HIGHLIGHTS

Come explore a land where history and cultures blend. Turkey is the birthplace of many great civilizations including Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman.  Surrounded by three continents and the sea, it has also been very important center of commerce. 

Visit several museums including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara which houses the richest collection of artifacts brought from various parts of the country. Walk through ancient cities including Cappadocia, the land of fairy-chimneys, and be amazed by white calcium terraces formed by the hot springs in Pamukkale. Meander through some incredible ruins including beautiful Ephesus, the greatest of all the Roman cities in Asia Minor.

And what visit to Turkey would be complete without a stay in Istanbul, the only city in the world that lies within two continents, Europe and Asia. Stops include the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Underground cistern the church of St. Sophia with its world famous mosaics and architecture and the Topkapi Palace, one-time residence of the Ottoman emperors and now a museum housing extraordinary collections of jewelry, armor and imperial costumes. Enjoy the festivities and events during 2010, when Istanbul is European Capital of Culture.  

The tour is for 8-16 travelers only, so you can enjoy the company of others, or fill the trip with your friends and/or family. Our small group size provides you with special opportunities and private access for unique cultural experiences.

We invite you to see firsthand the many wonderful historical treasures that Turkey has to offer.

Highlights include:

• Visit to Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, the Mevlana Museum, the Karatay Museum, the Archeological Museum of Antalya
• Visit to the Temple of Augustus, and the Mausoleum of Atatürk
  
• Visit to Cappadocia, the Pigeons Valley and the Castle of Uchisar.
• Visit to Goreme, the Pashabagi Valley and the Zelve Open Air Museum.
• Visits the archaeological ruins of Aspendos, Perge, Pamukkale, Aphrodisias, Ephesus, Pergamum and Troy
• In Istanbul, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Underground Cistern and the church of St. Sophia, the Topkapi Palace complex, the Grand Bazaar, the Chora Church (Kariye Cami), the Mosque of Suleman the Magnificent and the ancient walls of Constantinople.
• Farewell dinner.
  
• All domestic flights if mentioned in the program.
• Four and five star hotel accommodations.
• Lunches as listed.
• Dinners at all hotels and welcome cocktail
• All breakfasts.
• Tips to driver and guide.
• Water on the bus.
• Baggage handling at hotels and airports, guiding, deluxe transportation, entrance fees, parking fees, and VAT

Not included:

• International airfare or visas
• Items of a personal nature (hotel extras, laundry, phone calls etc.).
• Items not specifically mentioned above.