Highlights of

Optional Jordan Extension

Day 1- Departure

Depart your home city for Europe.

Day 2- Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul. At one time, it was the capital of three great empires and home to the splendorous relics of Roman, Byzantine Emperors and Ottoman Sultans. Upon arrival your tour representative will greet you. After checking in at the hotel and time to freshen up, meet with your Learning Through Travel guide for a cruise on the Bosphorus. The shores are lined with palaces, castles Ottoman Yalis (wooden villages) and fashionable apartments. You are passing lively quarters full of street markets, cafes and parks where the locals love to enjoy their tea. The upper Bosphorus is surrounded by villages between beautiful green hills. Homes which used to be occupied by local fishermen are the most sought after properties in the city. Towards evening you disembark the ship and enjoy your first Turkish dinner.

Day 3- Istanbul

This morning your exploration of Turkey begins with a visit to the remains of the Hippodrome where the chariot raced and athletic events took place. Standing in the center of the area is a large Obelsik of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the column of Constantine. The hills of the city are enhanced by the more than 500 mosques. Among them, the Sultanahmet Mosque with its six minarets, built by Sultan Ahmet I in the seventeenth century, is the symbol of Istanbul. It is also referred to as” the Blue Mosque" due to the blue glazed tiles used in its interior decoration. The Suleymaniye Mosque, another mosque of the Ottoman Period, is the most beautiful and magnificent architectural work in Istanbul. It was constructed by Turkey's famous architect Mimar Sinan, upon the order of Kanuni Sultan Suleyman (Suleyman the Magnificent) in the sixteenth century. It is perched on the hills of the Golden Horn like a crown. The final visit is to the Grand Bazaar with its 4,000 shops. Jewelry, antiques, carpets, silver and copper souvenirs, leather and suede clothes, woodcarvings and mother-of-pearl are sold here. Hatice Sultan constructed the Egyptian Bazaar in the seventeenth century. Istanbul is among the most exceptional cultural centers in the world with various music and cinema festivals, theaters, operas, ballets, concerts, international symposia, conferences and competitions.

Day 4- Istanbul/Ankara

After breakfast you transfer to the airport for a short flight to Ankara. Welcome to one of the largest cities and the capital of Turkey.The most interesting structure in Ankara is the Anitkabir (Mausoleum), constructed for Ataturk. The construction of the monument, on Rasattepe, started in 1944 and finished in 1953. In the same year, Ataturk was moved from his temporary grave at the Ethnographic Museum with great ceremony to Anitkabir, his eternal place of rest. See the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, located next to the citadel it is one of the richest museums in Turkey. Artifacts from various civilizations in Anatolia, starting from the Stone Age (50,000 B.C., Middle Paleolithic Period), and periods up to the Roman Period (second century A.D.) are displayed here.

Day 5- Ankara/Hattusas/Ankara

This morning leave Ankara for Hattusas, the capital of the proud Hittite empire in the 2nd millennium BCE which stretched from the Black Sea to Syria. A Hittite text supposedly written by King Anittas of Kussara describes his conquest in Anatolia and the destruction of Hattutas killing its King Piyusti. In the 13th Century BCE (19th Dynasty) the city wall was extended across the gorge to completely enclose the great hill. Reliefs and buildings were erected at the rock sanctuary called Yazilikaya, on the slopes of the eastern mountains. It was destroyed around 1190BCE (beginning 20th Dynasty) and remained unoccupied till the Phrygians captured the region in the 8th century BCE. The settlement then lasted through Helensistic times, when the Celtic Galatians arrived. It was inhabited into early Christian times and then abandoned until the 18th century CE. Return to Ankara for your dinner and overnight.

Day 6- Ankara/Cappadocia

Today you drive to the region of Cappadocia a magical land of fairy chimneys, cavernous hillsides and rock formations sculptured by rain and wind. In the villages of Avanos, Cavusin and Zelve you can see underground cities carved into rocks where for thousands of years Christians hewed amazing dwellings. Many of the ancient dwellings were decorated with Byzantine frescoes still visible today. Enjoy your dinner and a show tonight performed inside a cave.

Day 7- Cappadocia/Konya/Antalya

This morning start by visiting the underground city of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu. Afterwards drive through spectacular Central Anatolia to the city of Konya, once the medieval capital of the Seljuk Empire. Visit the shrine of Mevlana, the great mystic who inspired the rituals of the “Whirling Dervishes”. Continue to Antalya, the Turkish Riviera. The pineclad Taurus Mountains sweep down the clear sea forming an irregular coastline of rocky headlands and secluded coves. The Romans, Byzantines and the Seljuks successively occupied the city before the Ottoman rule.

Day 8- Antalya /Perge/ Aspendos /Side

Today visit the Pamphylian cities of Perge, Aspendos and Side with their impressive ruins and well preserved theatres in the fertile plains of Antalya. Perge was originally settled by the Hittites (1500 BC). St. Paul lived in Perge for some time and is said to have preached his first sermon here. Continue to the ancient theatre with its carved marble reliefs. See the huge Hellenistic and Roman gates, a long colonnaded road once paved with mosaics and lined with shops, a large agora and public baths. Proceed to Aspendos which lies some 30miles east of Antayla and 9miles from the coast. The theatre is the most magnificent ancient theater in the world with a seating capacity of 15,000. Close by stands the remains of a basilica, Agora and one of the largest aqueducts in Anatolia. On the way to the ancient city of Side you visit the Manavgat Waterfalls.

