Adventure Associates

www.AdventureAssociates.net PO Box 16304 • Seattle WA 98116 • 206-932-8352 [email protected]

Tur k e y: A Me d ite r r a n e a n coa sta l od y s se y Known the world over as “the cradle of civilizations,” Turkey lies between Asia and Europe, serving as a bridge between the east and west. As we explore this historic land, we trace the roots of the Greek, Lycian, Roman Byzantine, and Ottoman cultures. After an enchanting day in Istanbul, we’ll continue to the ancient city of Troy, the beautiful fishing village of Assos and onto Izmir, visiting Ephesus, one of the world’s best-preserved ancient sites. Next we board our traditional Turkish Gulet, a beautifully handcrafted motor yacht that will become our home for two nights while we explore the Turquoise Coast and unspoiled countryside. Our journey offers ample time to walk, swim and reflect on the magical significance of this region. Continue on to Cappadocia with its surrealistic geological formations, the “fairy chimneys” formed by volcanic eruptions and erosion, and the history of the beginnings of Christianity. View one of the natural wonders of the world from the unique perspective of a hot air balloon! Turkish baths, grand bazaars and the wonders of ancient civilization await - Come join us and our expert guide for an unforgettable Mediterranean Odyssey. 2008 Trip Dates: April 4 - 19 ; May 30 – June 14 July 27 – July 12 July 25 – Aug 9 Aug 22 – Sept 6 Sept 5 - 20 Land Costs: €2499 (Euros) Click here for Wells Fargo’s currency converter Early Bird Discount: 10% off when you pay in full prior to 75 days out! DAY 1 Depart hometown for Istanbul, Turkey. (Meals on own) DAY 2 Arrival in Istanbul - a fascinating city of sounds and sights. Once part of the Roman Empire, when it went by the name of “Byzantium,” Istanbul later became part of the great Ottoman Empire. You are met and transferred from the airport to your comfortable boutique hotel in the Old Quarter of Istanbul. Settle in and enjoy a welcome banquet. (D)

DAY 3 After a traditional breakfast (kahvalti), we’ll explore Istanbul’s ancient monuments such as the Blue Mosque, famous for its delicate blue ceramic tiles, the beautiful church of Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace – built on one of the seven hills of Istanbul and the seat of Government for the Ottoman Empire for many centuries. (BLD) DAY 4 After breakfast, we will drive south of the Canakkale region, to the ancient site of Troy. Having existed for over 4,000 years and known as the center of ancient civilizations, many people believed that Troy was a just a legendary city (of Homer and Greek Drama), until it was discovered. After checking into our hotel, we will have free time to explore and photograph the beautiful fishing village of Assos. Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner in Assos. (BLD) DAY 5 After a delightfully fresh and healthy breakfast, we will drive towards Izmir (or ancient Smyrna, dating back to 3000 BC, the name associated with a beautiful Amazon Queen who had her stronghold on Mount Pagos). En route, we will stop at an olive oil factory and museum. Here you have the opportunity to savor the taste of freshly pressed olive oil with local bread and learn how this local treasure is produced. After lunch, we will drive to Sirince, an idyllic village where Greek villagers settled in 500 A.D. Check into our hotel and enjoy a stroll in the lush, green countryside or visit the small shops in the village. Taste the local wine and olive oil – both specialties of this village. After some free time, meet the group at the hotel for dinner cooked with local, seasonal foods. (BLD) DAY 6 Today we travel on towards Selcuk to begin our exploration of Ephesus – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World! Here you can see the famous Library of Celsius and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, walking where Roman legions marched centuries ago. The ancient city of Ephesus, once called the “star of Asia Minor,” is the largest and most important Roman city in Anatolian antiquity and one of the best archaeological sites in the country. As we wander through the streets of Ephesus, explore the library, brothel, marble streets, baths, agora and theater. After lunch, continue on to Pamukkale for our overnight stay in a thermal spa hotel. On the way, we’ll see the famous white travertine springs – also listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World! Enjoy dinner and free time in the evening to soak up the comforts of our spa hotel. (BLD) DAY 7 After breakfast, we will check out and visit the travertine springs of Pamukkale. Then continuing on to the “Turquoise Coast” town of Fethiye. Check in to our hotel, have lunch, and enjoy free time to relax or explore the bustling and colorful village market. You can enjoy a cup of Turkish tea in a local tea garden and stroll through the old lanes of Paspatur, with its mosque, cafes and shopping opportunities. We will have a fresh catch-of-the-day dinner at the famous fish market. (BLD) DAY 8 After breakfast, visit the ghost remains of the village of Kayakoy, an abandoned Greek town. The inhabitants left the town in the 1920s, but the roofless houses and cobbled paths seem as ancient as any site on your voyage. In the early

