Aegean Discovery
19 days / 18 nights
Wednesday arrivals in Istanbul
30 March - 19 October 2012
7 nights Turkish Coastal Tour, 2 nights Rhodes,
3 nights Crete, 3 nights Santorini 2 nights Athens
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Wednesday: Istanbul Arrival
Upon arrival in Istanbul you will be greeted and assisted
to your select hotel. The remainder of the day is
to be spent at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul
Thursday: Istanbul Half-Day Bosphorus Tour
We begin with a brief visit to the 17th century Spice Bazaar, one of
Istanbul's most colourful and bustling attractions. Next, we take an
unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the majestic strait that
runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. From our cruise
boat, we view the dramatic sights lining the Bosphorus' wooded
shores: mosques, a bridge that for a time was the worl's longest
and the massive Rumeli Hisar? (no entrance) , a fortress built by
Fatih the Conqueror in just three months as he prepared to take
Istanbul. Also noteworthy are the 19th century mansions of the
Ottoman elite and the Sultan's fanciful gingerbread palaces and
hunting lodges. Early afternoon return to your hotel for your welcome
briefing with the remainder of your group. Overnight in Istanbul
(Breakfast)
Friday: Istanbul Full Day Tour
Visit the Hagia Sophia museum (built in 6th century, once the
largest Christian church in the world), the Topkapi Palace (Imperial
Residence of Ottoman Sultans, with displays of priceless collections
of artifacts, jewelry and rare porcelain), the Blue Mosque (unique with
its 6 minarets, and famous for its blue Iznik tiles), the Hippodrome
Square where ancient chariot races were held, and then visit the
world famous Grand Covered Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul
(Breakfast)
Saturday: Istanbul - Gallipoli - Dardanelles - Canakkale
Morning departure from Istanbul for Gallipoli and visit Anzac
Cove Lone pine cemetery, Chunuk Bair, Gabatepe War Museum
then across the Dardanelles to Canakkale for overnight
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Sunday: Canakkale - Troy - Pergamum - Kusadasi
Visit Troy with its famous wooden horse. Drive to Pergamum and
visit the Acropolis, the steepest theatre of the ancient world, the temple
of Trojan and the Library. After lunch you will visit the Asclepion, an
ancient healing center and the Red Basilica which is one of the Seven
Churches of the Apocalypse. Continue onto Kusadasi for overnight
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Monday: Ephesus & St. Mary's House - Kusadasi
Leave for Ephesus after breakfast and visit the cradle of early
Christianity. Visit the house of the Virgin Mary, ancient Ephesus
with its theatre and library. Return to Kusadasi. Evening at leisure
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Tuesday: Kusadasi - Pamukkale
Drive through fertile seaside valleys to Pamukkale, famous
for its limestone covered cascading thermal pools. Visit Hierapolis
before retiring for the day to enjoy the thermal pools and
spa facilities of your hotel. Overnight in Pamukkale
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Wednesday: Hierapolis - Marmaris
After breakfast today you will continue south to the resort city
of Marmaris. Early afternoon arrival and the remainder of your
day is to be spend at your leisure. Overnight in Marmaris
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Thursday: Marmaris - Rhodes
Morning transfer from your hotel in Marmaris to the port, from
where you will board you ferry to Rhodes. Upon arrival in Rhodes
you will be transferred to your select hotel. The remainder of
the day is to be spent at your leisure. Overnight in Rhodes
(Breakfast)
Friday: Rhodes at leisure
Today is to be spent at your leisure to take advantage of the island’s
unique and beautiful cultural offerings. Overnight in Rhodes
(Breakfast)
Saturday: Rhodes - Crete
Today you will be transferred to Rhodes airport for your short flight
to Heraklion, Crete. Upon arrival in Crete you will pick up your car
rental and proceed to drive to your select hotel. Overnight in Crete
(Breakfast)
Sunday & Monday: Crete at your leisure
Spend the next 2 days exploring and savouring this incredible
island. Make sure to visit the Palace of Knossos and
the Lassithi Plateau, home of the stunning mountain village
of Archanes. Have a wonderful meal in an authentic Cretan
tavern, home to some of the healthiest food in the world
(Breakfast Daily)
Tuesday: Crete - Santorini
This early morning you will return your car rental at Heraklion
airport and take a short taxi ride to the port of Heraklion, from
where you will board your ferry to Santorini. Upon arrival in
Santorini you will be greeted and assisted to your select hotel.
The remainder of the day is to be spent at your leisure.
Overnight in Santorini
(Breakfast)
Wednesday & Thursday: Santorini at your leisure
For the next 2 days, relax and enjoy the stunning panoramic
views of Santorini. The island is famous for its ceramic pottery,
gold and wine. A visit to the Pompeii-like archaeological site
of Akrotiri is essential. For the romantically inclined, a sunset
dinner in the artists village of Oia will prove irresistible
(Breakfast Daily)
Friday: Santorini - Athens
Transfer from your Santorini hotel to the airport for your short
flight to Athens. Upon arrival in Athens you will be met and
transferred to your select Athens hotel. For those looking
for a taste of modern Athens is it advisable to dine out in the
neighbourhood of Psyrri or Gazi. Overnight in Athens
(Breakfast)
Saturday: Athens Walking Tour
After breakfast you will be greeted in the lobby of your hotel by your
tour guide and then embark on your half-day walking tour of Athens.
Along the way to a detailed visit of the Acropolis and the Parthenon,
you will walk by the House of Parliament, Syntagma Square, National
Gardens and through the Plaka district. Early afternoon arrival at your
hotel or choose to continue onto the New Acropolis Museum for a
self-guided tour of this incredible new complex. Overnight in Athens
(Breakfast)
Sunday: Athens Departure
Transfer to Athens airport for your flight home. End of services
(Breakfast)
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Accommodation Guide
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Standard |
Superior |
| Istanbul |
Ferman |
Ottoman Imperial |
| Ankara |
Crowne Plaza |
Crown Plaza |
| Cappadocia |
Dedeman |
Yunak Evleri |
| Pamukkale |
Pam Thermal |
Pam Thermal |
| Kusadasi |
Charisma |
Charisma |
| Canakkale |
Kolin |
Kolin |
| Rhodes |
Angela Suites, Semiramis |
Mediterranean, Plaza |
| Crete |
Creta Blue Suites, Leo |
Creta Blue Suites, Leo, Lato |
| Santorini |
Loizos Apartments, Sofia |
Irida, Mill Houses |
| Athens |
Plaka, Hermes |
Athens Gate, Amalia |
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- 7 nights Turkish Coastal Tour
- 11 nights accommodation in select hotels in Greece
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Services of professional Englishspeaking
tour guide in Turkey
- Baggage handling at hotels in Turkey
- All hotel taxes and service charges
- Transportation in Turkey by A/C mini-bus or deluxe
A/C motor coach depending on the size of the group
- Marmaris - Rhodes & Heraklion - Santorini ferry
- Rhodes - Heraklion and Santorini - Athens flights
- All transfers
- All entrance fees to sites and museums
- 3 day car rental in Crete
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Pricelist
| Standard | Superior |
| 30 Mar - 20 Apr 12 | 3539 | 3879 |
| 27 Apr - 15 Jun 12 | 3639 | 4019 |
| 22 Jun - 14 Sep 12 | 3929 | 4199 |
| 21 Sep - 19 Oct 12 | 3679 | 3969 |
prices are in CAD per person based on double occupancy
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