Day 1: USA-Istanbul

Thu May 3rd- This evening, enjoy a relaxing overnight flight to Istanbul, departing from NY-JFK on Delta Airlines nonstop service to Istanbul Turkey..

Day 2: Istanbul-Arrival 9:55 AM

FRI May 4th- Our group is greeted upon arrival this morning by our tour manager and escorted to our hotel, the first class  Erasine Taksim hotel 

Eresin Taxim 4 star hotel is situated just a few steps away from Taksim square, the centre of modern Istanbul, shoping, dining and nightlife.

This ideal location gives all the best opportunity to enjoy restaurants, nightlife, and shopping, all within a very short and easy walk.

Discover the outstanding shopping, restaurants and leisure facilities around Eresin Taxim Hotel.

The historical attractions of Istanbul such as the Dolmabahce Palace, Ataturk Cultural Center, Yildiz Palace, Museum of Fine Arts, Ortakoy Mosque and LutfiKirdarare within easy reach from your base at Eresin Taxim Hotel.

Eresin Taxim Hotel Health Club features a sauna, a marble steam room, an indoor Jacuzzi swimming pool, and a private gym with state-of-the-art fitness equipment.

The hotel's private fitness centre has a wide range of modern, safe sports equipment to help guests work out and keep healthy during their stay, and offers fitness programs led by professional trainers.

Massage services are also available, giving guests a complete environment for relaxing and improving their body and sense of well-being

Enjoy international cuisine at the à la carte restaurant followed by cocktails in the bar to the relaxing sounds of live piano music

Bathrooms feature shower/tub combinations with handheld showerheads. They also offer phones, makeup/shaving mirrors, and hair dryers. Guestrooms offer direct-dial phones and in-room safes. Televisions have satellite channels. Air-conditioned rooms also include separate sitting areas, desks, complimentary bottled water, and blackout drapes/curtains

One recent online review of this hotel’s amazing location read:

                Excellent location, friendly staff”

Date of review: Feb 15, 2011 - New

I travel to Istanbul frequently for business and this hotel has recently become my favorite. The prices are very reasonable and the service and general quality is well above the average. The breakfast is also delicious although basic. But the big plus about this hotel is its location. It's 2 minutes walk to Taksim square which is literally the center of Istanbul. When you start suffering the famous traffic, you will understand how important a central location is while staying in Istanbul

            Another writes

                        We stayed at this hotel for 3 days at the end of July 2010. It really is very well located with restaurants and shops right outside and Taxim Square a couple of minutes away. The Metro stop is at Taxim Square and we found the public transport in Istanbul amazingly easy to use.

http://www.eresin.com.tr/eresintaxim/about-en.html

The remainder of the day is at leisure. 

If you wish, sign up in advance for our optional Bosphorous cruise.    Its an ideal way to unwind after the long flight and just relax as you sail effortlessly along the beautiful Bosphorous River.

Imagine travelling on the Bosphorus straits - one of the most historic and

ancient waterways in the world - where East meets West - the beautiful

strait that divides Europe in the West and Asia in the east. The private

motor boat winds between wooded hills and all should have their cameras

ready as they pass by castles, extravagant Baroque palaces of the late

Ottoman Sultans, 19th century mansions, picturesque villages and magnificent

mosques. The boat captain will give a commentary pointing out all these

memorable sights. The Bosphorus cruise is a must to really appreciate

Istanbul and its magnificent ancient history. The places you will see look

very different from the water as you get close to the various palaces and

mansions.

Price per person – only $55

This evening, we will enjoy a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel lounge with a complimentary welcome drink (your choice of beer, wine or soft drink).  This is also a great chance to mingle with the rest of the group and make dinner plans to walk into Taksim square to enjoy the fabulous and varied dining and night options.

Day 3: Istanbul

SAT. May 5th - Enjoy a full-day tour of Istanbul including Topkapi Palace (excluding harem), the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.

The Topkapi Palace was Home of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years.

Local people called it "Topkapi" which in Turkish means "Gate of Cannons" because of huge cannons displayed outside of its gates, those which were used during the Conquest.  
         
The Salutation Gate                  Topkapi Palace as seen from the Bosphorus River
At Topkapi Palace

The Blue Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world and one of very few to have six minarets.  The cascading domes and six slender minarets of the Sultanahmet Mosque (better known as the "Blue Mosque") dominate the skyline of Istanbul.

