Destination: Turkey and Uzbekistan
Route: Istanbul - Cappadocia - Ephesus - Istanbul - Tashkent - Samarkand - Bukhara
Duration: 14 days/13 nights

Land Cost: $4,500
Single supplement: $690

2012 Small group tours:

May 18-May 31, 2012

September 14-September 27, 2012

Day 01, 2011 Arrival in Istanbul
Arrive in Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul. Meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. After check-in, enjoy some time at leisure until the afternoon, when you will meet again with your guide for an orientation tour. Half day sightseeing tour: The Spice Market (an exciting covered market filled with the fragrant scent of spices from the Orient) and Bosporus cruise by public boat, passing by authentic city quarters located on both Asian and European shores of the Bosporus Strait. The Bosporus is a narrow, navigable strait between Europe and Asia connecting the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea. It is about 20 miles long and varies between one-half and one and one half miles wide. This boat ride takes you past the late Ottoman Palaces, Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi, as well as beautiful wooden mansions and modern villas of the 19th & 20th centuries which form this elegant section of the city. Transfer to the hotel.

Day 02, 2011 Arrival in Istanbul
Today, we shall discover Hippodrome (The ancient Hippodrome, an enormous public entertainment arena that once seated as many as 100,000 zealous fans witnessing chariot races, executions, and mock battles. Once the center of Byzantine civic life, it is still decorated by the Egyptian Obelisk, the Bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine), Blue Mosque (With its massive central dome flanked by six slender minarets, the Blue Mosque stands as the single most recognizable monument on the Istanbul skyline. Built between 1609 and 1616, during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I, the enormous complex also included a hospital, caravansary, public kitchen, marketplace, schools and the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmet I), Basilica Cistern (or Underground Palace: Istanbul was one of the most often besieged cities in the world and has always needed permanent water supplies. As a result, many underground cisterns were built during the Byzantine Empire. Water was brought to these big reservoirs from far away sources through aqueducts. The largest and most ornate of these cisterns is Yerebatan Sarayi. In its construction, columns and capitals of earlier temples were used and this provides a very decorative appearance), Istanbul's Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum (Turk-Islam Eserleri Muzesi), is a treasure-house of beautiful objects from the Ottoman (14th to 20th centuries), Seljuk (11th to 13th centuries), and earlier periods beginning in the 8th century. The best art was religious art during the Ottoman Empire, just as it was in medieval Europe. Turkish carpets, illuminated Kur'ans, calligraphy (at which the Ottomans excelled), carved and inlaid wood, glass, porcelain and stone are well displayed. Turkish ethnographic exhibits—a fully-furnished nomads' tent, a 19th-century Ottoman parlor, and others—extend the collection beyond mere beautiful objects shown out of context. The museum is housed in the restored Palace of Ibrahim Pasha, a sumptuous residence built by Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent's Grand Vezir (and intimate friend) Ibrahim Pasha, Grand Bazaar: The area of the Grand Bazaar was a trade center during the Byzantine period. Two bedestens (domed masonry structures) were built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror to enrich the economic life in the city. Later on as people needed more places for trade, they added other buildings outside these structures. Today, the atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar is very interesting and has consequently become a very popular place for visitors to explore a labyrinth of streets and passages housing eighteen entrances and more than 4,000 shops.

Day 03, 2011 Istanbul
After breakfast at the hotel, depart with your guide for a private full-day sightseeing tour of the Old City. The tour includes major historical sites of the city: the Hagia Sophia ( Ayasofya ). This famous basilica was constructed in the 6th century A.D. It is often described as the greatest work of Byzantine architecture. Once the Church of Holy Wisdom, Christendom’s crowning glory, and now a museum, the church once glittered with mosaics, and art treasures filled every corner. Today, Hagia Sophia is the fourth largest building constructed as a church in the world. It was dedicated to Hagia Sophia which means Divine Wisdom, an attribute of Christ. Then we shall visit Topkapi Palace. Topkapi was the second palace built in Istanbul after the conquest. It was a residence for the Ottoman Sultans and includes a maze of opulent buildings which were at the center of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries. This palace, where the sultans and their courts and harem lived and governed, is now one of the world’s richest museums. The Great Camlica Hill, the highest point in the vicinity of Istanbul, 267 meters above sea level provides a panoramic view of the city and has a nice tea-house. We shall also explore Dolmabahse Palace which was the last residence of Ottoman Sultans. This Palace is located in the European side of Istanbul.

