Discover, Plan & Go!

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Depart Home /Fly to Istanbul, Turkey

Exotic Istanbul is the only city in the world that straddles two continents. You’ll be met upon arrival and transferred to the newest hotel in town, located on the chic “European” side of the city. Depending on your flight arrival time, join your Program Manager for a short walking tour of the area or just relax and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Ramada Plaza Hotel

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Istanbul

After a morning briefing of your trip, delve into the Old City on a full-day tour featuring the Roman Hippodrome, where chariots once raced; the enormous Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and the blue Iznik tiles that adorn its walls; and Hagia Sophia, a marvel of Byzantine architecture, built by Emperor Justinian, and at one time the largest church in Christendom. We also visit the Basilica Cistern, one of the city’s most intriguing sites. We

conclude our full day of touring at the Grand Bazaar, a vast and ancient covered labyrinth of shops and residences. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at your hotel.

Ramada Plaza Hotel (B,D)

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Istanbul

Today’s full-day tour of Istanbul begins at Topkapi Palace, the ancient residence of Ottoman sultans and their harems, and now one of the richest museums in the world. After your Topkapi visit, enjoy free time for lunch on your own before continuing on to the excellent Islamic Art Museum. This evening is at leisure or you can join an optional dinner show, featuring colorful folkloric dancers from around the country, and exotic belly dancers.

Ramada Plaza Hotel (B)

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Istanbul

Today you’re free to take in this vibrant city’s museums and plethora of shopping opportunities. You may also choose our optional Full-Day Bosphorus Tour that begins at the Dolmabahce Palace, includes lunch at a local sea-view restaurant, and a private boat cruise on the Bosphorus Strait. The optional tour concludes with an afternoon visit to the Military Museum, including a raucous, colorful performance by the Mehta Military Band. This evening is at leisure.

Ramada Plaza Hotel (B)

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Istanbul / Kusadasi, Turkey

After breakfast, fly to Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city — gateway to ancient Ephesus, the birthplace of Homer, the greatest poet of antiquity. Get your bearings during a panoramic city tour, with free time for lunch on your own. You’ll then take a short drive to Kusadasi and visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where it is believed she spent the last years of her life. In Kusadasi, you’ll be treated to a sea-view room at your hotel, where dinner is included this evening.

KoruMar Hotel (Sea-View Rooms) (B,D)

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Kusadasi (Ephesus, Turkey)

Legendary Ephesus awaits! On today’s full-day tour of the world’s best-preserved classical city, you’ll view the amphitheater, beautiful Marble Avenue, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Library of Celsus. From Ephesus, we proceed to Sirince, a Greek settlement, where you’ll enjoy an included lunch and have a chance to socialize with the locals. A final stop at the Ephesus Archeology Museum deepens your understanding of today’s discoveries. Dinner is included tonight at the hotel.

KoruMar Hotel (Sea-View Rooms) (B,L,D)

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Kusadasi

Enjoy the day at leisure to explore the city or take an optional tour to the ancient cities of Miletus and Didyma. First, visit Miletus, once an important trading city and home of Isidorus, builder of Hagia Sophia. Continue on to Didyma, famous for the ruins of the Temple of Apollo. Lunch is included at a local restaurant in Didyma for this optional tour. Dinner is included this evening at your hotel.

KoruMar Hotel (Sea-View Rooms) (B,D)

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Kusadasi / Pamukkale, Turkey

This morning you’ll depart Kusadasi, visiting a carpet farm enroute to Pamukkale, where you’ll learn about traditional Turkish carpet making, followed by an included lunch. Afterwards, continue to Pamukkale, known as the Cotton Castle for its shimmering “waterfall” of terraced white limestone. Upon arrival, you’ll view hot springs fabled for their healing powers then visit the ruins of the ancient spa town of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before arriving at the hotel. After your day of touring, you’ll have a chance to swim in the warm healing waters of your hotel’s pool, and meet visitors from all over the

country who come here as well to relax with a spa treatment. Dinner is included this evening at your hotel.

Spa Colossae Hotel Thermal (B,L,D)

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Pamukkale / Antalya, Turkey

Your day is filled with cultural enrichment! This morning, ride to Antalya, a Mediterranean resort town with a lovely marina. Lunch is included enroute at the home of a Turkish family in the nearby village of Bademagaci. Share tea with the village Mayor, and enjoy a visit to the local school. Later, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Sheraton Voyager Antalya (Sea-View Rooms) (B,L,D)

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Antalya

Discover this lovely seaport on a panoramic tour featuring the Archeological Museum, Hadrian’s Gate, the fluted Minaret — symbol of the city — and the charming Old Quarter. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a demonstration of the art of Ebru (Paper Marbling). Dinner is included at the hotel.

Sheraton Voyager Antalya (Sea-View Rooms) (B,D)

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Antalya

Today you'll have the day at leisure to take in the beauty of this spectacular seaside resort or join an optional full-day tour to the Turquoise Coast, including Phaselis where Antony and Cleopatra once met; Demre for an included lunch; and Myra with its Lycian rock-cut tombs and a visit to the St. Nicholas Church. Dinner is included at the hotel.

Sheraton Voyager Antalya (Sea-View Rooms) (B,D)

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Antalya

Begin with a visit to the ancient ruins of Perge, the best example of a complete Roman city in the Pamphylian Region. Continue on to Aspendos, site of Turkey’s best-preserved theater. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Cocktail Party and dinner at your hotel.

Sheraton Voyager Antalya (Sea-View Rooms) (B,D)

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Antalya / Istanbul*

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Istanbul. Check in for your one-night hotel stay at the brand-new Novotel. Your evening is at leisure.

*Guests who are extending their journey to Cappadocia and Ankara will depart Antalya after breakfast and begin their 3-night optional extension on Day 14.

Novotel Istanbul Marmara (B)

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Istanbul / Return Home

Transfer to the airport for your connecting flight home.