Rascals in Turkey
Trip Length: 16 days
*This itinerary is a sample only and can be altered to suit your needs.

Turkey, known for centuries as the crossroad of civilization, is rich in ancient history and diverse in its people culture. Your trip begins with the highlights of exotic Istanbul. Next it's on to the Goreme Valley with it's unusual rock formations, underground cities, and colorful local handicrafts. Then onto a guided walk through Ephesus, one of the best preserved cities of the ancient world. Walk along the ancient streets of marble and view temples dating to the time of the early Christians. Your final week will be spent cruising along the Turkish wooden boat. Enjoy swimming, hiking, snorkeling, and diving, or simply strolling the coastal villages and meeting the friendly local people. Dazzling beauty, history, excellent cuisine, Turkey has it all!

Day 1
Depart home city for Istanbul.

Day 2
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to Four Seasons or similar, where you will overnight for 3 nights. Breakfast included. Istanbul embraces two continents, one arm reaching out to Asia, the other to Europe. In the city's heart, the Bosphorus Strait, course the waters of the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn. The former capital of three successive empires -- Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman -- today Istanbul honors and preserves the legacy of its past while looking forward to its modern future. Indeed, it is Istanbul's variety that fascinates its visitors. The museums, castles, palaces, great mosques, bazaars and sights of natural beauty seem inexhaustible. As you recline on the shores of the Bosphorus at sunset contemplating the red evening light reflected in the windows on the opposite shore you understand, suddenly and profoundly, why so many centuries ago settlers chose to build on this remarkable site. At times such as these, you feel that Istanbul is truly one of the most glorious cities in the world.

Day 3
Today enjoy a half day guided tour revealing the intricate interweaving of many cultures: Greek, Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Turkish which made up the fabric of Istanbul's long history. You will visit the Roman Hippodrome, the sight of gladiator fights, chariots races, and circuses during the third century; The Muslim Blue Mosque, the city's most famous landmark, and the Christian Santa Sophia which boasts the world's largest dome prior to the construction of St. Peter's in Rome. Afternoon is at leisure.

Day 4
Today's tour takes you to the Topkapi Palace with its endless array of interconnecting apartments, halls, gardens, and courtyards. The palace is a museum itself with a renowned collection of jewelry and porcelain. The next stop is the Yerebatan Saray or sunken palace, which is actually a large cistern where water still drips and tinkles in the dark shadows. End your tour at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar where a profusion of Turkish treasures are sold in tiny shop stalls. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Day 5
Fly to Kayseri. Upon arrival, drive to Cappadocia. Overnight for 2 nights in Urgup, the heart of Cappadocia, at the Ataman Hotel or similar. Includes breakfast and dinner. This afternoon begin your exploration of this land of fairy chimneys and tall needles of volcanic tufa stone in which people actually live. Then a tour of Kaymakli, an underground city formally occupied by Christians, that descends multiple stories into the earth.

Day 6
Today spend a full day touring the Goreme Valley. Begin the day in 1600 year old cave churches then visit the tall chimneys of Zelve. After lunch you're off to Avanos, a lovely town famous for its pottery.

Day 7
Drive today to Kayseri. Upon arrival, fly to Istanbul and connect with a flight to Izmir. Transfer to Selcuk, where you will overnight at the Kalehan Hotel or similar - includes breakfast and dinner.

Day 8
Today you will have a private guided tour of Ephesus. Here you will see the Great Theater where St. Paul preached, the library of Celsus, and the ruins of the Basilica of St. John. From the Basilica view the ruins of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Temple of Artemis. Continue to wander amidst the beautiful temples, porticoes, fountains and frescoes. Transfer to Bodrum, and embark on the yacht Pavurya or similar. All meals included.

Day 9 - 15
Cruise: Bodrum - Gocek. An impressive medieval castle built by the Knights of Rhodes guards the entrance to Bodrum's dazzling blue bay, in which the Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas meet. The town's charm is well-known, attracting a diverse population of vacationers who stroll along its long palm-lined waterfront, while elegant yachts crowd the marina. The reputation of Bodrum's boatyards dates back to ancient times, and today, craftsmen still build the traditional yachts: the tirhandil with a pointed bow and stern, and the gulet with a broad beam and rounded stern. The latter, especially, are used on excursions and pleasure trips, and in the annual October Cup Race.

Day 16
Transfer to the Dalaman Airport for connections to Istanbul and home.