ON SALE!!!
Save up to $800 per couple!!!
For a limited time only save up to $800 per couple
on this unforgettable journey to Turkey
Reserve by February 29, 2012
to qualify for the early booking discount.
Space is limited so please reserve early.

Day 4: Istanbul/Ankara. Depart for the Turkish capital, Ankara, the country's second largest city. Upon arrival, visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. Leading up to the Mausoleum, is a vast brick courtyard and monumental avenue lined with NeoHittite stone statues and cenotaphs beneath its colonnades. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore on your own. You may wish to visit the fascinating Anatolian Civilization Museum. Barcelo Ankara Altinel Hotel (B)

Day 5: Ankara/Cappadocia. Today, travel by road through the Turkish countryside to the world-renowned region of Cappadocia, a breathtaking landscape with striking and bizarre rock formations and underground cities. Peri Tower Hotel. (B,D)

Day 6: Cappadocia. On today’s guided excursion, visit the Open Air Museum in the Goreme Valley to view early Christian churches decorated with beautiful frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. You’ll also visit the Kaymakli Underground City, which was hollowed out of volcanic rock and extends seven to nine floors deep into the earth. It is made up of a maze of corridors, chambers, storehouses, kitchens and churches. Finally, visit the village of Avanos, famous for its beautiful old houses as well as pottery and onyx workshops. (B)

Day 7: Cappadocia/Konya/Antalya. This morning visit the 13th century Sultan Han located at a secluded point on the ancient Silk Road between Aksaray and Konya. It was used as a caravanserai during the Seljuk period when trade flourished, requiring roads for caravan transport and inns for the traveling traders and their camels. Continue your journey by road via Konya, passing through lush forests, orchards and olive groves on the sloping hills downward to the splendid Mediterrannean Sea. Porto Bello Resort (B,D)

Day 8: Antalya. Full day at leisure to enjoy at your own pace. Your seaside resort hotel enjoys a choice location overlooking Turkey's fabled Turquoise Coast. You may join an optional tour ($55) to ancient Perge, the most attractive and well-preserved Pamphylian city that reached its apex during the reign of Alexander the Great. Continue to Aspendos, founded by the colonists from Argos and best known for its huge theater. On this optional tour you'll also visit the Antalya's Archaeological Museum that houses artifacts and antiques from 2500 years of Anatolian culture. (B,D)

Day 9: Pamukkale/Izmir. Journey to Pamukkale and visit the Necropolis and the ancient city of Hieropolis ("Holy City"), situated atop the Pamukkale hot springs. These hot springs have served as a thermal bath since the 2nd century B.C. Later, arrive in Izmir, believed to be the birthplace of Homer. Kaya Prestige Hotel (B,D)

Day 10: Ephesus Excursion. Today, venture to explore Ephesus considered to be the world’s best-preserved classical city and famous throughout history for its Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Ephesus was undoubtedly one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world and among its impressive structures you will marvel at the Library of Celcus, Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theater and the Odeon. Later, visit to the House of Virgin Mary, a shrine said to be the final home of the Virgin Mary near Ephesus. Return to Izmir. (B)

Day 11: Pergamum/Canakkale. Drive to Pergamum, a powerful kingdom during the ancient Hellenistic period, and visit the Acropolis, an impressive structure that houses the Temple of Trajan, the Heroon Shrine, the Sanctuary of Athena and the Altar of Zeus. You'll also view the Theater and the Library of Pergamum, whose collection came second only to that of Egypt's Alexandria. Arrive in Canakkale. Akol Hotel. (B,D)

Day 12: Troy/Istanbul. This morning, marvel at the classical city of Troy as you tour this 4000-year-old city and legendary center of the Trojan War, made immortal by Homer's epic poem the Iliad. Cross by ferry the Dardanelles, a narrow strait connecting the Aegean and Black Sea and arrive in Istanbul. This evening savor an included festive farewell dinner. Celal Aga Konagi Hotel (B,D)

Day 13: On a guided morning tour, a local expert will introduce you to some of the highlights of the city, previously known as Constantinople and the seat of the Eastern Roman Empire. Visit the splendid Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 600 years and now a fascinating museum. Here, visit of the Treasury section with the crown jewels and the unique collection of Chinese porcelains. Continue to the ancient Hippodrome, the place chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period and finally, explore the elegant Blue Mosque, a 17th century Ottoman Mosque famous for its six minarets and magnificent interior with blue tiles. The balance of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 14: Istanbul/USA. Today we bid lovely Turkey farewell. Your exciting journey concludes as you arrive New York. (B)


return to top

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

NEW! Tour prices now INCLUDE airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges

• Round trip airfare from New York (JFK) via Lufthansa Airlines (Mar. - May & Oct 31 departures) or Turkish Airlines (Sep. - Oct. 3 departures)
• Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
• Intra-Turkey ground transportation and transfers
• Accommodations at first class hotels with private bath
• 19 meals: 12 full buffet breakfasts (B), 7 dinners (D)
• Comprehensive sightseeing tours as indicated in itinerary
• English-speaking tour director throughout

TOUR COST AIRFARE INCLUDED
DEPART	RETURN	RESERVE BY FEB 29, 2012		RESERVE AFTER FEB 29
2012		w/cash discount	sale
Mar 21	Apr 3	$ 1939	$ 2039	$ 2339
Mar 28	Apr 10	$ 1939	$ 2039	$ 2339
Apr 11	Apr 24	$ 1999	$ 2099	$ 2399
Apr 18	May 1	$ 2139	$ 2239	$ 2539
May 9	May 22	$ 2139	$ 2239	$ 2539
May 16	May 29	$ 2139	$ 2239	$ 2539
Sep 5	Sep 18	$ 2079	$ 2179	$ 2479
Sep 19	Oct 2	$ 2079	$ 2179	$ 2479
Oct 3	Oct 16	$ 1999	$ 2099	$ 2399
Oct 31	Nov 13	$ 1899	$ 1999	$ 2299
Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single room supplement add $499. Visa is required for Turkey. U.S. passport holders can obtain it on arrival ($20). Land only rates may be available. Please inquire. Reservations and Payments: Reservations can be made by phone 1 800 337 7773 and will be confirmed upon receipt of $300 per person non-refundable deposit (by check) which must be received within 7 days of reservation. Full payment is due 75 days prior to departure. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. For complete booking information and terms & conditions click here.