Byzantine Odyssey

Exotic sights, scents, and sounds reign in this fascinating land where Europe and Asia meet. From Istanbul, magnificent “Empress of the World,” to ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and the dramatic Turquoise Coast where we board a privately chartered yacht for a distinctive four-day voyage, Turkey engages and beguiles, offering us an unparalleled small group travel experience.

Begin in legendary Istanbul, aka Constantinople and Byzantium; a city divided by the Bosphorus, separating Europe from Asia. Experience Old Istanbul, home of splendid mosques, magnificent palaces and the ancient Hippodrome, where chariot races once took place. Tour the Blue Mosque with its six slender minarets and collection of 20,000 Iznik tiles and 260 stained glass windows. Be amazed by renowned Hagia Sophia, built in 537 AD as the world’s grandest Cathedral; converted into a mosque in the 16th century, it is now a museum of Byzantine treasures under extensive restoration. Spend time in splendid Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans and in the restored Dolmabahce Palace. Shop in the huge Grand Bazaar and the exotic Spice Market and enjoy a cruise along the Bosphorus.

Travel to the battlefields of Gallipoli and cross the Straits of the Dardanelles to explore the ruins and relics of legendary Troy. Visit Pergamum, once one of the richest small kingdoms in Asia Minor and Ephesus, the world’s best-preserved ancient city and once site of the Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

In Marmaris, we board our gulets, replicas of traditional Turkish fishing boats to spend 5 days traveling along the coastline, traditionally thought to have been Mark Antony’s wedding gift to Cleopatra. Nature’s gift to all those who travel here, the coast offers majestic scenery and crystal clear waters; daily sightseeing programs visit ancient Lycian, Greek and Roman sites. With the scent of eucalyptus perfuming the air, and forested mountains as our backdrop, we wend our way to Antalya. We’ll end our touring adventures visiting ancient Perge and Aspendos . An optional post tour visits Konya, home to the whirling dervishes, the awe-inspiring rock formations of Cappadocia and Ankara, the capital of modern Turkey.

Dates: May 27 - June 10, 2012

Price: from $3,895 land and cruise per person based upon double occupancy. Air-inclusive from New York at $4,797 per person based upon double occupancy. Please contact us or  see the brochure for rates from other cities in the US.

Single Supplement: $995

Trip Summary:

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Istanbul, Turkey

Day 2: Arrive Istanbul
We arrive in Turkey’s cultural and spiritual heart today and transfer to our hotel located near Taksim Square, the heart of modern Istanbul. As guests' arrival times may very greatly, we have no group activities or meals planned; on our own we can explore the area surrounding our hotel or simply relax. Dinner tonight is on our own.

Day 3: Istanbul
We taste Istanbul's allure on a tour that begins at the vast Grand Bazaar, housing 4,000 shops selling goods of all kinds; and the Spice Market, with exotic spices, nuts, and dried fruits from around the world. Then we take a private cruise on the Bosphorus, the waterway that seperates Europe from Asia. We stop in the village of Ortakoy, known for its trendy arts scene, cafés, and boutiques. There's time to explore and have lunch on our own before we return to our hotel mid-afternoon. This evening we take a short walk to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner of traditional Turkish fare. B,D

Day 4: Istanbul
Today we encounter Old Istanbul, beginning with the ancient Roman Hippodrome, the 3,500-year-old obelisk brought from Egypt in 390 CE.  We continue on to the renowned Museum of Turkish & Islamic Art, housing priceless artifacts from the 8th-20th centuries.  Next we visit the Blue Mosque, with its 20,000 blue Iznik tiles and signature six minarets; and Hagia Sofia, the 6th-century church that was Christendom's most important before becoming a mosque in the 15th century.  After lunch at a local restaurant, we tour splendid Topkapi, the medieval palace of Ottoman sultans that today is one of the world's richest museums. B,L

Day 5: Istanbul/Gallipoli/Troy/Assos
Leaving Istanbul this morning, we travel to the northern Aegean Coast for a brief visit to Gallipoli, haunting site of 31 Allied cemeteries from World War I. Then we ferry across the Dardanelles to Troy, once believed to exist only in Homer’s epic poem until the present site was discovered in the 1870s. After touring here we continue south to Behramkale, ancient Assos, where we spend the night.  B,L,D

