October 02 - 22, 2023
21 Days
Tour Status - Guaranteed Departure

Join David & Brenda Layden of Select Holidays as we visit Turkey & Greece including an 9-day coastal exploration of the Aegean Sea. Transit the narrow, time-saving Corinth Canal to Itea and the sacred ruins in the Sanctuary of Apollo, the former home of the ancient world’s most respected oracle. Sip tart and flavorful white wines made from local grapes grown atop the windy ridges of Santorini. View the fresh fruit and vegetables in the open markets. Stroll in the shade of former terrace houses and columned buildings in ancient Ephesus PLUS much more…..

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What's Included:

  • Return airfare from major North American cities.

  • 10 Day Turkey Land Tour, 9 Day Cruise including 2 post cruise nights in Athens, Greece

  • Meals with included drinks on land portion as outlined

  • Deluxe accommodations as outlined

  • Drinks including unlimited beers, wines & cocktails on cruise

  • Gratuities for staff onboard cruise

  • Wi-Fi aboard cruise

  • Visit amazing cities & ports of call where larger ships do not visit

  • Hosted by David & Brenda Layden of Select Holidays

  • PLUS More……..

 Day 01: October 02, 2023:  
Depart North America on an overnight flight to Antalya, Turkey.  [IFM]

Day 02: October 03, 2023: Arrive Antalya, Turkey
Arrival in Antalya. Your English speaking guide will greet you at Antalya airport. Transfer to the hotel at the beach, dinner and 3 night stay. Temperature in Antalya at this time of the year is around 30C, so perfect beach weather. [D]

Day 03: October 04, 2023: Antalya, Turkey
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free morning at the beach and get over your jetlag. Departure for a panoramic city tour at noon. We will then stroll through the historical old city of Antalya to see the beautiful old mansions, the Hadrian’s Gate built in honor to the Roman Emperor in 121 BC, the Yiivli Minaret – one of the landmarks of the town. Relaxing boat trip along the impressive cliffs (up to 40 m high) to see one of the largest waterfalls of the area, cascading from the cliffs to the Mediterranean Sea. Visit of the Agricultural Research Institute of the Western Mediterranean area, responsible for the adaption, improvement of citrus fruits, but also many more plants, their diseases and solutions to those Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight. [B/D]

Day 04: October 05, 2023: Perge & Antalya, Turkey
Short drive from the hotel to the ancient, biblical site of Perge. St Paul has started some of his missionary trips from here. The stadium, ancient market place, the city gate, ancient roads, fountains, gymnasium, cooling storages and many other buildings are fascinating. After a typical lunch, our tour continues to visit the Kursunlu waterfalls, one of the most beautiful natural wonders very close to Antalya. We also will visit a tropical fruit producer. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight. [B/L/D]

Day 05: October 06, 2023: Antalya - Aspendos - Konya, Turkey
Departure from the Mediterranean area today. En route, we will see Aspendos, the only fully preserved ancient theatre in the world, where you can admire the scene and visitor seats. Many international classical festivals and operas are still performed here as the acoustic, as also the atmosphere is outstanding. Continue through the impressive Taurus mountains and it’s highlands with many spectacular landscapes. We will then reach the plains of Central Anatolia, which have been one of the granaries of the country and the world throughout history and reach Konya, the biblical Iconium. We will visit the Mevlana Musseum, the former centre of the mystical sect of the “Dancing Dervishes”. If time remains, we will also see the Aladdin Mosque, situated at the same named hill. Exquisite samples of the Seldjukan architecture can be seen here. dinner and overnight.  [B/L/D]

Day 06: October 07, 2023: Konya - Cappadocia, Turkey
The area around Konya is known as the native grounds of wheat, one of the main crops that has evolved great civilizations. We will visit a granary and continue along the historical Silk- and Spice Route. You will notice many “Caravanserails” – former “Road Inns”, where tradesmen from all the world used to rest, meet each other, exchange goods, news, cultures and tales. Continue to Cappadocia. This area, one of it’s kind, has been shaped by 2 volcanoes, wind, water and manpower. The area shows settlements from the beginning of human civilization. However, especially early Christians recognized that the volcanic rocks were ideal to build hidden churches, monasteries, even very large underground cities to hide during attacks. It’s a magical place, looking surreal, almost like a place from outside this world and no matter how many images you watch, it cannot be truly understood or appreciated without seeing personally. [B/D]

