Explore the rich history of Turkey. You will start your tour in Istanbul, Turkey’s business and industrial center, and one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. See the sites in Canakkale, Kusadasi, Pumukkale, Antalya, and Cappadocia, and then enjoy your last night back in Istanbul.

Please note: 2009 itinerary varies. Please call for details.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Istanbul

Board your overnight flight to Turkey.

Day 2 - Istanbul

Land in Istanbul, the ancient capital of civilization known previously as Byzantium and Constantinople. This evening, enjoy an included dinner with your group. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Istanbul

On your guided tour of Istanbul, visit 15th-century Topkapi Palace, home of Ottoman sultans; the ancient Byzantine church of Hagia Sophia, illuminated by 30 million gold mosaic tiles; and the stunning Blue Mosque. Pass by the Hippodrome, an elaborate stadium once the site of ancient chariot races. This evening, opt for an Istanbul by Night event with dinner. (B)

$65 USD

Istanbul by Night After your walking tour of Istanbul, spend the evening enjoying dining and entertainment at a local nightclub.

Day 4 - Canakkale

As you make your way along the Aegean coast to Canakkale, stop for a tour of Bursa, the very first capital of the Ottoman empire. Arrive by evening in Canakkale, a town coveted in centuries past by warring forces because of its strategic location at the entrance to the Dardanelles. (B, D)

Day 5 - Kusadasi

A local guide leads a tour of Troy, where Homer’s Iliad comes to life. Tour the ruins, where experts have identified the relics of nine civilizations dating back 5,000 years. Then follow the Aegean coast to Pergamon, where you’ll visit the ancient Greek Acropolis. Continue on to seaside Kusadasi. (B, D)

Day 6 - Kusadasi

Visit Ephesus, one of the Mediterranean’s best-preserved classical cities. View the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the house where Mary is said to have spent her final days. This afternoon, opt for a journey to the village of Sirince for a firsthand look at Turkish rural life. (B, D)

$25 USD

Village of Sirince The peaceful village of Sirince lies in the hills outside of Ephesus. On a walking tour led by your tour director, stroll past some of the country’s best-preserved 19th-century architecture.

Day 7 - Pamukkale

Departing Kusadasi, you'll stop at the ruins of Miletus. In ancient times, this harbor held 200 Greek warships. The Roman theater and baths of Faustina are particularly impressive. Continue on to the ancient Temple of Apollo in Didyma, started in A.D. 300 and used for approximately 1,400 years. This was once considered home to the gods and solely inhabited by priests. Arrive later in Pamukkale, where dinner is included tonight. (B, D)

Day 8 - Pamukkale

Take a guided tour of Pamukkale’s travertines, a cascade of snowy white calcium terraces formed from hot springs. The tour includes the ruins of Hierapolis, the Roman spa city built around Pamukkale’s calcium rich waters. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to soak in the hot springs or opt for an excursion to Aphrodisias, the best-preserved Hellenistic site in all of Turkey, dating back to at least the 1st century B.C. (B)

$29 USD

Aphrodisias In Aphordisias, you will explore the city that honored Aphrodite, goddess of love. Ancient sculptures made of glowing marble date back to the late 1st century B.C. in this beautiful getaway.

Day 9 - Antalya

Cross the Kale River Delta to Demre. Here you’ll visit the 4th-century Church of St. Nicholas. Continue to the ruins of Phaselis, an ancient Lycian city. Later reach Antalya, ancient retreat of Antony and Cleopatra. (B, D)

Day 10 - Antalya

On your tour of Antalya, view the Old Town and enjoy included visits to the archaeological museum and Hadrian’s Gate. Later, opt for a trip to Aspendos and Perge. (B, D)

$30 USD

Aspendos & Perge Perge was settled for new Greek colonists and prospered under Alexander the Great. The ancient remains of the city include the Great Theatre, Hellenistic Gates Roman bath houses and a magnificent stadium.