A beautifully tiled dome in the Blue Mosque

Day 4: Istanbul-Ankara  (B,D)

SUN May 6^th  – This morning is at leisure to explore Istanbul at your leisure or take optional excursions.   Consider an optional morning tour of Saint Sophia (also called Hagia Sophia)or a relaxing Bosphorus River.  cruise. In the afternoon depart for Ankara.

Next to the Blue Mosque in the same impressive square, stands Hagia Sophia, a great architectural beauty and an important monument both for Byzantine and for Ottoman Empires.

Once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum at the Turkish Republic, Hagia Sophia has always been a precious monument of its era.

The mystical city Istanbul hosted many civilizations since centuries, of which Byzantium and Ottoman Empires were both the most famous ones. The city today carries the characteristics of these two different cultures and surely Hagia Sophia is a perfect synthesis where one can observe both Ottoman and Byzantium effects under one great dome.

Next to the Blue Mosque in the same impressive square, stands Hagia Sophia, a great architectural beauty and an important monument both for Byzantine and for Ottoman Empires. Once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum at the Turkish Republic, Hagia Sophia has always been a precious monument of its era.

The mystical city Istanbul hosted many civilizations since centuries, of which Byzantium and Ottoman Empires were both the most famous ones. The city today carries the characteristics of these two different cultures and surely Hagia Sophia is a perfect synthesis where one can observe both Ottoman and Byzantium effects under one great dome.

 Before departing the square, we will have the chance to visit the famed Hagia Sophia.  You will discover Istanbul is full of history, dating back over 1300 years.  It is very secular, modern and welcomes visitors from all over the world.

The 2 great structures standing on the same square gives many the pause to compare the styles and make their own judgment as to which is the grandest work.

 
Hagia Sophia in the setting sun

Upon arrival in Ankara, we will check in to our Superior First Class hotel Radisson Blu Hotel.

http://www.radissonblu.com/hotel-ankara

Affording stunning views of the city's famous Gençlik Park, its roving ponds  and local attractions such as the Ataturk Mausoleum and Citadel of Ankara, as well as easy access to the adjacent subway station, the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ankara provides ideal accommodation for business and leisure travelers.

The Radisson Blu Hotel offers 202 stylishly modern hotel rooms in Ankara, Turkey,. Enjoy private balconies and expansive views of Gençlik Park and Ataturk Mausoleum from the hotel rooms. Busy travelers can take advantage of the Free high-speed Internet available in all rooms and suites, which also come furnished with five-star luxury amenities such as individual climate control, mini bar, hair dryer, laptop-sized safe, satellite and pay-TV, trouser press, slippers and complimentary beverages.

Luxury Accommodation in Ankara Offers Five-star Services and Amenities
This Radisson Blu Hotel accommodation in Ankara offers guests premium services such as fitness centre, business centre, concierge and restaurant reservation services and on-site salon. After a busy day of travel, guests at this Ankara accommodation can find respite in the fully equipped gym, get work done with Free high-speed Internet, printing and photocopying services in the business centre, and book restaurant reservations with the concierge. Guests also can enjoy 24-hour room service and valet or complimentary outdoor car parking at this accommodation in Ankara.

Day 6: Cappadocia (B,D)

TUE May 8th – This morning take an optional hot air balloon ride over the amazing moon like landscape of Cappadocia. 

This is truly one of the must do experiences.  It was voted as one of the 1000 natural wonders in the world you must see.

Volcanic rock has been dramatically sculpted over centuries in Cappadocia.  Hot Air ballooning here provides an incredible vantage point to see this amazing moonlike landscape.  Sail in the early morning sky overhead.  Watch the sunrise gloriously then watch in awe as you float effortlessly over the cliffs, caves and otherworldly natural phenomena.

 Upon landing, toast your flight with champagne.   Flights are operated all year around and every season has another charm.  Experiencing such an amazing aerial nature walk in this “dream world” is absolutely a life time experience.

Today, we will tour Goreme with its 6th-10th century rock chapels decorated with Christian frescoes, Zelve's cliff-side Byzantine monastic complex, and Uchisar's natural citadel.

