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TURKEY

Turkey’s Living Treasures by Land and Gulet

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Road Scholar
Program #18761RJ

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17 Days | 16 Nights
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderately Challenging
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Program Details > Daily Schedule

Equipment Requirements
Walking shoes, hat

Itinerary for Sep 17 — Oct 3, 2012

Expand all
Day One: Monday, September 17 - Departure 
Evening: Overnight flight.

Close [ x ]
Type: Boutique Hotel

 Description: Four star hotel with 83 rooms located in the city center. Within walking distance of key ministries, embassies and corporate headquarters.Easy access to Ankara’s many historic and cultural attractions.

Contact info:
Tunali Hilmi Caddesi Güniz Sokak
No:42 Kavaklidere 06700
Ankara, Turkey
phone: +90 312 457 40 00
web: www.divan.com.tr/ENG/Hotel-Destinations/Divan-Ankara/

Room amenities: free wireless internet, central air conditioning, safebox, LCD tv, kettle.

Facility amenities: concierge, 24 hour room service, laundry, GYM and SPA center, free wireless internet, restaurant, bar.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: dbl$140,sgl 130 BB incl. taxes
Please contact Baltac Tours at Road Scholarprograms@baltactours.com

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Two: Tuesday, September 18 - Arrival, Welcome and Overview 
Afternoon: Arrival. At the end of the afternoon, program overview and welcome in the hotel.

Dinner: Welcome dinner in the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Divan Hotel Ankara

Meals Included: Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Boutique Hotel

 Description: The Yunak Evleri is a cave hotel typical of the region, where some caves date from as early as the 6th century AD. The rooms, with a balcony or patio, are carved from the rock, and are tastefully decorated with modern amenities.

Contact info:
Yunak Mahallesi
Cappadocia, 50400 Turkey
phone: +90 384 341-6920
web: www.yunak.com

Room amenities: Non-allergenic beds, direct-dial phone, hair dryer, private bathroom with shower, heat, safety deposit box, CD player, mini-bar, teakettle.

Facility amenities: Reading room, library, internet connection.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Three: Wednesday, September 19 - Modern Versus Ancient Turkey 
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: A professor from Bilkent University presents modern Turkey before a guided visit of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations for a visit that introduces the ancient civilizations of Turkey. Walk to the Mausoleum of Atatürk. The mausoleum's museum provides insight to the history of modern Turkey and the personality of Atatürk.

Lunch: In a restaurant in the old city.

Afternoon: Depart to Urgup, in Nevsehir Province - the region referred to as “Cappadocia” - a landscape of spectacular pillar formations.

Dinner: In the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Yunak Evleri

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Boutique Hotel

 Description: The Yunak Evleri is a cave hotel typical of the region, where some caves date from as early as the 6th century AD. The rooms, with a balcony or patio, are carved from the rock, and are tastefully decorated with modern amenities.

Contact info:
Yunak Mahallesi
Cappadocia, 50400 Turkey
phone: +90 384 341-6920
web: www.yunak.com

Room amenities: Non-allergenic beds, direct-dial phone, hair dryer, private bathroom with shower, heat, safety deposit box, CD player, mini-bar, teakettle.

Facility amenities: Reading room, library, internet connection.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Four: Thursday, September 20 - Through the Countryside into Nevsehir Province 
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Visit an underground city, an incredible example of man's ability to adapt nature for the basic needs of shelter and survival.

Lunch: Your choice to explore local fare.

Afternoon: Free Time

Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Yunak Evleri

Meals Included: Breakfast
Close [ x ]
Type: Boutique Hotel

 Description: The Yunak Evleri is a cave hotel typical of the region, where some caves date from as early as the 6th century AD. The rooms, with a balcony or patio, are carved from the rock, and are tastefully decorated with modern amenities.

Contact info:
Yunak Mahallesi
Cappadocia, 50400 Turkey
phone: +90 384 341-6920
web: www.yunak.com

Room amenities: Non-allergenic beds, direct-dial phone, hair dryer, private bathroom with shower, heat, safety deposit box, CD player, mini-bar, teakettle.

