12 NIGHTS As of June 21, 2013

TURQUOISE COAST ODYSSEY 13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS As of June 21, 2013 Itinerary Overview On our Turquoise Coast Odyssey we walk through historic Istanbul,...
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TURQUOISE COAST ODYSSEY 13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS As of June 21, 2013

Itinerary Overview On our Turquoise Coast Odyssey we walk through historic Istanbul, hike among fairy chimneys, underground cities and hidden churches of Cappadocia, and voyage along the Mediterranean coast among ancient sites, small white-washed resort towns, and rural villages where traditional life prevails. We overnight in a restored Ottoman home in the heart of a small village, stay in a boutique cave hotel, and voyage in a luxurious Phoenician-style gulet. You'll relax, read, swim, snorkel and kayak in crystalline blue waters with optional day hikes to ancient sites only accessible on footpaths from the sea. We are received as friends and family by our exceptional Turkish guides who share their personal insights into history, traditional arts, political affairs, and everyday life, especially including delicious Turkish cuisine. Join one of our scheduled departures in spring or fall, or charter a private gulet with family or friends. You stay in the historic Sultanahmet District in Istanbul at the start of the trip and when you return to the city at the end of the trip we stay in the Galata District where you can walk through the lively neighborhood of Beyoglu up to Taksim Square offering an abundance of restaurants, bars, clubs and shops in close proximity. Consider adding at least an extra day to explore Istanbul.

DAY

DATE

OVERNIGHT

HOTEL/BOAT

MEALS

HIGHLIGHTS

1

Tues

ISTANBUL

Azade Hotel, Sultanahmet District

D

2

Wed

ISTANBUL

Azade Hotel

BLD

Full day walking guided tour Sultanahmet historic district

3

Thurs

CAPPADOCIA

Elkep Evi

BLD

Fly Kayseri, drive and explore Cappadocia

4

Friday

CAPPADOCIA

Elkep Evi

BLD

Full day exploration of Cappadocia

5

Sat

SIRINCE VILLAGE

Nisanyan Houses

BD

6

Sun

EKINCIK

Cevri II Gulet

BLD

7

Mon

FETHIYE BAY

Cevri II Gulet

BLD

8

Tues

GEMILER ISLAND

Cevri II Gulet

BLD

9

Wed

KALKAN AND KAS

Cevri II Gulet

BLD

10

Thurs

APERLAI

Cevri II Gulet

BLD

11

Friday

ANTALYA

Dogan Hotel

BLD

12

Sat

ISTANBUL

Georges Hotel, Galata District

BD

13

Sun

DEPARTURE

B

Transfer in. Guided stroll to welcome dinner overlooking the Golden Horn.

Fly to Izmir, Selcuk Museum, tour Ephesus and vicinity Drive Ekincik. Dalyan River boat. Board gulet. Sail Agalimani via Fethiye, hike to Lydea Drive and hike to Kaya Koy, sunset at Gemiler Island Sail to Kalkan. Lunch at village home, on to Kas for sunset Sail to Aperlai, snorkel- kayak sunken city, hike to Simena. Disembark, visit Myra amphitheatre, drive to Antalya Fly to Istanbul, farewell dinner Hotel to airport transfer

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Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ARRIVE ISTANBUL Receive a warm Turkish welcome after passing through customs and transfer to our hotel. Meet our guide in the hotel lobby in the late afternoon and stretch your legs on a stroll through the streets of the old city to a local open-air terrace restaurant for dinner overlooking the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, and the Galata Tower. Enjoy an introduction to authentic Turkish cuisine. Stay overnight at a historic boutique hotel in the historic Sultanahmet District of Istanbul. [D]

DAY 2: ISTANBUL - WALKING TOUR OF THE OLD CITY

Today you explore the grandeur of ancient Constantinople. We visit splendid relics of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires including the Topkapi Palace, 400-year-old Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), and 2000-year-old Roman Hippodrome, the Underground Cistern and the Hagia Sophia Church miraculously built in the first half of the 6th century, by Emperor Justinianus. If time and interest permit we stroll through part of the Kapali Carsi (covered bazaar) and spice market. Around sunset we board a commuter ferry, joining local Istanbulli’s as they return home from work; a journey that reveals palaces, lavishly restored Ottoman homes and embassies on both the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus. Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner in a restaurant with a creative menu. Overnight Azade Hotel [BLD]

