Classical Turkey
Presented by MiraCosta Community Services

Day 1: Thursday, September 23, 2010
Overnight Flight
Depart for Turkey, a vibrant country that boasts an amazing mix of ancient and new, Asian and European. This thriving modern society welcomes visitors with genuine warmth and hospitality.

Day 2: Friday, September 24, 2010
Istanbul, Turkey
Welcome to Istanbul, the former capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires, once called Constantinople. Minarets and domes fill the skyline of this city that straddles two continents. This evening meet your fellow travelers at a welcome reception before enjoying a local Turkish dinner.
Today Dinner is included.

Day 3: Saturday, September 25, 2010
Istanbul
Explore the Old City on a full day tour featuring the Blue Mosque, renowned for its six minarets; Hagia Sophia, the epitome of Byzantine architecture and once the largest church in Christendom; Topkapi Palace; and the Grand Bazaar, Turkey’s largest covered market.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 4: Sunday, September 26, 2010
Istanbul - Cappadocia
After a morning flight, arrive in Cappadocia. Its landscape is composed of soft volcanic stone that wind and rain have sculpted into fantastic clusters of multicolored spires and pinnacles. Visit the underground city of Kaymakli*. Later, watch local artisans demonstrate the art of silk and wool carpet weaving at a family-owned carpet making facility.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 5: Monday, September 27, 2010
Cappadocia
Travel the mystical landscape of Cappadocia with its “fairy chimneys,” hillside villages, and rock-hewn churches. In the Goreme Valley, visit the Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the famed Rock Chapels are decorated with beautiful frescoes dating back to the 6th century.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 6: Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Cappadocia - Konya - Antalya
Your journey brings you to Konya, former capital of the Seljuk Empire. Visit the Mevlana Museum with its impressive collection of ancient books and historical artifacts belonging to Mevlana Jelaleddin Rumi, the 13th century founder of the Whirling Dervishes. Then, depart for Antalya, the Turkish Riviera.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 7: Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Antalya - Perge - Aspendos - Antalya
This morning, visit the ruins of Perge, a Hittite city which dates back to 1,500 B.C.E. Then, visit the nearby ruins of Aspendos, including its Roman amphitheater. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 8: Thursday, September 30, 2010
Antalya - Pumakkale - Kusadasi
Today, wind along the mountain roads to the ancient city of Hierapolis - a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Hierapolis Museum, located in several restored chambers of Roman Baths, which exhibits amazing archaeological finds. Finish your day’s journey in the seaside resort town of Kusadasi.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 9: Friday, October 01, 2010
Kusadasi - Ephesus - Kusadasi
Awe-inspiring ruins await you at Ephesus, an important city of the ancient world and the Roman capital of Asia, where both St. John and St. Paul came to preach. Walk down the marble avenue and see the Library of Celsus, the great theatre, the baths and temples, including the Temple of Hadrian. Continue to St. John’s Basilica, a magnificent church built on what is believed to be the burial site of St. John.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 10: Saturday, October 02, 2010
Kusadasi - Pergamon - Cannakale
Discover two of the most important ancient sites in Turkey. Pergamon was one of the most powerful kingdoms in the Middle East. Located below the acropolis, the Asclepion was the healing center of Pergamon, where people came for “holistic” treatment by the ancient physician, Claudius Galen, who gained fame as a surgeon to the gladiators.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 11: Sunday, October 03, 2010
Cannakale - Istanbul
Visit the legendary city of Troy - the UNESCO World Heritage site which was destroyed by “the face which launched a thousand ships” during the Trojan War. Later, travel across the Dardenelles, a narrow strait that brings you back into Europe. Visit the World War I battlefields of the Gallipoli peninsula, where one of Turkey’s greatest modern military victories took place. Return this evening to Istanbul, joining your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 12: Monday, October 04, 2010
Istanbul - Tour Ends
This morning your journey through Turkey comes to an end, leaving you with a glittering mosaic of memories.
Today Breakfast is included.

Collette Logo
September 23 - October 4, 2010

Highlights...
Istanbul • Blue Mosque • Hagia Sophia • Topkapi Palace • Cappadocia • Kaymakli • Goreme Open Air Museum • Mevlana Museum • Antalya • Perge • Pumakkale • Kusadasi • Ephesus • Cannakale • Troy • Gallipoli •

12 Days • 19 Meals:
10 Breakfasts • 9 Dinners

Per Person Rates*:
Double $4549
Single $5149
Triple $4519

*Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $200 per person,Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $90 (subject to increase until paid in full),Hotel Transfers,Round Trip Air from San Diego Intl Airport,
Click Here for Details

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1
  Overnight Flight
DAY 2 - 3
  Conrad Istanbul Hotel, Istanbul
DAY 4 - 5
  Lykia Lodge, Cappadocia
DAY 6 - 7
  Sheraton Voyager, Antalya
DAY 8 - 9
  Charisma Hotel, Kusadasi
DAY 10
  Tusan Hotel, Cannakale
DAY 11
  Conrad Istanbul Hotel, Istanbul

On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Experience It!
in Turkey

Touching both Europe and Asia, Turkey has been at the center of many diverse civilizations. Expert local historians, a food history scholar, and an archaeologist will enhance your understanding of how Turkey’s position as a crossroads of cultures shaped the country’s unique character. •Discover the social, cultural and religious impacts of Turkey’s role as the seat of an empire from an expert while in Antalya. •In Istanbul, learn from a food history scholar how the Ottoman Empire and the rich cultures of this fascinating city have combined to create a unique cuisine. •In Kusadasi, a local historian shares the fascinating history of Turkey’s archaeology.

Click here for: Important Reservation Information.

For more information call
Linda Kurokawa
 MiraCosta Community Services
(760) 795-6824

Please Note:
• Visa is required.
• Passport is required.
• This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing airfare with your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
• Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures prides itself on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Some sightseeing requires accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Also, temperatures on this tour can be high during the summer months (normally 90-100 degrees), so bring adequate sun protection.
• *A visit to the underground city of Kaymakli may not be suitable for individuals having medical conditions such as heart, back, hip or knee problems. Also not suitable for individuals who have claustrophobia. The internal flights on this program are not included in the land price of your vacation. These flights need to be arranged and purchased separately if you arrange your own air. Internal flights are included with the air portion of your vacation if you purchase air through Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures.
• Museum visits and shopping may be affected with observance of religious or local holidays.
• The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour. Please note that single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.