TURKEY ITINERARY

Aug 31 Leave USA

Sept 1 Arrive in Istanbul. Transfer to Sultan Han Hotel, within walking distance of Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and other famous sights of this fascinating city. Dinner at a restaurant on the Bosporus.

Sept 2 Highlights of Istanbul. A full day tour of the best of this romantic city, including in-depth visits to the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofiya,the underground cistern, and the Covered Bazaar.

Sept 3 After breakfast, fly to Kayseri, then drive an hour into the heart of Cappadocia. Later in the afternoon we will visit some of the famous “Fairy Towers”. Dinner and overnight at the Serinn House Hotel.

Sept 4 Full day tour of Cappadocia, one of the great spectacles of Turkey. Late afternoon hike into the Red Valley. Dinner and overnight at the Serinn House Hotel.

Sept 5 A pleasant drive across the flowering Turkish countryside in our private air-conditioned bus. Arrive in Antalya and check into our picturesque hotel overlooking the bay. This afternoon and evening we’ll be free to wander the town, and dinner will be on your own.

Sept 6 After breakfast, drive to the fabulous ruins of Perge and Aspendos. Founded by the Greeks in about 1000 BC, these remarkably well-preserved ruins were the sites of thriving cultures well into Byzantine times, more than 1500 years later, and are among the most important archeological sites in the Old World. They contain acropoli, aquaducts, city walls, and much of entire villages. Return to the Marina Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Sept 7 After an early breakfast, drive 2 hours to Finike where our gulet and crew will await us. Short cruise to Myra where St. Nicholas died in the 4th Century. Visit his church and the ancient necropolis and theater. Return to the boat and cruise to our secluded bay for overnight.

Sept 8 Cruise to the sunken city of Kekova and the island of Simena, hike to the ancient castle. Later cruise to the picturesque village of Kas. Overnight in an isolated bay.

Sept 9 Cruise into Kalkan, a picturesque little town. A short mini-bus ride takes us to the ruins of Xantos, the capital of the Lycian civilization from 850 to 450 BC. Return to the boat for lunch and cruise to our evenings anchorage.

Sept 10 Early departure for Cold Water Bay. We’ll walk the cobblestone paths through a Greek ghost town. Later cruise to St. Nicholas Island for overnight and a short hike to the summit for beautiful views, and to visit the Byzantine ruins.

Sept 11 Cruise into Fetiye and walk through this bustling town up to the imposing Tomb of Aminthas, dating from 400 BC. On our own for shopping and lunch. In the afternoon cruise to Nomads for a hike over the island. The boat will meet us on the other side at a secluded bay for overnight.

Sept 12 We cruise to Gocek village, say gule-gule to our crew, take our bus to Dalaman airport, and fly back to Istanbul. After we check into the Sultan Han Hotel, we’ll visit Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans. Dinner on your own.

Sept 13 Group transfer to the airport for our flights home. Arrive home.

NB Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, this itinerary may be altered somewhat before our departure.

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