Day 07: October 08, 2023: Cappadocia, Turkey
Today, we will be seeing some of the most important monuments and landscapes such as Göreme Valley with its outstanding rock churches and monasteries, decorated with beautiful frescoes. We will also see Pashabag, meaning the vineyards of the Sultans, where you can not only admire some of the most beautiful “fairy chimneys”, but also see the special vineyards. Cappadocian vines are very short bodied because of the volcanic soil, yet having a very strong and unique taste. Further, we will see some more landmarks as the “3 Graces”, the “Camel” and enjoy the spectacular view in Ortahisar, which holds one of the natural castles offering housings since many centuries. Dinner and overnight as day before  [B/D]

Day 08: October 09, 2023: Cappadocia, Turkey
Another exciting day is awaiting us. The amazing “Pigeon Valley” will be our first stop. It’s one of the most iconic sceneries of the area. After exploring Uçhisar with its impressive samples of the local stonemasonry and typical houses, we’ll continue to the “Valley of Lovers” to see some more incredible shapes created by nature. We will then visit one of the most impressive underground cities of the area before continuing to Sinassos, a former Greek village. Here, we will learn about the “exchange of peoples”, see some typical mansions and churches. At Avanos, we will learn about one of the oldest handicraft and industry of mankind, pottery. We will enjoy our dinner at one of the most renown restaurants with exquisite specialties.
Optional/Extra: Early morning hot air-air balloon ride. [B/D]

Day 09: October 10, 2023:  Cappadocia – Istanbul, Turkey
A morning flight to Istanbul then transfer to the historical city center. This afternoon visiting the St. Sophia, the Hippodrome, one of the cisterns and the Grand Bazaar. Dinner and two nights in Istanbul. [B/D]

Day 10: October 11, 2023:  Istanbul, Full Day Tour & Bosphorus, Turkey
This morning we will visit the former center of the Ottoman Empire and residence to many Sultans including the world famous Topkapi Palace. The rich art collections and treasury show the richness of this period. We will then enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus, the natural strait dividing the European continent from Asia. The view of palaces, fortresses, the bridges, spectacular villas and other buildings, but also the modern skyline of this unique city can be best appreciated from the water. Visit the Egyptian Bazaar, the largest spice market, loved by the locals. [B/D]

Day 11: October 12, 2023:   Istanbul, Turkey ~ Board WindStar Cruise
There will be free morning in Istanbul before transferring to the cruise ship. Sail away from Istanbul at 5:00pm. [B/D]

Day 12: October 13, 2023:   Canakkale, Turkey
In port from 11:00 AM till 6:00 PM [B/L/D Onboard Cruise]

Day 13: October 14, 2023:   Mykonos, Greece
In port from 9:00 AM till 9:00 PM [B/L/D Onboard Cruise]

Day 14: October 15, 2023:   Kusadasi, Turkey
In port from 8:00 AM till 11:00 PM [B/L/D Onboard Cruise]

Day 15 October 16, 2023:   Bodrum, Turkey
In port from 9:00 AM till 7:00 PM [B/L/D Onboard Cruise]

Day 16: October 17, 2023: Santorini, Greece
In port from 8:00 AM till 9:00 PM [B/L/D Onboard Cruise]

Day 17 October 18, 2023:   Chania/Crete, Greece
In port from 8:00 AM till 5:00 PM [B/L/D Onboard Cruise]

Day 18: October 19, 2023: Nafplio, Greece
In port from 8:00 AM till 5:00 PM. [B/L/D Onboard Cruise]

Day 19: October 20, 2023: Athens, Greece
Arrive Athens early morning. Depart ship and visit the center of the city just under the Acropolis and we will visit the new Acropolis Museum overlooking the Parthenon and the Acropolis. Visit the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Lunch in a traditional restaurant in Plaka with local food and a lot of plates and we will continue to our hotel check in and the balance of the day free until dinner. Dinner at the hotel roof top by the pool, facing the Acropolis and the Parthenon. [B/L/D]

Day 20: October 21, 2023: Athens, Greece
Breakfast at hotel then depart for the visit of the Corinth Canal and ancient Corinth. Then continue to Nafplio the picturesque city on Corinthian Gulf. Lunch in a small restaurant on the port and free time to stroll around the little city crowned by the medieval castle of Acronafplia on the top of the hill. Early evening we will travel back to Athens for a farewell dinner and overnight. [B/L/D]

Day 21: October 22, 2023: End of Tour / Flights back to North America
Transfer to airport for flight back to North America.  [B/IFM]

Per Person, Double occupancy - $21,945.00
Category: Star ocean view suite (SS1)
including air, port, & government taxes
Other categories available upon request

Initial Deposit - $4,000 at time of booking
Second Deposit - $5,000 prior to April 15, 2023
Final Payment - is due prior to July 30, 2023

Airfare included from major North American gateways.

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