DAY 3: FLY KAYSERI – DRIVE TO CAPPADOCIA – VISIT UCHISAR AND GOREME

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for a flight to Kayseri (1 hr), then drive to Urgup in Cappadocia (50 min). We spend two days exploring Cappadocia with our expert guide on foot and by private vehicle. Visits include Uchisar Castle, a natural rock formation of former residences carved out of the soft tuft, and Goreme Open-Air Museum, a complex of medieval cave churches carved and elaborately painted by Orthodox monks. Our itinerary is flexible with options based on individual interests and abilities including visits to towns specializing in various handicrafts. Overnight Elkep Evi, a historic boutique cave hotel full of atmosphere built into a stone cliff facade overlooking the town of Urgup. [BLD]

DAY 4: CAPPADOCIA WALKING: VILLAGES, HIDDEN CHURCHES, UNDERGROUND CITIES Spend the day meandering through rock dwellings and hidden churches of these remote valleys. We walk short distances or hike for several hours on moderately undulating trails exploring the strange fairy-chimney landscapes, canyon lands, vineyards and villages. At the master potter's workshop of Chez Galip we learn about pottery-making and the origin of the potter's wheel invented in Anatolia where we have a chance to throw our own pots. Later, we descend into the honeycomb depths of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu underground cities where the people of Cappadocia could escape from marauding invaders and survive in tunnels and caverns for 6 months, 150 feet down. En route back to Urgup, we often stop to view a 13th century Selcuk Turk Caravansarai, similar to those made famous by Marco Polo. We highly recommend an option hot air balloon ride in the early morning (cost not included). Overnight Elkep Evi [BLD]

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DAY 5: EPHESUS – SIRENCE VILLAGE Transfer to the airport for morning flight to Izmir (1.5 hrs). On arrival, drive to Ephesus (45 min) where we walk throughout the impressive ancient city with our specialist guide. One of the most impressive Roman ruins and important ancient coastal cities, Ephesus attracted the Mediterranean world’s merchants, artists and statesmen for many centuries. Here we visit relics from the Hellenistic, Roman, biblical, Byzantine and Ottoman periods, the Archaeological Museum, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. After our visit we drive into the hills (20 min) to overnight in the village of Sirince, once used by residents of Ephesus as a cool mountain retreat. There is time to wander the cobblestone streets amongst the charming stone cottages, where local inhabitants often offer visitors homemade fruit wine, herbal soaps, olive oil and delicious natural foods. Sirince is a wonderful opportunity to experience rural village life of Turkey. Overnight in an Ottoman-style cottage in the village, one of the boutique guest houses of Nisanyan Evleri. [BD]

DAY 6: GULET – CAUNOS HIKE Enjoy a leisurely morning. Early risers have a chance to stroll in the village as residents begin their day to the smell of baked goods and the tinkling the bells shepherd take their goat herds to pasture. After a delicious fresh breakfast, we drive south to Ekincik to board out gulet and meet our captain and crew. In the afternoon, we board a fishing boat and motor to Iztuzu Beach where the rare sea-turtle species Caretta Carettas lay their eggs. Motoring up the Dalyan River through a maze of bamboo and cattails we reach the magnificent 4th C. BCE rock cut tombs and the Carian ruins at Caunos. From here we hike to Candir Iskelesi, where our gulet has cruised to meet us. We re-embark and enjoy our first night on board. Overnight aboard gulet [BLD]

DAY 7: GULET – FETHIYE – HIKE TO LYDEA In the morning, enjoy the voyage to Agalimani Cove, a serene turquoise inlet in Fethiye Bay. We set anchor and hike to Batik Hamam, a Roman bath complex where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra were said to have spent time, and which now lies under five feet of water. We have the opportunity to swim and snorkel through the ruins looking for sponges, octopus and fish. After lunch we hike from Agalimani Cove to Lydea, site of the ancient Lycian oracle and today only accessible on foot. The route of this optional hike is one of the most spectacular trails of the Lycian range, traversing coastal promontories covered in pine forests and passing shepherds' homesteads whose natural herb gardens of oregano, thyme and sage scent the air. Anchor for the night in Hamam Cove aboard gulet. [BLD]

