Classics of Turkey and Greek Islands

(FRI)- Enjoy a relaxing overnight flight to Istanbul.

(SAT)- You are greeted upon arrival and escorted to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure before a welcome briefing by your tour director.

(SUN)- Early morning you will be taken to the airport for a short flight to Ankara. Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, father of modern Turkey, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations with its Hittite treasures and artifacts from the world's oldest city. Continue to Cappadocia, famous for it's "moon-like" landscapes. En route visit the 13th century Caravan Inn. (B,D)

(TUE)- Early Morning Optional Balloon Tour - experience floating through volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys and caves with the sunrise. After breakfast, visit Goreme with its 6th-10th century rock chapels decorated with Christian frescoes, Pasabagi, Red Valley, and Avanos. Have a brief regional pottery workshop in a cave. (B,D)

(TUE)- Depart for Pamukkale, en route you will see the famous mausoleum of the sufi philosopher Mevlana. On arrival to Pamukkale, visit the unique Cotton Fortress, the white calcium cascades formed by mineral springs and the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis. Enjoy a swim in your hotel's mineral spring pool. (B,D)

(WED)- Today tour the ruins of Ephesus, the Virgin Mary's cottage, the 2,000 year old marble streets, a theater, the library of Celsius, and Hadrian's Temple. Overnight in Kusadasi. (B,D)

(THU)- Visit ancient Pergamum, home to the Altar of Zeus. Tour Troy's legendary walls and replica of the famous wooden horse used during the Trojan War. Continue to Canakkale for an overnight.(B,D)

(FRI)- Morning departure to Gallipoli, visit Anzac Cove, the Lone Pine Cemetery, Chunk Bair battlefield and Gabatepe War Museum. Cross the Dardanelles to Istanbul. (B,D)

(SAT)- You will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day tour of Istanbul. Tour Topkapi Palace (excluding harem), St. Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome. Last stop is the Grand Bazaar before transfer to your 6-night cruise.(B,D)

(SUN)- Morning tour of Dolmabahce Palace. In the afternoon explore the city on your own or enjoy an optional half-day Bosphorus Cruise. Overnight cruise to Mykonos. (B,L,D)

(MON)- You will arrive in Mykonos early afternoon. Enjoy the white-washed, flower-decked alleyways, and sample the lively cosmopolitan feel of this island until midnight.(B,L,D)

(TUE)- This morning your ship will arrive in Patmos. You will have 3 hours to visit this picturesque Greek island. After lunch you will arrive in Kusadasi where you can join an optional tour to Ephesus – site of ancient Roman-Hellenistic ruins. (B,L,D)

(WED)- An early arrival in Rhodes allows you a full day to explore this magical island. Optional tours to explore the Old Town and to visit idyllic Lindos. (B,L,D)

(THU)- The first port of call today is Heraklion where you can take an optional excursion to the Palace of Knossos. Late afternoon arrival in Santorini where you can enjoy one of the magnificent sunsets. (B,L,D)

(FRI)- Upon disembarkation from your cruise ship this morning you will start touring Athens including visit to the famed Acropolis with its breathtaking view and renowned Parthenon. Remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

(SAT)- After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. (B)