Day 04, 2011 Istanbul/Cappadocia
After breakfast at the hotel, check-out and transfer to Istanbul Airport for a domestic flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival you will start your tour of breathtaking Cappadocia. Kapadokya is the ancient and modern name of a remarkable region in Central Anatolia. It is a geological wonderland which is sometimes described as covering a triangular area between Kayseri, Nigde, and Kirsehir, or more specifically, a smaller triangular area from Urgup to Avanos to Nevsehir. Renowned for its awe-inspiring natural rock formations - which were utilized for everything from housing to churches and even complete underground villages - Cappadocia is as magical today as it was when early farmers discovered the fertile powers of the volcanic ash that covered the area thousands of years ago. You will first visit Goreme. The open air museum of Goreme consists of steep cliffs and many hidden churches dating from the second half of the 9the century and later. After lunch on your own at a local restaurant we will continue to Uchisar, where you will visit Uchisar Fortress. Uchisar is the name of a town and the fortress in the town. This 60 meter-high fortress was not built but carved out of a natural hill dominating the area with a breathtaking view of all the surrounding Cappadocia formations. After this visit, we will check in at our hotel, to have an included dinner and evening at leisure. Overnight: at Uchisar Kaya Hotel in Cappadocia

Day 05, 2011 Cappadocia
This morning we will continue to explore Cappadocia. First we will visit the remarkable underground city of Kaymakl?. Beginning in the second century AD, as successive armies swept across Asia Minor, the residents of Cappadocia created uniquely defensible communities by digging approximately eight stories down into the volcanic tufa stone. Next we will visit Pasabag – a site of natural beauty, where you can take the best pictures of the remarkable landscape of tufa cones. Then we will drive to the town of Urgup, where will have lunch on our own. After lunch we can visit the Turasan Winery. Cappadocia is one of the main wine production areas in Turkey, and Turasan winery (found in 1943) is the biggest producer in the area. Here you will have chance to try local wine. After this visit we will proceed to Avanos, a small town famous for its pottery and carpets. It is built along the banks of Kizilirmak (Halys) River, the longest river originating and ending within the borders of Turkey. Here you will visit a pottery workshop, and try your skills in this traditional centuries-old Cappadocian craft. Also visit a local carpet workshop, where you will have a chance to learn about all aspects of this traditional Turkish craft, from silkworm cultivation, to spinning, dyeing and the traditional patterns and weaving techniques. In the early evening we will return to the hotel. Overnight: at Uchisar Kaya Hotel in Cappadocia.

Day 6, 2011. Cappadocia-Istanbul-Izmir- Sirince.
Morning transfer to the Airport to take a flight to Izmir through Istanbul. Arrival in Izmir at 1PM. You will be met by your driver and transfer to your hotel in the small Greek-Turkish village Sirince. . Beautifully decorated houses and suites will amaze you. You can enjoy a walk in the village and shop in market where you can find fresh fruits of the season. Sirince is famous for its wine. According to some historians the Orthodox Christian Greeks who lived here formerly were famed for the excellence of their wine. Some say the Muslim Turks (who moved from Greece) started the wine trade, but in any case production has been continued. You will be able to taste the best wine (red, white and rose, dry and sweet) and have an unforgettable experience there. You can wonder at the shopping areas, have an opportunity to interact with locals, take photos and stop to see popular handicraft centers. Stay at the hotel in this small village.

Day 7, 2011 Ephesus-Istanbul
Admire the spectacular ancient sights of Ephesus, site of one of the "Seven Wonders of the Antiquity”. Explore the world-famous the Arcadian Way (It was a road that led from the harbor eastward towards the theater. It was 600 m long and 11 m. wide. The columns once supported a roof), the Antique Theater (It was first constructed in the Hellenistic Period, in the third century BC during the reign of Lysimachos, but then during the Roman Period, it was enlarged and formed its current style that is seen today), the Roman Baths, and the Celcus Library (This library is one of the most beautiful structures in Ephesus. It was built in 117 A.D. It was a monumental tomb for Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, the governor of the province of Asia; from his son Galius Julius Aquila. The grave of Celsus was beneath the ground floor, across the entrance and there was a statue of Athena over it. Because Athena was the goddess of the wisdom). After lunch we shall visit the House of Virgin Mary (The House of the Virgin located in a nature park between Ephesus and Seljuk, is believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. The peaceful site is sacred to both Christians and Muslims, and is visited by many tourists and pilgrims.)and the Temple of Artemis (Artemis was the Greek goddess, the virginal huntress and twin of Apollo, who replaced the Titan Selene as Goddess of the Moon). Transfer to Izmir to take a flight back to Istanbul. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08, 2011 Istanbul
Enjoy your leisure day visiting bazaars, handicraft centers and scenic locations of Istanbul. You will be transferred to the airport to take a flight to Uzbekistan

Day 09, 2011 Tashkent
Early Morning arrival in Tashkent. You will be met by our representatives and transfer to your hotel. Explore Tashkent by visiting the old part of the city: Kukeldash Madrassah, Barak Khan Madrassah, Mosque at Khast Imam Street. Then you will enjoy your time at the colorful oriental Bazaar “Chorsu” where you can taste traditional foods, watch craftsmen at work, bargain for souvenirs. Then you will visit Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet theatre to see the performance (the Theatre is located opposite of your hotel).

