DAY
1- WELCOME TO ISTANBUL! Sunday
We meet your flight at Istanbul's Atatürk International Airport
and escort you to your hotel located in the heart of the city's historic
district. After freshening up, we visit the spectacular Blue Mosque
and Hagia Sophia
For
Deluxe :
Ottoman Style Boutique Hotels : Arena , Armada , Blue House
or Similar
Or if you wish : Hilton , Inter.Continental or similar
DAY
2 - Belle Epoque - ISTANBUL! Monday (BL)
Breakfast
at the hotel. Morning walking tour: We start with our guide in Karaköy
where the foreign bankers and shipping companies had their headquarters,
then take the Tünel up to istiklal Caddesi; stop in the whirling dervish
tekke, and walk past the various old embassy buildings (now consulates),
and point out the architecture. Stop for tea (included) at the famous
Pera Palace Hotel. Walk at least as far as Galatasaray Square, and
have lunch in the Çicek Pasaji (Flower Passage); then walk up to Taksim
Square and be picked up for the afternoon tour. In the afternoon the
tour visit the Military History Museum enjoy "Mehter" Ottoman Military
Band Concert. "Mehter," or Ottoman military band (mid-afternoon).
DAY
3 - ISTANBUL'S TOP SIGHTS - Tuesday (BL)
Today we explore Istanbul's top sights, including the imperial palace
of Topkapi, with its sumptuous 500-room Harem, ruled by the second
most powerful person in the vast Ottoman Empire: the Valide Sultan
(Queen Mother). A short walk takes us to the Byzantine Hippodrome
and, beneath it, the eerie Sunken Palace cistern. Finally, we dive
into the Grand Bazaar, the world's oldest "shopping mall," to look
for treasures in its 4000 shops. Complimentary
entrance tickets to the Harem's Quarter in Topkape Palace in Istanbul,
when you book your tour/cruise with us
DAY
4 - ISTANBUL / Cappadocia : Wednesday (BD)
This morning the city is yours. Just relax, or re visit the bazaar,
or join one of our optional tours.
An
afternoon flight takes us across Anatolia ("Great Mother" in Turkish)
to Kayseri, from which we drive into the eerie volcanic landscape
of biblical Cappadocia. We settle at our hotel and enjoy a typical
Turkish dinner.
DAY
5 - EXPLORING CAPPADOCIA Thursday (BLD)
Today we explore the foremost sights in this historic, visually striking
region. Our first stop is the Göreme Open Air Museum, with its
dozens of ancient cave-churches carved from the soft volcanic stone.
Many still contain their beautiful colored fresco decoration. Next
we explore the monastic valley of Zelve, where whole monasteries were
carved into the rock. In the Pasabag and Dervent valleys we view the
"fairy chimneys," pinnacles of volcanic rock formed by wind and water
erosion over millennia. We stroll through the typical Cappadocian
towns of Ürgüp and Ortahisar to experience daily life in
this rich farming region, and perhaps to do some shopping. Just before
lunch we enjoy a panorama of the Red and Rose Valleys. In the afternoon
we make the short drive to Avanos, a traditional pottery-making town,
to visit its innovative "cave cultural center" . The staff and students
welcome us to enjoy Turkish tea and sweet cakes. We return to Ottoman
House for dinner and a good night's rest.
DAY
6 - MONASTERIES & MARKETS Friday (BD)
Today we visit some of the most interesting sights in Cappadocia:
the striking scenery and cave churches of the Pancarlik Valley, the
Keklik Monastery complex in Soganli Valley, and the Ottoman village
of Mustafapasa, filled with graceful old Greek and Turkish houses.
Then we visit the colorful and bustling markets. Afternoon at leisure.
In the evening The Ottoman House's chef briefs us on some of the dishes
served to the sultans and sultanas, including a variety of traditional
meze (Turkish hors d'oeuvres) made with eggplant, garlic, spiced yoghurts,
salad greens, and goat cheese; oven baked lamb or skewered meats;
and plump figs, apricots and nuts
In
the evening we visit an underground restaurant for a traditional Turkish
folklore show, with dances and costumes from several regions rich
in folklore, including Gaziantep, the Mediterranean, and the Black
Sea. The mysterious and alluring art of belly-dancing, round out this
enjoyable evening of traditional Turkish dance.
