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Turkey

Prepare your self for a historically rich visit to one of many exotic places in the world. Turkey is full of friendly people, colorful markets and amazing palaces. Take a dip in a traditional style spa and enjoy the vast amounts of beautiful scenery.

Ancient Sites & Asia Minor
15 days from Istanbul $790-$860 land only.
A trip full of variety: we stay at small hotels, visit classical sites; charter a boat for a day's excursion to secluded coves and beaches; and discover traditional towns in the highland interior.

Gallipoli, Troy & Ephesus: After a look at the great mosques of Istanbul we drive to the battlefields of Gallipoli and cross the Dardanelles to ancient Troy. We visit old Pergamum to do justice to the magnificent Greco Roman seaport. Further south we observe the impressive agora at the little-known ruins of Alinda.

Three-day gulet cruise: We charter a gulet for three days and two nights to journey across the azure waters of the Lycian coast. Starting from the small coastal town of Dalyan, we cruise amongst the quiet coves and secluded islands of the Bay of Fethiye, dropping anchor to visit tumbledown, ancient sites en route or to take a swim in the cooling waters. This is an idyllic area of sea bays and quiet lagoons, set against a wild mountain backdrop of dense green forest, perhaps the most beautiful part of all Turkey. Our cruise ends in the bustling port of Fethiye.

Cappadocia-subterranean cities: Heading north we visit the marble ruins of Aphrodisias- a superbly preserved stadium- and stop to see the white stalactites of Pamukkale cascading down the hillside. Then make our way across the Anatolian Plateau to the mystical, volcanic, Cappadocian landscape where we'll spend time exploring the underground city of Daymakli, which dates back to the time of the Hittites. We also visit the ancient town of Goreme where the fairy chimneys and rock-cut houses still provide a home to the Cappadocian people. Finally we return to Istanbul via the capital, Ankara.

Aegean Coast & Cruise
15 days from Dalyan $830-$860 land only.
This 15-day trip gives you the best of both worlds. The first week is spent exploring the famous Greco-Roman sites of western Turkey. The second week cruises the coast near Bodrum aboard a traditional "gulet".

Caunus & Pamukkale: Starting at Dalyan, we take a boat trip to see the old Lycian city of Caunus before continuing on our way to Fethiye. We walk from the abandoned Greek town of Kaya across pine-clad hillsides to the secluded cove of Oludeniz, and then drive through hilly backcountry to the splendid, white marble ruins of Aphrodisias. We'll also visit Pamukkale's famous 'Frozen Waterfall', where you can enjoy a dip in the hot mineral waters of this ancient 'spa', just like the ancient Romans did before you.

Ancient Ephesus & Bodrum: From Selcuk, we explore the ancient seaport of Ephesus. At least half a day is spent wandering around the marble streets of this huge Greco-Roman city. One highlight is the remarkable two storied Library of Celsus. Further south, we see the scattered remnants of Priene and Miletus, and visit Apollo's Temple at Didyma. Then continue through the pine-clad hills to old Halicarnassus, Bodrum, whose great showpiece is the Crusader Castle of St Peter, complete with keep, moat and triple ramparts.

Seven-day Aegean Cruise: Boarding our gulet, we embark on a leisurely cruise around the coastal shores and rocky cliffs of the Aegean. There will be plenty of swimming and snorkeling along the way, not to mention some beach-hikes and evenings spent in the convivial company of the locals. Our craft is motorized and provides deck space for sunbathing or sleeping al fresco on warm nights.