Facility amenities: Reading room, library, internet connection.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Five: Friday, September 21 - Cappadocia, Miracle of Nature 
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Visit Goreme Open Air Museum, a monastic center dating from the early period of Christianity, where the roots of Eastern Monasticism were established. View 1,000-year-old rock-cut churches, decorated with exquisite frescoes.

Lunch: In a village home, hosted by its owners.

Afternoon: Free Time

Dinner: In a local restaurant.

Evening: Attend a Whirling Dervish performance at a restored 13th-century caravanserai, a resting stop along the Silk Road.

Lodging: Yunak Evleri

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Five-Star Hotel

 Description: Within walking distance to the city center and part of a chic neighborhood in Konya with the shopping malls nearby, the Dedeman Konya Hotel & Convention Center has become a landmark in the city for its blend of modern architecture, advanced technology, superior comfort and aesthetic interiors. The Dedeman Konya Hotel & Convention Center offers "Traditional Dedeman Hospitality" with an eye for detail, and promises a memorable experience in the center of Konya.

Contact info:
Ozalan District Sille Crossroads
Selcuklu
Konya, 42080 Turkey
phone: +90 (332) 221 66 00
web: www.dedeman.com/us/hotels-resorts/accommodation/dedeman-konya-hotel-convention-center.html

Room amenities: The hotel has 145 Deluxe rooms with a comfortable 32 m2 of living space; all featuring direct-dial telephone, minibar, electronic safety deposit box, electronic door-lock system, 24-hour room service, free of charge wireless Internet, LCD TV, interactive TV, cable TV, satellite TV, Pay TV, central heating and cooling system, hair dryer, shaving/make-up mirror and smoke-fire detector.

Facility amenities: Early check-in, Express check- out, Late check-out, 24-hour room service, Dry cleaning, Laundry, Safety deposit box at reception and rooms, Hairdresser, Barber, Beauty center, Message service, Wake-up service, Luggage storage room, Doctor (upon request), Outdoor-indoor parking, Currency exchange, Business center, Security camera system, Shops, Executive Floor, Executive Lounge, ATM’s.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Six: Saturday, September 22 - Sufism and the Whirling Dervishes 
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Depart to Konya. En route, visit Sultanhani, the best-preserved caravanserai. Meet the guard of the caravanserai, who is also a local minstrel.

Lunch: In a restaurant in Konya.

Afternoon: Visit the Mausoleum of Rumi, the founder of the mystical sect of Whirling Dervishes. In the late afternoon, a discussion on Rumi and Sufism is led by a local Sufi leader.

Dinner: In a local restaurant.

Evening: Visit an active Sufi dergah, a meeting place for Sufis, and meet and converse with Sufis of Konya.

Lodging: Dedeman Hotel Konya

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Five-Star Hotel

 Description: The central location of the Dedeman Antalya Hotel & Convention Center allows the Antalya accommodation to cater to guests visiting the area. The hotel stands in a unique location on the central Lara Road in Antalya, which has risen as the star of tourism in Turkey with its sea, nature and culture.

Contact info:
Lara Road 07100 Antalya, Turkey
Antalya, 07100 Turkey
phone: +90 242 310 99 99
web: www.dedeman.com/us/hotels-resorts/home-page/dedeman-antalya-hotel-convention-center.html

Room amenities: Direct-dial telephone, mini-bar, electronic safety deposit box, room service, free of charge wireless internet, interactive TV, Pay TV, satellite TV, air conditioning and heating, hair dryer, make-up mirror and smoke-fire detector.

Facility amenities: Outdoor and indoor swimming pools, child pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, relaxation room, Turkish bath, expert massages with different techniques, skin and body care, fitness center, tennis courts (6 normal and 2 clay courts), Blue Flag beach, water sports, basketball, billiards, bowling hall and free Aquapark entrance for hotel guests; in short sports activities, personal care and relaxation in an extensive wellness club.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Seven: Sunday, September 23 - Aspendos and Perge 
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Drive across the lush Taurus Mountains to Antalya.

Lunch: In a restaurant en route.

Afternoon: Visit Aspendos, the best-preserved Roman theater from the second century and Perge, an important Greek-Roman city in Pamphylia.

Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Dedeman Antalya Hotel & Convention Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Close [ x ]
Type: Other

 Description: Step aboard an exclusively chartered gulet for a four-night cruise. Constructed of teak and oak, the gulet is a motorized sailing vessel unique to Turkey. A maximum of 18 Road Scholars are accommodated in twin-bedded cabins with private toilet and shower. Observation sundecks fore and aft provide ample room for relaxing underway. Meals aboard are prepared with fresh ingredients and feature typical Turkish cuisine, and are served in both indoor and outdoor dining areas. The gulet has a crew of at least three: captain, cook and deckhand(s). As there is no telephone service aboard the gulet, the telephone number provided, in case of emergency, is the Program Provider's office.

Contact info:
100/1 Mesrutiyet Cad
Istanbul, 34430 Turkey
phone: +90 532 284-2552
Room amenities: Comfortable twin cabins with modern, private facilities and hot water.

Facility amenities: Air conditioning, a variety of water sport equipment, and deck chairs.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Eight: Monday, September 24 - Begin Turquoise Coast Cruise 
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Depart to Cayagzi. En route, visit Phaselis, a beautiful Greek-Roman city on the Mediterranean.

Lunch: In a restaurant en route.

Afternoon: Visit Myra, the birthplace of St. Nicholas. Then, board a Turkish gulet in Cayagzi for the four-night cruise. Cruise to Kekova Island and its unique Sunken City, now 10 feet below the water's surface. Ancient amphoras and other ruins on the sea bottom can be seen as you slowly motor above the ruins of the city by dinghy. On the mainland, hike up through the charming village of Kale (ancient Simena) to its citadel. At its summit, enjoy the sunset views over the bay.

Dinner: Aboard the gulet.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Exclusively Chartered Gulet (yacht)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Other

 Description: Step aboard an exclusively chartered gulet for a four-night cruise. Constructed of teak and oak, the gulet is a motorized sailing vessel unique to Turkey. A maximum of 18 Road Scholars are accommodated in twin-bedded cabins with private toilet and shower. Observation sundecks fore and aft provide ample room for relaxing underway. Meals aboard are prepared with fresh ingredients and feature typical Turkish cuisine, and are served in both indoor and outdoor dining areas. The gulet has a crew of at least three: captain, cook and deckhand(s). As there is no telephone service aboard the gulet, the telephone number provided, in case of emergency, is the Program Provider's office.

Contact info:
100/1 Mesrutiyet Cad
Istanbul, 34430 Turkey
phone: +90 532 284-2552
Room amenities: Comfortable twin cabins with modern, private facilities and hot water.

Facility amenities: Air conditioning, a variety of water sport equipment, and deck chairs.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Nine: Tuesday, September 25 - Discover Kas 
Breakfast: Aboard the gulet.

Morning: Cruise to Kas, a small resort town. Free Time to explore the town.

Lunch: Your choice to explore local fare.

Afternoon: Free Time

Dinner: Aboard the gulet.

Evening: At leisure. Discuss current events with your Study Leader.

Lodging: Exclusively Chartered Gulet (yacht)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Other

 Description: Step aboard an exclusively chartered gulet for a four-night cruise. Constructed of teak and oak, the gulet is a motorized sailing vessel unique to Turkey. A maximum of 18 Road Scholars are accommodated in twin-bedded cabins with private toilet and shower. Observation sundecks fore and aft provide ample room for relaxing underway. Meals aboard are prepared with fresh ingredients and feature typical Turkish cuisine, and are served in both indoor and outdoor dining areas. The gulet has a crew of at least three: captain, cook and deckhand(s). As there is no telephone service aboard the gulet, the telephone number provided, in case of emergency, is the Program Provider's office.

Contact info:
100/1 Mesrutiyet Cad
Istanbul, 34430 Turkey
phone: +90 532 284-2552
Room amenities: Comfortable twin cabins with modern, private facilities and hot water.

Facility amenities: Air conditioning, a variety of water sport equipment, and deck chairs.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Ten: Wednesday, September 26 - Kalkan, Xanthos and the Educational System 
Breakfast: Aboard the gulet.

