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Turkey Tour Will run again in a year or two, check back for details!
TLC TRAVEL PRESENTS: Crown of Turkey & gullet Led by Patsy Williamson May 06 - 23, 2007
SUNDAY, MAY 06 – Depart San Francisco on American Airlines flight # 1486 departing at 9:25AM arrive Chicago at 3:30PM. Connect to your nonstop Turkish Air flight # 6 to Istanbul, departing at 5:00PM.
MONDAY, MAY 07 – ANKARA (D) Arrive at 11:45AM. Connect to Turkish Air flight # 124 to Ankara, departing at 1:00PM and arriving at 2:00PM. Upon arrival at Ankara Esenboga Airport, you’ll be met by our Ya'lla Tours Turkey representative and transferred to our hotel for overnight. Ankara, the capital of modern Turkey since 1923, now has a population of over 3 million. Our hotel, ETAP ALTINEL, (formerly Ador Altinel) is a 4 plus-star hotel in downtown. All 171 rooms are equipped with air conditioning, telephone, satellite TV, mini-bar and hair dryers. Amenities include 24-hour room service, restaurants, bars, a bakery, indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna and a Turkish bath.
TUESDAY, MAY 08 – CAPPADOCIA (B,D) After breakfast, we’ll visit the splendid Museum of the Anatolian Civilizations with its unique collection of ancient art and impressive exhibit of the ancient Hittite Civilization of Anatolia – one of Europe’s best! We’ll visit the Ataturk Mausoleum, the resting-place of the father of the modern Republic of Turkey. The stones of the Mausoleum are purposely uneven in length to keep pedestrians' heads bowed as they approach the tomb. En route, we’ll stop for a short visit to the 13th century Agzikarahan Caravanserai, fortified inns for caravans traveling the ancient trade routes. Our drive will continue to the surrealistic, strange and surprising area of Cappadocia. We’ll arrive at our unique cave hotel for a relaxing, dinner and overnight. Our hotel, UGUP EVI is carved directly into a historic cave and retains original details like carved ornaments, niches and winepresses. Plumbing and fixtures are modern. The rooms of the Nurcan Gurler house are carved into volcanic rock around a sun- filled courtyard and the spectacular view of Cappadocia lies at your feet. Since cave hotels are very exclusive and unique, undoubtedly each room will be uniquely different and individual in character.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 09 – CAPPADOCIA (B,D) Next explore Cappadocia with homes hidden in windswept landscapes and cities buried inside sinuously shaped hills of stone. Once heart of the Hittite Empire, then a vast Roman province, Cappadocia survived volcanic eruptions, mountains of ash, eroding winds and rains. We’ll explore the natural citadel of Uchisar, a traditional village surrounded by rock pinnacles and see the underground city of Derinkuyu, where thousands of men sheltered themselves from enemy attacks in this land of "Fairy Chimneys." These fascinating subterranean cities, still intact, were built in the 7th century as refuge for Christians fleeing persecution. Tens of thousands of people lived in this four-story maze of caves, tunnels and rooms deep in the earth, hoping to escape early invaders. Passageways between rooms, paths and levels above and below -- it is a giant Swiss cheese of stone. There are signs of life everywhere – storage jars for oil, wine and water, communal kitchens blackened by smoke, stables and deep wells that echo. These underground cities were so well hidden that they went undiscovered until the 1960s. Next, we’ll visit the rock-carved churches in the Goreme Valley with magnificent 11th and 12th century frescoes, and Zelve, a town riddled with tunnels, where chapels and monasteries were hallowed into rocks as hiding places during the Byzantine era. Vividly preserved during the ensuing centuries, the original frescoes celebrate the beliefs of the early Christians. The only light that permeates the churches is the natural light that filters in through the entrances. We’ll return to our unique cave hotel for dinner at the hotel and overnight.
