The Essence of the Program:
We start with exploring legendary Constantinople, masterpieces of the last two millenniums, walk the timeless streets, eating at exotic places, staying at the Sultan's neighborhood. Exploring some of the world's strangest scenery, in Cappadocia, where the roads take us to a surrealistic landscapes of volcanic chimneys, excavated for use as houses by early Christians, gorges, vineyards, elaborately carved and frescoed rock churches and entire underground cities.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 CAPPADOCCIA
This morning we take a
short flight to Cappadocia located in the center of Turkey. This unusual
landscape is a geological and historical wonder composed of extensive
underground cities (churches, schools, frescos, homes, ventilation systems
etc.) carved into eerily eroded volcanic tuff. After checking into our hotel,
we walk to Uchisar Castle, an impressive rock formation long use by locals as a
castle. It offers a superb panorama of the surrounding area. We continue to
hike through the Love Valley, famous for its magical fairy chimneys as well as
explore the Goreme Open Air Museum with its excellent examples of Byzantine
rural art. (B,L,D)
Extracurricular
activities: Hiking 3-4 hours a day, visiting local workshops , winery
Sites visited: Goreme
Open air Museum, Derinkuyu underground city.
DAY 2 CAPPADOCCIA
We start our day with
a hike through the picturesque Red Valley. With its high walls and narrow
canyons, it may remind you of the American Southwest. Our hike passes ancient monasteries
and churches as we make our way back towards Goreme. This area of Cappadocia is
well known for its pottery, and this afternoon we may stop to visit a local
studio to learn more about this ancient art. (B,L,D)
Extracurricular
activities possible: Visiting local pottery
Sites visited: Red
Valley, Goreme.
DAY 3 CAPPADOCCIA
Cappadocia has dozens
of subterranean towns, but the most impressive are Kaymakli and Derinkuyu.
These elaborate settlements are up to eight stories deep (only yet partially
excavated) with a tangle of tunnels leading to churches, private living
quarters, storage areas, deep water wells, carved chimneys for air shafts and
even wine producing chambers. There is one tunnel nearly 6 miles long that connects
the two underground cities. Up to 60,000 people lived here for months
underground. The determination and motivation behind the creation of these
subterranean fortresses is nearly inconceivable. Next, itís off to the
beautiful stream-lined canyon of the Ilhara Valley for an afternoon of hiking.
This narrow canyon is simply delightful with dozens of hidden, Byzantine
churches, along with their original frescos, to explore along the way. After
lunch in the valley at a small cafe situated on the banks of the river, we head
back on a different track. (B,L,D)
Extracurricular
activities: Hike the Ihlara Valley.
Sites visited: Ihlara
Valley, Derinkuyu Underground City.
NOTE: The days in
Cappadocia can be enhanced with Cultural Folk Show, balloon ride, horseback
riding depending on schedule and availability.
Details:
Internal Flights Required: Istanbul
to Naveshir RT May 18-21 (flight details
will be sent)
Costs: Based on
Group Size. Minimum number to operate trip= 4 guests
4 guests $995/pp land cost
8 Guests: $795/pp
land cost
Single
Supplement Charge: $95
The cost includes:
3 nights Boutique Hotel Accommodations, 3 breakfasts, lunches, dinners, Entrance fees,Certified professional guide, Guide's air, hotel, meals etc, Bus transportation,Parking fees,wine at sunset, etc.The cost does not include. Airfare to/from Cappadoccia,drinks, extra excursions, personal expenses.
Turquoise
Coast Active Cruise: Turkey
Dates: May 21-31, 2010
The
southwest Turkish Coast of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas is a land of myth,
history and legendary hospitality, with a centuries-old tradition of boat
travel. The words of Homer and the
Greek myths come to life as we stand on the deck of our traditional wooden
yacht and imagine the life of seafarers past.
On this
romantic voyage of history and hedonism, we travel aboard an elegant gulet (a
locally-built yacht) with double bed cabins and private bathrooms. On board and ashore we feast on
Epicurean delights. On crystal blue seas beneath towering mountains descending
sharply into the waters, we visit quaint Turkish villages, hidden rock coves,
wooded inlets and magnificent ruins of the Roman, Greek, Byzantine and Ottoman
Empires.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 ISTANBUL
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon we stroll along the streets of this glamorous city. After a glimpse of the old city, we get back to our hotel for a welcome cocktail and then go to a traditional spot for our welcome dinner.