Morning: Cruise to Kalkan. Explore the town independently. Depart for Xanthos.

Lunch: Aboard the gulet, en route.

Afternoon: Explore Xanthos, the capital city of the Lycian Empire. At a local primary school, learn about the education system of Turkey and attend class with children.

Dinner: Aboard the gulet.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Exclusively Chartered Gulet (yacht)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Other

 Description: Step aboard an exclusively chartered gulet for a four-night cruise. Constructed of teak and oak, the gulet is a motorized sailing vessel unique to Turkey. A maximum of 18 Road Scholars are accommodated in twin-bedded cabins with private toilet and shower. Observation sundecks fore and aft provide ample room for relaxing underway. Meals aboard are prepared with fresh ingredients and feature typical Turkish cuisine, and are served in both indoor and outdoor dining areas. The gulet has a crew of at least three: captain, cook and deckhand(s). As there is no telephone service aboard the gulet, the telephone number provided, in case of emergency, is the Program Provider's office.

Contact info:
100/1 Mesrutiyet Cad
Istanbul, 34430 Turkey
phone: +90 532 284-2552
Room amenities: Comfortable twin cabins with modern, private facilities and hot water.

Facility amenities: Air conditioning, a variety of water sport equipment, and deck chairs.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Eleven: Thursday, September 27 - Gemiler Island 
Breakfast: Aboard the gulet.

Morning: Cruise to Gemiler Island.

Lunch: Aboard the gulet.

Afternoon: Relax aboard the gulet or choose either a hike to the top of the island to explore its ruins, or to Kayakoy, a now-abandoned village used during the "Exchange of Citizens" between Greece and Turkey in the 1920s. There, learn more about the history of the village and talk to some locals from a nearby village that was inhabited by Turks sent from Greece.

Dinner: Aboard the gulet.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Exclusively Chartered Gulet (yacht)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: Kismet Hotel enjoys a unique location on a peninsula, overlooking the Aegean Sea and the town of Kusadasi. The hotel is owned by the descendants of the Ottoman Empire dynasty and has wonderful gardens.

Contact info:
Gazibegendi Mevkii No:1
Kusadasi
Aydin, Turkey
phone: +90 256 6181290
web: www.kismet.com.tr

Room amenities: A/C, minibar, room service, hair dryer, balcony

Facility amenities: All of the rooms offer balconies with unique panoramic views of Aegean Sea, equipped with air-conditioning/heating, mini-bar, Satellite TV, complimentary internet access from room&balcony, telephone, 100% cotton over-sized bath towels, down pillows (non-allergenic pillows also available upon request), duvets, hair dryer, cosmetic beauty bars and thick Denizli terry bathrobes. Complimentary wireless high-speed internet service is available in all hotel rooms and throughout the entire hotel grounds including the garden, beach and pool areas. Exquisite Gardens, 24 Hrs Room Service, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Concierge service, Valet service, Business services, Hair Salon, Open Jacuzzi, Tennis Court, Free Parking, Boutique, Doctor on call, Chauffeured car and Airport assistance, Car/Bike Rental Services, Airline information. The service is as refined, with the same attention to detail and complete respect for privacy.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Twelve: Friday, September 28 - Travel to Selcuk 
Breakfast: Aboard the gulet.

Morning: Cruise to Gocek and disembark the gulet. Travel to Selcuk, near Ephesus.

Lunch: In a restaurant en route.

Afternoon: Arrive in Selcuk. Wander at your leisure through the local market.

Dinner: Arrive in Kismet Hotel, located in the center of Kusadasi. Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: Enjoy the ambiance of your unique accommodations.

Lodging: Kismet Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: Kismet Hotel enjoys a unique location on a peninsula, overlooking the Aegean Sea and the town of Kusadasi. The hotel is owned by the descendants of the Ottoman Empire dynasty and has wonderful gardens.