Goreme is one of Cappadocia's few cities where the characteristic fairy chimney rock formations have been continually inhabited for centuries. The most popular attraction by far is the fascinating Open Air Museum, with its ancient painted cave churches and its history as one of Christianity's earliest education centers. Other early churches in Goreme include the 6th-century Durmus Kadir.

Goreme is a combination of history and natural rock formations.  Violent volcanic eruptions , millions of years ago have sculpted this land into an otherworldly landscape that has to be seen to be believed.

The interesting rock formations known as “fairy chimneys” have been formed by erosion.  The colors are brilliant, with warm reds, golds and greens.

The Fairy Chimneys of Goreme

Cappadocia is a spectacular, almost surreal landscape of rock and cones, capped pinnacles and fretted ravines. Dwellings have been hewn from the soft, volcanic rock since 400 BC, and the elaborate cave systems have sheltered generations of persecuted settlers.

 Today, it is a fascinating mix of truly magnificent scenery (as beautiful in the winter snow as in summer), an excellent destination for outdoor activities from mountain biking and hiking to hot-air ballooning, and one of the most compelling historic and artistic regions in this culturally rich country. Many people still live, at least partially, in cave dwellings and in the main tourist centers, there are several charming small hotels with cave rooms. The main towns in the region are Nevsehir and Urgup.

Göreme is probably the biggest attraction, with over 30 magnificently frescoed Byzantine rock churches open to the public.   The Göreme Open-Air Museum, a monastic complex of rock churches and chapels covered with frescoes, is one of the best known sites in central Turkey. Most of the chapels date from the 10th to the 13th century

Zelve has a huge, somewhat eerie underground monastic complex. The villages of Ortahisar and Uchisar, clustered around rock pinnacles and crowned by citadels, offer excellent views. There are over 400 underground cities in the area

At the end of our tour, we will return to our 5 star hotel , the Dedeman Konya hotel for the evening at leisure.

Day 7: Cappadocia-Pamukkale  .(B,D)

WED May 9th – Today we depart for Pamukkale, en route you will see the famous mausoleum of the sufi philosopher Mevlana. Upon arrival, we will check in to the Superior First Class Pam Thermal hotel

Pam Thermal Hotel exists in the western part of Turkey, in Denizli city and Pamukkale Karahayit region, in the foot of forestry mountain. In addition to the fabulous white lime stone of Pamukkale, Karahayit region is also famous for its red water. This thermal spring which has its source within our hotel, fascinates everyone by its formation of beautiful red colored lime stones and thermal pools.

You can benefit from the thermal water of Pam Thermal Hotel all the year which is 58 C. The natural thermal mud has been used for medicinal and beauty purposes for centuries. This curative water with its thermo mineral and magnesium, calcium, carbon dioxide, sulfide and bicarbonate is suitable in many areas as a curative treatment. Our hotel which is a member of the Turkish Health Ministry and our thermal water which is registered by the European Thermal Springs Association can be used for bathing.

Day 8: Pamukkale – Kusadasi  (B,D)

THU May 10th - Today visit the unique Cotton Fortress, the white calcium cascades formed by mineral springs and the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis.

Hierapolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hot springs there have been used as a spa since the 2nd century BCE, and people came to soothe their ailments

The great baths were constructed with huge stone blocks without the use of cement, and consisted of various closed or open sections linked together. There are deep niches in the inner section of the bath, library, gymnasium and other closed or open locations. The complex, which was constructed in the 2nd century BCE, constitutes a good example of vault type architecture. The complex is now an archaeological museum.

Hierapolis is a Turkish "must see" and all tours of the country include a visit to its ruins: However many who have been there may not remember the name of the ancient town, because the location is now known as Pamukkale, (the cotton castle). The name is due to the very white calcareous deposits in mineral springs on the slope near the ancient town.                    

The warm calcium-laden waters spring from the earth just around the corner to the right and flow into the pool, then through channels and over a cliff. The water cools as it falls and calcium dissolved in it precipitates to form gleaming white travertines, the "Cotton Castle" (pamuk = cotton, kale = castle).

The extensive ruins of the Roman mineral water spa city of Hierapolis include a grand theater, a vast necropolis (cemetery), colonnaded street, baths, and numerous other ruined structures.

We continue by coach to Kusadasi where we check in to our Superior First Class, 5 star  Hotel, the Korumar Hotel

The Korumar is a Beautiful deluxe hotel with some of the best views of a sunset on the Aegean Sea that you will ever see.

