Secrets of Turkey

• All entrance fees

• Accommodations based on double and triple occupancy at comfortable and distinctive tourist level hotels

• Most meals; we leave off a couple so your family can explore on your own.

• Travel in groups of 15 to 25 people

• Services of a bilingual guide who will accompany you throughout your trip

• Land transportation, airport transfers and internal air

• All excursions

• Bottled water and snacks

• Travel insurance – Travel Insured International policy

• Groups of 8 or more will be accompanied by a mentor whose primary jobs will be to provide kid-friendly enrichment activities for up to an hour each day that enhance the overall trip experience; to provide organized fun for kids that helps them get to know each other; to provide things for kids to do during delays, flights and long bus trips (our teen trips don’t include mentors)

• Ages 6 to 16 will be matched with pen pals with whom they can correspond and then meet in country (our cruises of Inside Passage of Alaska and our teen trips don’t include penpals)

• There may be slight variations to this listing for certain adventures

Days 1 and 2 – Depart home / Arrive Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey! From Istanbul’s mosques to the peaks of the Taurus Mountains, and from the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the warm waters that grace the Turquoise Coast, the mystery and magic of this extraordinary land are yours to discover in this memory-making family vacation.

Day 3 – Istanbul
At the crossroads of East and West and straddling two continents, Istanbul is a cultural and ethnic melting pot. Soaring minarets, bustling marketplaces and non-stop water traffic are part of the city’s daily scene.
Bargain at the Spice Market
Inhale the fragrant culture at the Spice Market, where you can buy countless varieties of exotic spices, teas and candies—Turkish Delight anyone? Bargaining and bartering has been going on here for almost 4,000 years!
Marvel at the Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, built in the 17th century, is the only mosque in Turkey with six minarets. Its interior walls and ceiling are covered with thousands of hand-painted blue tiles.
Tour Topkapi Palace
Built by Ottoman Sultans, this 15th-century palace complex once housed more than 8,000 people. It was opened to the public as a museum in 1924 and its opulence is legendary—think glittering gold pavilions, colorful mosaics and tile work, and of course the legendary Topkapi diamond.

Days 4 and 5 – Cappadocia
Once an active volcanic region, Cappadocia claims a landscape of surreal beauty—where strange and fanciful rock formations, known as the fairy chimneys, rise from the surrounding countryside. Entire underground villages, carved out of tuff, soft volcanic stone, are tucked into this region. We all turn into wide-eyed children here as we discover and explore the underground passageways and the mind-boggling numbers of connecting rooms.
Hike the Valley of the Spears
Wind your way along narrow paths between giant, yet delicate, pinnacles of rock, or “fairy chimneys” as the locals called them. Visit the Göreme open-air Museum
Roam through this incredible open-air museum where the conical hills were carved out centuries ago to create churches and monasteries for the monks who once inhabited the area. The Byzantine frescoes are brilliant!
Meet local artisans
Learn the local terra cotta pottery-making techniques during a visit to a cave workshop, and then try imitating the process.
Hike the Valley of Roses (optional)
Take an optional hike through the Valley of Roses, exploring secret Byzantine cave churches along the way. If relaxing poolside this afternoon sounds more appealing... be our guest!

Day 6 – Ephesus
Exploring the wonders of Ephesus is a memory-making family travel experience. Kids will love the chance to imagine what the city looked like in its heyday, from its opulent baths and gymnasium to the Great Theater, which held 24,000 people. The Temple of Artemis, the largest known temple of its time, is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. And the Library of Celsus once contained nearly 15,000 scrolls.
Fly to Izmir

Stay with a local family
Fly nonstop, about 90 minutes, to Izmir, Turkey's 3rd-largest city and the birthplace of Homer.
Visit the House of the Virgin Mary
Located five miles from the center of Ephesus and perched atop Nightingale Hill, this modest stone house (now a Christian and Muslim shrine), is believed by many to be the site where the Virgin Mary spent her final days after being brought here by Saint John in 37 A.D.
Ephesus Museum
Anyone interested in art and history will be enthralled with this museum full of artifacts from Ephesus. From 1867 - 1923 the works or art were sent first to the British Museum, and then to Vienna, but eventually the Turks created their own museum.
Visit the Temple of Artemis
Only the foundations and some ruined remnants remain of the once-glorious Temple of Artemis in the ancient city of Ephesus. It is incredible to imagine what this Greek temple – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – was like in its prime.

Day 7 – Ephesus to the Mediterranean
Visit Ephesus
This morning explore the ancient city of Ephesus, a blend of architecture and culture from thousands of years ago. Explore the incredible excavations and marvel at the sophisticated city planning, complete with every public building imaginable, from baths to shops and theaters to temples of worship. Highlights include the 24,000-seat amphitheater and the magnificent facade of the Celsus Library, and the Gate of Heracles.
Drive to Göcek
We’ll drive from Ephesus to the small coastal town of Göcek, neighbor to the city of Fethiye (situated on the site of the ancient city of Telmessos). Göcek is a mecca of yacht tourism, due to its location along the Turquoise Coast and its six major marinas. In this historical seaside port village, dazzlingly blue water surrounds the stone ruins that dip into the ocean and sink seamlessly into the current Mediterranean landscape.
Göcek - Board your private gulet!
In Göcek board your very own private yacht—a Turkish gulet—the traditional, double-masted wooden sailboat that's perfect for exploring Turkey's Turquoise Coast.