THURSDAY, MAY 10 – ANTALYA (B,D) Drive along the "Silk Road", through the Taurus Mountains to the Turquoise Coast. This will be our longest day on the bus, but we’ll journey through some spectacular mountainous countryside and stop for coffee/beverage and lunch breaks along the way as well as some sightseeing including the Caravanserai of Sultanhani, built as a safe haven for traders who frequently traveled this road. It will also be a great time for our guide to talk about the difference between fakes and “real” Turkish rugs, historical Turkey trivia and any questions the group may have. We’ll visit the holy city of Konya, held sacred by Sufi Muslims. One of the world's most ancient cities and Turkey's most religious sites, it is home and resting place of the prolific spiritual teacher known as Mevlana (or Rumi), the great mystic who inspired the rituals of the "whirling Dervishes." The whirling dance of the dervishes induces a deep meditative state and is done as a form of spiritual practice and to honor the mystical teachings of Mevlana. We will arrive in the Ancient City and modern resort of Antalya in the evening for dinner and overnight. Still standing on the cliffs that surround Antalya are the ancient city walls and ramparts built by the Greeks. In town stands the 13th-century Alaeddin Mosque and Hadrian's Gate which were built in honor of the Emperor's visit in AD 130. Our hotel, MARMARA ANTALYA, is a new hotel located in the city center on the sea shore with a private beach. All 238 rooms have a/c, mini-bar, safe box, internet connection, shower/bathtub, and hair dryer. Facilities and services include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, spa, massage, Jacuzzi, sauna and Turkish bath.
FRIDAY, MAY 11 – ANTALYA (B,D) Drive to the ancient city of Perge and Aspendos (about an hour drive), one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world and once one of the richest cities in the area. This region, known in antiquity as Pamphylia, was famous for its Greco-Roman monuments. Perge was a city of considerable importance during the Hellenistic period and home to a school of brilliant sculptors -- note the oversized Hellenistic and Roman gates and colonnaded streets. It is also the place where St. Paul preached his first sermon. Aspendos dates back to the Hittites, although the visible ruins are all Roman, including the best preserved Roman Theater in Turkey and in the world. Built in the 2nd century, the Aspendos Theater has a capacity of more than 15,000 seats and has remained intact for 1,800 years while war, earthquakes and time have destroyed the surrounding monuments. We’ll return to Antalya for a free afternoon “on your own”. You might want to stroll along the Mediterranean coastline or take your time to wander through Kaleici, the old section of town with ottoman houses and Roman ruins. Dinner is served in the hotel, followed by overnight.
SATURDAY, MAY 12 – GULLET (B,L,D) After breakfast, we’ll drive (about 3-4 hours) to Fethiye, where we’ll meet up with our chartered Gullet for our private, four-night voyage, scratching the Lycian coastline, also known as the Turkish Riviera or the Turquoise Coast in one of the most unusual ways. The gullet is a traditional Turkish wooden ketch that resembles a pirate galleon. All gullets in Turkey are hand made, which means no two are exactly alike. Our gullet is more has 8 comfortable cabins, each with private facilities. Our chef will prepare all of our meals, collecting fresh ingredients and supplies in the small villages we visit along the way. The crew and staff will sail the gullet, clean our cabins daily and attend to our every need. Unlimited fresh bottled water is included, but not soda or alcoholic drinks. However, we will be able to purchase our own beverages in the market before boarding the gullet (as well as in villages along the way) and the staff will keep it cold on ice. Make sure to check out the delicate Turkish wine and ‘raki’ (the national alcoholic drink). Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit, and you’ll also need to bring your own towel. The closeness of the small group of people on board promotes an atmosphere of friendship and sharing. Relations among passengers and crew tend to be relaxed and casual. Tonight, we’ll settle into our new “home” and remain docked in Fethiye Bay, preparing for our first sail the next morning.
SUNDAY, MAY 13 – GULLET (B,L,D) This morning, we’ll set sail to the beautiful Gocek Bay area (about a 3-4 hour sail) where many small islands and gorgeous bays make perfect stopping off points for swimming and on-shore strolls. Tonight we’ll anchor in Ag Limani for overnight.
MONDAY, MAY 14 – GULLET (B,L,D) This morning, we’ll set sail to the region of Ekincik, visiting Disibilmez and Baba Islands en-route (about a 3-4 hour sail). From Ekincik, it’s possible to visit the ruins of Dalyan (carved into the side of a mountain) and the 3,000 BC ancient city of Caunos by riverboat (time permitting, optional). We’ll dock in the beautiful bay for overnight.