The hotel has a wonderful private beach for relaxing or just watching the ships at sea, a full service spa, large pool and Jacuzzi, plus 4 restaurants and 5 bars, including an awesome beachside bar. Hotel facilities also include musical entertainment featuring live shows and evena  disco to dance the night away.

Rooms have mini bar, safe wireless internet access and private balcony.  Bathrooms have hair dryers too.

Day 9: Ephesus & Virgin Mary's house-Kusadasi  (B,D)

FRI May 11th - Today we tour the ruins of Ephesus, the Virgin Mary's cottage, the 2,000 year old marble streets, a theater, the library of Celsius, and Hadrian's Temple.

The ancient city of Ephesus (Turkish: Efes), located near the Aegean Sea in modern day Turkey, was one of the great cities of the Greeks in Asia Minor and home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Today, the ruins of Ephesus are a major tourist attraction

Some of the features of the tour today of the ancient civilization of Ephesus are”

Basilica of St. John

The Basilica of St. John was built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century over the traditional tomb of John the Evangelist. The site became a major pilgrimage destination in the Early Middle Ages.

Cave of the Seven Sleepers

According to legend, seven Christian boys were locked in this cave by the Romans in c.250 AD, fell asleep, and woke up in the 5th century. It became a place of burial and pilgrimage.

Church of Mary

The walls, an arch, and the baptismal pool remain intact at the Church of Mary, possibly the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the world and the site of the Council of Ephesus in 431.

Ephesus Museum

This museum next to the Basilica of John displays religious sculptures and other artifacts from Ephesus. Most notable are two beautiful statues of the Ephesian Artemis.

Grotto of St. Paul

Although not generally accessible to the public, this cave is worth mentioning for the important frescoes and inscriptions that were found inside.

House of the Virgin

Discovered in a vision by a bedridden German nun in 1812, this stone building is believed by many Catholics and Muslims to be where the Virgin Mary lived her last years. There is also a healing fountain

Library of Celsus

The facade of the Library of Celsus is one of the most spectacular sights in Ephesus. Built by a Roman in memory of his father, it faces east so the reading rooms receive the morning light.

Temple of Hadrian

This attractive Roman imperial temple was constructed in 118 AD and reconstructed in the fifth century. Its tympanum bears an interesting frieze that may depict Medusa.

Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 10: Pergamum-Troy-Canakkale  (B,D)

SAT May 12th – Today we visit ancient Pergamum, home to the Altar of Zeus..

The Zeus Altar was constructed by Eumenes II (197-159 BC) as a memorial of Pergamum's victory over the Galatians under Attalus I.

In Byzantine times, the temple was neglected and eventually dismantled. Fragments of marble from the altar were built into the Byzantine defensive walls.

There is little to see at the original site today, but it is enough to provide a sense of the magnitude of the great shrine.

The Altar of Zeus had a commanding view of the city, and still does

Next, we will tour Troy's legendary walls and replica of the famous wooden horse used during the Trojan War.

     For most of the last 3000 years, people assumed that Homer's Iliad was fiction, and that Troy (Truva in Turkish) never existed.

Then in 1863 a British expatriate named Frank Calvert discovered ancient ruins at a place in western Turkey called Hisarlik (maps), and was convinced they were Troy.

Heinrich Schliemann showed up in 1868, provided money for more digging, and took credit for discovering Troy.

     Get a thrill just from seeing Troy's ancient walls, climbing around the ruins, and gazing across the Troad (the plains of Troy) towards the waters of the Dardanelles and the hills of Gallipoli beyond.

    Troy is impressive for its great age (the oldest ruins date from 3000 BC) and beautiful situation.

    You will see a replica of the original Trojan Horse, that was instrumental in the Greeks defeating the Trojans in the ancient Trojan War.

The tale of Troy is told by Homer with the Iliad and the Odyssey. Homer was drawing on a vast cycle of stories about Trojan War. The Iliad includes a few weeks in the tenth year of the war.

 We will Continue to Canakkale for an overnight at our Superior First Class Hotel.  Kolin Hotel

This luxury hotel sits right on the beach and also provides an indoor and outdoor pool for relaxation, as well as a Turkish bath, Jacuzzi and a spa offering treatments such as facials, Turkish foam massage.

