Kalymnos, Greece
SMALL SHIP ADVENTURES
Symi Island, Greece Patmos, Greece
ITINERARY
DAY 1 • Depart U. S. Fly from the U. S. to Istanbul, Turkey.
DAY 2 • Istanbul, Turkey Arrive in Istanbul and meet your fellow travelers, including those who took our Cappadocia’ s Unique Landscapes & Vibrant Ankara pre-trip extension.
Elite World Istanbul Taksim or similar
DAY 3 • Istanbul • Topkapi Palace & Hagia Sophia Discover the Old Town of Istanbul, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, today. Explore the Topkapi Palace, which served as the seat of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries. Then, journey to Hagia Sophia, which began its life as an Orthodox Christian church in the sixth century before its conversion into a mosque by the Ottomans in 1453. In 1935, it was turned into a museum and is now an active mosque once again. Later, you may elect to visit the elegant Suleymaniye Mosque, the second-largest alabaster mosque in the city. You have time at leisure before a Welcome Dinner this evening.
Meals: B, D | Elite World Istanbul Taksim or similar
DAY 4 • Istanbul • Optional Cruising Between Continents tour
Enjoy a full day to explore Istanbul independently, or join a full-day optional Cruising Between Continents tour, with lunch included.
Meals: B, D | Elite World Istanbul Taksim or similar
DAY 5 • Spice Market • Çanakkale After exploring Istanbul’ s bustling Spice Bazaar, the largest and most colorful market in all of Turkey, we’ ll travel overland to Çanakkale. We’ ll enjoy an afternoon of free time after checking in to our hotel, followed by an included dinner.
Meals: B, D | Kolin Hotel or similar
DAY 6 • Ancient Troy • Çanakkale Old Town Today we’ ll visit Troy, the city immortalized by Homer in the Iliad. Once thought to be mythical, excavations have revealed the remains of a total of nine subsequent cities of Troy. Following lunch at a local restaurant, explore Çanakkale’ s Old Town, founded over 6,000 years ago. The rest of the afternoon will be on your own.
Meals: B, L, D | Kolin Hotel or similar
DAY 7 • Dikili • Home-Hosted Lunch • Bergama • Embark ship
On our way to the coastal town of Dikili, we’ ll stop at a Turkish mountain village for a Home-Hosted Lunch with a local family. Following lunch, we’ ll explore the ruins at Pergamum, known today as farming village of Bergama. Next, we’ ll discover the Acropolis, an ancient Greek city. Upon arrival at the port in Dikili, we’ ll board our private small ship. This evening, enjoy a Captain’ s Welcome Dinner onboard.
Meals: B, L, D | M / V Arethusa
DAY 8 • Chios • Greek dance performance Arrive at the island of Chios, and visit the medieval fortified settlement of Mesta. Later, enjoy a walking tour of Chios Town, and view its imposing
medieval castle. Enjoy a traditional Greek folk dance performance during dinner.
Meals: B, L, D | M / V Athena
DAY 9 • Kuşadasi • Ephesus • Carpet weaving conversation
Head to Ephesus, one of the greatest relics of antiquity, and visit the site of the Temple of Artemis. Since 1992, Grand Circle Foundation has been contributing to its preservation and excavation. Later, visit a local carpet cooperative for lunch and insights into crafting hand-woven Turkish carpets.
Meals: B, L, D | M / V Arethusa
ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHT
On Day 7, enjoy a Home-Hosted Lunch in a Turkish mountain village with a local family.
Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www. oattravel. com / art 271