2016 Turkey: Istanbul & the Landscapes of Cappadocia + I S TA N B U L E X T E N S I O N 9 D AY S 11 D A Y S W I T H E X T E N S I O N Uncover ancient lunar landscapes and a modern spice of life. Get to know the culture that developed at the intersection of East and West in Istanbul, a city that effortlessly blends the ancient and the modern. For a retreat from the bustle, escape to Cappadocia s lunar landscapes, where you ll explore the region s rock-hewn villages and steep-peaked terrain.
2016 Overview Let us handle the details Expert Tour Director Local cuisine Handpicked hotels Sightseeing with local guides Private transportation Personalized flight options Your tour includes Your tour highlights 7 nights in handpicked hotels Breakfast daily, 5 three-course dinners with beer or wine at the welcome and farewell dinners Multilingual Tour Director Private deluxe motor coach Guided sightseeing and select entrance fees The chance to visit two continents in one Mouthwatering mezze bites and Turkish teas Cappadocia s ancient, cavernous hideaways Walking among rock-carved churches and fairy chimneys Ancient Greco-Roman ruins and frescoes Haggling and mingling with locals at the Grand Bazaar Where you ll go OVERNIGHT STAYS 2 nights Istanbul 3 nights Cappadocia 2 nights Istanbul Istanbul TURKE 35 MA XIMUM GROUP S I ZE FOR TH I S TOUR With our Right Size Advantage, your group will never get in the way of your experience. ABOUT YOUR HOTELS Our 3- and 4-diamond accommodations are handpicked to ensure quality and comfort.
2016 Itinerary Overnight flight 1 night Day 1: Overnight flight Board your overnight flight to Turkey today. Day 2: Arrival in Istanbul Included meal: welcome dinner Land in Istanbul one of the world s only cities that span two continents and meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Istanbul Take a tour through Istanbul s vibrant streets and historic UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit the Hippodrome, once the social center of ancient Constantinople Explore the breathtaking Blue Mosque, named for the blue tiles adorning its interior Enter an elaborate underground cistern built by Emperor Justinian I Discover the former residence of Ottoman sultans at Topkapi Palace Cappadocia 3 nights Day 4: Flight to Cappadocia Included meals: breakfast, dinner This morning, fly to the captivating region of Cappadocia for a guided tour. Explore Pigeon Valley s dramatic canyon and rock formations Take in sweeping city views from atop Uchisar Village Walk through the moonscapes of Avcilar Valley Enjoy a free afternoon in Cappadocia or add an excursion. + Whirling Dervishes Day 5: Avanos, Çavuşin & Pasabag Valley Included meals: breakfast, dinner Travel deeper into Cappadocia, where you ll wander among the region s surreal landscapes and learn about its living traditions. Venture to the villages of Avanos and Çavuşin with a guide and meet local potters Look back in time as you explore the 1,000-year-old carved-rock churches found in the Göreme Open Air Museum Travel into the Pasabag Valley, also known as the Monks Valley, to explore the region s famed fairy chimneys Learn the history and artistry behind one of Turkey s most popular exports its brightly woven rugs Day 7: Flight to Istanbul Fly back to Istanbul, and get reacquainted with the city as you discover its most iconic sites. Step inside the Hagia Sophia, which held the title of the world s largest cathedral for nearly 1,000 years Haggle with the locals in the Grand Bazaar, a legendary souk that boasts over 5,000 vendors Day 8: Free day in Istanbul Included meals: breakfast, farewell dinner Enjoy a full free day in Istanbul or add an excursion. + Bosphorus Straits Cruise Later, say goodbye to your group at a farewell dinner. Day 9: Departure (excluding early morning departures) Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in Istanbul. Post-tour extension Day 9: Free day in Istanbul Enjoy a full free day in Istanbul. Day 10: Free day in Istanbul Spend the day exploring on your own. Day 11: Departure (excluding early morning departures) Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Extension is available on select departure dates. Space is limited. Minimum of 10 travelers is required. Day 6: Free day in Cappadocia, dinner Spend the day exploring Cappadocia on your own or add an excursion. + Underground City & Keslik Monastery