Contact info:
Gazibegendi Mevkii No:1
Kusadasi
Aydin, Turkey
phone: +90 256 6181290
web: www.kismet.com.tr

Room amenities: A/C, minibar, room service, hair dryer, balcony

Facility amenities: All of the rooms offer balconies with unique panoramic views of Aegean Sea, equipped with air-conditioning/heating, mini-bar, Satellite TV, complimentary internet access from room&balcony, telephone, 100% cotton over-sized bath towels, down pillows (non-allergenic pillows also available upon request), duvets, hair dryer, cosmetic beauty bars and thick Denizli terry bathrobes. Complimentary wireless high-speed internet service is available in all hotel rooms and throughout the entire hotel grounds including the garden, beach and pool areas. Exquisite Gardens, 24 Hrs Room Service, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Concierge service, Valet service, Business services, Hair Salon, Open Jacuzzi, Tennis Court, Free Parking, Boutique, Doctor on call, Chauffeured car and Airport assistance, Car/Bike Rental Services, Airline information. The service is as refined, with the same attention to detail and complete respect for privacy.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Thirteen: Saturday, September 29 - Ephesus 
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Begin with an introduction to Ephesus delivered by a British professor of antiquities. Discover the ruins of Ephesus, the jewel of Greek-Roman cities and capital of Asia Minor. Explore the Terrace Houses, once inhabited by the wealthy Ephesians.

Lunch: In a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Visit the Museum of Ephesus in the town of Selcuk to gain a deeper understanding of the ruins of Ephesus and to see the magnificent artifacts unearthed during the excavations.

Dinner: Your choice to explore local fare.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Kismet Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Close [ x ]
Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: The Armada hotel is centrally located in the old city of Istanbul, on the city's historical peninsula. It is surrounded by the ancient city walls and is within walking distance and has views of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii). Open since 1994, the building was constructed on the site of a series of row houses which were built for the marine soldiers of the famed Ottoman Admiral Hayrettin Pasha (Barbarossa) in the 16th century. The hotel's façade replicates the original structures.

Contact info:
Ahirkapi Cad, 24
Sultanahmet
Istanbul, 34400 Turkey
phone: +90 212 455 44 55
web: www.armadahotel.com.tr

Room amenities: 110 rooms, decorated in the Ottoman style with Edirnekari woodwork painting, are a blend of past and present and offer all modern amenities, including air conditioning, central heat, hair dryer, cable TV, direct-dial telephone, Internet and safebox.

Facility amenities: Restaurants, bars, rooftop terrace, room service and laundry service.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: $175 DBL; $165 SGL.
Prices are per room and include VAT and breakfast. Contact the Program Provider for reservations.

Check out time: 10:00 AM

Day Fourteen: Sunday, September 30 - Introduction to Istanbul 
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: Visit a local carpet manufacturing center and learn about the art of Turkish carpets. During an in-depth visit with the women weavers, share tea and coffee and learn about their lives, families and work.

Lunch: In a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Fly to Istanbul and check into the hotel.

Dinner: In a local restaurant.

Evening: A stroll with your group leader introduces you to the neighborhood.

Lodging: Armada Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: The Armada hotel is centrally located in the old city of Istanbul, on the city's historical peninsula. It is surrounded by the ancient city walls and is within walking distance and has views of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii). Open since 1994, the building was constructed on the site of a series of row houses which were built for the marine soldiers of the famed Ottoman Admiral Hayrettin Pasha (Barbarossa) in the 16th century. The hotel's façade replicates the original structures.

Contact info:
Ahirkapi Cad, 24
Sultanahmet
Istanbul, 34400 Turkey
phone: +90 212 455 44 55
web: www.armadahotel.com.tr

Room amenities: 110 rooms, decorated in the Ottoman style with Edirnekari woodwork painting, are a blend of past and present and offer all modern amenities, including air conditioning, central heat, hair dryer, cable TV, direct-dial telephone, Internet and safebox.

Facility amenities: Restaurants, bars, rooftop terrace, room service and laundry service.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: $175 DBL; $165 SGL.
Prices are per room and include VAT and breakfast. Contact the Program Provider for reservations.

Check out time: 10:00 AM

Day Fifteen: Monday, October 01 - Jewels of Istanbul 
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: A guided walk explores the Sultanahmet Mosque, called the "Blue Mosque", the Underground Cisterns and Topkapi Palace, seat of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years, see the breathtaking treasury and the intriguing harem.