You can drink your tea at the Spa Cafe or relax at the garden. Carpe Diem Spa is determined to satisfy your personal needs.

The hotel has 6  bars all of different themes:

Hellespont Lobby Bar


With the panoramic view of the Çanakkale Strait, come and enjoy your morning coffee. You can also select from our extensive selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink menu while watching the sunset from the Hellespont Lobby Bar. Either on the terrace or indoor with live music on the evenings, the Bar is welcoming its guests 24 hours.


Roof Bar


On the 8th floor of our Hotel overlooking the beautiful Strait, Roof Bar is ready to host its guests at its indoor and outdoor spaces. In the winter, come and enjoy the fireplace while you hear guitar melodies in the background. On the weekends, you can also listen to live music at our Bar.


Dardanel Bar


If you are looking for a calm place, this is the place you are looking for. You can plan your day at this cozy bar.


Pool Bar


We prepare special cocktails only for you who would like to chill by the pool during the summer. And the Snack Bar is next to us to offer fast food and salad selections.


Vitamin Bar


While rejuvenating at the Health Club, natural vitamins are poured into your glass from our Bar to energize.


City Point (Night Club)


Another name for fun, City Point... Its live performances, parties and surprises are waiting for you on the weekends until 03:00 AM...

Additionally, we offer gardens overlooking the Strait, bicycle and trekking courses, soccer, volleyball, basketball and tennis courts,

Day 11: Gallipoli-Dardanelles-Istanbul  (B)

SUN May 13th - Morning departure to Gallipoli, where we will visit Anzac Cove, the Lone Pine Cemetery, Chunk Bair battlefield and Gabatepe War Museum..

Anzac Cove (Turkish: Anzak Koyu) is a small cove on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey. It became famous as the site of World War I landing of the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) on April 25, 1915. The cove is a mere 600m long, bounded by the headlands of Ari Burnu to the north and Little Ari Burnu, known as Hell Spit, to the south. Following the landing at Anzac Cove, the beach became the main base for the Australian and New Zealand troops for the eight months of the Battle of Gallipoli.

We will Cross the Dardanelles to Istanbul where we will once again check into our first class, ideally located hotel, the Eresim Taksim, for a final night at leisure to explore the lively dining and nightlife in Taksim square.

We will enjoy a farewell cocktail reception at the hotel with a free drink for all.

Tonight if you wish, join us for an optional farewell dinner including your choice of either:

Dinner and drinks only: $79

Istanbul by night including guided drive through Istanbul, highlighting its illuminated grand buildings, followed by dinner, drinks and post meal floor show. $89

Day 12: Istanbul-Return  (B)

MON May 14th - We will be transferred to the airport where we will check in for our Delta airlines nonstop flight back to New York JFK   Our flight departs Istanbul at 12:55 in the afternoon and arrives JFK at 4:55pm the same day.

OUR AMAZING SIGHTS OF TURKEY TOUR INCLUDES:

• ROUND TRIP NONSTOP AIR ON DELTA AIRLINES BETWEEN NEW YORK JFK AND ISTANBUL TURKEY

• ROUND TRIP AIRPORT TRANSFERS AS A GROUP

• 10 NIGHTS SUPERIOR FIRST CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS

• GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOURS AS LISTED IN THE TRIP ITINERARY

• 10 BREAKFASTS AND 7 DINNERS

• ALLSINGLESTRAVEL.COM TRIP ESCORT FROM THE TIME YOU LEAVE JFK UNTIL THE TIME YOU RETURN AND EVERY DAY IN BETWEEN

• LOCAL BI-LINGUAL TOUR MANAGER FROM THE TIME WE ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL UNTIL THE TIME WE DEPART ISTANBUL TO FLY HOME

• FREE ROOMMATE MATCHING BASED ON AGE, SEX AND SMOKING OR NON SMOKING

TRIP COST:    ALL FOR ONLY $2299 + $149 TAXES

Optional Single Supplement for those not wishing to take advantage of our free roommate matching service: $549

Passengers wishing to provide their own air may deduct $850 including taxes.

A $200 deposit is due within 3 days of making your reservation.  Deposits can be made online using our paypal link to our secure payment server 24 hours a day or by calling us during business hours at 800-717-3231.

Deposits are refundable if cancelled by December 20th and non refundable if cancelled thereafter.

Balance payments are due Feb. 1st and are non refundable.