 2010: LEISURELY TOUR OF TURKEY (6720)
14 days incl. travel, or 13 days from Istanbul to Istanbul
A country of many contrasts, Turkey is a unique crossroads between Europe and Asia. Begin in Istanbul-a vibrant city of mosques, markets, peddlers, and historic buildings of Byzanteum Constantinople fame-and drive along the Sea of Marmara to Gallipoli on the European side of the Dardanelles. Visit the battle site of World War I, then ferry across to Asia Minor. Take time to visit the remains of Homer's legendary Troy, then motor through forested countryside to Kusadasi, famous for the Ephesus archaelogical site. Continue through the 'Greek Meander,' the most fertile region in Turkey. Via Denizli, head north to Pamukkale with the ancient site of Hierapolis. By way of Konya, stop at the great 13th-century Agzikarahan Caravanserai, then to Goreme for an included visit to the amazing Rock Chapels carved by early Christians. Arrive in Turkey's capital of Ankara. From here, travel into the kingdom of Phrygia to Gordion. Visit King Midas' tomb before continuing to Bursa, famous for its great mosque, covered bazaar, and silk market. Return to Istanbul and be sure to catch the unforgettable sight of the Bosporus at dusk.
HOTELS
ISTANBUL Tazlik (ST), CANAKKALE Tusan (F), KUDASI Grand Onder (F), DENIZLI AREA Herakles (ST) at Pamukkale, KONYA Balikcilar (F), CAPPADOCIA Altinyazi (F), ANKARA Gurkent (F), BURSA Kervansaray (ST)
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| Details | | Cosmos | | Offer valid through 10/31/2010 | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Board your overnight transatlantic flight | Sat BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT | | Day 2 | Istanbul | Check into your hotel. In the evening, get to know your fellow travelers with a welcome drink, hosted by your Tour Director. | | Day 3 | Canakkale | Drive along the Sea of Marmara to Gallipoli on the European side of the Dardanelles. Time to visit the Anzac Cemetery and the site of a bloody World War I battle. Then a short ferry crossing to Asia Minor. Overnight in Canakkale. (B,D) | | Day 4 | Kusadasi | First, a visit to the remains of Homer's legendary Troy. South to the lovely Bay of Edremit with distant views of the island of Lesbos. Through forests of pine, oak, and valonia, head for Izmir, where an orientation drive includes the Karsiyaka District. From here it's not far to your hotel in Kusadasi. (B,D) | | Day 5 | Kusadasi | Enjoy your charming modern resort located between ancient Ephesus and Priene, blessed with a delightful climate and white sandy beaches. Optional excursions are available to the Roman/Greek archaeological site of Ephesus and to the Virgin Mary House. (B) | | Day 6 | Denizli | Once past Aydin, you enter what is known as the 'Greek Meander,' the most fertile region in Turkey. Make a first stop this morning for optional sightseeing of the ancient site of Aphrodisias scattered around the village of Geyre. From the town of Denizli, drive north to view the extraordinary sight of Pamukkale with the ancient site of Hierapolis. Overnight in the Denizli area. (B,D) | | Day 7 | Konya | Eastwards to Dinar and then past Lake Acigoy surrounded by cherry gardens and opium fields. Later, splendid mountain scenery on the way to Konya. (B,D) | | Day 8 | Cappadocia | Further eastward into the great central plateau that separates Konya from Cappadocia, taking a break at the great Agzikarahan Caravanserai. After arrival in Goreme, an included afternoon excursion to the amazing Rock Chapels carved by early Christians. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,D) | | Day 9 | Cappadocia | Optional sightseeing in the spectacular Cappadocia area. Admire the large natural amphitheater bounded by almost vertical cliffs into which have been hewn monastic buildings, churches, and underground retreats where early Christians sheltered from Roman persecution. (B,D) | | Day 10 | Ankara | North today by way of Aksaray to Ankara, the capital. Enjoy an orientation drive with a stop at Ataturk's Mausoleum. Afternoon optional excursions are available to see some of the capital's highlights. (B,D) | | Day 11 | Bursa | From Ankara into the ancient kingdom of Phrygia to Gordion where, according to legend, Alexander the Great cut the proverbial knot. Visit King Midas' tomb. On to historic Bursa in the shadow of the Olympus of Mysia, famous for its great Mosque, covered bazaar, and silk market. (B,D) | | Day 12 | Istanbul | A morning drive to the shores of the Sea of Marmara, then take a ferry across the Bay of Izmit to Istanbul. This afternoon, enjoy the included sightseeing with visits to the Roman Hippodrome and the Blue Mosque. Tonight, take advantage of the optional dinner outing in Istanbul. (B) | | Day 13 | Istanbul | Markets, peddlers, and stalls selling almonds, pistachios, iced drinks, and black coffee-you'll find this vigorous city irresistible. The view of the city at dusk with its 600 mosques and the Bosporus is unforgettable. Optional possibilities are a morning excursion by private boat to the Bosporus and in the afternoon, the 'Historical Tour of Istanbul.' (B) | | Day 14 | Istanbul | Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
| | US$ Price Details
Single room supplement: $220No triple room reduction.
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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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