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Mediterranean
Honeymoon Wishes
An 18-day Greece & Turkey Mediterranean
Interlude
Arrive any day , year round to : Istanbul City of the Sultans and the
Greek Isles

This
is the perfect Mediterranean getaway. Your days are filled with exotic
sights, sounds, scenes and scents . We'll even provide you with the
Lonely Planet guide to Greece and Turkey so that you can explore on
your own, as you like, in your free time! Arrive ANY DAY! Apr
- Oct , This is the perfect add on to your Crystal Cruises , Oceanic
Cruise , Princess Cruise or other Mediterranean cruise. Extensions are
available to Cappadocia . The
romance of the Greek isles. What's better than a journey with a cherished
companion to one of these prized destination? This is a trip tailored
to make the most of that special company and unique occasion, be it
an anniversary, a honeymoon, or a singular chance to be alone and
away.
Compare with the
12-Day Version Istanbul and the Greek Isles .Add
Spain : Andalusia , Madrid and Costa Del Sol
Day 1 - Istanbul - Choose your own arrival day . Arrive any
day : April - Oct
Arrive at Istanbul Airport. Our driver meets you at the exit gate of
Istanbul Airport and transfers you to your hotel. Rest of the day on
your own. Overnight at Blue House Hotel in Istanbul. Private
Transfers. Private air conditioned Vehicle
Day 2 - (B, L) - Istanbul
We first stroll to the great square which was once the Byzantine Hippodrome.
Now it is a great park like area surrounded by the Blue Mosque, Hagia
Sophia, and the Underground Cistern, commonly called the Basilica Cistern.
After lunch at a local restaurant, retracing our steps we walk to the
Topkapi Palace, more than a palace, it is an assemblage of museums,
containing the collections amassed by the Sultans over almost five centuries.
After Topkapi Palace, we finish the day with Grand Bazaar visit, world’s
largest covered market. Shops selling the same kind of merchandise congregate
in the same area and there are 18 entrances and more than 4000 shops
in the entire complex. Overnight at Blue House Hotel in Istanbul.
Private
Transfers. Private Guide . Private air conditioned Vehicle
Day 3 - (B, L) - Istanbul
We start our second day in Istanbul with a walk to the Rustem Pasha
Mosque, then we visit the Dolmabahçe Palace; overlooking the
Bosphorus, it is definitely incomparable with 14 tons of pure gold used
for its interior decoration, its priceless paintings, furniture, a rich
collection of Bohemian crystal in addition to its famous Harem section.
Right after Dolmabahçe Palace, we have lunch at a local restaurant
and get on board and take a leisurely Bosphorus Cruise from Eminonu,
to the still unspoiled village of Sariyer. We end the day with a visit
to Chora Church, with its 14th century mosaics and frescoes of almost
supernatural beauty. The most important features of the church are the
frescoes and mosaics demonstrating the finest Byzantine art forms and
parallel, in time, developments in Italian renaissance art. Overnight
at Blue House Hotel in Istanbul. Private
Transfers. Private Guide . Private air conditioned Vehicle
Day 4 - (B, L) - Izmir - Pergamum - Asclepion - Selcuk
Our driver meets you at the hotel and transfers you to Istanbul Airport
for the morning flight to Izmir. On arrival to Izmir Airport, our guide
and driver meets you and starts the tour. We drive to Pergamum. Arrival
to Bergama, we drive to Acropolis. The Temple of Dionysus and The Altar
of Zeus covered with magnificent friezes depicting the battle between
the Olympian gods and their subterranean foes but most of these famous
buildings removed to Berlin by the 19th century German excavators. Then
we head on to Asclepion where was neither the first nor the only medical
& psychological treatment center. After we have lunch at a local
restaurant, visit the cathedral sized Red Basilica. St john the Divine
wrote that Red Basilica was one of the seven churches of the Apocalypse,
singling it out as the throne of the devil. Overnight at Kalehan Hotel
in Selcuk. Private
Transfers. Private Guide . Private air conditioned Vehicle
Day
5 - (B, L) - Ephesus
Today we first drive to the Virgin Mary's House; after that we visit
Ephesus which was founded in the eleventh century BC by the Ionians.
