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Immerse yourself in the exoticism, fascinating history, and resplendent architecture of Istanbul, where Europe meets Asia along the bustling Bosphorus Strait. You’ll step into the world of Ottoman sultans at the Topkapi Palace, marvel at the towering domes and minarets of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and roam the endless passageways of the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market, teeming with colorful carpets, leather goods, jewelry, and lanterns. Your three nights in this intoxicating cultural capital is the perfect way to round out your ocean expedition.
Arrive in Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul! If you purchased your flights through Vantage, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to acclimate before an evening Welcome Briefing and Dinner.
Included meals:
Royal and cultural splendors of Istanbul
After breakfast, head to the Fatih district, home to the Historic Areas of Istanbul, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your explorations at the Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans and today a magnificent museum. Your guided tour leads you into some of its many chambers, including the Harem Apartments. After lunch, continue to the spectacular Blue Mosque, named for the countless blue iznik tiles that adorn its vast interior. Cultural Discovery: Conclude the day among the teeming stalls and passageways of the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul’s historic marketplace.
Spectacular Sultanahmet on foot
Stretch your legs this morning during a walking tour of the Sultanahmet district. You’ll stop at the 6th-century Hagia Sophia, built as a church and later converted into a mosque. It has been a magnificent museum since 1935. After, follow your nose to the Spice Bazaar, where mounds of colorful turmeric, saffron, and countless other spices vie for your olfactory attentions. Be sure to sample some Turkish Delight, the nation’s favorite sweet, while you’re here! After lunch, enjoy an afternoon at your leisure.
This evening, reunite with your fellow travelers at a local restaurant for a Farewell Dinner, which will feature a spread of classic Turkish dishes and traditional folkloric entertainment!
Fly home
Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight home.
Fly to Istanbul
Today you’ll board an overnight flight to Istanbul.
This evening, reunite with your fellow expeditioners at a local restaurant for a Farewell Dinner, which will feature a spread of classic Turkish dishes and traditional folkloric entertainment!
Fly to Athens, join the base program
Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Athens, where you join the base program.
Here’s your chance to discover more of Spain’s stately and iconic capital. On this 3-night extension, let Vantage introduce you to this energetic, artistic metropolis — and one of Europe’s most indulgent culinary capitals. Get your fill of tapas on a walking tour that leads you to the bustling Mercado de San Miguel, and see the city’s exquisite sights, from the grandeur of Plaza Mayor to leisure opportunities to seek out museums. Come experience Madrid in true Vantage style!
Your Price Includes:
Fly to Spain
Today, you’ll board an overnight flight from the U.S.A. to Madrid.
Bienvenidos a Madrid! Welcome to Spain
Arrive in Madrid today. If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, you’ll be met at the airport by a representative who will assist with your transfer to the hotel. After checking in, enjoy time at leisure before tonight’s Welcome Dinner at the hotel.
Get to know Madrid on a walking tour and tapas tasting
Explore vibrant Madrid on foot, walking through Plaza Sol and Plaza Mayor, savoring city views, and passing multiple other historic monuments. Later, visit the city’s Mercado Central for an included tapas tasting! The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to further explore. Tonight, enhance your tapas discoveries with a chance to have dinner on your own in this city of gastronomical delights. Included Feature:
Explore Madrid at your leisure
Enjoy a free day to pursue your own interests with recommendations provided by your Cruise Director. Wander the city’s many squares, shop for espadrilles and other classic Spanish products, and get your fill of tapas. The evening is at leisure with dinner on your own.
Seek the panoramic delights of Madrid, then board a high-speed train to Barcelona
Enjoy a panoramic tour that shows you even more Madrid highlights on your way to the train station. Here, you’ll embark on a high-speed train to Barcelona, where you’ll join Day 2 of the base tour.
Board a high-speed train to Madrid, then discover its highlights on a panoramic tour
Today, you’ll leave Barcelona on a high-speed train bound for Madrid. Upon arrival, you’ll be whisked away on a panoramic tour of Spain’s capital city. Afterward, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner on your own in this city of gastronomical delights.
Included Feature:
Explore vibrant Madrid on foot, walking through Plaza Sol and Plaza Mayor, savoring city views, and passing multiple other historic monuments. Later, visit the city’s Mercado Central for an included tapas tasting! The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to further explore. Tonight, enhance your tapas discoveries with another opportunity to have dinner on your own.
Enjoy a free day to pursue your own interests with recommendations provided by your Cruise Director. Wander the city’s many squares, shop for espadrilles and other classic Spanish products, and get your fill of tapas. The evening is at leisure, with dinner back at the hotel.
Return home
Transfer to Madrid’s airport for your return flight home.
