SMALL GROUP TOUR
Trip Length: 11 days
Trip Dates:
April 21-May 1, 2010
9 nights in deluxe hotels | 18 meals
2010 Rates: $4395 double | $5795 single
Intra-tour flights:
$600 (3 flights)
International Airfare is additional.
| Depart the USA | |
| Istanbul | |
| Tour Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar | |
| Fly Istanbul to Kayseri and transfer to Cappadocia | |
| Tour medieval Christian cave dwellings & Fairy Chimneys | |
| Fly from Kayseri to Izmir; Transfer to Kusadasi | |
| Kusadasi for the great Roman city of Ephesus | |
| Kusadasi for the Hellenistic city Aphrodisias | |
| Fly to Istanbul | |
| Istanbul - Tour Ottoman masterpieces | |
| Fly Istanbul - USA |
Turkey is a perfect vacation destination. There is something for everyone - ancient Greek ruins (better than in Greece!), awesome landscapes, beautiful coastlines, bustling cities, great shopping and fabulous food. Our Deluxe Turkey trip incorporates all of these facets of Turkey. You will begin with the ancient history of Istanbul and continue to the fairy-tale landscaped region of Cappadocia. From there you travel south to the Turquoise Coast where the great Roman cities of Ephesus and Aphrodisias once dominated the Aegean. Back in Istanbul, we explore Islamic riches before returning home.
Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Istanbul, Turkey.
Upon arrival in Istanbul, transfer to the Ritz Carlton Hotel Istanbul. Remainder of the day at leisure to relax following your flight.
HOTEL Ritz Carlton Hotel
ROOM Park View Room
MEALS None
Following breakfast, set out on a full day excursion to see the highlights of historic Istanbul.
Visit Topkapi Palace, the St. Sophia, Chora Church museum and Blue Mosque with time to browse the Grand Bazaar. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Dinner is on your own.
HOTEL Ritz Carlton Hotel
ROOM Park View Room
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch
Fly to Cappadocia this morning to explore the mysterious rock-carved churches and moonscape topography of this unusual place. Upon arrive check in to the Anatolian Houses, Goreme's most luxurious hotel.
HOTEL Anatolian Houses
ROOM Standard Suite
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch
Take an optional Hot Air Balloon ride this morning over the amazing Fairy Chimney formations. Afterwards, spend the day exploring the treasures of the Open-Air Museum, where you will visit numerous rock carved churches and monasteries dating from the Middle Ages.
HOTEL Anatolian Houses
ROOM Standard Suite
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch
Fly from Kayseri to Izmir, via Istanbul arriving mid-afternoon. Check in to the Charisma Hotel. This evening we are invited to a private home for dinner.
HOTEL Charisma Hotel
ROOM Standard Room
MEALS Breakfast, Dinner
Visit Ephesus, one of the world’s most impressive archaeological sites. Discover the remains of the Hellenistic and Roman cities, including the Temple of Serapis and the Library of Celsus. Lunch is served at a converted farmhouse this afternoon. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon to relax at the hotel pool, take a swim in the Aegean or shop for Turkish carpets in town.
HOTEL Charisma Hotel
ROOM Standard Room
MEALS Breakfast, Dinner
Depart the hotel this morning for a full day excursion to Aphrodisias, noted for its beautiful setting and extensive remains. See the theater, odeum, baths, and temples. Lunch en route. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
HOTEL Charisma Hotel
ROOM Standard Room
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart after breakfast and drive to Izmir for a flight to Istanbul. In Istanbul, check in to the Ritz Carlton Hotel. The afternoon is at leisure.
HOTEL Ritz Carlton Hotel
ROOM Park View Room
MEALS Breakfast
Breakfast. at the hotel. Tour the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque, symbol of Ottoman glory, and Rushtem Pashem Mosque with its spectacular blue tile work. Finish your visit at the colorful Spice Market.
HOTEL Ritz Carlton Hotel
ROOM Park View Room
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch
Depart on a return flight to the USA today.
MEALS Breakfast
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A stay at the Ritz Carlton is a special treat. Bosphorus views and access to the elegant Laveda Spa, with its indoor pool, sauna, steam room, spa tub, fitness centre, and massage treatment rooms are only a couple of the pluses. |
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The Anatolian Houses offer deluxe rooms that have been constructed inside the structure of five different cave formations. Each suite at the Anatolian Houses offers a singular collection of works of art, old and modern throughout its private and public sections. The furnishings have been specially selected from a range of pieces from different eras in history. |
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|
Double |
Single |
$4395 |
$5795 |
Intra-tour airfare |
|
$600 (3 flights) |
|
A visa is required for Turkey for American or Canadian passport holders. This can be obtained at the Istanbul Airport upon arrival or in advance of travel.
None required or recommended. It is recommended you have your regular vaccinations up-to-date before traveling. For further information, visit the Center For Disease Control website.
Delta Airlines, Turkish Airlines, air France and Lufthansa are among airlines that can be used for this trip. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to try to use Frequent Flyer Miles for free tickets or upgrades or the American Express Platinum card 2-4-1 program.
All departures are guaranteed on a minimum of 6 participants. Rates will vary according the final number of participants as indicated in the Tour Rates. A Coda Tour Manager will accompany the group on a minimum of 10 travelers.
