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The Blue Voyage
Legendary Turkey & the Turquoise
Coast
Tour membership limited to 12-24 guests
16 days from $2,895 -- air, land & cruise inclusive
Exotic sights, scents, and sounds reign in this fascinating
land where Europe and Asia meet. From Istanbul, magnificent
"Empress of the World," to ancient ruins, stunning landscapes,
and the dramatic Turquoise Coast where we board privately
chartered yachts for a distinctive five-day voyage, Turkey
engages and beguiles, offering us an unparalleled small
group travel experience.
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Istanbul,
Turkey
Day 2: Arrive Istanbul
We arrive in Turkey's cultural and spiritual heart late
this morning and transfer to our hotel. After time to relax,
we have a briefing on our journey then take a short walking
tour. Tonight we enjoy an authentic Turkish dinner at a
local restaurant. D
Day 3: Istanbul Here
where the waters of the Marmara, Bosphorus, and Golden Horn
meet, Europe greets Asia; past and present collide. We taste
Istanbul's allure on a full-day tour that begins with the
Roman Hippodrome, the 3,500-year-old obelisk brought from
Egypt in 390 AD; the Blue Mosque, with its 20,000 blue Iznik
tiles and signature six minarets; and Hagia Sofia, the 6th-century
mosque that became Christendom's most important church.
This afternoon we tour splendid Topkapki, medieval palace
of sultans that today is one of the world's richest museums.
Lunch is at Topkapi Konyali, a former 19th-century royal
pavilion. B,L
Day 4: Istanbul
This morning we encounter the vast Grand Bazaar, housing
4,000 shops selling goods of all kinds; and the Spice Market,
with exotic spices, nuts, and dried fruits from around the
world. Then we take a private cruise on the Bosphorus Strait,
the waterway that separates Europe from Asia. We stop in
the village of Orkatoy, known for its trendy art scene,
cafés, and boutiques. There's time to explore and have lunch
on our own here before we return to our hotel mid-afternoon.
B
Day 5: Istanbul/Gallipoli/Troy/Assos
Leaving Istanbul this morning, we travel to the northern
Aegean Coast and Gallipoli, haunting site of 31 Allied cemeteries
from World War I. Then we ferry across the Dardanelles to
Troy, once believed to exist only in Homer's epic poem until
the present site was discovered in the 1870s. After touring
here we continue south to Behramkale, ancient Assos, where
we spend the night. B,L,D
Day 6: Assos/Pergamum/Kusadasi
Today we explore one of Turkey's most spectacular ancient
sites: windswept Pergamum, a major power in the 3rd and
2nd centuries BC, with a wealth of Greco-Roman ruins. Then
we continue on to Kusadasi. B,L,D
Day 7: Kusadasi/Ephesus
Few ancient sites compare to Ephesus, the world's best-preserved
classical city. Dating to at least 1300 BC, Ephesus was
Asia Minor's largest metropolis and principal port. We also
visit the home where the Virgin Mary is believed to have
spent her last days. Lunch will be shared with a Turkish
family in their home. B,L,D
Day 8: Kusadasi/Marmaris
Today we journey south to coastal Marmaris, stopping along
the way at a carpet factory to watch a demonstration of
this age-old craft, then in a local village for lunch and
a visit to the Museum of Steam Trains. Late afternoon we
board our gulets and enjoy the first of our meals
freshly prepared on board. B,L,D
Day 9: Cruising - Dalyan River/Ekincik
Cove Our route for the next five days is
along the stunning coastline Antony is said to have given
Cleopatra as a wedding gift. We begin our "Blue Voyage"
today, first to the mouth of the Dalyan River where we board
a small skiff for a trip through an intriguing maze of channels.
At the Lake of Koycegiz, we see our first Lycian rock tombs.
Then after lunch in a local restaurant, we meet our gulets
in Ekincik Cove. B,L,D
Day 10: Cruising - Aga Limani/Cleopatra
Baths This morning we cruise to the hidden
cove of Aga Limani, where a walk along herb-scented trails
brings us to Lydea, a little-known Greco-Roman site. Later
today we relax at the breathtaking inlet sheltering the
Sunken Baths of Cleopatra. B,L,D
Day 11: Cruising - Yassica Isles/Bedri
Rahmi Cove/Tersane Island This morning we
sail to Bedri Rahmi cove for a day of hiking, swimming,
and relaxing. B,L,D
Day 12: Cruising - Gemiler/Kayakoy
We cruise today to Gemiler Island to tour its 6th-century
Byzantine monastery. After lunch on board we drive to Kayakoy,
the Greek "ghost town" abandoned after World War I. After
touring the town and its two churches, we return to our
gulets. B,L,D
Day 13: Fethiye/Demre/Myra/Antalya
This morning we sail to Fethiye, disembark, bid farewell
to our crew, and begin the drive to Antalya. Along the way
we visit Demre to tour the striking Roman ruins at nearby
Myra and visit the 12th-century Church of Saint Nicholas.
After lunch in Demre we continue the drive along the Turquoise
Coast to Antalya. B,L,D
Day 14: Antalya
On this morning's walking tour, we encounter highlights
of Antalya's charming Old Town, including the extravagantly
carved Hadrian's Gate and the lovely Yivli Minare (fluted
minaret). After a visit to the city's Archaeological Museum,
this afternoon is at leisure. B,D
Day 15: Antalya/Perge/Aspendos
This morning we visit the ruins at ancient Perge, which
reached its apex during the reign of Alexander the Great.
We continue on to Aspendos, whose huge theater is considered
among the best preserved in all of antiquity. This afternoon
is at leisure before we gather for a farewell dinner this
evening. B,D
Day 16: Depart for U.S.
This morning we board an early flight for Istanbul, where
we connect with our flight to the United States. B
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.
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. Exotic Istanbul, including Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace,
Hagia Sofia
. Private Bosphorus cruise
. WWI battlefield of Gallipoli
. Ruins at ancient Troy, Pergamum, Ephesus
. Lunch in homes of Turkish villagers
. 5-night "Blue Voyage" aboard privately chartered gulet
yacht
. Cruising to secluded coves and hidden sites that few visitors
see
. Opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, hiking
. Sunken Baths of Cleopatra
. 6th-century Byzantine monastery on Gemiler Island
. Ancient sites of Perge, Aspendos, Myra
. Three-night stay in Mediterranean resort of Antalya
. Round-trip air transportation from listed cities
. 14 nights' accommodations: 9 nights in Superior First Class,
First Class, and unrated hotels; 5 nights aboard privately
chartered gulet yacht
. 36 meals: 14 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 12 dinners
. Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance
fees
. Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
. Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
. Luggage handling for one bag per person
. Gratuities for dining room servers, airport and hotel porters,
and all drivers
. $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys
Unlimited tour
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