TUESDAY, MAY 15 – GULLET (B,L,D) This morning, we’ll set sail for Ince Ada and Gebekilise (about a 5-hour sail, our longest). We’ll stop for swimming along the way in Kadirga and Kumlubuk and arrive Turunc in the afternoon where we’ll stay for our last night aboard the gullet.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16 – SELCUK (B) We’ll disembark the gullet in Marmaris and then drive to Bodrum (about a 2-hour drive) to visit the Greek city of Halicarnassus, founded in the 5th century BC as one of the first Greek colonies in Asia. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, one of two of the wonder sites that we will be visiting this trip (only the crumbled remnants remain). Of note, six out of the seven Ancient Wonders did not survive to this present day. The only one still standing are the Egyptian pyramids. We’ll visit St. Peter's Castle, which hosts one of the finest museums in the Mediterranean. The greatest interest comes from the Underwater Archeological Museum, containing statues and amphorae recovered from the sea. The castle is full of surprises, with a Byzantine hall showing models of underwater explorations, courtyards, gardens with peacocks and doves, and a cafe where you can rest. We’ll then drive south to Selcuk (about a 3-hour drive) for overnight. Our hotel, HOTEL KALEHAN, is a famous, long established family hotel, built and landscaped in the style of an Ottoman Inn using traditional materials and antique furniture in typical Anatolian style. It is a 3-star hotel and all of the 54 rooms have air-conditioning, telephone, private baths, and hair dryer. This hotel is located below the 6th century castle. I know you’ll enjoy it!
THURSDAY, MAY 17 – SELCUK (B) This morning, we’ll tour the spectacular ruins of Ephesus, undoubtedly the best preserved classical city on the Mediterranean and one of the few Greco-Roman sites in the world that still reflects the grandeur of bygone centuries. Relics found in Ephesus date this city's existence to at least 3,000 BC. Ephesus is another city of the Seven Churches of the Revelation and was a large ancient port with a population of over 250,000. 1,000 years before Christ, Greek colonists settled here. When the Romans took over, Ephesus was the boomtown of Asia Minor. The city played a major role in the development of architecture, religion, economic systems and arts. St. Paul lived here, attempted to spread Christianity here, and walked through the marble streets during his missionary journey.
Despite earthquakes and plundering, much of it remains, giving us considerable insight into Roman life. We’ll tour the ancient city. The Temple of Diana (Artemision) is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the second one that we will be visiting this trip. We will visit the excavation and imaginations will stir (only the crumbled remnants remain). We’ll also peek into the elegant Library of Celsus as well as the baths, a brothel, theaters, the streets, marketplace and houses. The Virgin Mary, it’s said, came to Ephesus, accompanied by St. John near the end of her life. A short drive takes us to the Basilica of St. John, another Justianian masterpiece. This one is erected atop the remains of St. John. We’ll return to the hotel in the afternoon and you can spend the rest of the day and evening “on your own”. There are lots of quaint taverns, restaurants and shops in Selcuk. Enjoy your day!
FRIDAY, MAY 18 – CANAKKALE (B,D) Drive along the coast of the Aegean Sea to the ancient city of Pergamum (now called Bergama and the most favored of the Seven Churches of the Bible). Parchment was invented in Pergamum, after Egypt cut off the supply of papyrus. See the amazing archaeology whose heyday began after the vast Persian Empire crumbled following the death of Alexander the Great (323 BC). Christianity reached Pergamum very early and its church was praised for extraordinary forbearance during times of persecution. It was here that the first Christians were executed by Rome. We’ll visit the stunning Acropolis of the Hellenistic city, perched 1000 feet above the town with its pre-Dewey Decimal System library, its theater, the Alter of Zeus, the Temple of Trajan and Dionysus, the world’s steepest amphitheater and Asklepion, the earliest health center of Asia Minor, known as one of the foremost medical centers of classical times. Dedicated to Asklepion, the god of health and medicine, this first health spa was a place to socialize and recuperate. Visit the archaeological museum. We’ll return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. Our hotel, KOLIN, is a great 4 star hotel located in the city center and has a private beach on the Aegean Sea. It has 276 rooms, with direct dial telephone, music, mini-bar, safe box, internet connection, satellite TV, central AC, bathroom with bathtub. There are several restaurants and coffee shops, as well as a great garden, TV room, game room & internet cafe, business centre, hair dresser, laundry, ironing, market, gift shop, cinema, and 24 hr room service. It also has outdoor swimming pool, heated indoor swimming pool, children's swimming pool, Turkish bath, Finish bath, sauna, massage, Jacuzzi, beauty center, fitness center, table tennis, billiard, night club, tennis, football, volley ball, basketball, jogging.
