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Mediterranean
Honeymoon Tour
From Constantinople to Santorini
Tour Greece and Turkey
Istanbul , Cappadocia , Athens , Santorini
in 12 Days
What's
your preferred destination around the Aegean Sea? The Classic sites
beckon with the glories of empires past. Thriving bazaars exude the
mystery of the Orient. Hidden coves, sun, beaches and sails seduce you
to a legendary island removed from the everyday world. Which will you
choose?
Fortunately,
you can do it all! On this honeymoon tour of Greece and Turkey , Travel
in Style weaves the great travel adventures of Greece and Turkey into
a seamless classic of its own. You'll gaze in awe at the treasures of
Istanbul, and venture to the cradle of classical civilization in Cappadocia
. You'll ascend to the Acropolis in Athens, and plumb the pleasures
of the Plaka. Then it's away from the madding crowds, to treasure these
full days in a hideaway on the Greek isle of your dreams: Santorini.
Pack your bags, and take off on any day of your choosing, from March
through October. Click
here for the 10 edition Santorini & Istanbul , or Naxos edition-14
days .
Add Crete
DAY
1 - Start in ISTANBUL -
or
in Athens
- Arrive on any day of your choosing,
from March through October
Our local personnel will be on hand when you arrive at the international
airport, to escort you to your lodgings, where a fruit basket awaits.
You'll have time to rest up from your flight, and stretch your legs
as you make your initial discoveries of this capital of Byzantine emperors
and Ottoman sultans, where East and West have long clashed, met, and
blended.
DAY
2 - ISTANBUL (BL)
We'll visit historic and modern Istanbul today. High points will include
the Hippodrome, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, and the stunning
Blue Mosque. Then it's on to Aya Sophia, whose heritage as both a basilica
and emblem of Islamic architecture neatly sums up the strains that have
created modern Turkey. We'll fit in the fabled Topkapi palace, with
its formal gardens, salons of state and stately boudoirs of the sultan's
harem; as well as the Treasury, whose collection includes priceless
Chinese porcelain. At the Grand Bazaar, there will be occasion to assemble
your own treasure from over 5000 stands, kiosks, and shops, filled with
carpets, leatherwork, and treasures and trinkets from all points eastward.
DAY
3 - ISTANBUL (BL)
This morning, we'll stretch our legs as we take in the sights, sounds,
and aromas of Istanbul up-close. We'll start off with our guide to re-discover
the Belle Epoque, when Constantinople was the Paris of the East. From
the traditional Karaköy district, where overseas bankers and shipping
companies had their headquarters, we'll ascend via the Tünel-an
antique subway line-up to Istiklal Caddesi, a sedate nineteenth-century
thoroughfare lined with former embassies. We'll stop in at the tekke
of the renowned whirling dervishes. And in keeping with the traditional
surroundings, we'll be hosted to tea at the landmark Pera Palace Hotel.
We'll continue on foot, at least as far as Galatasaray Square, and lunch
in the Çicek Pasaji (Flower Passage); then it's on to busy Taksim
Square to rendezvous with our coach. We'll venture farther a field in
the afternoon, to Yildiz Palace Park and the Ihlamur Kasri, a refined
little palace south of Yildiz, and the Military History Museum in Harbiye,
arriving in time for the strains of Mehter, the traditional Ottoman
military band. After a late-afternoon lunch at a charming local restaurant
, we'll venture into the legendary bazaar and a walking tour of this
ancient district with scenes from " Raiders of the lost Arch".
DAY
4 - Istanbul - Cappadocia (BD)
Enjoy your breakfast before flying to Cappadocia, airfare is
included in our rate in economy class with tax, all transfers are always
on a private basis. Land early afternoon and on to your hotel. Remainder
of the day at leisure . Sample hotels : Cave Suites hotel, for guests
who do not like to stay in Cave hotels , we will use Kapadokya Lodge
or similar . Dinner is included at your hotel.
Prefer to tour Izmir, Pergamon, Selcuk and Ephesus instead of flying
to Cappadocia ? please click here .