Day 6: Assos/Pergamum/Izmir
Today we explore one of Turkey’s most spectacular ancient sites: windswept Pergamum, a major power in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, with a wealth of Hellenistic ruins. Then we continue on to Izmir. B,L,D

Day 7: Izmir/Ephesus
Few ancient sites compare to Ephesus, the world’s best-preserved classical city which we explore today. Dating to at least 1300 BCE, Ephesus was Asia Minor’s largest metropolis and principal port. We also visit the acclaimed Ephesus Archaeological Museum housing relics from the ancient site. Then we enjoy lunch together in the rustic village of Sirince. B,L

Day 8: Izmir/Göcek
Today we journey south to coastal Göcek, stopping along the way at a carpet factory to watch a demonstration of this age-old craft. Late afternoon we board our gulets for our first night on board. B,L,D

Day 9: Cruising – Aga Limani/Cleopatra Baths
Our route for the next few days is along the stunning coastline Antony is said to have given Cleopatra as a wedding gift. We begin our “Blue Voyage” this morning as we cruise to the hidden cove of Aga Limani. From here we have the option of taking a three-hour hike to the Greco-Roman ruins at Lydea, ending at the Sunken Baths of Cleopatra. Set in a breathtaking inlet, the Baths offer crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkeling. Those who prefer a less strenuous day can stay aboard the gulets as they sail to the Sunken Baths. B,L,D

Day 10: Cruising – Ekincik Cove/Dalyan
This morning we disembark and drive to Dalyan, an environmentally protected area known for its loggerhead sea turtles. Here we board a small skiff for a trip through an intriguing maze of channels; high on the hills above we see well-preserved ancient Lycian rock tombs. After lunch at a local restaurant we drive back to our gulets for a relaxing afternoon in this stunning setting. B,L,D

Day 11: Cruising – Gemiler Island/Kayakoy
Today we cruise to Gemiler Island to tour its 6th-century Byzantine monastery. After lunch on board our gulets we drive to the Greek “ghost town” of Kayakoy, which was abandoned after World War I and is now preserved as a historical monument. We explore the town and its churches then return to our gulets for our last night on board. B,L,D

Day 12: Fethiye/Demre/Myra/Antalya
This morning we have a short cruise to Fethiye, disembark, bid farewell to our crew, and begin the drive to Antalya. Along the way we visit Demre to tour the striking Roman ruins at nearby Myra and visit the 12th-century Church of Saint Nicholas. After lunch in Demre we continue the drive along the Turquoise Coast to the resort town of Antalya. B,L,D

Day 13: Antalya
On this morning’s walking tour, we encounter highlights of Antalya’s charming Old Town, including the extravagantly carved Hadrian’s Gate and the lovely Yivli Minare (fluted minaret). After a visit to the city’s Archaeological Museum, this afternoon is at leisure. Tonight we enjoy dinner at our hotel. B,D

Day 14: Antalya/Perge/Aspendos
This morning we visit the ruins at ancient Perge, which reached its apex during the reign of Alexander the Great. We continue on to Aspendos, whose huge theater is considered among the best preserved in all of antiquity. This afternoon is at leisure before we gather for a farewell dinner at a local Turkish restaurant in Antalya. B,D

Day 15: Depart for U.S.
This morning we board an early flight for our return to the United States. B

Please note: This trip involves considerable walking on uneven or cobblestone streets and at sites of ancient ruins. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy the tour to the fullest.

B = Breakfast included    L = Lunch included    D = Dinner included

What is included:

• Round-trip air transportation from listed cities
• 13 nights’ accommodations:  9 nights in Deluxe, Superior First Class, and unrated hotels; 4 nights aboard privately chartered gulet yacht
• 32 meals: 13 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners
• Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
• Services of a Professional Tour Director
• Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
• Luggage handling for one bag per person
• Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers

What’s not included:

Passport, visas and associated fees; personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls; accident/sickness, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance; excess baggage charges on aircraft; transfers and baggage handling to/from hotel on day of arrival and/or departure if you have booked as a "land only" participant or if you are arriving earlier or later than and/or departing earlier or later than the scheduled group transfer(s); any overnight on land due to flight schedule(s); meals, alcoholic or other beverages and all other services not specifically mentioned in the “Included Features” section of the program brochure.

Please call us toll-free at (866) 325-8664 or email us at travelstudy@columbia.edu for more details.