2016 TUC15_0815 Customize your experience Create a more personal journey by adding optional excursions that speak to your interests. Excursions offered on the same day will occur at different times, so there s no need to choose you re free to do as much or as little as you d like. Save $10* when you book your excursion up to 20 days before your tour departs. Please note: Excursions that require advance reservation will only have this discounted price listed. Day 4: Whirling Dervishes $39/$49* (2 hours, departs in the evening) The Sufi Muslim sect known as the Whirling Dervishes was founded in the 13th century by Mevlana Rumi. They were named after their elaborate dance-like ritual, which honors the movement of the Earth. Learn more about this fascinating ancient faith and its modern-day practitioners during this cultural performance. Day 6: Underground City and Keslik Monastery $25/$35* (5 hours, departs in the afternoon) Get a feel for what life was like when Turks and Greeks lived side by side in the former Ottoman village of Sinasos, known today as Mustafapaşa. After walking among the town s Grecian-style homes and past its two soaring minarets, set out to explore the village of Cemil, known for its ancient churches built into the surrounding mountains. Afterward, make your to Cappadocia s famed rock-carved Keslik Monastery, before concluding the day delving into the cavernous tunnels of the Kaymakli under-ground city. The widest of Cappadocia s 36 underground cities, Kaymakli was originally used as a secret hideaway from invaders and later expanded to contain nearly 100 tunnels, complete with wine cellars, kitchens and stables, some of which are still in use today. Day 8: Bosphorus Straits Cruise $55/$65* (5 hours, departure time varies) Cruise through the Bosphorus Straits, looking out on decadent Ottoman palaces and imposing medieval castles as you journey through the narrow waterway that separates Europe from Asia. On your way, you ll stop to visit the famous Egyptian bazaar, known as the Spice Market. After returning from your cruise, sit down to a lunch of Turkish specialties. Please note: This excursion is weather dependent. In some cases, dinner will be offered instead of lunch. *Optional excursions may be purchased up to 20 days prior to departure or while on tour. Some select optional excursions require advance booking. Pre-purchased optional excursions cannot be canceled within 20 days prior to departure or while on tour. Go Ahead accepts payment by cash, Visa or MasterCard for optional excursions purchased on tour. Excursions require a minimum number of participants to operate. Details and prices are subject to change. Due to seasonal hours of operation and availability, some excursions may not operate. If this occurs, you will be refunded any payments made for that excursion post-tour. Please note: If you have received an optional excursion as a promotional offer and it was canceled during your tour, you will not be eligible for a refund, as promotional offers are not redeemable for cash.
Turkey: Istanbul & the Landscapes of Cappadocia Sample Hotels Istanbul 4 nights Kent Hotel 3-star centrally located Kent Hotel Istanbul is located near to Beyazit Area, walking distance to Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet and Egyptian Bazaar. Kent Hotel has 94 rooms and offers its guests air conditioning, direct call facilities, LCD television with local and international satellite channels, minibar and hairdryer, Wi-fi connection, safe box in every room. Air Conditioning controlled from with in the room, cable t.v., and wi-fi are installed for your convenience. OR Amethyst Hotel 3-star centrally located Located at the heart of historical peninsula and the shopping center of Istanbul, Amethyst Hotel provides top quality 4 stars hospitality with walking distance to Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern which are among the world s most important historical and cultural places. Cappadocia 3 nights Dinler Hotels Urgup 3-star Our hotel is located in the central and lively location of Turkey s extraordinary landscape. Its 188 rooms boast extraordinary views over Urgup. Located on an expansive garden area and only a short walk to the city center. The decoration is warm and welcoming with soft rich tones. Travellers will appreciate high-speed Internet access.