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11 Days Turkey: From Ancient Columns to Magical Domes Tour Packages
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Priced From: $11,150 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Oct
 You have private access before the crowds arrive to the iconic Hagia Sophia and the breathtaking Topkapi Palace, home to the Ottoman sultans. Join author Hugh Pope for lunch and a discussion of Turkey's place in history. In Ephesus, participate in a hands-on cooking lesson and dine with a local family. Attend a private banquet in the ruins with entertainment by the Izmir Symphony chamber orchestra. In Bodrum, the director guides you on a private tour of the Underwater Archaeology Museum. End your trip with a private boat ride on the Bosphorus.
Tour itinerary
Days 1-2 : USA/Istanbul, Turkey
Fly overnight to Istanbul, where you meet your fellow travellers the following evening for welcome cocktails and a trip briefing.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
Day 3 : Istanbul
Start your day with a visit to Hagia Sophia, opened exclusively for you. Continue to the sixth-century Basilica Cistern and visit the Hippodrome, once the site of chariot races and gladiator contests. After an authentic Ottoman lunch, explore the Pera district, the present-day heart of the city, and climb the ancient Galata Tower for panoramic city views. Later, depart for a private visit to the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, with dinner and entertainment.B L D
Day 4 : Istanbul/Izmir
This morning the breathtaking Topkapi Palace opens privately for you. Return to the hotel for a private lunch and discussion with Hugh Pope, a prominent author and resident of Turkey for 18 years. After lunch, fly to charming Izmir and check in to your hotel.B L D
Day 5 : Izmir/Pergamon/Izmir
Travel to ancient Pergamon to view its large theater, temples, altars and the renowned library of 200,000 scrolls. Continue to Bergama, where excavations of its Acropolis have revealed fabulous ancient buildings.
Swissôtel Grand Efes, Izmir B L
Day 6 : Izmir/Ephesus/Kusadasi
 Ephesus is the best-preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean, as you see during your explorations. Stop at a country restaurant for lunch and a hands-on lesson by the managing mother and daughter on preparing a Turkish dish. This afternoon, visit the Camlik Village Weavers Association and enjoy an olive oil tasting and a lecture on the art of weaving. Spend a magnificent evening at Ephesus, with private catering and entertainment by an Izmir Symphony chamber orchestra.B L D
Day 7 : Kusadasi/Ionia/Bodrum
Drive to the remains of the great ancient Ionian city of Priene and the Temple of Apollo at Didyma. Continue to Bodrum and enjoy the stunning harbor views from your hotel. Tonight's dinner is in the home of a local family.B L D
Day 8 : Bodrum
Whitewashed Aegean houses climb the hills around Bodrum Harbor, where hundreds of gulets (Turkish boats) sail. Explore the ruins of the famous tomb of King Mausolos, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and visit the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum with the Museum Director.B
Day 9 : Bodrum/Istanbul
Fly back to Istanbul to explore the 19th-century Dolmabahçe Palace, the finest Ottoman Baroque structure in the city. This evening, take a private boat ride on the Bosphorus.B L D
Days 10-11 : Istanbul/USA or Cappadocia
Explore some of the great 16th-century Ottoman architecture by master builder Sinan, including the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Rustem Pasa Mosque as well as the Spice Bazaar and the dazzling Grand Covered Bazaar. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers for farewell cocktails. Depart for home the next day, or continue to Cappadocia. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus B L
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
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10/09
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