Day 10, 2011 Tashkent – Samarkand

After breakfast you will be transferred to the train station to take a train from Tashkent to Samarkand. (If you want to discover ancient villages and settlements of the Silk Road then you can be transferred by car. Scenic drive to Samarkand (300 km), the city is more than 2750 years old through Syrdaryo River. Stopping near the "Gate" of Amur Temur where two mountain ranges meet. Opportunity to photograph two great mountain ranges of Uzbekistan and see the ancient river stream). Arrival in Samarkand at 12 PM.
Samarkand (then known as Maracanda) was the site of the marriage of Alexander the Great to the local princess Roxana. Accommodation in hotel. The hotel is located next to the ancient Guri Emir mausoleum. Discover ancient Samarkand and interact with Samarkand people. Sightseeing tour: Registan Square, the main attraction of Samarkand and an impressive place for holding the world’s finest old and modern music festivals and holidays and Guri Emir Mausoleum from the 14th century. Ulugbek’s Observatory (he was a scientist, astronomer and architect of the XVth century). Visit Samarkand handicraft centers near hotel.

Day 11, 2011 Samarkand-Bukhara
Breakfast. Continue sightseeing tour in Samarkand. Today we visit Shahi Zinda Ensemble – ancient necropolis (IX,XIV,XIX c.), Bibi Khanum Complex ( the complex was build in honor of the wife of Amur Temur in the fourteenth century).
Afternoon drive to Bukhara through Malikchul desert and Zerafshan river (300km) the sites of Great Silk Road. Stop in ancient Karavan Serai Gate (XI century) and Gijduvan Ceramic center). Arrival in Bukhara. Accommodation the hotel, located in the old part of Bukhara. This afternoon you will visit Labi Khaus Complex ("the complex around the pond"), Nadir Divan Begi Khanaka (old hotel for merchants), Medreseh, Karavan Seray and Bukhara Chaykhana (tea house). You will also discover 16th century trade domes ( money changers, hat sellers, silk, carpets, puppets, jewelry), and a Zoroastrian temple. Enjoy traditional uzbek and tajik concert and fashion show

Day 12, 2011 Bukhara
After breakfast we shall visit Winter Fortress (Ark Citadel), Abdulazizkhan Madreseh and Poi-Kalon Ensemble famous for its 12th century minaret and 16th century mosque. Before lunch we shall enjoy our tour to the summer residents (Sitorai Mokhi Hossa) of the Bukhara Emirs. Complimentary lunch at the National restaurant. Enjoy interacting with family and friends, music and dance as well. Afternoon visit Chor Minor Complex and ancient Bukhara neighborhoods. Drive back to the hotel. You will enjoy some free time this late afternoon. Evening you will be transferred to the train station to take overnight train to Tashkent.

Day 13, 2011. Tashkent.
You will be met by your guide and driver at the Train station and you will see some other interesting historical sights of Tashkent: Earthquake Memorial, Applied and Decorative Art Museum and Independence square. You will be transfer to the hotel and enjoy your free time. Farewell dinner near your hotel.

Day 14, 2011. Tashkent.
Early Morning transfer to the International Airport to take a flight to the USA. Departure.

Hotels:

• ISTANBUL - Amira Hotel
• CAPPADOCIA - Yusuf Pasha Cave Hotel
• SIRINCE - Kirkinca Village Houses
• TASHKENT - Grand Orzu
• SAMARKAND - Malika Prime or Grand Samarkand
• BUKHARA - Amilia or Zargaron

This tour program includes:

Accommodation
• Visa support (Uzbekistan)
• Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
• Experienced local guides in Turkey and escort guide in Uzbekistan (deep knowledge in history and archaeology)
• Transport service throughout tour with luxury air conditioned car
• All domestic flights and trains
• Picnics and coffee and tea stops
• 1 Bottle of water every day
• Entrance fees to all museums, sites, parks and mountains (based on the itinerary)
• Folklore shows in Bukhara city
• Meetings at the airports
• Complimentary lunch with music near Bukhara
• Welcome gifts and Pre departure Travel Package

This tour program does not include:

• International airfare
• All personal expenses
• Consular fees for the embassies