Classical Turkey

br />Explore vibrant Turkey, an amazing mix of ancient and new, Asian and European on this 12-day learning vacation. Witness Istanbul’s famous Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the church of Hagia Sophia. Explore the grand ruins of Ephesus. See the fanciful landscape of Cappadocia with its “fairy chimneys” and 6th century rock chapels. Visit Konya, home of the Whirling Dervishes and discover two of the most important ancient sites in Turkey: Pergamon and the legendary city of Troy. Spend 2 nights in Kusadasi, a beautiful seaside resort.

Day 1: Overnight Flight
Depart for Turkey, a vibrant country that boasts an amazing mix of ancient and new, Asian and European. This thriving modern society welcomes visitors with genuine warmth and hospitality.

Day 2: Istanbul, Turkey
Welcome to Istanbul, the former capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires, once called Constantinople. Minarets and domes fill the skyline of this city that straddles two continents. This evening meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring local specialties.

Day 3: Istanbul
Explore the Old City on a full day tour featuring the Blue Mosque, renowned for its six minarets; Hagia Sophia, the epitome of Byzantine architecture and once the largest church in Christendom; Topkapi Palace; and the Grand Bazaar, Turkey’s largest covered market.

Day 4: Istanbul
Enjoy a full day at leisure to enjoy all that Istanbul has to offer. Your Tour Manager will be on hand to offer suggestions for the best way to spend your day. Wander the spice markets, cruise on the Bosphorus, or stroll the vibrant bustling streets of Istanbul in search of your own adventure.

Day 5: Istanbul - Cappadocia
After a morning flight, arrive in Cappadocia. Its landscape is composed of soft volcanic stone that wind and rain have sculpted into fantastic clusters of multicolored spires and pinnacles. Visit the underground city of Kaymakli*. Later, watch local artisans demonstrate the art of silk and wool carpet weaving at a family-owned carpet making facility.

Day 6: Cappadocia
Travel the mystical landscape of Cappadocia with its “fairy chimneys,” hillside villages, and rock-hewn churches. In the Goreme Valley, visit the Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the famed Rock Chapels are decorated with beautiful frescoes dating back to the 6th century.

Day 7: Cappadocia - Konya - Antalya
Your journey brings you to Konya, former capital of the Seljuk Empire. Visit the Mevlana Museum with its impressive collection of ancient books and historical artifacts belonging to Mevlana Jelaleddin Rumi, the 13th century founder of the Whirling Dervishes. Then, depart for Antalya, the Turkish Riviera.

Day 8: Antalya - Perge - Aspendos - Antalya
This morning, explore the ruins of Perge, a Hittite city which dates back to 1,500 B.C.E. Then, visit the nearby ruins of Aspendos, including its Roman amphitheater. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Day 9: Antalya - Pamukkale - Kusadasi
Today, wind along the mountain roads to Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis - a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Hierapolis Museum, located in several restored chambers of Roman Baths, which exhibits amazing archaeological finds. Finish your day’s journey in the seaside resort town of Kusadasi.

Day 10: Kusadasi - Ephesus - Kusadasi
Awe-inspiring ruins await you at Ephesus, an important city of the ancient world and the Roman capital of Asia, where both St. John and St. Paul came to preach. Walk down the marble avenue and see the Library of Celsus, the great theatre, the baths and temples, including the Temple of Hadrian. Continue to St. John’s Basilica, a magnificent church built on what is believed to be the burial site of St. John.

Day 11: Kusadasi - Pergamon - Cannakale
Discover two of the most important ancient sites in Turkey. Pergamon was one of the most powerful kingdoms in the Middle East. Located below the acropolis, the Asclepion was the healing center of Pergamon, where people came for “holistic” treatment by the ancient physician, Claudius Galen, who gained fame as a surgeon to the gladiators.

Day 12: Cannakale - Istanbul
Visit the legendary city of Troy - the UNESCO World Heritage site which was destroyed by “the face which launched a thousand ships” during the Trojan War. Later, travel across the Dardenelles, a narrow strait that brings you back into Europe. Visit the World War I battlefields of the Gallipoli peninsula, where one of Turkey’s greatest modern military victories took place. Return this evening to Istanbul, joining your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.

Day 13: Istanbul - Tour Ends

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
4/11/2012 - 4/23/2012	$2,199
5/17/2012 - 5/29/2012	$1,999
9/13/2012 - 9/25/2012	$2,049
10/4/2012 - 10/16/2012	$2,049
11/1/2012 - 11/13/2012	$1,849
4/4/2013 - 4/16/2013	$1,949
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Ratings & Reviews:

This tour has no reviews yet. Have you experienced this tour? Write a review.