*

$3969**

Turkish Odyssey

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Small Group Tour Turkish Odyssey - Discovery Tours by Gate 1

Package Includes

  • Small groups of 10-18 travelers guaranteed
  • Round trip international flights NYC-Istanbul
  • Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
  • Intra-flights Istanbul-Gaziantep & Izmir-Istanbul
  • 13 nights in First Class accommodations that evoke the local character
  • All transfers and sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
  • 29 meals: 13 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 11 dinners (including a home hosted lunch, and welcome & farewell dinners)
  • Bottled water during sightseeing excursions. Bottled water, coffee, and tea with all meals. Beer and wine included with dinner except on day 4 & 5
  • Services of local English-speaking tour manager throughout
  • Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
  • Active itinerary with unique cultural features
  • Luggage handling for one bag per person

Tour Highlights

  • Thanks to our small group size of 10-18 travelers, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.
  • Visit a breeding farm for the bald ibis, an endangered bird native to the Mediterranean
  • Observe cave dwellings and the imposing Rumkale fortress during a boat ride on the Euphrates
  • Join a local family for lunch in their home in the canyon town of Halfeti
  • Take part in an intimate “Sira Gecesi” dinner, complete with song and traditional Ottoman instruments
  • Hike to the summit of Mt. Nemrut, where stone heads are all that’s left of ancient colossal statues
  • Be mesmerized by Whirling Dervishes during a caravansary visit
  • Watch potters shape clays into artful creations using ancient Neolithic techniques
  • Learn about Lake Egirdir during a talk by a professor from SD University

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    DAY 1, Thursday - Depart the USA
    Depart the USA for Turkey. Your overnight flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for the journey

    DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Istanbul, Turkey / Fly to Gaziantep
    Upon arrival in Istanbul this morning and connect for your flight to Gaziantep, among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. There’ll be time to rest after your journey, and later today you may join your fellow travelers for a welcome briefing and dinner
    Overnight: Anatolian Hotel, Gaziantep
    Meals: Dinner