Lunch: In a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Continue to Taksim Square for a stroll on vibrant and colorful Istiklal Avenue, which demonstrates Turkey's position between the East and the West and the forces that affect it.

Dinner: In a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Armada Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: The Armada hotel is centrally located in the old city of Istanbul, on the city's historical peninsula. It is surrounded by the ancient city walls and is within walking distance and has views of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii). Open since 1994, the building was constructed on the site of a series of row houses which were built for the marine soldiers of the famed Ottoman Admiral Hayrettin Pasha (Barbarossa) in the 16th century. The hotel's façade replicates the original structures.

Contact info:
Ahirkapi Cad, 24
Sultanahmet
Istanbul, 34400 Turkey
phone: +90 212 455 44 55
web: www.armadahotel.com.tr

Room amenities: 110 rooms, decorated in the Ottoman style with Edirnekari woodwork painting, are a blend of past and present and offer all modern amenities, including air conditioning, central heat, hair dryer, cable TV, direct-dial telephone, Internet and safebox.

Facility amenities: Restaurants, bars, rooftop terrace, room service and laundry service.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: $175 DBL; $165 SGL.
Prices are per room and include VAT and breakfast. Contact the Program Provider for reservations.

Check out time: 10:00 AM

Day Sixteen: Tuesday, October 02 - From the Palace to the Bazaar 
Breakfast: In the hotel.

Morning: On a guided visit to Hagia Sophia. Visit the lovely, little-visited Rustem Pasha Mosque, exquisitely decorated with 16thcentury tiles and the Church of St. Savior in Chora, one of the finest examples of Byzantine mosaics. View Istanbul from a different perspective on a privately chartered boat cruise on the Bosphorus.

Lunch: In a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Visit the lovely, little-visited Rustem Pasha Mosque, exquisitely decorated with 16thcentury tiles. Stroll the Spice Bazaar that immediately captures visitors with its exotic aromas. Continue to the Grand Bazaar, a maze of 3,000 shops from the 15th century, literally the first shopping mall in history.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Lodging: Armada Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Seventeen: Wednesday, October 03 - Departure 
Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Departures.

Meals Included: Breakfast


Free Time Opportunities


Cappadocia
Hot-Air Balloon RideThis unique type of ballooning is called "contour ballooning." See the fascinating formation of Cappadocia from the air, as skilled pilots steer the balloon to float through the ravines, gorges and valleys, just above the treetops and land formations. The flight follows the contours of the unique landscape of Cappadocia. The flight begins at sunrise and lasts up to 1.5 hours. The cost is approximately €250 and includes round-trip transportation to and from the hotel and a champagne breakfast. A preliminary reservation form is included in the program materials and should be returned to the Program Provider prior to departure, however actual booking and payment is made on-site directly with the balloon operator.
Istanbul
Archaeological MuseumThe museum houses artifacts from Turkey spanning 5,000 years of history. The exhibits are from Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire and the many civilizations of Anatolia and ancient Egypt. Nineteenth-century archaeologist Osman Hamdi Bey's finds include the famous fourth-century Alexander sarcophagus discovered at the royal necropolis of Sidon in Lebanon. The Museum of the Ancient Orient contains artifacts from Egypt and Mesopotamia, including a magnificent frieze of a bull from the Ishtar gate in Babylon. Located at: Osman Hamdi Bey Yokusu, Telephone: +90 212 5207740.
Turquoise Coast Cruise
Hikes AshoreThe group leader will offer a hike for those interested to sites that are not accessible by other transportation. These may include ancient sites, a ghost village abandoned 80 years ago, or viewpoints with spectacular scenery. For those who do not wish to hike, other leisure activities on the gulet include relaxing, swimming, sunbathing and reading.
Town of KasAncient theater of Antiphellos.
KalkanA small and quaint resort town.
Konya
Karatay Tile MuseumThe Tile Museum in Konya is housed in the Karatay Madrasa, which was built in 1251 as one of the first universities of the Ottoman Empire. The museum was opened in 1955. Constructed of stone and ceramic, the building has tile decoration on the massive dome squinches in turquoise, indigo and black.
For additional information, visit: www.kultur.gov.tr
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