DAY
5 - CAPPADOCIA (BL)
Private car / driver / guide : We explore the "moonscape"
of Cappadocia, visiting the painted churches in the Göreme and Zelve
Valleys, the rock hewn dwellings in Ortahisar, the pottery-making center
of Avanos, and the incredible underground city of Kaymakl (or Derinkuyu).
Afternoon at leisure . Lunch is included at a charming local restaurant.
DAY 6 - Hot Air Balloon over Cappadocia - ISTANBUL
(B)
Breakfast is included after the flight
Hot Air Balloon Flight :Transfers from/to your hotel are always included.
Balloon flight is one of the best activities that you can join in Cappadocia
and probably an experience of a lifetime.
At five in the morning, smoke is beginning to rise from the village
chimneys below you. The barking of dogs, startled by the balloon, attracts
sleepy villagers outside to wave enthusiastically. The weird twisted
landscape of corroded rock to which you have partially become accustomed
from the ground level, becomes even more unearthly when viewed from
several hundred feet above. A 90-minute hot air balloon flight culminating
in a champagne breakfast on landing. In two words? Breathtaking and
Unforgettable!
This is by Kapadokya Balloons
www.kapadokyaballoons.com. They are the best in Cappadocia. Lars and
Kaili, the owners of the company, are probably the best balloon pilots
in Europe and they operate and fly the deluxe (90 minute) flights. Please
note that breakfast is offered only after the flight.
<<
Kapadokya Balloons www.kapadokyaballoons.com
As the company that pioneered ballooning in Cappadocia we would love
to share with you an adventure that will surpass your highest expectations.
It
is our passion for ballooning, tempered with more than 20 years of experience
flying balloons in the area that has helped us maintain our position
as the best ballooning operator in Turkey. Every flight is a fantastic
adventure as we float intimately amongst the fairy chimneys and soar
over the magnificent Cappadocian landscape. Join us for the best ballooning
adventures on earth! Please rest assured, when flying with our pilots
you will feel secure and be well cared for, and have the chance to share
this deep passion for ballooning in Cappadocia! In our web site you
will find detailed information about us, the Cappadocia region and ballooning
fun. Please have a look around >>
F.A.Q.
And more Details : Please click here .
Then off to the airport to fly back to Istanbul and your Airport
hotel . Remainder of the day at leisure .
Subject to flight availibility we may be able to connect to Athens today,
in this case , you will spend the night in Athens, air fare is included
in economy class with tax : Istanbul/ Athens.
Day 7 - ISTANBUL , ATHENS (B)
After breakfast, we'll call
for you and escort you to the the airport, where you'll board your flight
to Athens, where our representative assist you through customs and immigration,
and escort you to your hotel in the bustling city center. The rest of
the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Stroll, browse for curios and
treasures, and perhaps dine at a cafe in the old Plaka district and
take in a folklore show
DAY 7 - ATHENS - Private Tour (BL)
Enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Greek capital, today we
have included a half day private tour of Syntagma Square, and the towering
Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum . Lunch is included at a charming
local restaurant.
Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur, private guide.
DAY 8 - ATHENS , SANTORINI (B)
We'll call for you and see you to the airport for your flight over the
blue Aegean to Santorini (Air fare included, Isle of Ancient "
Atlantis ?!", where you'll find a room waiting in a four-star beach
hotel. Or a cliff -side Villa .
Add private tours to Delphi and Argolis: please click here.
DAY
9 - Santorini (B)
Enjoy breakfast at your lovely hotel (or Villa),or venture out,to explore
ON YOUR OWN. Akrotiri,reputedly the site of fabled Atlantis.
Then on to Athinios port to take a boat across to eh dormant volcano,
and ascend through a crater-pocked moonscape to the crater. Visit Thirassia
Island and watch sunset in Oia. Return to your hotel/villa early evening,
the decision is totally yours.
