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Set sail on this journey through Turkey and Greece. Start in one of the greatest cities on earth - Istanbul - home to a multitude of mosques and a mecca of markets. Travel down the coast of Turkey before heading out on the azure waters of the Aegean on an island-hopping adventure. Visit the Greek islands of Lesvos, Chios and Rhodes before returning to Turkey. Stop off in seaside towns, wander through ancient Ephesus and dip your feet in the thermal waters of Pamukkale, before heading north back to Istanbul where this journey will come full circle.
15 days / 14 nights
Departing Istanbul
Inclusions:
- 14 nights accommodation
- Transportation
- 11 breakfasts & 1 lunch
- Activities: Walking tour in Istanbul led by your group leader, Boat trip in Ayvalik, Visit to Cop madam in Ayvalik, Lesvos castle, Masti gum fields of Chios, Rhodes Castle, Kayakoy village & Lycian way hike to Oludeniz, Ephesus, Gozleme (flaky pastry pie) demonstration and lunch & Pamukkale's travertines & Hierapolis
Departures:
09 & 23 July 2011 ($2624pp)
6 & 20 August, 3 & 17 September 2011 ($3280pp)
09 & 23 June 2012 ($3280pp)
Itinerary:
Day 1 Istanbul
Hosgeldinz! Welcome to Istanbul.
You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 6PM. Look for a note in the hotel lobby as to where this important meeting will take place. If you are going to be late please leave a message with the hotel reception.
At the group meeting we will be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information, so please ensure you have all details on hand to provide to your leader.
After the meeting, there is the option of joining your fellow travellers for dinner.
If your flight is scheduled to arrive late we recommend that you consider booking a night's accommodation prior to the trip so you can ensure you are able to attend the important group meeting.
Check-in time at our joining point hotel is after 2pm. Early check-in is not guaranteed, however if you arrive early, luggage storage is available. Speak to the hotel reception on arrival.
Istanbul is the only city in the world which stands upon two continents. The main part of the city, which is located at the south-eastern tip of Europe, is separated from its suburbs in Asia by the Bosphorus. The Golden Horn then divides the European city into two parts.
Before the meeting if you have time, consider exploring some of the Sultanahmet area, including the Aya Sofia, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar. Please ensure you are dressed appropriately to visit the Mosque should you wish to enter. It is considered good custom to make a small donation of 1TL to the mosque after the visit. The mosque uses this money to help those of the congregation who are in need.
Day 2 Ayvalik
This morning we set out on a walking tour to discover some of the hidden charms of Istanbul, the city that bridges Europe and Asia. We explore some of the city's dazzling array of cultural and historical sites and also get off the beaten track discovering back-streets and lesser-known sites. Each of our leaders has their own unique view of Istanbul to show you, an insight that only someone very familiar to a city can give.
In the early afternoon we catch a ferry and then bus to Ayvalik (approx. 7.5hrs) arriving in the late evening. The charming village is set around a harbour and looks out to small Aegean islands, a wonderful place to escape from it all. The cobbled back-streets with their old houses and cafes are perfect for exploring. Venture into town for a bite to eat, perhaps fresh fish with local olives.
In Ayvalik we stay in a family guesthouse with shared facilities. This is a traditional Turkish pension and is a beautiful building filled with history and character. Due to the nature of the building we occasionally are required to accommodate people in triple share here. No rooms have en suite however there are plenty of bathroom facilities for the group.
Days 3-4 Lesvos
This morning we head out on a boat cruise from Ayvalik. Swim, chill out and chat with the locals as they kick back and just relax taking in the scenery.
In the late afternoon we board a ferry to Lesvos (approx 2.5hrs), perhaps trying the local speciality Ayvalik toast on the way.
On day 4 we take a walk to visit the castle of Lesvos. In the afternoon consider a day trip to the islands famous churches, wander the old town, go shopping and of course sample the wonderful Greek food.
