The maximum size of our group is fixed at fourteen, the capacity of the gulet. So we have the best of both worlds: the convenience and worry-free ambiance of a tour and the advantages of a small group.

This will be a great soft adventure experience. Join us.

Days 1–2 Fly non-stop from New York to Istanbul (other departures available)
Arrive Istanbul in the late morning. Our trip leader meets the flight and hosts a welcome lunch and orientation. In the afternoon, we walk through the historic Sultanahmet neighborhood. We also descend beneath the streets to the cavernous Cistern Basilica. We'll visit the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, have dinner at a local restaurant, and return to our hotel by minibus.
Day 2 Meals: L,D – Hotel Merit Antique/Armada Hotel

Day 3 Topkapi Palace/Hagia Sophia/Blue Mosque/ Bosphorus Cruise
Today, we discover old Istanbul on foot. First is Topkapi Palace, the sprawling complex that housed Ottoman sultans for 400 years. We visit Hagia Sophia, a domed cathedral-cum- mosque built more than 1,000 years ago. Across from it, we explore the Blue Mosque, named for its blue tiled interior. After lunch, we cruise along the Bosphorus, the legendary waterway dividing Europe from Asia.
B,L,D – Hotel Merit Antique/Armada Hotel

Day 4 Fly to Cappadocia/Rock Churches of Göreme/Üchisar
To protect themselves as invaders swept across Asia Minor in the second century, the people of Cappadocia dug down into the soft volcanic tuff, creating subterranean cities replete with houses and churches. In the Göreme, we visit cave churches and see an amazing landscape of “fairy chimneys.”
B,L,D – Kapadokya Lodge/Kaya Hotel

Day 5 Underground City of Kaymakli/Hiking in Cappadocia
We depart early for an hour’s drive to underground Kaymakli, which descends eight stories beneath the ground. In the morning you can take an elective two-hour hike along a trail studded with cave homes, vineyards, and apricot orchards. After a picnic lunch, return to the hotel to relax or enjoy a rug-weaving demonstration.
B,L,D – Kapadokya Lodge/Kaya Hotel

Day 6 “Whirling Dervish” Monastery/Village Homestay
A three-hour drive through farmland takes us to Konya, where we visit the mystic order of Sufi “Whirling Dervishes.” Continuing south, we ascend into the Taurus Mountains to a farm village near Lake Beysehir — either Akburun, Budak, or Aksahap. We split into several small groups to share a meal and spend the night in the homes of local families. While here, we will also visit a primary school.
B,L,D – Village Homestay

Days 7–8 Mediterranean Coast: Aspendos and Antalya
Spend the morning visiting with our hosts. Then we head toward the Mediterranean. In the early afternoon we visit Aspendos, with its second-century Roman theater. We arrive in Antalya to spend two nights in the historic port area of Kaleiçi. In the morning, we enjoy a walking tour. Later, we drive to the Antalya Müzesi archaeological museum.
B,L,D – Marina Hotel/Aspen Hotel

Day 9 Phaselis/Olympos/Chimaera/Yacht Cruise
A drive along a scenic coastal road takes us to Phaselis, a city of Roman and Byzantine ruins. After a picnic lunch, we drive to Olympos, with its marble ruins. At a nearby cove, you can swim or relax at a cafe. If you like, join an optional hike to the eternal fires of the mythical Chimaera. Continuing on to the tiny harbor of Finike, we board our Turkish gulet.
B,L,D – Overnight on yacht

Day 10 Roman ruins at Myra/Church of St. Nicholas/Kalekoy
After breakfast we cruise west along the coast to Andriake. Going ashore, we drive to Myra to explore Roman ruins. In Demre, visit the Church of St. Nicholas, the fourth-century saint we know as “Santa Claus.” After cruising on Gokkaya Bay, we can hike across a beautiful peninsula to meet our yacht at Kalekoy.
B,L,D – Overnight on yacht

Day 11 Aperlea/Cruise to Kas
At a small cove, our trip leader guides a hike to meet the yacht at Roman Aperlea. Cruising west, we arrive at Kas, a yachting town with excellent shopping. After lunch, we cruise to Kalkan.
B,L,D – Overnight on yacht

Day 12 Kayakoy/Gemile Island
Enjoy breakfast as we cruise in view of 7,000-foot Babadag Mountain. From the lagoon at Oludeniz, we drive to Kayakoy, a silent Greek “ghost town.” You may take an elective hike with superb views. Later we cruise to Gemile Island to see a sixth-century Byzantine monastery.
B,L,D – Overnight on yacht