DAY
10- Santorini- Own activities(B)
To stay in your lovely hotel and enjoy the beach, the service, and the
amenities, or to venture out to explore some of the dramatic cliffs,
coves, and villages . . . that is the question! No doubt, you'll mix
a bit of both; Relax, and revisit a favorite café or shop ,sip an ouzo
or retsina at a waterside café, discover a beach or two, pick up a loaf
of fresh bread and cheese and olives, and picnic on a hillside as you
look out to sailboats at sea.
DAY
11- SANTORINI (B)
Enjoy the views from your villa, discover a black-sand beach, savor
the sea breezes from the terrace of a café, or try your hand
at fishing. Or arrange a winery visit or another excursion. The choice
is yours.
DAY
12 - DEPARTURE (B)
If your flight out of Athens is very early morning today, then best
to fly Santorini Athens on Day 11, in which case we will have you staying
at the Sofitel Athens Airport Hotel. Do your last-minute shopping this
morning, or just linger deliciously in bed. Then we'll call for you
and see you to the airport to begin your journey home. If you wish to
extend your stay , please let's know in advance. Bon Voyage. Back
to Turkey
RATE
in USD $
per person |
Tourist
Class
(4 stars) |
First
Class
(4 stars) |
Deluxe
(5 stars) |
| Triple
occupancy |
$ 5510. |
$ 5810. |
$
6850. |
| Double
Occupancy |
$
5660. |
$
6050. |
$
6950. |
Price
includes:
- Air
transportation from Istanbul / Izmir/ Athens / Santorini, as
per the itinerary and dates you choose (subject to your availability)
.
- Transportation
between airport and hotels in Greece , always on a private basis ,
- Guided
sightseeing as indicated in ATHENS, including entrance fees .
- preset
menu meals as indicated , please check each day for the code : "B"
for breakfast, " L" for lunch and dinner as indicated "D",
etc .
- Accommodations
with breakfast (B) as indicated
below, or at comparable properties, according to availability:
- Athens:
Divani Palace Acropolis : 5 Stars Moderate .
Titania , Electra Palace (four stars).
- Istanbul
:
Hyatt, Hilton or Ceylan Intercontinental
or similar for the deluxe, Madison , Arena , Aygun Plaza or similar
for 4 stars
Kusadasi :
Korumar or similar for the deluxe,
or Kismet for boutique Hotels , Adakule or similar for 4 stars
- Sample
Villas/ Apartments in Santorini
:
For
Deluxe rates : Dana Villas with a view of the Caldera
& the sea ( Firostefani) , "Astra Apartments", " On
The Rocks" or Chromata Apartments with a view of the
caldera and the sea (Imerovigli.).
For first class accommodation in the: "Cliff Side Suites,
Volcano View Villas, Tzekos Villas
Or Rose
Bay on Kamari Beach Hotel (four stars)
Not
Included:
-
International air transportation.
-
Trip Cancellation insurance
-
Optional excursions, such as tours on Santorini, sailing, cruising
Any meal not specifically mentioned, beverages, and personal expenses
Gratuities for local personnel
What
other say about our service in Greece :
"
Omar -
We had a perfect vacation in Greece!
Dinner our first night at the rooftop restaurant of the Titania overlooking
the Acropolis as the sun set and the lights came on!
Santorini was magical - though we enjoyed the sunsets from Fira instead
of Oia. We did rent an ATV and got to Red Beach and Oia on day trips.
The ferry to Crete made half the boat sick - but not us!
The Movenpick in Crete was really beautiful - a luxurious place to rest
after a long week.
We were upgraded to executive suites by both the Titania and the Athens
airport Sofitel, you should know. They took good care of us!
We loved the Ouzo, the shopping, the sunsets, the beaches, the colors
of the sea and sky, the friendly waiters, the people at the Tzekos Villas,
the shop owners - we loved Greece!
We WILL return someday, especially to Santorini!
And contacting you via the Internet to arrange it was the perfect way
to set it up.
Let us know if we owe you money - the hotels said everything was pre-paid
though we charged a few things, like bottled water, to our rooms.
Thank you again, Omar, for everything! I've already referred a couple
of other people to you. You do a fine job!
Gratefully,
Jodi and Stan ""
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