Days 5-7 Chios
Day 5 is free to enjoy more of Lesvos. Consider a trip to visit the old town of Mytilini and its wonderful museums or just relax on the fabulous beaches, or even the thermal baths. We depart Lesvos in the late afternoon bound for Chios by ferry (approx. 3.5hrs)
On day 6 we take a walking tour through the 14th century medieval town of Mesta, visiting the wonderful streets and the great church of Taxiarchis. Later in the afternoon we will get to experience how mastic is cultivated from the indigenous mastic tree (the only place in the world where mastic is produced). Mastic is used as a food spice, in cosmetics, and even in medicinal goods.
Day 7 is a free day to explore more of beautiful Chios. Consider exploring the Byzantine castle, visit the Nea Moni Monastry built by Constantine and dedicated to the Mother of God and scene of the 1822 tragedy, or hire a bike and head to the beach.
Days 8-9 Rhodes
Today we sail the high seas for an all day voyage to Rhodes (approx. 12hrs).
On day 9 we explore the old town and visit the majestic Palace of the Grand Master (also known as the Rhodes Castello), of which over history has been the first line of defence, and once occupied by the Knights of St John.
Days 10-11 Fethiye
Day 10 is free to enjoy more of Rhodes, before an afternoon ferry to Fethiye.
From Fethiye take a trip to the nearby haunting ruins of Kayakoy, and then on to the picture perfect blue lagoon of Olundeniz.
Days 12-13 Selcuk
This morning, we travel by bus to the town of Selcuk (approx. 5.5hrs), our base for discovering Ephesus, former capital of the East Roman Empire and the best preserved ancient city in Turkey.
On day 13 we explore the site of Ephesus admiring the amphitheatre and famous library. For lunch we learn how to make a Turkish favourite, gozleme - thin, flaky pastry filled with local ingredients such as spinach and feta cheese.
Consider a visit to the excellent Ephesus museum located in the heart of Selcuk for a deeper understanding of the ruins. St John is said to have written his gospel in this town and the historic Basilica of St John was erected upon his grave site in the 6th century. There is also a hilltop citadel, first constructed by the Byzantines in the 6th century.
Day 14 Pamukkale
A journey by bus (approx 3.5hrs) inland through mountainous landscapes brings us to one of Turkey's most photographed sites - the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. These are created from limestone deposits, formed when water from the hot springs loses carbon dioxide. These layers of white calcium carbonate have earned Pamukkale the nickname 'cotton castles' and the pools, now off-limits, have been famed for their medicinal qualities since Roman times.
Though we are not able to bathe in the world-famous travertines, we can still walk through them (no shoes please!) and bathe in healing thermal springs at the nearby Roman site of Hierapolis, or which has some 20 different mineral properties. Home to an oracle at one time, a well-preserved Roman theatre still remains here. Wander the colonnaded streets and discover the necropolis with its many unique tombs looking every bit like a scene from judgement day.
In the late afternoon we catch a overnight bus to Istanbul. The seats are reclining airline style, and the bus stops every few hours at rest stops. Bus services in Turkey are excellent by world class standards.
It is possible to book a flight for this journey if you would prefer. A number of flight services run between Denizli and Istanbul. A flight would be at your own expense, and can be purchased on arrival to Istanbul.
To avoid missing any of the group activities, we recommend you book this flight for the morning of Day 14 of your trip. This will require an extra night's stay in Pamukkale and also transfers both to and from the various airports. Your group leader will help you organise these things for you, again at your own expense. (The cost of these extra services will be determinant on the amount of passengers sharing the transfer service but budget approx. 60TL pp). Please let your group leader know if you are taking this option at the group meeting so as to give time to make the necessary arrangements.
There is currently engineering works on a equivalent overnight train journey for this leg. As soon as the train line re-opens we will start taking the train.
Day 15 Istanbul
We arrive back into Istanbul at approx 9AM (subject to delays).
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