Days 8 to 10 – Yachting along the Mediterranean Coast
Enjoy three days aboard a traditional Turkish gulet, a private yacht, sailing along the fabled Turquoise Coast and dropping anchor in quiet coves, discovering sheltered beaches and calling at small harbor towns. Originally the land of the ancient Lydians (685-547 B.C.), the region was later colonized by the Greeks and the Romans. Along the way kids will love snorkeling and swimming in the warm waters.
Gemiler Island
Discover the ruins of a 6th century Byzantine monastic settlement set against a brilliant cobalt-blue lagoon and surrounded by breathtaking hilltop scenery.
Trek through Soğuksu National Park
Enjoy a hike through pine-clad Soğuksu National Park, home to a variety of wildlife and nearly 35 species of birds.
Anchor at Cleopatra's Sunken Baths
Sail to gorgeous Göcek Lagoon and drop anchor near Cleopatra’s Sunken Baths—part of Mark Antony’s wedding gift to the Egyptian queen in 41 B.C.E.
Investigate Kayaköy
Traveling with teens is especially rewarding when you have the chance to explore sites together that bring history texts to life—such as the abandoned town of Kayaköy. Called “the eeriest place in Turkey,” Kayaköy was a bustling ethnic Greek village of more than 25,000 people until the population exchange of 1923 when it was completely and suddenly deserted.
Sail to Firnazlar Cove
Firnazlar Cove, near the whitewashed village of Kalkan, offers warm water swimming and terrific snorkeling—keep a lookout for octopus!
Hike to a Roman aqueduct
A narrow rocky trail, perfumed with sage and thyme, passes under the arches of a secret Roman aqueduct dating back to the first century A.D.
Relax and swim off your yacht
Enjoy the yachting life—Turkish style! Dive and swim off the boat, or simply relax on deck and savor the timeless scenery.

Day 11 – Mediterranean to Antalya
Founded in 159 B.C.E. by a Pergamum king, clifftop Antalya has become one of Turkey’s most popular resort towns.
Disembark in Fethiye
We will exit the traditional Turkish gulet in the historical Aegean city of Fethiye. Fethiye is located on the site of the ancient city of Telmessos, which was the most important city of the Lycia region and is now known for its remaining Lycian rock-cut tombs.
Drive to Antalya

Day 12 – Antalya
Leisure day for family time
Today is yours to relax, explore Antalya on your own, or join us for a hike (see one of the options Thomson has created for you below). Lunch and dinner are family time; there are so many great places to choose from, you may have to vote!
Hike to Termessos
If you’re up for a hike today, we’ll take you to Termessos—considered Turkey’s “Machu Picchu.” As you approach the top prepare to feast your eyes on a spectacular ancient village. This spot is also famous as the only town Alexander the Great never tried to conquer.

Day 13 – Depart Antalya / Arrive Istanbul
Tour the amazing Hagia Sophia
First built in the 4th Century by Emperor Constantine, and then rebuilt in the 6th Century by Emperor Justinian, Hagia Sophia boasted the world’s largest enclosed space for a millennium. The interior mosaics, golden scrollwork and marble columns are dazzling to behold.
Farewell dinner

Day 14 – Depart Istanbul / Arrive U.S.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
6/23/2012 - 7/8/2012	$5,690
7/7/2012 - 7/22/2012	$6,290
7/21/2012 - 8/5/2012	$5,990
8/4/2012 - 8/19/2012	$5,990
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Wow, what a history! Turkey is one of the oldest continually inhabited areas of the world and home to some of the earliest settlement in the world. From empires that date back to well before the 10th century BC, to settlements and invasions by Greeks, Romans and Mongols to the great Ottoman Empire, you’ll experience the great history of Turkey. You’ll also learn about Turkey’s Whirling Dervishes and other religious history such as the clashes with the Holy Roman Empire during the crusades.

Sitting astride the continents of Asia and Europe, Turkey is home to one of the world’s most unique and intriguing cultures. A blend of various elements of Ottoman, Anatolian, Oguz Turkic and western peoples, the unique culture was born from being located at the gateway for migrations from the east and west for centuries.

Istanbul is one of Europe’s most populated cities and is Turkey’s financial and cultural capital. Discover firsthand why Istanbul is the coolest city in the world. At the crossroads of history for three millennia, Istanbul’s narrow streets are home to the Spice Market, Covered Bazaar, the historical Sultanahmet District, and such architectural treasures as the Basilica Cisterns, Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome. Istanbul was the last stop on the ancient Silk Road, and this Spice Market was the final destination for Asian goods. That means this market has been in business for almost 4,000 years!

Tour recommended for ages 6+

All tour prices are per person, in US dollars, based on double occupancy.

Teen Rate (12-17)= $5590 - $6190
Child Rate (<12)= $5540 - $6140
Internal Air = $400

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