Day 11 - Cappadocia

Stop in Konya. Visit the Mevlana Museum. Continue to Cappadocia. This evening, join an optional excursion to see a Whirling Dervishes performance (seasonal). (B)

$45 USD

Whirling Dervishes The Muslim sect known as the Whirling Dervishes was founded in the 13th century by Mevlana Celeldin Rumi. Learn about this fascinating sect and its modern-day practitioners during this special cultural performance of dance, music and tradition.

Day 12 - Cappadocia

Tour the rock churches of Göreme and visit the towns of Pasabag and Avanos. This evening, opt to attend a traditional Turkish Folklore Evening. (B)

$45 USD

Traditional Turkish Folklore Evening Taste Turkish wine, snacks and beer at this authentic Cappadocian restaurant, carved out of sheer rock.

Day 13 - Istanbul

This morning is free for your own explorations of Cappadocia. You might choose to visit the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts or the Mosaic Museum. Or join an optional excursion to explore an underground city. Then catch your afternoon flight back to Istanbul. (B)

$29 USD

Underground City Some of the most interesting cultural riches in Cappadocia are the 150-200 known underground cities of varying sizes. Please note: There may be low and tight entraceways during this tour. This excursion may be difficult for people with back problems or claustrophobia.

Day 14 - Istanbul

This morning, join an optional excursion to the Bosphorus, also know as the Istanbul Strait. This evening, reflect on your journey at tonight’s farewell dinner.  (B, D)

$55 USD

Bosphorus Straits Cruise View Ottoman palaces and medieval castles during this half-day cruise along the Bosphorus Straits, which separates Europe and Asia. Lunch at a seafood restaurant is included.

Day 15 - Istanbul

If you are not staying for our tour extension in Istanbul, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport early this morning for your return flight home. (B)

Please note: 2009 itinerary varies. Please call for details.

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 USD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 USD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 USD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 USD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

Passport & Visa

In order to enter Turkey (and Greece, on extension), U.S. citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return to the United States.

A visa is also required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders to enter Turkey. The visa charge for entering Turkey is now $20 (payment in U.S. dollars only; subject to change without notice), and visas can be obtained upon arrival at the airport.

Also, you can apply for yor visa in advance through one of our recommended providers:

U.S. Citizens: Zierer Visa Service (1-866-788 1100; www.zvs.com/home.aspx?login=73041. If you get to a page requiring a log in, please use code 73041.)

Canadian Citizens: Visa Connection (1-416-506-8787; www.visaconnection.biz)

If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the relevant embassies as soon as possible for your specific entry requirements.

Health

There are no major health risks when traveling to Turkey or Greece (on extension). Especially during the summer months, take proper care for sun exposure. While no vaccinations are required for entry, it is always advisable to check with your doctor or health-care provider for the latest updates and overseas travel recommendations.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Round-trip flights arrive in and depart from Istanbul. There is also an included flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul. All other included transportation on “Turkish Adventure” is by private motorcoach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the main cities by public transportation.

Istanbul has an extensive—and remarkably inexpensive—transport system of bus, tram, train and metro lines. Purchase all-inclusive passes for the best deal and try to avoid peak periods of travel, when walking is probably your best bet. Taxis are also very inexpensive in Istanbul.

Clothing & Packing Tips

Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. It’s always a good idea to be ready for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable with something more formal to wear. Also, remember that it is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitters for Go Ahead Tours. Please enter JY9220 in the field for Catalog Key Code when creating your account!

Currency

The Turkish lira (and the euro, on extension to Greece) is the currency you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in Turkey rather than in the United States, although it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We advise that you take credit cards and dollar bills in small denominations. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges. Exchange small amounts of Turkish lira at one time in order to compensate for inflation. It can be difficult to exchange traveler’s checks in Turkey.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend $2 per person per day for your driver and $4 to $6 per person per day for your tour director/guide. If applicable, we also recommend $1 per local guide.