    DAY 3, Saturday - Explore Gaziantep & Zeugma
    After breakfast, we set out on a walking tour of the old town, past old coppersmith shops and down ancient narrow lanes. We pause from our exploration to sample real Turkish coffee at a café. The city’s once-crucial role as a stop on the Silk Road is palpable here. We stop at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to finely preserved tiles from an old Roman settlement. Later, we journey to Zeugma itself, a military post of the Roman Empire. We end our tour with a lesson in baklava, the sweet, nutty treat
    Overnight: Anatolian Hotel, Gaziantep
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    DAY 4, Sunday - Travel to Euphrates & Sanliurfa / Enjoy Home-Host Lunch
    After breakfast, we depart for Sanliurfa, a remarkable museum city. En route, we stop in Birecik, a tiny town that once controlled river crossings on the fabled Euphrates. We stop at a breeding farm for the endangered bald ibis to learn about this winged native. We also stop at Halfeti today, at the foot of a scenic canyon. A boat ride takes us past cave dwellings and the Rumkale fortress, whose rich history includes Hittite, Persian, Roman, and Arab influences. For lunch, a family has invited us to their table for home-prepared fare. Arrive in Sanliurfa later today, birthplace of Abraham and home to Job. Our hotel is built into the Urfa rock. Tonight, celebrate your arrival with a traditional “Sira Gecesi” dinner and performance
    Overnight: El-Ruha Hotel, Sanliurfa
    Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 5, Monday - Discover Gobekli Tepe, Harran & Urfa / Visit Bee-Hive House
    We begin today at Gobekli Tepe, stone pillars believed to be the oldest religious structure in the world. Later, we stroll around Balikli Lake, an urban oasis dotted with plane and willow trees. Then, venture to Harran, central to the world’s three major religions as Abraham passed through here and his father died here. We’ll visit the medieval castle and the caravansary, see remains of the oldest Islamic university and its 120-foot tower, and visit a family in their bee-hive house, a conical mud hut designed to keep residents cool in this warm region. We’ll share a cup of tea with them and learn about life in this fascinating culture.Urfa, as this city is often called, is deeply rooted in history. It is also touted as the birthplace of many regional dishes. The Prophet Abraham himself is believed to have created raw kibbe here, a tartare of lamb or beef. You’ll also find a vibrant and delicious kebab culture, and any local will tell you there are more than 200 ways to prepare offal, a staple
    Overnight: El-Ruha Hotel, Sanliurfa
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    DAY 6, Tuesday - Ascend Mount Nemrut / Travel to Adiyaman
    After breakfast, we drive to Ataturk Dam. Built in the 1980s, it generates power and irrigates the nearby plains. The dam marked the beginning phases of the Southeastern Anatolia Project, an ambitious drive to eradicate inequities in the incomes of the 9 million people throughout the region. The irrigation that this dam provides has tripled harvests of wheat, cotton, and barley on the Harran plain and helped local industries grow, bringing unemployment below that of some major cities here. After lunch at a local restaurant in Kahta, we ascend by minibus up Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Colossal statues of gods and goddesses were discovered on its peak in 1881. We stop at the Blackbird tumulus, an ancient royal family’s burial mound. We’ll also view the New and Old Castles and Arsemia along the way. For the final stretch to the summit, we lace on our boots for a 45-minute hike with spectacular views of Anatolia province. We’ll arrive on the summit’s eastern flank and take some time to observe the huge stone heads that seem tossed here like toys. Then, we’ll make our way to the western terrace to view a magnificent sunset
    Overnight: Zeus Hotel, Adiyaman
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 7, Wednesday - View Fairy Chimneys / Travel to Cappadocia
    Drive to Cappadocia today, one of Turkey’s most captivating regions. Our first stop is Ucguzeller where we view of the famous “fairy chimneys,” conical tufa-rock formations. In this soft rock, early Christians dug entire cities underground to escape persecution. We ascend to the city of Uchisar for a panorama of the Goreme Valley, then explore the city’s namesake castle, whose rooms are hollowed out from the tufa. We also have an opportunity to learn about a centuries-old craft when we attend a carpet weaving demonstration. The skill and dexterity of these skilled artisans reveal a true commitment to keeping this revered art alive. This evening, enjoy a sunset party in a special locale, and a Whirling Dervish performance at an old caravansary. For these white-robed members of the Sufi sect, their mesmerizing twirls are more than a dance; they are an act of remembrance to God
    Overnight: Gamirasu Hotel, Cappadocia
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    DAY 8, Thursday - Explore Goreme Open Air Museum
    Begin our explorations at the Goreme Open Air Museum, a rock-cut assembly of monasteries, churches, and colorful frescoes. Next, explore Kaymakli Underground City, a vast complex carved under a rock hill. In Avanos, we can visit an atelier to observe artisans shaping clays into amazing creations using ancient techniques. This evening, we visit Ayvali, a white-washed village where our four-course dinner is prepared in a tandir, a traditional cooking pit
    Optional: Hot Air Balloon over Cappadocia (AM)
    Overnight: Gamirasu Hotel, Cappadocia
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    DAY 9, Friday - Travel to Konya / Visit a Caravansary & Rumi’s Tomb
    We transfer to Konya today and explore the 13th-century Sultan Han caravansary, a classic example of “traveling merchant” stations. Next, we stop at the Mevlana Museum, where the mystic Rumi is entombed in a decorative mausoleum, then visit the Karatay Medrese, a 13th-century theological school adorned with stunning blue Seljuk tiles. We have dinner at our hotel
    Overnight: Dedeman Hotel, Konya
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    DAY 10, Saturday - Visit Egirdir Lake & Yesil Island / Travel to Pamukkale
    En route to Pamukkale, we pass Egirdir Lake in the tranquil Turkish Lakes region. We pause for lunch on Yesil Island, where a community of Greeks lived in stone and timber houses until 1923. After, we stop in the village of Beysehir to visit a Turkish house and meet with local people. We arrive in Pamukkale later, with time to enjoy the thermal pool at our hotel
    Overnight: Pam Thermal Hotel, Pamukkale
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 11, Sunday - Explore Hierapolis & Aphrodisias / Travel to Izmir
    Our day starts among the beautiful “cotton castles” of Pamukkale, natural terraces formed from salt deposits. Later, marvel at the ruins of Hierapolis, a major bath center for health-conscious Romans and home to a finely preserved necropolis. After lunch, we explore the ruins of Aphrodisias, and later arrive at our hotel
    Overnight: Kordon Hotel Pasaport, Izmir
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 12, Monday - Discover Ephesus & Sirince / Fly to Istanbul
    Today we explore Ephesus, a remarkable city important to early Christianity. St. Paul is believed to have preached here. We take in its sites, including the beautifully preserved Library of Celsus. We also stop at the House of the Virgin Mary, where Mary lived her final days. Lunch is in the village of Sirince, a charming snapshot of the 1920s Greco-Turkish culture. This evening, fly to Istanbul
    Overnight: Ottoman Imperial Hotel, Istanbul
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY 13, Tuesday - Visit Hagia Sophia / Cruise Bosphorus*
    Our full day tour of Istanbul reveals the glories of the city’s Ottoman past. We visit Hagia Sophia, the cathedral-cum-mosque and the world’s largest cathedral for 1,000 years; the 17th-century Blue Mosque with its striking interior tile work; and the open-air Hippodrome. After lunch, we embark a cruise along the famed Bosphorus Strait for a thrilling perspective of Istanbul’s ancient skyline
    Overnight: Ottoman Imperial Hotel, Istanbul
    Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 14, Wednesday - Explore Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar*
    After breakfast, we tour Topkapi Palace, home to sultans for 400 years. Then peruse the endless byways of the Grand Bazaar, a maze of 61 covered streets and 3,000 shops. The only major city in the world to sit on two continents, Istanbul is an invigorating mix of European and Asian cultures, as you’ll discover during a free afternoon. Tonight, we gather for a festive farewell dinner in the Asmalimescit district
    Overnight: Ottoman Imperial Hotel, Istanbul
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    DAY 15, Thursday - Depart for the USA
    Transfer to the airport for your flight home
    Meals: Breakfast