DAY 8: GULET – KAYA KOY– GEMILER ISLAND

An exciting day ahead as we visit the ancient necropolis of Telmessus (Fethiye) to see the spectacular temple-type rock-cut tombs. A short 15-minute drive takes us to Kaya Koy, a ghost town of over 600 abandoned homes. The former Greek residents were subject to a population exchange between Turkey and Greece in 1930. After exploring this ghost town, we hike downhill to meet the boat in Soguksu Cove where we spend the afternoon at leisure swimming or relaxing on board. Before dusk we take a short hike to the ruins of a 6thC ACE Byzantine monastery at the top of Gemiler Island where we enjoy a sundowner whilst watching the sunset. Overnight aboard gulet at Gemiler Island [BLD]

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DAY 9: GULET – KALKAN AND KAS Starting early we cruise down the coast and into the harbor of the coastal town of Kalkan. We disembark and hike to a panoramic lookout where we meet our land transport and drive inland to a small Lycian village in the country. Walking through the village we are invited as guests in a local home for a delicious typical Turkish lunch. It is a short drive to Kas, a charming Mediterranean seaside village with its wellpreserved Greek theater, narrow cobblestoned streets and white-washed houses festooned with colorful bougainvillea and wooden balconies. After free time to walk and shop, we meet at sunset to sip Turkish wine at the ancient theatre or traditional bar on the harbor for sunset. Overnight aboard gulet [BLD]

DAY 10: GULET – APERLAI – KEKOVA BAY– SIMENA VILLAGE

Cruise to Aperlai, a 4th century, AD, Lycian city whose remains are scattered over the hillsides and underwater in the bay. Snorkeling in the crystal clear waters we can see marble columns, paved floors, walls, and a church foundation of a city submerged over 1600 years ago. We cruise into the nearby Kekova Sound for a leisurely 2-3 hours of kayak paddling through beautiful crystal clear turquoise waters. Below us we see more sunken ruins of this ancient island. It’s a short hike to Simena, a pastoral village where dozens of impressive Roman sarcophagi are strewn around the base of a hill crowned with a Crusader castle. We anchor under the shadow of this ancient village and watch the sun set over Kekova Bay. Stay overnight aboard gulet at Kekova Bay. [BLD]

DAY 11: DRIVE TO ANTALYA VIA MYRA After a morning swim we cruise to Cayagazi where we disembark, say goodbye to our crew and take a short drive to visit the ruins of Myra and the Church of St. Nicholas (3rd C. CE). Myra boasts one of the most colossal and well-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world complete with relics of the stone masks of the performers. We explore the 4th C. BCE Lycian house-tombs carved out of the rock amidst richlydecorated facades on a high cliff above. Later we drive to Antalya to spend the night in the historic district of this ancient port city. Walk around the old town and enjoy a seafood dinner overlooking the ancient harbor and the pine forest mountain of Olympos National Park. Overnight Dogan Hotel [BD]

DAY 12: ISTANBUL GALATA DISTRICT

Transfer to the airport (1 hr) for flight to Istanbul. Transfer in to your hotel located in the bustling Galata district just a short walk to the pedestrian promenade of Istiklal Caddesi where you can walk through the lively neighborhood of Beyoglu up to Taksim Square offering an abundance of restaurants, bars, clubs and shops in close proximity. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax, explore on foot and reflect on your experience in Turkey overlooking the Bosphorus, Golden Horn and Istanbul skyline of mosques and minarets before our farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant. Stay overnight in the Galata District at Georges Hotel. [BLD]

DAY 13: DEPART Transfer to Istanbul airport for international departure. [B]

END OF SERVICES

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Grade I: Adventure voyage on traditional gulet, easy hikes, optional day of sea kayaking Departures: Set dates or by private charter Season: May-October 2013 PRICING: GROUP SIZE Shoulder Season, per person* Internal Airfare**

5-6

7-9

10-11

$5995

$5295

$4645

$375

$375

$375

Single Supplement: $395 for hotels only. Guaranteed private gulet cabin on request based on availability at additional supplement, otherwise there is no charge if you are in a single cabin by default. Rates based on Cevri II gulet charter.

*Shoulder Season is May, June, September and October 2013. High Season is July and August. Contact us for high season rates for a private charter. Rates based on Cevri II gulet charter; if Cevri II is not available we will charter another gulet at a supplement.

**Domestic flights in Turkey subject to change until purchased

DEPARTURE DATES:

2013

June 18- 30 September 17 - 29 October 8 – 20

2014

May 12 – 30 June 10- 22 September 23 – October 5 October 7 - 19

Private charters are available upon request.