Day 13 Friendship Cove/Lydea/Cleopatra’s Baths
Begin cruising early, then stop for breakfast at a cove. Mid-morning, we cruise to Friendship Cove. An optional hike brings us to Greco-Roman Lydea. Hikers rejoin the yacht at a cove featuring the sunken baths of Cleopatra.
B,L,D – Overnight on yacht

Day 14 Daylan River/Lycian Ruins
Cruising to the mouth of the Daylan River, we board a small riverboat to motor among small channels. After lunch at a local tavern we visit ancient Caunus, and explore its temples and theater.
B,L,D – Overnight on yacht

Day 15 Marmaris/Kusadasi
After a short morning cruise, we dock and bid farewell to our crew. A five-hour drive takes us to Kusadasi, an Aegean resort.
B,L,D – Kismet Hotel

Day 16 Ephesus
After an early breakfast, we make the short drive to Ephesus, one of the largest and best-preserved ancient cities in the world. After lunch we visit the Ephesus Museum in Selçuk.
B,L,D – Kismet Hotel

Day 17 Selçuk-Istanbul
In Selçuk, we'll visit the house traditionally considered to be the residence of the Virgin Mary, and we'll see the ruins of the Basilica of St. John. After lunch in the Ephesus area, transfer to the airport at Izmir and fly to Istanbul.
B,L,D – Merit Antique Hotel

Day 18 Istanbul
After breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport and return to the U.S. Or, begin your trip extension in Istanbul!

Your tour includes:

• Round-trip international airfare
• 8 nights in hotels and inns
• 6 nights aboard a small wooden yacht
• 48 meals — 16 breakfasts, 16 lunches, 16 dinners
• Expert bilingual Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) trip leader
• All admission fees for included sightseeing
• Earn 5% Frequent Traveler credit towards your next tour with OAT — at least $150 per person
• Special Good Buy Plan discount

Optional Extension

Istanbul
Here is a marvelous opportunity to look more closely at multicultural Istanbul. Our three-day/three-night program includes hotel, breakfast daily, porterage, hotel/airport transfers, and a tour of Princes' Islands. The remainder of the time is free to explore on your own. Your comfortable, convenient hotel puts this cosmopolitian European and Asian city within reach.

Extension Highlights

• Enjoy distinctive accommodations at the Merit Antique or Armada hotel.
• Browse the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Market, and a myriad of other souks and specialty shops.
• Revisit the elaborate Topkapi Museum complex.
• Absorb the full flavor of Istanbul, enjoying the atmospheric “pudding” shops, bazaars, open-air gazino nightclubs, and Turkish baths.
• Take a ferry to Princes' Islands where you'll enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour and visit the monastery of St. George .

Itinerary

• Days 18-20 Explore Istanbul
• Day 21 Return to the U.S.

COSTS

Tour: New York $3,190
San Francisco, Dallas, Seattle $3,490
Write or call for other departures
Extension: $240

Single supplement: none, if you are willing to share;
$690 if you specifically request a single.
Single supplement for the extension is $120.

OAT Good Buy Plan: pay in full early and save.
The earlier you sign on, the more you save. Essentially, you
earn an annualized 10% on your payment. Call OAT for details.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. On application, OAT will ask the applicant if he or she wishes to purchase the Tripmate insurance which OAT uses. The insurance of course is optional, and travelers are free to purchase insurance from other carriers, if they wish.

Note: insurance companies that cover pre-existing conditions usually require that the insurance be taken out within 7-14 days of making your initial trip deposit. Investigate if you are concerned about coverage for a pre-existing condition. Also ask the insurance company for their definition of a pre-existing condition. It varies.

QUESTIONS?

All arrangements are handled by Overseas Adventure Travel. OAT is the premier travel company in the world specializing in culturally and ecologically responsible soft adventure travel.

In addition to the OAT leader and the local guides, the tour group will be escorted by Harlan Hague, Ph.D., writer and retired history professor. For information on my background and experience in organizing and escorting tours, please see my web page.

If you have questions, please write to me. If you want to contact Overseas Adventure Travel directly, telephone Laura Vater at 800-353-6262, or write to her.

READY TO SIGN ON?

If you are ready to sign on, telephone Laura Vater at OAT, 800-353-6262. Be prepared to give a $300 deposit by credit card. All payments on the tour cost, less an administrative fee of $100, will be refunded up to 71 days before departure, if you find that you must withdraw.

Welcome aboard! Write to me, and I'll give you a proper welcome.

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