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| VANTAGE DELUXE WORLD TRAVEL |
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| Detailed Day by Day Itinerary |
| The Treasures of Turkey & the Turquoise Coast |
| View Days: [1-5] [6-10] [11-15] [16-18] |
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| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
1-2
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Depart Home / Fly to Istanbul, Turkey
Your visit to this fascinating land that links Europe and Asia begins with an included flight to Istanbul, a city that was central to the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. Upon arrival, you’ll transferred to your hotel.
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3
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Istanbul
On Day 3 you’ll begin to appreciate the incredible richness of Istanbul’s history as you enjoy an included tour of Old Istanbul, starting with a visit to the enormous Topkapi Palace, the ornate residence of Turkey’s sultans and their harems for four centuries. After lunch at a restaurant in the palace grounds, you’ll visit the Blue Mosque, with its six slender minarets and blue Iznik tiles. You’ll also visit Hagia Sophia, a marvel of Byzantine architecture that was once Christianity’s largest church. This evening, get acquainted with your fellow Vantage travellers at a Welcome Dinner.
Ramada Plaza Hotel (B,L,D) |
4
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Istanbul
On Day 4, you’ll delve into the culture and art of the East on a morning visit to the excellent Museum of Islamic Art. A slice of Roman Istanbul is next, as you visit the Basilica Cistern, a vast underground reservoir built by Emperor Constantine in the 3rd century that is supported by 336 marble columns. You’ll then explore the Grand Bazaar, an ancient labyrinth of shops, cafes, and residences. In the afternoon, continue with a visit to the Suleymanie Mosque, a masterpiece of Turkish architecture, followed by an opportunity to view the dazzling collections of the Kariye Mosaic Museum. Afterwards, take in the color and exotic scents of the Egyptian Spice Bazaar.
Ramada Plaza Hotel (B) |
5
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Istanbul
On Day 5, you’re free to explore Istanbul on your own, or join an optional morning cruise on the Bosphorus that includes a visit to vast Dolmabahce Palace, last home of the Ottoman sultans, and lunch at a seaview restaurant. The evening is at leisure, or you can join us for an optional dinner show at a night club, with entertainment by folkloric dancers and belly dancers and a Turkish singer.
Ramada Plaza Hotel (B) |
6
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Kusadasi
On Day 6, you’ll fly to Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city. Upon arrival, get your bearings during a panoramic city tour, with free time for lunch on your own. Enroute to the coastal resort town of Kusadasi, you’ll visit the house where the Virgin Mary is said to have lived her last years. Arriving in Kusadasi, you’ll check into your seaview room. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
KoruMar Hotel (Sea-View Rooms) (B,D) |
7
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Kusadasi
On Day 7 you’ll depart for a full-day tour of Ephesus, the world’s best-preserved classical city. During your visit, see the amphitheater, Marble Avenue, where chariots once passed, the Temple of Hadrian, and the incredible three-story Library of Celsus. You’ll also visit the Ephesus Archeology Museum, which will deepen your understanding of today’s discoveries. Next is Sirince, once a Greek settlement, where you’ll enjoy an included lunch at a family-run restaurant. Dinner is included at your hotel.
KoruMar Hotel (Sea-View Rooms) (B,L,D) |
8
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Kusadasi / Pamukkale
Departing Kusadasi, you’ll travel to Pamukkale, where you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then, view the shimmering “Cotton Castles” — cascading terraces of white limestone formed by steaming mineral springs renowned for their healing powers. You’ll also visit the ruins of the ancient spa town of Hierapolis. After your day of touring, you’ll have a chance to swim in the warm mineral waters, which are piped into your hotel’s pool. Dinner is included this evening at your hotel.
Spa Colossae Hotel Thermal (B,L,D) |
9
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Pamukkale / Begin 5-night Turquoise Coast Cruise
On Day 9 you’ll motorcoach to the coastal town of Gocek, with a stop along the way to see a fascinating demonstration on the intricacies of Turkish carpets. Lunch is included, then you’ll continue to the port town of Gocek, where you’ll board the MY Halas, your exclusively chartered motor yacht, for your 5-night “Blue Voyage.” This Scottish-built coastal ship has been converted to a private, intimate cruise vessel for select groups of no more than 27 passengers. Guests have included Prince Charles, the Clintons, and Princess Margaret — and now you!