summer, wildflowers grow profusely in the village streets and inside the exposed rooms of the vacant houses. Abundant, wild oregano fills the air with a sweet scent. After a short drive, enjoy lunch in Tlos, one of the six principal cities of Lycia (and one of the most powerful). It was one of the oldest and largest settlements of Lycia (known as ‘Tlawa’ in Lycian inscriptions) and was eventually inhabited by Ottoman Turks. Returning to the hotel, enjoy dinner in a local restaurant followed by a relaxing Turkish Bath at a local Hamam. (BLD) DAY 9 After breakfast, we will embark our traditional Turkish Gulet (motorized yacht) from the Fethiye Marina. This is your chance to see the beautiful islands and inlets, dotted around the Turquoise Coast. Read, relax and swim in the warm, clear waters. You may even try your hand at fishing from the boat using a simple hand reel and line. You also have the option to participate in the preparation of a delicious lunch. Dinner is served onboard beneath the stars. (BLD)

DAY 10 Another day of relaxation aboard our Gulet. Perhaps it is time to start that book you’ve been meaning to read or to learn to play Backgammon. You might want to observe our cook, as vegetables, meats and fish are transformed – with the help of local olive oil and spices – into delicious Turkish meals. Whatever you choose to do, relaxation is the order of the day! We will move around the islands in our Gulet, setting anchor or docking where our captain sees fit. (BLD) DAY 11 We will disembark back in Fethiye and drive to Demre to visit the Church of St. Nicholas, named after the Bishop of Myra and the original inspiration in naming our present day Santa Claus! Driving to the city of Olympos, we’ll stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Check into our boutique hotel and enjoy the sights and sounds of this ancient city, nicknamed “The Mountain of the Gods”. Visit the beach, just steps away, or explore the ancient ruins of Olympos. After dinner, we

will take a short drive to Cirali and walk by flashlight – or moonlight – up the mountain to visit the eternal burning flame of Chimeara. (BLD) DAY 12 After breakfast drive through the countryside of Southern Turkey to Cappadocia via Antalya. After a lunch stop, we will continue on to Konya where we’ll visit a wonderful cultural center housed in the first former Mevlana tekke (lodge). The Mevlevi sect is known for its whirling dances, where “whirling dervishes” reach a meditative state to become closer to God and his Prophet. We then drive to the Sultanhani Kervansaray, built in the 12th Century and situated on the old Silk Road, this lodge is built in the Selcuk architectural style. Arriving in Cappadocia (meaning, in the Hittite language, “land of beautiful horses”), we’ll see surreal landscapes of volcanic ash formed 3 million years ago, spectacular red rock cones, troglodyte churches and cave dwellings dating from 4000 BC. In this fascinating landscape we will check into our cave hotel and enjoy a dinner prepared in the local style. (BLD) DAY 13 An early start as we take a hot air balloon flight over the Cappadocia valley at dawn! Witness the magical rock formations in the early morning light and indulge in a glass of champagne after your flight. After breakfast back at our hotel, enjoy a hike through Imagination Valley and visit the open-air museum at Goreme, housing the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia: rock-cut churches with frescoes and paintings dating from the 10th to 13th centuries. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant in Avanos, where you will taste traditional stew cooked in the oven inside a sealed clay pot, and visit a local pottery workshop producing terra cotta artwork famous to this region. After returning to our cave hotel, enjoy some free time to explore the local village. Dinner and overnight at cave hotel. (BLD) DAY 14 After breakfast, drive to Kaymakli to visit this famous underground city before continuing on to Uchisar castle to view Pigeon Valley and Red Valley troglodyte dwellings and rock formations. In the beautiful late afternoon light, we’ll drive to a small picturesque village to explore and enjoy a tasty, traditional Anatolian style meal. Afterwards, enjoy a spectacular performance of whirling dervishes or ‘Sufi’ dancers…soothing, mystical music and a panorama of whirling silhouettes…relax and enjoy your last night in the mesmerizing valleys of Cappadocia. (BLD) DAY 15 After breakfast, we will take a short flight back to Istanbul. Check into our boutique hotel once again, and visit the colorful covered Bazaar – Kapali Carsi – the largest covered market in the world! Influenced by centuries of trade between Asia, Europe and Africa, the market culture here includes narrow labyrinths of textiles and artisan work, spices, fresh food and oriental rugs. Mellow over a glass of sweet cay and find that special bargain souvenir. Enjoy lunch in the Grand Bazaar and then visit the Egyptian Spice Bazaar. Tonight we will enjoy a farewell dinner together and a boat cruise along the enchanting Bosphoros, the strait connecting Europe and Asia. (BLD) DAY 16 After one final traditional Turkish breakfast (kahvalti), transfer back to Istanbul airport for your homeward flight. End of AA services. (B) Continued…

NOTE: While as accurate as possible at the time of printing, this itinerary should be considered an approximate indication of the schedule and scope of the trip route and activities, rather than an inflexible schedule. The itinerary, hotels and flights are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. Any additional costs incurred due to circumstance beyond Adventure Associates of Washington’s (AAW) control are the responsibility of the individual passengers. AAW does not accept any responsibility for refunds of unused arrangements due to any change in itinerary in any way by clients after the commencement of the journey or strike action prior to departure and while overseas. Prices are subject to change.