Strolling through the streets of Ephesus, we will witness the perfection
of the Greco-Roman Art. Later in the afternoon we will visit St John's
Basilica, believed to be the tomb of the Apostle John, Christ's beloved
disciple. From the basilica, we will be able to look down on the remains
of the temple of Artemis. We end the day with our visit to the Isa Bey
Mosque. Overnight at Kalehan Hotel in Selcuk. Private
Transfers. Private Guide . Private air conditioned Vehicle
Day 6 - (B, L, D) - Priene - Didyma - Bodrum
After breakfast, we drive first to Prienne, formerly a leading member
of the Panionic League. As we drive further South, we visit Miletus
and then arrive at Didyma, where we have lunch at a local restaurant,
circumstances permitting, across the road from the temple. As the historian
Pausanias wrote, "The sanctuary of Apollo at Didymoi, and the oracle
there are more ancient than the Ionian settlement". After this
we transfer you to your hotel in Bodrum. Dinner and overnight at L'
ambiance Resort in Bodrum. Private
Transfers. Private Guide . Private air conditioned Vehicle
Day 7 - (B) - Marmaris
After a late breakfast and checking out from the hotel, our driver meets
you at the hotel and transfers you to your hotel in Marmaris. Rest of
the day on your own in Marmaris. Overnight at Candan Hotel in Marmaris.
Private
Transfers. Private Guide . Private air conditioned Vehicle
Day
8 - (B) - Rhodes and Greece
After breakfast transfer to the port to take the morning ferry to Rhodes.
Our local rep will assist with your transfer to Cosmopolitan Hotel in
Rhodes .Private
Transfers . Private air conditioned Vehicle
Day 9 - (B) - Rhodes (B)
Full day on your own on the Island of Roses. The compact, cobbled medieval
city is perfect for exploring on your own. You'll want to visit the
Palace of the Knights of St. John, take a look at the wares in the boutiques,
and spend some time in a seaside cafe. We also offer optional excursion
to the Acropolis of Lindos and the Valley of the Butterflies.
Day
10 - (B) - Rhodes / Crete (B)
Air fare is included ( economy class ) Rhodes / Heraklion in Crete .
All transfers are always included.
Sample hotel in Heraklion : Atlantis or similar . Private
Transfers . Private air conditioned Vehicle
DAY
11 - CRETE (B)
Enjoy your stay at the hotel or explore one of the beaches. Or explore
on your own the Venetian part of the old town , see below more details
on tours in Crete.
DAY
12 - Crete / Santorini (B)
Do your last-minute shopping this morning, or just linger deliciously
in bed. Then we'll call for you and see you to the port for your ferry
to Santorini , ferry ticket is included . Volcano View Hotel or similar.
Private
Transfers . Private air conditioned Vehicle
DAY
13 - Santorini (B)
Enjoy breakfast at your lovely hotel (or Villa),or venture out,to explore
ON YOUR OWN.
Some suggestion that you may wish to consider (on your own):
Akrotiri,reputedly the site of fabled Atlantis. Then on to Athinios
port to take a boat across to eh dormant volcano, and ascend through
a crater-pocked moonscape to the crater. Visit Thirassia Island and
watch sunset in Oia. Return to your hotel/villa early evening, the decision
is totally yours.
DAY
14- Santorini- Own activities(B)
To stay in your lovely hotel and enjoy the beach, the service, and the
amenities, or to venture out to explore some of the dramatic cliffs,
coves, and villages . . . that is the question! No doubt, you'll mix
a bit of both; Relax, and revisit a favorite café or shop ,sip an ouzo
or retsina at a waterside café, discover a beach or two, pick up a loaf
of fresh bread and cheese and olives, and picnic on a hillside as you
look out to sailboats at sea. Your days will be filled.
For
those interested , a complimentary full day Greek cooking
class ( available only on Thursdays -except during Easter week):
Advance reservation required, space is limited, must book this at the
time you book your tour package with us
ONE
DAY COOKING COURSE FROM "SELENE" RESTAURANT.
Weekly
on Thursday : at 10 30 a.m. we will welcome you at Selene Restaurant
with fresh juice, coffee and traditional Greek cookies. A lecture by
Evelyn Volikas and George Hatziyianakis will give you an introduction
to the cuisine of the Cycladic Islands and particularly of Santorini
.Following the lecture, we will introduce to you the unique local products
of our island. The volcanic eruption that broke the island of Santorini
apart almost 3500 years ago left the dramatic caldera that you see today.
With more than 300 days of sunshine and its rich volcanic soil, the
island yields a bounty of unusual indigenous herbs and vegetables. White
eggplant, capers and caper leaves, fava (small yellow peas), exquisite
baby tomatoes - all grown virtually without water.We will introduce
you to the Santorini wine, to the grape varieties and to the Santorini
vineyard, and you will have the chance to sample four different wines
in the wine tasting we have arranged for you.
Cheeses and sausages from several other Cycladic islands, including
Naxos, Siros, Ios, Tinos, brought especially for this occasion, will
accompany the wines.At about 12.0 the presentation and the demonstration
of four different recipes will take place. You will learn how to prepare
an entire Greek menu: an appetizer,
a salad, a main course, and a dessert.