INCLUDED SERVICES         

Airport transfers to/from accommodation Private air-conditioned vehicles with driver Accommodations as noted, inclusive of taxes Turkish gulet with private facilities in each cabin Guided tours and excursions with entrance fees Meals as specified [B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner] Port fees in Turkey Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services. Unlimited bottled water, complimentary soft drinks and 2 glasses of wine or bottles of beer a day per passenger on board the gulet. If you drink more or prefer other beverages than those provisioned there will be opportunities for you to purchase additional supplies to bring on board.

NOT INCLUDED        

International and local flights in Turkey (price separately) Visa for Turkey payable upon arrival and airport departure taxes Tips and gratuities Optional or suggested services on your own Personal expenses Travel insurance, medical costs, hospitalization and evacuation Airport transfers on alternate dates subject to additional cost Extra costs due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond control

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Accommodations AZADE HOTEL, SULTANAHMET, ISTANBUL This boutique hotel located in the heart of the Sultanahmet District features 46 well-appointed rooms in an attractive 19thcentury Ottoman mansion. While furnished in the Ottoman style, each room features modern comforts such as individually-controlled air conditioning, central heating, private bathroom, hair dryers, television (with access to international channels), free high speed wireless internet access, mini-bar and 24-hour room service. The hotel includes a wellness center, roof-top terrace restaurant with views of the sea and the Blue Mosque.

ELKEP EVI, CAPPADOCIA Elkep Evi is a small boutique cave hotel built into a stone cliff facade ideally situated overlooking the town of Urgup. The elegant rooms feature en-suite bath including hair-dryers and are designed with wood floors, central heating, and a rich décor including carpets and accent lighting. Services include in-room direct phone, bar, laundry, restaurant and al fresco dining by the garden overlooking the picturesque valley and town. Many rooms include a private terrace with panoramic views of Cappadocia, and several spacious suites include Jacuzzis.

NISANYAN EVLERI, SIRINCE VILLAGE Experience authentic village life of Turkey! Mujde and Sevan Nisanyan have preserved several small homes in the historic village of Sirince located in the coastal hills above the ancient city of Ephesus. The inn has five guest rooms, with plenty of common area, a lounge and sky lit restaurant. The 150-year old, renovated homes, clustered along cobble-stoned lanes in the village are converted into comfortable, self-contained guest accommodations with modern conveniences and antique charm. Each home sleeps two to five people featuring a fireplace, private bathroom with hair dryer, kitchen, and a CD player with classical and Turkish mood music. Fresh breakfast is delivered to your porch.

GULET Voyage on a 12-passenger traditional gulet built with pine or mahogany wood hulls and teak decks. Sails are occasionally raised but the boat generally cruises by motor. Six cabins are configured with double or twin berths, all with air-conditioning (during day-time, at the discretion of captain), private toilet, hand-held shower and hot water. The vessel is equipped for fun and enjoyment with 1 – 2 kayaks, CD-player and sound system, masks, flippers, sun mattresses and awnings, and indoor/outdoor dining areas.

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DOGAN HOTEL, ANTALYA Located in the historic section of Antalya, the Dogan Hotel was built from four adjacent former Ottoman houses carefully restored to their full charm and character. Antalya is on the coast and the Dogan is just a short distance to the beach with shops and restaurants in the neighborhood. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, lobby bar, sun terrace, garden, outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, laundry service, room service. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, ceramic floors, telephones (some rooms also have balconies) and all rooms are equipped with en suite private bathrooms.

GEORGES HOTEL GALATA, ISTANBUL Situated near to the historic Galata Tower, this boutique hotel is housed in a heritage building in the heart of Istanbul’s chic cultural center, a 5 minute walk to lively Istiklal Street. All of the room feature high ceilings, sleek furniture, wood parquet floors and a spacious feel. The rooms carry all modern amenities including private bathroom with hair dryer, Led TV, iPad docking station, laptops sized safes, Nespresso machine and free Wi-Fi.

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Booking your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling 1-800-345-4453. Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows:*  $500 per person for all trips in Central America.  $700 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia and the Far East, the Mediterranean and North America.  20% of land cost for all trips in Africa. This deposit is generally non-refundable. *Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered, or if permits

to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance.

CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn’t exactly what you’re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at 1-800-345-4453, send an email to [email protected], or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website.

PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 91 or more: $300 61-90 days: Initial deposit amount 31-60 days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost

PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES

Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure.

REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a 1-800-345-4453 or email [email protected]. We’re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local incountry ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions

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