    *Oct 3 departure: please note that due to local events, the sightseeing will be altered. Day 13: The Bosphorus Cruise will be in the morning, with visits to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome taking place after lunch. Day 14: The Grand Bazaar will be closed. Instead, the tour will visit Istiklal Street, a fine example of the contrasts and compositions of Istanbul, full of fashion shops, bookshops, cinemas, markets, restaurants and even hand-carts selling trinkets and simit.

    Cappadocia Balloon Ride
    Cappadocia Balloon RideDay #8 01 Apr 2013 - 31 Oct 2013           $215
    		 
    Depart early in the morning for a fantastic hot air balloon tour that takes you soaring over the magnificent Cappadocian landscape with its incredible fairy chimney rock formations. A hot-air balloon flight is unique from all other methods of flying in that there is no sensation of motion, creating an experience of tranquility unlike any other. Traveling at heights of up to 1500 feet, the feeling is both serene and sublime. Within moments of lifting off, drift over the treetops and discover the spectacular landscape from an unrivaled perspective. The deep canyons and lush, fertile valleys of Cappadocia provide an ideal setting for a memorable flight and it may even be possible to pick apricots from the trees when they are in season.

    Departs at 5:00 a.m. Pick-up and drop-off details to be advised locally.

    Please note that the take-off time and the duration of the flight may vary due to weather conditions. Balloon rides will vary between 50 & 75 minutes according to the wind.

    Anatolian Hotel

    ★★★★★

    This deluxe hotel is located in Gaziantep’s city center.

    		Hotel Details

    Hotel El-Ruha

    ★★★★★

    This deluxe hotel is located in Buyukada, close to Dock Square.

    		Hotel Details

    Zeus Hotel

    ★★★★

    This first class hotel, surrounded by gardens and natural scenery, is located in the Kahta city center.

    		Hotel Details

    Gamirasu Hotel

    ★★★★★

    This deluxe hotel is located in a restored thousand-year-old Byzantine monastic retreat in the heart of

    		Hotel Details

    Dedeman Konya Hotel

    ★★★★★

    This deluxe class hotel is located in city center Konya near to its many historic and cultural

    		Hotel Details

    Pam Hotel

    ★★★★

    This first class hotel is located in Karahayit with its own thermal red water springs and near to famous

    		Hotel Details

    Kordon Otel Pasaport

    ★★★★

    This first class hotel is located in the business district within walking distance of the Konak Pier

    		Hotel Details

    Ottoman Imperial Hotel

    ★★★★

    This first class hotel is located in the heart of the old city, Sultanahmet.