SATURDAY, MAY 19 – ISTANBUL (B) After breakfast, we’ll take a ferry across the Dardanelles and visit the Anzac Bay and the World War I battlefield memorials (ANZAK Memorial). Fighting on opposite sides at Gallipoli were two future great leaders – Winston Churchill and Mustafa Kemal (Ataturk, the Father of Modern Turkey). During nine months of battles more than 100,000 men were killed and half a million were wounded. We’ll continue to Istanbul, established in the 7th century BC, it bridges the two continents of Europe and Asia. We’ll check into our hotel for an “on your own” afternoon and overnight. Our hotel, NIPPON, is a nice 4 star hotel, completely renovated in June 2006, located in the heart of Taksim Square. All standard rooms have air-conditioning, mini-bar, high-speed internet access, safe, hairdryer, complimentary water, tea and coffee. The hotel offers a fitness center, and restaurant.
SUNDAY, MAY 20 – ISTANBUL (B) Visit the legendary Blue Mosque. Built in the early 17th century, this masterpiece of Turkish architecture includes an interior with over 20,000 glazed blue porcelain “Iznik” tiles. Suleyman the Magnificent hired soldier architect Sinan to build it and the world has never ceased light, space and serenity quite the same since. Istanbul’s immortality is bound with Sinan’s – 41 of his buildings still stand. Stroll around the historical Hippodrome Square, the scene of ancient chariot races and the center of Byzantine life for 1,000 years and Ottoman life for another 400 years. A short walk away is St. Sophia, originally a Christian Basilica built by Justinian the Great in the 6th century. He was not known for thinking small. It was Christianity’s greatest church before St. Peters in Rome and was converted to a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. The beautiful Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy inside testify to the spiritual harmony of both religions. Visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, built in the 16th century for Suleiman the Magnificent and the Topkapi Palace, legendary residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Covet the sultan’s priceless treasury of jewels including an 88-carot diamond, celadon pottery and kitchen copperware. Wander about the harem, the very private place where the sultan’s mothers, sisters, wives and 300 concubines lived in privileged seclusion, all carefully guarded by a corps of 200 Abyssinian eunuchs. Harem girls who fell out of favor, fell mysteriously into the Bosphorus below. The afternoon will be free to enjoy the exhilarating bazaar of Istanbul. We’ll then return to our hotel where you can enjoy the rest of the evening “on your own”.
MONDAY, MAY 21 – ISTANBUL (B) Visit the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, where it has remained exactly the same since 1665. Follow your nose and stock up on your favorites – cinnamon… Peach pit powder… Rabbit fat… Elemi. Next, we’ll board the ferry and cross the Bosphorus Bridge to Camlica Hill on the Asian side to see the breathtaking view of Istanbul. Sites along the way include the 15th century Rumelihisar fortress, summer palaces and the unique wooden houses of the area. The cruise ends at the fishing village of Sariyer close to the Black Sea where we’ll visit the Beylerbeyi Palace. Built in the 19th century by Sultan Abdulaziz for his closest friends – kings, princes, empresses and shahs – and notable for its Oriental works of art, furniture and fabulous carpets. We’ll return to our hotel where you can enjoy the evening “on your own”.
TUESDAY, MAY 22 – ISTANBUL (B) Free day “on your own’ at leisure to explore Istanbul.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 23 – (B) We’ll be transferred to Istanbul Ataturk Airport for our early morning departure on Turkish Air nonstop flight # 5 to Chicago, leaving at 10:00AM and arriving at 1:40PM. Clear US Customs and immigration and connect to your American Airlines flight # 1835 to San Francisco, leaving at 3:30PM arriving at 6:10PM.
************************************************************************ Price per person in a double room: $4,395 Price for single room supplement: $795
Land only price: $3,495
Business class supplement: $1,950 (only on TK flights, not on AA)
Prices are GUARANTEED for May 2007 ************************************************************************
PRICE INCLUDES: · Round trip economy class airfare from San Francisco to Chicago with American Airlines. · Round trip economy class airfare from Chicago to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines. · One way economy class airfare from Istanbul to Ankara with Turkish Airlines. · 12 nights of accommodations at the listed hotels with breakfast daily. · 4-night private Gullet voyage from Fethiye to Marmaris with all meals onboard and unlimited bottled water. · 5 dinners outside of Istanbul. · All transfers to/from the airports. · 10 days of tours in an air-conditioned mini-bus with a licensed, English-speaking guide. · All entrance fees as per itinerary. · Portage at airport and hotels. · Service and local taxes. · Tips to guide and driver recommended $90 per traveler. · Tips to gullet staff, recommended at $20 per traveler. · Tips to bellman ($1 per piece of luggage handled in every hotel).
