Istanbul-Bursa | Tour the GRAND BAZAAR with its 4,000 tiny shops. Then, set out on your discovery tour of a country with the population of Britain and more than three times its size. Cross the Bosporus and then follow the shores of the Sea of Marmara to the Gulf of Gemlik. Here you head inland towards the Uludag, also called the Mount Olympus of Mysia, a 7,700-foot-high skiing mountain. Bursa lies in its shade, surrounded by lovely orchards and tobacco fields. Founded by the Greeks and hotly contested during the Crusades, Bursa had its heyday as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. In the afternoon, visit the great monuments to this period: the ornate GREEN OTTOMAN COMPLEX and the GREAT MOSQUE (Ulu Camii) and the ancient Covered Bazaar. (B,D) | | Day 4 | Bursa-Ankara | Motor into the heart of the Anatolian Highland. After a break at Eskisehir, whose meerschaum pipes are world famous, head for GORDION. Tour the excavations of the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Phrygia, where Alexander the Great cut the proverbial knot and, thus, opened the way to Asia. Hear about the legend of King Midas with the golden touch as you visit the ruler's great EARTH TUMULUS. Overnight in Ankara, capital of the Turkish republic since 1923 and the country's second-largest city. (B,D) | | Day 5 | Ankara-Cappadocia | Morning visit to the MAUSOLEUM OF ATATURK, the revered founder of the republic, and the MUSEUM OF ANATOLIAN CIVILIZATIONS with its unique collection of Hittite sun discs, stag cult figures and reliefs, and Phrygian metalwork. In the afternoon, head through the salt steppes and swamps of central Anatolia towards the volcanic plateau of Cappadocia, and stop south of the great salt lake Tuz Golu, in the fortress-like CARAVANSARY OF SULTANHANI. (B,D) | | Day 6 | Cappadocia | Today, visit the unreal moon-like landscape of Goreme with its ROCK CHAPELS carved by the early Christians and decorated with frescoes dating from the 6th to the 10th centuries. Next are the Byzantine MONASTIC COMPLEX of Zelve, the TROGLODYTE VILLAGES of Avcilar and Cavusin, and the UNDERGROUND CITY of Ozkonak. Before returning to the hotel, enjoy the sweeping panorama at ancient Ortahisar. (B,D) | | Day 7 | Cappadocia-Konya | West today to the land of the Whirling Dervishes and to Konya. The Iconium of antiquity occupies a fertile island in the arid Anatolian steppes. Man has lived here since the early Stone Age, and the town had its moment of glory as the capital of the mighty Seljuk Empire from 1078 to 1307. Today it thrives on agriculture and the manufacture of fine carpets. Afternoon sightseeing features visits to three outstanding Seljuk structures: the MEVLANA MONASTERY of the Dervishes, now a museum; the KARATAY MEDRESE (theological school); and the elegant INCE MINARET. (B,D) | | Day 8 | Konya-Antalya | Drive west to Aksehir, then south across the Taurus Mountains into the luxuriant green forests, orchards, and olive groves on the hills sloping down to the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea. You enter an area only recently discovered by discerning European vacationers. (B,D) | | Day 9 | Antalya | A full day to enjoy this Mediterranean paradise and to discover its antique treasures. If you wish, join an optional excursion to the Pamphylian cities of Perge and Aspendos. (B,D) | | Day 10 | Antalya-Pamukkale | Morning drive inland across two mountain passes to Pamukkale. The name means 'Cotton Castle' and refers to the spectacular white lime cascades formed by its hot springs. Visit the fascinating archaeological site of HIERAPOLIS, the thermal resort founded by a Pergamene king in 190 BC and greatly enlarged and embellished by the Romans. At the hotel tonight, a leisurely bath in a pool of hot thermal water might be just the way to relax. (B,D) | | Day 11 | Pamukkale-Izmir | Follow the valley of the Menderes River to Ephesus, home of the Greek philosopher Heraclitus and, later, the capital of Roman Asia Minor. When St. Paul arrived here he was so awestruck that he asked: 'Is there a greater city?' Visit one of the best-preserved ancient AMPHITHEATERS, then drive up to the CHAPEL marking the site where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Overnight in Izmir (Smyrna), Homer's birthplace on the Aegean coast. (B,D) | | Day 12 | Izmir- Pergamum-Troy Area | Start with visits to the PERGAMUM MUSEUM and the ASCLEPION, a shrine to the Greek god of medicine. Then, enjoy vistas of the Greek island of Lesbos as you follow the shores of the Bay of Edremit. Continue to TROY, the perfect place to brush up on Homer's Trojan War-hollow wooden horse and all! Spend the night at nearby Canakkale. (B,D) | | Day 13 | Istanbul | By FERRY across the Dardanelles back to Europe and the 20th century. Visit the World War I battlefields on the Gallipoli Peninsula, where Allied troops, mainly Australians and New Zealanders, suffered heavy casualties in a disastrous campaign. Pay tribute to the heroes of those tragic months of 1915 at the ANZAC CEMETERY. Then, drive along the European shore of the Sea of Marmara back to Istanbul. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with your traveling companions. (B,D) | | Day 14 | Istanbul | Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
| | US$ Price Details
Dates and prices do not include international air travel. When planning your trip, allow one extra day before tour date for travel between the USA and Europe.Prices based on double room occupancy.Single room supplement: $480Triple room reduction: $45Extra nights per person in Istanbul:in single room $145, in twin room $102, in triple room $90
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Additional Information:
-Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
-Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
Guaranteed air-inclusive prices:
Air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $250 non-refundable deposit is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e., air-inclusive vacation.) However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon Waterways has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.
We also accept your reservation on a land-only basis:
While booking your vacation air-inclusive gives you various advantages, you can also choose the land-only option. But remember, airlines' special fares generally apply to very brief periods. (Our low air-inclusive fares apply throughout the year.) Plus, to get these 'deals' you often are required to pay full fare at the time of booking.
Taxes & fees
Taxes and fees are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full land and air deposit are received.
Applicable Taxes and Fees (Airfare & Charges Not Included in the Price)
Air-Inclusive Vacations
Air-inclusive prices provided online include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees between $200-$375 depending on your itinerary. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked.
Not Included In Your Vacation Price (Air-Inclusive, Land-Only or Cruise-Only)
Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities: port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; excess baggage fees; and all other items of a personal nature. |
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