Odysseys Unlimited

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Istanbul, Turkey

Day 2: Arrive Istanbul We arrive in Turkey’s cultural and spiritual heart today and transfer to our hotel located near Taksim Square, the heart of modern Istanbul. As guests’ arrival times may vary greatly, we have no group activities or meals planned; on our own we can explore the area surrounding our hotel or simply relax. Dinner tonight is on our own.

Day 3: Istanbul We taste Istanbul’s allure on a tour that begins at the vast Grand Bazaar, housing 4,000 shops selling goods of all kinds; and the Spice Market, with exotic spices, nuts, and dried fruits from around the world. Then we take a private cruise on the Bos­phorus, the waterway that separates Europe from Asia. We stop in the village of Ortakoy, known for its trendy art scene, cafés, and boutiques. There’s time to explore and have lunch on our own before we return to our hotel mid-afternoon. This evening we take a short walk to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner of traditional Turkish fare. B,D

Day 4: Istanbul Today we encounter Old Istanbul, beginning with the ancient Roman Hippodrome, the 3,500-year-old obelisk brought from Egypt in 390 CE. We continue on to the renowned Museum of Turkish & Islamic Art, housing priceless artifacts from the 8th–20th centuries. Next we visit the Blue Mosque, with its 20,000 blue Iznik tiles and signature six minarets; and Hagia Sofia, the 6th-century church that was Christendom’s most important before becom­ing a mosque in the 15th century. After lunch at a local restaurant, we tour splendid Topkapi, the medieval palace of Ottoman sultans that today is one of the world’s richest museums. B,L

Day 5: Istanbul/Gallipoli/Troy/Assos Leaving Istanbul this morning, we travel to the northern Aegean Coast for a brief visit to Gallipoli, haunting site of 31 Allied cemeteries from World War I. Then we ferry across the Dardanelles to Troy, once believed to exist only in Homer’s epic poem until the present site was discovered in the 1870s. After touring here we con­tinue south to Behramkale, ancient Assos, where we spend the night. B,L,D

Please note: Because of the Nazlihan Hotel’s small rooms and limited space, and in addition to your one piece of checked luggage, you will need to bring a smaller, soft-sided “carry” bag for your overnight stay in Assos.  This additional bag should be small and flexible enough to fit inside your checked luggage.

Day 6: Assos/Pergamum/Izmir Today we ex­plore one of Turkey’s most spectacular ancient sites: windswept Pergamum, a major power in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, with a wealth of Hellenistic ruins. Then we continue on to Izmir. B,L,D

Day 7: Izmir/Ephesus Few ancient sites com­pare to Ephesus, the world’s best-preserved class­ical city which we explore today. Dating to at least 1300 BCE, Ephesus was Asia Minor’s largest metro­polis and principal port. We also visit the acclaimed Ephesus Archaeological Museum housing relics from the ancient site. Then we enjoy lunch together in the rustic village of Sirince. B,L

Day 8: Izmir/Göcek Today we journey south to coastal Göcek, stopping along the way at a carpet factory to watch a demonstration of this age-old craft. Late afternoon we board our gulets for our first night on board. B,L,D

Day 9: Cruising – Aga Limani/Cleopatra Baths Our route for the next few days is along the stunning coastline Antony is said to have given Cleopatra as a wedding gift. We begin our “Blue Voyage” this morning as we cruise to the hidden cove of Aga Limani. From here we have the option of taking a three-hour hike to the Greco-Roman ruins at Lydea, ending at the Sunken Baths of Cleopatra. Set in a breathtaking inlet, the Baths offer crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkeling. Those who prefer a less strenuous day can stay aboard the gulets as they sail to the Sunken Baths. B,L,D

Day 10: Cruising – Ekincik Cove/Dalyan This morning we disembark and drive to Dalyan, an envi­ron­mentally protected area known for its loggerhead sea turtles. Here we board a small skiff for a trip through an intriguing maze of channels; high on the hills above we see well-preserved ancient Lycian rock tombs. After lunch at a local restaurant we drive back to our gulets for a relaxing afternoon in this stunning setting. B,L,D

Day 11: Cruising – Gemiler Island/Kayakoy Today we cruise to Gemiler Island to tour its 6th-century Byzantine monastery. After lunch on board our gulets we drive to the Greek “ghost town” of Kayakoy, which was abandoned after World War I and is now preserved as a historical monument. We explore the town and its churches then return to our gulets for our last night on board. B,L,D

Day 12: Fethiye/Demre/Myra/Antalya This morning we have a short cruise to Fethiye, disembark, bid farewell to our crew, and begin the drive to Antalya. Along the way we visit Demre to tour the striking Roman ruins at nearby Myra and visit the 12th-century Church of Saint Nicholas. After lunch in Demre we continue the drive along the Turquoise Coast to the resort city of Antalya. B,L,D

Day 13: Antalya On this morning’s walking tour, we encounter highlights of Antalya’s charming Old Town, including the extravagantly carved Hadrian’s Gate and the lovely Yivli Minare (fluted minaret). After a visit to the city’s Archaeological Museum, the remainder of the day is at leisure. B

Day 14: Antalya/Perge/Aspendos This morning we visit the ruins at ancient Perge, which reached its apex during the reign of Alexander the Great. We continue on to Aspendos, whose huge theater is con­sidered among the best preserved in all of antiquity. This afternoon is at leisure before tonight's farewell dinner at a local Antalya restaurant. B,D

Day 15: Depart for U.S. This morning we board an early flight for our return to the United States. B

Please note: This trip involves considerable walking on uneven or cobblestone streets and at sites of ancient ruins. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy the tour to its fullest.