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: · Visa to Turkey (Please have $20 USD pp ready on arrival in Turkey) · Departure tax, $255 based on November 2006 rates. · Meals except as specified. · Drinks of any kind. · Travel insurance, $319 per person based on double occupancy, $349 based on single.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
· Air schedules are subject to change at any time. · ANY CANCELLATIONS AFTER THE DEPOSIT WILL BE ASSESSED A $50 PER PERSON FEE.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
PRICE: * The price of the tour is: $4,395 per person in a double room based on a minimum of 20 participants in the tour. The price is guaranteed but if due to unforeseen circumstances beyond Ya’lla Tours USA Inc’s control, our suppliers increase the price, Ya’lla USA Inc. will adjust the price accordingly. * Price of the airfare portion of the tour is subject to change until the air ticket has been issued. * Should a single traveler wish to share a room with another traveler, and Ya'lla Tours USA Inc. is unable to match him/her with a roommate, the single room supplement will apply. * Should the number of participants, 90 days prior to departure, be lower than the published minimum number of participants to operate the tour, the price will be adjusted accordingly, or the tour will be canceled.
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT POLICY: * A deposit of $750 per person is due as people register for the tour. * Final payment is due on February 05, 2007, 90 days prior to the group departure.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUND: * For cancellation of 89 to 45 days prior to departure, a cancellation fee of 50% of the tour cost will apply. * For cancellation of 44 to 15 days prior to departure, a cancellation fee of 75% of the tour cost will apply. * For cancellation of 14 days and less prior to departure, a cancellation fee of 100% of the tour cost will apply. * No refund will be paid for unused services such as: transfers, sight-seeing, meals, hotel accommodation, entrance fees, and others that are listed in the tour program. * In the case of cancellation by Ya’lla Tours USA for any reason, a full refund will be made. * The travel insurance is NON-REFUNDABLE once purchased.
LAND ARRANGEMENTS: The Tour Operator reserves the right to change the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances. In all cases, Ya'lla Tours USA Inc. will do its best to maintain the content of the tour. The Tour operator reserves the right to change the hotels listed on the tour for others of similar quality.
RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY: Whereas Ya'lla Tours USA Inc. and the participating airlines and tour operators operate the land tours offered under this program only as agents of the aircraft, railroads, car rental contractors, steamship lines, hotels, bus operators, sight-seeing contractors and others who provide the actual land arrangements, we are not liable for any act, omission, delay, injury, loss or damage or nonperformance occurring in connection with these tours. The Passenger contract in use by the airline concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the purchaser of these tours and/or passenger. Ya'lla Tours USA Inc. reserves the right to bring legal action to collect damages in the event that purchaser fails to pay any fees due and owing for services, including cancellation fees as set out in the section entitled 'Cancellations & Refunds'. The parties agree that should legal action be commenced, the prevailing party will be entitled to his/her or its reasonable attorney fees and court costs in addition to the actual damages sustained and proven.
PASSENGER RESPONSIBILITY: Passenger has read the above terms and conditions and agrees to each of them. Passenger hereby warrants that he/she fully understand each of them. Specifically passenger understands that should he/she cancel their trip for any reason, passenger will be charged the cancellation fee set out in the 'Cancellations & Refunds' section.
PASSPORT AND DOCUMENTATION: Your passport must be valid for at least six months following your entry date to your travel destination. For more specific visa requirement, please contact the relevant consulate for update information.
ENTIRE AGREEMENT SEVERABILITY: This is the entire agreement of the parties and it may be amended only by written agreement signed by both Ya'lla Tours USA Inc. and the client. If any part of this agreement is held unenforceable by a court of law, the rest of this agreement will nevertheless remain in force and effect.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel insurance is not included in your tour price. It is the passenger's responsibility to verify whether his / her local health insurance includes coverage outside of the U.S. Please contact your insurance carrier for details.
Ya'lla Tours USA Inc. highly recommends the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance, which covers health, luggage and trip cancellation. A waiver must be signed if insurance is declined
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