Land Costs

€2499 Euros

Deposit

US$800 (nonrefundable)

Incountry Flight:

Included

Single Supplement

€500 Euros

2008 Trip Dates

April-October See Below

Group Size

2-12

Difficulty

Activities

No Experience Needed

Ruins, Cruise, Sailing, Cultural Exchange, Lodges

Euros to Dollars: Click here for Wells Fargo’s currency converter *Pricing may be subject to revision due to the extreme rate changes 2008 Trip Dates: April 4-19 May 30 – June 14 July 27 – July 12 July 25 – Aug 9 Aug 22 – Sept 6 Sept 5 - 20 Early Bird Discount: 10% off when you pay in full prior to 75 days out! Policies continued on next page…

Adventure

Associates

www.AdventureAssociates.net

Copyright © 2007, Adventure Associates. All Rights Reserved. [email protected] PO Box 16304 Seattle, WA 98116-0304 Ph: 206-932-8352

A FEW IMPORTANT DETAILS ABOUT YOUR TRIP...Read carefully Included in your Trip Fee: Standard accommodations (twin share); meals indicated on itinerary (BLD) = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner; in-country flight from Kayseri or Nevsehir to Istanbul; airport transfers and ground transportation; sightseeing with a national English-speaking guide; taxes; Gulet cruise; bottled water with meals and on Gulet cruise; hot air balloon excursion and entrance fees. Not Included in your Trip Fee: Visa fee (approx $60), airport departure tax (approx. US$20), international airfare and any accommodations en route, meals not mentioned, alcoholic beverages, tips to your guides, travel/medical/evacuation insurance and items of a personal nature. Optional: single supplement fee of €500. Do I need a Visa for travel to Turkey: Yes. Upon arrival in Turkey, you can obtain your visa at the Istanbul International airport as you pass through customs. You will pay the visa fee (approx. US$60) upon arrival. You must hold a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. Travel & Trip Insurance: As all payments are non-refundable, we strongly recommend that travel insurance be purchased immediately following your registration. The time and expense that you have put into planning and paying for your trip warrant protection through the purchase of travel insurance. Our primary interest in the Access America travel Insurance package is that it covers trip cancellation as well as “emergency medical transportation” - this is important when traveling and preparing for the unexpected. Emergency services are very costly. This coverage is very inexpensive in comparison. The insurance also protects you and your money from late cancellations, accidents or illness in remote areas, loss of baggage, airline flight changes and other unexpected delays. The particular program we recommend (Access America) will cover “preexisting” conditions, if you purchase full coverage within fourteen (14) days following your registration or flight purchase. Please call or write for details. Transportation/Flight Arrangements: Upon your registration, Adventure Associates will work closely with you on your individual flight plans. Certain programmed activities are dependant on flight schedule - you should verify your flight itinerary with Adventure Associates before purchase. How to Register: If you have not downloaded an application form from our website, please contact our office for a complete registration packet. Complete the application form and return it to our office along with the appropriate deposit. Upon receipt of your application, we will send you a confirmation and final details about your pre-trip preparation. For immediate confirmation, you may charge your deposit to Visa, Master Card or American Express by phone or fax. Payment Schedule: We accept checks, Visa, MasterCard and American Express. *Note: The American dollar fluctuates constantly in Turkey, which is why we have quoted this trip in Euros. The Euro exchange rate will be calculated at time of final payment for both the deposit and final balance. $800 deposit due at time of registration (Non-refundable) Final payment due 60 days prior to departure (Non-refundable) Early Bird Discount: 10% off when you pay in cash or by check prior to 75 days prior to departure. Cancellation & Refund Policy If you must cancel prior to departure, the following fee will be assessed based upon our receipt of your written cancellation request: Days Prior to Departure (trip destination) 61 or more .......... $800 1 to 60 ................ 100% fee Itineraries are subject to change. No partial refunds are possible for any unused portion of your trip. Penalties on airline tickets are subject to the individual air carrier's rules and regulations. Departure is defined as the date of the first flight, or the trip departure date as indicated on our Trip Schedule, whichever comes first. Once a trip has been confirmed medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. However, if you have purchased a comprehensive Travel Insurance plan that covers cancellation, you may be able to retrieve some of the funds.

Adventure Associates

www.AdventureAssociates.net