After you board and get settled, enjoy afternoon tea as we set sail for a quiet bay. In the days ahead, you’ll meander along one of the world’s loveliest and most pristine coasts, where mountains come down to the sea, crescent beaches line small bays, and ancient tombs are carved into honey-colored cliffs. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Dinner with entertainment on board.
MY Halas (B,L,D) |
10
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Gocek / Fethiye / Gemiler Island, Turkey
This morning, you’ll cruise to the town of Fethiye, where you’ll disembark to stroll in the local market. After lunch on board, depart for the short trip to the “ghost town” of Kayakoy, a Greek town that was left deserted after Greek and Turkish citizens were repatriated to their ancestral countries in 1923. You’ll reboard just off Gemiler Island, where the ship drops anchor.
MY Halas (B,L,D) |
11
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Gemiler Island / Ekinçik / Dalyan
This morning’s scenic cruise takes us to Ekincik, at the mouth of the Dalyan River. Here, you’ll board a smaller boat to cruise the river’s delta to the village of Dalyan. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant in Dalyan, then view the colummned tombs carved into the cliffs above the river. Tonight enjoy evening entertainment on board.
MY Halas (B,L,D) |
12
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Ekinçik / Cleopatra’s Bath
Today, enjoy a Turkish cooking lesson as the MY Halas sails to Cleopatra’s Bath, where the quiet waters of a cove lap against half-submerged temples. You’ll go ashore to explore around this fascinating site.
MY Halas (B,L,D) |
13
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Cleopatra's Bath / Gocek Bay
Day 13 finds us sailing back to the MY Halas’s home port of Gocek. Those who want to can go ashore to follow a trail over a headland for lovely views. You’ll rejoin the ship, then cruise among the islets of Gocek Bay. Relax and enjoy your last night aboard ship in this beautiful spot, with dinner and entertainment on board.
MY Halas (B,L,D) |
14
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Gocek / Transfer to Antalya for 3 FREE nights
Enjoy the morning of Day 14 at leisure in Gocek, then motoroach further down the coast to the delightful seaside resort of Antalya, where you’ll enjoy three nights in a Deluxe resort hotel in a sea-view room. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Sheraton Voyager Antalya  (Sea-View Rooms) (B,D) |
15
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Antalya
On Day 15, enjoy a city tour of Antalya featuring Hadrian’s Gate, the charming Old Quarter, and the fluted Minaret. You’ll also visit the Archeological Museum, which includes Greek statues and intricate mosaics from Xanthos. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in the home of a Turkish family in the village of Bademagaci. You’ll also be the guest of the village mayor for a cup of mountain tea, then meet the staff of the village clinic, where you’ll learn about Turkey’s health system. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Sheraton Voyager Antalya (Sea-View Rooms) (B,L,D) |
16
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Antalya
Day 16 begins with a visit to the ancient ruins of Perge, the best example of a complete Roman city in the fertile Pamphylian Region. Then continue to Aspendos, site of a spectacular Roman theater. Tonight, toast fellow Vantage travellers at the Farewell Dinner at your hotel.
Sheraton Voyager Antalya (Sea-View Rooms) (B,D) |
17
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Antalya / Istanbul*
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Istanbul. You’ll stay one night before your flight home the next day. Your evening is at leisure.
Novotel Istanbul Marmara (B) |
18
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Istanbul / Return Home
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
(B) |
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Vantage's ratings come from Travel Weekly's
Hotel & Travel Index, the industry's standard.
Deluxe / Moderate Deluxe 
Outstandng accommodations, offering superior service,
facilities, and location.
Superior First-Class 
Above average, with many special amenities, including
more restaurants, shops, and often a fitness center.
First Class / Moderate First-Class 
Comfortable, well-equipped standard rooms with private
bath and attractive public areas and amenities.
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