- Itinerary
- Day 1 New York - Istanbul
- Fly from New York's JFK airport to
Istanbul, Turkey.
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- Day 2 Istanbul - Izmir
Arrive in Izmir via Istanbul. Transfer
to your hotel for overnight. Overnight in Izmir.
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- Day 3 Pergamon - Sardis
A full day excursion to Pergamon
and Sardis. You will visit the ancient Acropolis with its Temple
of Trajan and theater. Also visit Asclepion, the ancient world's
great healing center. Then you will drive to Sardis, capital
of the Lydian Empire in the sixth century BC, where you'll see
one of the oldest synagogues in the world. Visit as well the
Temple of Artemis and gymnasium. Overnight in Izmir (B, L)
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- Day 4 Ephesus - Kusadasi
A full day excursion to Ephesus.
This glorious city, founded about 4,000 years ago, still surprises
the visitor with its ruins. Visit the House of Virgin Mary, where
she is believed to have spent her final years, and the sixth-century
Basilica of St. John and Museum. In the evening, transfer to
Kusadasi for overnight. (B, L)
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- Day 5 Kusadasi - Bodrum
Before noon you will be transferred
to Bodrum. Embarkation, welcome drink and program briefing in
Bodrum harbor. Dinner and overnight stay in the harbor or at
a nearby cove. (If arrival of guests is sufficiently early, it
may be possible to spend the night in Cos harbor.)
- (B, D)
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Day 6 Bodrum - Cos
Arrival in Cos around noon. After lunch on board opportunity
to see Asclepieion, Castle or the Museum (all open until 14:30).
Choice of swimming in the warm waters of Empros thermal baths
on the south coast. Overnight stay in Cos harbor. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Cos - Nisiros
Arrival on the volcanic island of Nisiros, with a preceding break
for swimming and lunch in Yali. Afternoon open for sightseeing
in town and/or visit by rented vehicle in the vicinity of the
crater. (B, L, D)
- Day 8 Rhodes
Early morning departure for Rhodes, with a possible break for
swimming on the island of Tilos and arrival in Rhodes around
noon. The walls of the medieval Crusader castle of the Knights
of St. John are visible from the harbor. Time after lunch to
visit the walled old town with its numerous shops and streets
dating to the Crusader era. Following dinner on board, opportunity
to experience the colorful night life of Rhodes. Overnight stay
in Rhodes harbor. (B, L, D)
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- Day 9 Rhodes
Suggested morning sightseeing, near the harbor, may include the
Archaeological Museum and the Palace of the Grand Master of the
Knights of St. John. Suggestions for the afternoon include a
visit to the colorful village of Lindos and Valley of the Butterflies,
both accessible by rented vehicle. Overnight stay in Rhodes harbor.
(B, L, D)
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- Day 10 Symi
A short sail to Symi, with a break for swimming and lunch prior
to entering the harbor. In the afternoon there will be an opportunity
for sightseeing along the sea front adorned with 19th century
neo-Classical buildings and the interior of the town. Those interested
may visit the Panormitis Monastery situated in the south of the
island. For those who like walking, the island offers pleasant
roads and byways. (B, L, D)
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- Day 11 Symi - Cnidus - Datca - Mersincik
Entering Turkey in Datca after a short sail from Symi. Then continuing
the cruise to anchor in the ancient harbor of Cnidus. After sightseeing
the magnificent ruins of the ancient city that surround the harbor
departure in the evening for Mersincik cove on the north side
of the Datca peninsula for an overnight stay. (B, L, D)
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Day 12 Bodrum - Istanbul
After breakfast, you will disembark at Bodrum and you will be
transferred to Bodrum airport for your flight back to Istanbul.
In Istanbul you will be transferred to your hotel. (B)
Day 13 Istanbul
After breakfast depart for a full day tour of Istanbul. Visit
the remnants of the Roman-period Hippodrome, the magnificent,
sixth-century Byzantine church, Haghia Sophia, the 17th-century
Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, once the residence of the Ottoman
Sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries, and the Grand Bazaar.
Overnight in Istanbul. (B)
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- Day 14 Istanbul
A full day of sightseeing in Istanbul.
In the morning visit Dolmabahce Palace. Then after visiting Spice
Market, lunch at Daruzziyafe Restaurant, a historic restaurant
located in the 16th century soup kitchens of the Suleymaniye
Mosque. Then visit Suleymaniye Mosque. In the afternoon visit
Chora Church and city walls. Then Grand Bazaar. Overnight in
Istanbul.
- (B, L)
Day 15 Transfer
Transfer to the airport after breakfast for the departure flight.
(B)
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