DAY 2
ISTANBUL
In the
morning, we start to visit the glorious highlights of Constantinople. We visit
Topkapi Palace, and then walk to the other splendid relics such as 400-year-old
Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), and 2000-year-old Roman Hippodrome and the
Underground Cistern and visit the Hagia Sophia Church, miraculously built in
the first half of the 6th century, by Emperor Justinianus.
Sites visited: Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Underground Cistern, and Roman Hippodrome and Haghia Sophia.
DAY 4
SIMENA
From
now on we use our beautiful gullet as our floating hotel. We visit two
interesting sites in the morning. First the very impressive rock-cut tomb
necropolis and the 2nd century theater of Myra and then the Church of St.
Nicholas ( Santa Claus). In the afternoon we cruise to a well preserved cove
then hike to the remote and impressive citadel of Crusaders located on the
acropolis of Lycian site of Simena. We tie to this little ancient village for
the night.
DAY 5
KALKAN
We
slowly cruise along the sunken island of Kekova and look at the 2000 years old
ruins submerged into the water. Then we cruise to snorkel over the sunken ruins
of Aperlai, and then to Kas, a sleepy Meditarrenean village with white washed
houses and begonvillas. Return to
boat anchored near Kalkan, by a 1h. hike in the afternoon.
DAY 6
GEMILER ISLAND
In the
morning we take a minibus to the deserted Greek town of Kaya, which was
abandoned by 1930s as a result of the population exchange treaty between Turkey
and Greece. After exploring this
ghost town, we hike to meet our boat in Soguksu Cove. There is a short hike on the Gemiler Island where we can see the Byzantine ruins
and watch the sunset.
DAY 7
AGALIMANI COVE
In the
morning we cruise to Batik Hamam (Sunken Bath) cove which has a Roman bath
about 5 feet under water – where Mark Anthony is said to have wooed Cleopatra.
From here we walk through pine forests enjoying spectacular views of the
Mediterranean, to visit the Lycian site of Lydae which is accessible only on
foot. We descend to our boat to anchor for the night in Agalimani Cove. 2,5 h
DAY 8
CAUNUS – EKINCIK
Morning
sail to Iztuzu Beach, well-known as the place where the rare sea-turtle species
Caretta Carettas lay their eggs. We board a fishing boat and cruise up the
Dalyan River to Dalyan, through a maze of bamboo and cattails. Visit the
magnificent 4th C. rock cut tombs and the Carian ruins at Caunos. Late
afternoon hike to Ekincik Cove to meet the boat and enjoy our last night on the
boat with your crew. 3 h
We
disembark in Marmaris and drive to Ephesus area, which is in the heart of
ancient civilisations. Settle in the 250 years old village cottages in Sirince
village, restored in a heavenly way by the Nisanyan family. Start exploring the
vicinity. Overnight Hotel
DAY 10 Ephesus to ISTANBUL: FLIGHT NEEDED: Izmir to Istanbul
We
check out go to explore the king of the ancient sites : Ephesus. We also see
the Archaeological Museum. We can absorb and enjoy this site, despite the
madding tourist crowds. As well, we visit the Basilica and Tomb of St John, and
The Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Take the
late afternoon flight to Istanbul and check into our hotel. Enjoy the farewell
dinner at a great spot.
DATES
: May
21-31, 2010 (in Turkey)
PRICE: $4300
pp/do based on final group numbers & boat selection. No Single Supplement
available at this time.
DURATION
:
10 nights / 11 days
STARTING
POINT
:
Istanbul
Ataturk Airport
ENDING
POINT
:
Istanbul
Ataturk Airport
RATING
:
Cultural
/ Easy hiking/Active Cruise
Internal
Flights Needed:
Istanbul
to Antalya/ Return Dalaman to Istanbul
Price
includes :
*
Quality accommodation in small charming hotels.
*
All meals with great representation of Turkish Cuisine.
*
Local drinks, such as wine, beer and beverages on the boat.
*
All bus, minibus transportation in Turkey.
*
Certified professional guide from Turkey & Escorted by Kathy Dragon
*
Parking fees, guide’s expenses, etc.
*
Entrance fees to museums and archeological sites.