DAY
7- CANYONS & LABYRINTHS / Konya -Saturday (BLD)
We drive across the rolling steppe of Central Anatolia to the dramatic
canyon of Ihlara, filled with historic churches. A leisurely walk
takes us through this dramatic scenery and past a dozen churches to
the villages of Belisirma and Selime. Following our canyon walk, we
drive to the town of Derinkuyu and descend into an underground labyrinth
carved thousands of years ago. Hundreds of cave-rooms and passageways
descend eight levels into the earth. Store-rooms, kitchens, larders,
and churches show that this "underground city" was capable of housing
thousands of people when danger threatened. On our way back to our
hotel , we stop at the striking Agzikarahan Caravansaray, built by
the Seljuk Turks in the 11th century as a way-station for the rich
camel caravans plying the Silk Route between Europe and Asia. WE continue
driving to Aksaray , Sultanhan and on to Konya. Dinner at your hotel
( modest accommodation)
DAY
8- Konya / Pamukkale -Sunday (BLD)
Konay was the capital city of the Seldchuk Turkish
Empire during the Medival times, later on it became better known for
the Whirling Dervishes and Mevlana Mausoleum and Museum. Mevlana is
the world famous Poet : RUMI. We
tour the 13th century school of Karatay before we head for Pamukkale
and dinner at the hotel
DAY
9 -Pamukkale / Hierapolis - Aphrodisias - Kusadasi - Monday (BL)
Pamukkale,
the "Cotton Fortress," where cascades of gleaming white calcium
cover a hillside. The warm mineral-laden waters attracted the Romans,
who built the spa-city of Hierapolis here. We tour its ruins, and
enjoy the swimming pool at our hotel
, before we head fro Aphrodisias , the city of Aphrodite the goddess
of love . After our visit , we continue to Kusadasi .
DAY 10 - EPHESUS & KUSADASI. Tuesday .(BL)
In the morning light. Then it's off to biblical Ephesus to see the
Basilica of St. John the Evangelist, who came here with the Virgin
Mary. Passing the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven
wonders of the ancient world, we reach Ephesus, the most impressive
ancient city on the Mediterranean. Lunch at a local restaurant. After
our tour, we continue to the fine Ephesus Museum and the hilltop House
of the Virgin Mary, said to be her last home on earth. We spend the
night again in the Aegean resort of Kusadasi .
DAY
11 - KUSADASI - Wednesday (B)
We spend another full day at leisure in this delightful Aegean resort
of Kusadasi .
DAY
12 -Istanbul / Athens - Thursday (B)
Driving west along fertile river valleys crowded with fields and fruit
orchards, we reach Izmir, where we board our flight on to Athens (
direct or via Istanbul) and your hotel in Athens.
All air fare is included in economy class Izmir Istanbul Athens, tax
included, ticket is included and issued in Istanbul.
Our Athens-based personnel meets you at the international airport,
assists you with the formalities, and sees you to your charming and
comfortable hotel . Check in, relax, then take a stroll through the
lively streets. Browse for treasures and curios, or savor a coffee
or aperitif at a terrace café,
DAY
13 - ATHENS (BD) Friday
Enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Greek capital, today
we have included a half day group tour of Syntagma Square, and the
towering Acropolis. If you prefer a private tour , please add $ 75
per person .
An evening dinner with a folk show at the ancient Plaka district.
DAY 14 - ATHENS,SANTORINI (B)
Saturday
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 beach hotel.
Or a cliff -side Villa .
DAY
15 - Santorini (B) Sunday
Enjoy breakfast at your lovely hotel (or Villa),or venture out,to
explore ON YOUR OWN.
Some suggestion that you may wish to consider (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
16 - Santorini- Own activities(B) Monday
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. Your days will be filled.
DAY
17 - SANTORINI, CRETE (B)
Tuesday
We'll rendezvous in time to take you to your flight to Crete, Hreaklion
& your hotel. Flights operate only on Thu & Sat, on other
days, it will be the fast ferry which is 2 hours ( business class
) , or flights via Athens (Supplement applies$ $95).
DAY
18 - CRETE (B) Wednesday
Enjoy your stay at the hotel or explore one of the beaches. Or explore
on your own the Venetian part of the old town , see below more details
on tours in Crete.
DAY
19 - Athens (B) Thursday
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 fly
back to Athens , proceed on your own to check-in at the Sofitel Athens
Airport Hotel . This is an Airport Hotel Property
DAY
20 - RETURN HOME Friday (B)
We escort you to the airport for your onward or homeward flight. Bon
Voyage
RATES
are per person in USD $
Five Star Hotels
| |
Private
Touring In Turkey
Private Transfers in Greece
|
| Triple |
US$
5775.00 |
| Double |
US$
5860.00 |
| Single |
US$
6906.00 |
RATES
are per person in USD $
Four Star Hotels
| |
Private
Touring In Turkey
Private Transfers in Greece |
| Triple |
US$
5108.00 |
| Double |
US$
5260.00 |
| Single |
US$
6706.00 |