    		Hotel Details
    Dates & PricesLand OnlyAir & Land
    Dates & PricesLand Only
    Dates & PricesAir & Land
     
    2013
    Aug 224499
    Sep 19 (Sold Out)4229
    Sep 263969
    Oct 34049

    Click a date to book online.

    *Not Included:
    Prices do not include optional tours, Turkey visa fees and gratuities for guides/ tour managers.


    Additional Information:
    This package is based on pre-confirmed flights via Turkish Airlines and may only be purchased with these flights.

    Entry Requirements:
    Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.

    Is This Trip Right for You?

    This is an active trip. Our small group covers a lot of ground each day, and we spend 3-4 hours on our feet during tours. The pace is fast, with 4 one-night stays, 3 two-night stays, and 1 three-night stay. Some of our tours require walking over uneven surfaces or up and down steep steps or mountain trails. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking or who have heart conditions.

     
    Getting Ready to GoAbout Your FlightsArrival and DepartureAccommodationsAt Your Destination

    Know Before You Go
    Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones.
    Getting Ready to Go
    Passports and Visas
    It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has unstamped visa pages.

    Entry Requirements:
    US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
    Trip Preparation
    A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage.
    Cell Phones & Calling Cards
    You may wish to carry a cell phone while traveling overseas. Check with your cell phone provider if your phone will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. U.S. service is dominated by the CDMA technology standard, while most of the world uses the incompatible GSM standard. Some U.S. providers do offer GSM, but you may incur high international roaming fees. With GSM, however, you can often choose to have your phone unlocked and then add a local SIM card for lower fees. If you can access the Internet as you travel, you can take advantage of email or a Skype Internet telephone (VOIP) account for the best value. Alternatively, you may investigate renting a cell phone before you leave or buying an inexpensive phone locally.

    When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, you may also use a prepaid calling card; normally, the only additional charge (besides the prepaid long distance charges) is a local fee of a few cents and possibly a connection fee if you are using your card at your hotel. It is best to check with the hotel’s reception desk prior to making phone calls to avoid unexpected charges.

    Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another
    When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code + destination Country Code + Phone Number.
    For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0 (zero), you must drop this starting digit when dialing the number.

    Wireless Internet Access
    Passengers traveling with WiFi enabled devices (such as a personal computer, smartphone, tablet, or digital audio player) may be able to connect to the internet via a wireless network access point (or hotspot). WiFi access in hotels and/or cruise lines often involves a fee which, in some cases, can be very expensive. Passengers requiring internet access can often locate free WiFi hotspots such as libraries or coffee shops. Hotspots can often be located and planned in advance via an online search. Planning ahead may help avoid unnecessary fees.

    Staying Healthy While Traveling
    All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal health-care provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or theWorld Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations.

    There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.

    • Watch what you eat. Try new foods in modest quantities, and depending upon your destination, you may want to avoid street foods, salad bars, raw vegetables and fruits, unless they have thick peels like bananas or grapefruit.
    • Stay hydrated. Drink bottled water and avoid consuming ice cubes made with tap water.
    • If you have allergies to foods, medications or insect bites, or have any other unique medical issues, consider a medical alert bracelet and/or a physician’s note detailing required treatment should you become ill.
    • Wash your hands regularly and carry hand sanitizer.
    • Where appropriate, pack sunscreen and insect repellant (for both active and warm destinations).
    • You may also want to bring a small first-aid kit with bandaids, antibiotic cream, pain killers, bug bite cream, digestive aids like antidiarrheal or anti-bloat medications, antacids, and cold medicine. This is in addition to any prescription medications which should be adequate for the entire trip.
    Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at: http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements.
    Climate & Clothing
    Turkey - Spring: 50°F-65°F; Summer: 70°F-90°F; Autumn: 55°F-75°F; Winter: 40°F-55°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts.

    Turkey Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/mediterranean/default.aspx#turkey-weather