-Fava
beans with tomato caper sauce or Tomato fritters (tomatokeftedes)
-Eggplant
salad with octopus or Taramosalata
-Rabbit
with egg- cheese sauce or Lamb in grapevine leaves
-Cheese
and honey sweet pastry or Melitinia (traditional Santorini cookie)After
we have prepared the dishes, at about 2.0 p.m. you will be able to enjoy
the fruits of your labors accompanied by a bottle of delicious wine
from Santorini.
The cooking class takes place every Thursday. Web site for the world
famous " Selene" Greek restaurant : www.selene.gr
DAY
15 - SANTORINI, Mykonos (B)
We'll rendezvous in time to take you to your ferry to Mykonos &
your hotel. Mykonos Palace or similar. Private
Transfers . Private air conditioned Vehicle
DAY
16 - MYKONOS (B)
The day is totally yours. There's no need to venture beyond the grounds
of your lovely hotel. But on the other hand, there's plenty of reason
to do so, starting with 350 whitewashed churches and chapels, dramatic
cliffs, blue seas, and secluded beaches. Private
Transfers . Private air conditioned Vehicle
DAY
17 - MYKONOS, Athens (B)
Reserve some time to stroll the cobbled lanes of Mykonos, to sip an
ouzo or a retsina at a waterside cafe, to discover a beach or two, to
pick up a loaf of fresh bread and cheese and olives, and picnic on a
hillside as you look out to sailboats at sea. We'll rendezvous in time
to take you to your flight for Athens . We'll book for you the Sofitel
Hotel at Athens Airport. Proceed on your own upon arrival to the Sofitel
at the Airport.
DAY
18 - Departure (B)
After breakfast , proceed to the gate on your
own. Kalo Taxidi! Extend to . Bon
Voyage.
Rate per person in Triple $ : USD 4340 per person
Rate per person in Double $ : USD 4490 per person
Rate
per person in Single $ : USD 5170 per person
Rate Includes :
-
Domestic flight tickets in Turkey & Greece - economy class, tax
included
- All
ferry tickets as per itinerary
-
Hotel accommodation at the mentioned hotels or similar
-
Air conditioned minivan with driver for all the tours and transfers
-
Professional upscale guiding
-
Breakfast (B), Lunches (L) and Dinners (D) as indicated in the itinerary
-
All admission fees to the museums and sights as per itinerary
-
Local Taxes
Suggested Hotel or similar :
- Istanbul
Blue House Hotel http
- Selcuk
Kalehan Hotel
- Bodrum
L' ambiance Resort
- Marmaris
Candan Hotel
VEHICLE:
A Mercedes or Volkswagen minivan with large windows instead of a car
for the tours and transfers.
Minivans are always more comfortable.
GUIDING:
Two local guides; one for Istanbul part and one for Ephesus area. We
always use experienced guides with huge knowledge about their subjects
and very good English.
FOOD:
We try to use the best restaurants available in each area.
Dinners are generally not included , to allow you the opportunity to
go out and enjoy a nice restaurant on your own . Local guides may recommend
you some good options for dinners.
We
will provide the best vehicles available
Always
for our valued VIP guests
Rate
doesn't include :
- International
air fare.
- Visa
Fee :In cash upon or
from any of the Turkish Consulates
- Trip/travel
insurance
- Tips
-
Optional
excursions, such as tours on Santorini, sailing, cruising
- Any
meal not specifically mentioned
- Beverages,
and personal expenses
- Gratuities
for local personnel
- Travel
insurance (please inquire about flyer).
- Airport
taxes.
En
Espanol - Back
to Turkey Tour List
Crete:
Heraklio / Hersonissos Area:
* Creta Maris ( 5 stars)
* Knossos Royal Village (5 stars)
* Royal Mare Village (5 Stars)
* Atlantis Hotel ( 5 stars - Town property)
* Aldemar Royal Mare (5 stars)
Heraklio
/Amoudara Area:
* Candia Maris Hotel ( 5 stars)
Elounda
Area:
* Hotel Elounda Mare (5 stars):
Supplement $65 per person per night with breakfast & dinner included
(part of the deal, cant delete).
Lasithi Area:
* Hotel Elounda Mare (5 stars) : PRIVATE
BUNGALOW with private pool: Supplement
$200 Per person per night.
4
- Star Properties:
Heraklio
Area:
* Sylva Maris Bungalows hotel ( 4 stars)
* Galaxy Iraklio Hotel ( Town property)
* Asotria Capsis Hotel ( Town Hotel)
* Marina Beach in Gouves area
*
Pantheon Palace in Gouves area
Lasithi
Area:
Miramar
in Aghios Nikolaos
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