Day 9- Antalya/Pamukkale

This morning you depart for Pamukkale passing over the Bey Mountains. This city was founded by Pergamon King Eumenes II and is a noted spa where pure white travertines form a “Frozen Waterfall”. After check in at the hotel you can enjoy a therapeutic thermal mud bath, swim in a hot spring pool or relax in the sauna or the Jacuzzi.

Day 10- Pamukkale/Hierapolis/Aphrodisas/Kusadasi

Today visit Cotton Castle, one of Pamukkales most spectacular sites .See the formations and watch the cataract falling into the basin at the bottom of the mountain. The hot mineral- saturated water bursts from an underground source and plunges over the mountainside, shallow pools, stalactites and curtains of water frozen in mid-air. There are large pools fed by thermal springs for bathing and many columns and ruins from ancient Hierapolis, founded by Pergamon King Eumenes II. The entire Kingdom was bequeathed to the Romans in 133 BC. Stroll through the ancient city of Hierapolis and see the theatre with its well preserved stage and the Temple of Apollo. Continue to Aphrodisias, derived from Aphrodite, the goddess of nature, beauty, love and plenty, and was one of the most famous cult centers of the goddesses. In 1961 Dr. Kenan Erim of New York University, began excavations, which revealed that this site had been populated since 5800Bc. By the first century BC, the Greco Roman City of Aphrodisias had a population of over 60,000 and Aphrodite was the preferred deity. The city ruins include a theatre for 15,000 that could convert into an arena for gladiators and wild animals, and a stadium that could seat 30,000. Aphrodisias attracted students from all over the Roman dominions, as it was an important cultural and intellectual center. End the day in Kusadasi for dinner and your overnight stay.

Day 11- Kusadasi/Ephesus/Kusadasi

Today you can explore ancient Ephesus, once the commercial center of the ancient world. The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Her enormous Temple was once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and rebuilt several time, dates in its present form from the third century BC. Visit the ruins from the period of St. Paul, the Odeon, monumental fountains, the Library of Celsus, the great theatre, Baths of Scolastica, the old Roman Forum of Agora and the Double Church. Also visit the Archaeological Museum, St. Johns Basilica and his Tomb and the shrine of Virgin Mary, where she spent the last years of her life.

Day 12 – Pergamon/Troy/Canakkale

Depart Kusadasi for Canakkale. While driving along the coast of the Aegean Sea you make a stop to see the city of Pergamon. Visit the Acropolis, Temple of Athena, Dionysus, the Altar of Zeus and Asclepion. Continue to Troy, the legendary city of beautiful Helen and the Wooden Horse. Arrive in Canakkale for dinner and your overnight stay.

Day 13- Canakkale/Gallipoli/Istanbul

In the morning you cross the Dardanelles on to Gallipoli to visit the Anzac Bay and the Memorials of World War I. Continue to Istanbul.

Day 14 – Istanbul

This morning visit the Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans, built in the 19th century, with its original furniture and magnificent magnolia gardens. Continue to see the Museum of Topkapi Palace, the Palace of three Ottoman Sultans from the 15th – 19th centuries. In addition to its historical and architectural interest, it houses extraordinary collections of porcelain, armor, fabrics, jewelry, calligraphy and many other precious objects and art once belonging to the Sultans and their court. The afternoon is at you leisure. You may enjoy shopping at the Grand Bazaar. This evening will be your farewell dinner.

Day 15- Departure

Farewell to Turkey as you transfer to the Airport for your return. Arrive home, you heart and mind filled with many happy memories of ancient and contemporary Turkey.

Jordan Extension

Day 15 – Istanbul/Amman

Welcome to Amman, the capital of Jordan. Upon arrival your tour representative will greet you. After checking in at the hotel and time to freshen up, meet with your Learning Through Travel guide for an orientation tour of the city. See the Roman Theater, Odeon, Nymohaeum Fountain, shop at the markets and mingle with the local people.

Day 16- Amman/Jerash

This morning drive to Jerash, the Pompeii of the Middle East. Situated in the Gilead Hills, on the road to Syria, Jerash is the example of a beautiful preserved Greco-Roman city. As you approach the city you are greeted by Hadrians Triumphal Arch. Pass it and you find the Hippodrome, an ancient stadium that could seat up to 15,000 spectators. See the remaining walls of the Temple of Zeus, built in the late 2nd century. Continue to the Temple of Artemis, dedicated to the Goddess of the city. Return to Amman for your overnight stay.

Day 17- Amman/Madaba/Mt. Nebo/Petra

Today depart Amman via the Kings Road to Petra. En route visit Madaba the Bible town of Media, once one of the towns divided among the 12tribes of Israel. See the Greek Orthodox St. George Church with its mosaic map of Palestine and Lower Egypt. A small Museum near by houses mosaics from churches and private homes. Continue to Mt. Nebo where you can see the most awesome mosaic scenes like wine making, hunters, panthers, bear, fox, lion, sheep and hens. Later on arrive in Petra, the Rose Red City carved into the mountains.

Day 18 - Petra

Today see the stunning site of the Wadi Araba. Petra once was home to the Bedouins’ until the mid 1980’s when the government relocated them to a new village. See how they once lived in caves. A few Bedouins are still in this area. Petra, carved from living rock over 2000 years ago is a wonder. Visit the Khazneh (Treasury) carved out of iron-laden sandstone it serves as a tomb.The Treasury gets its name from the stories that pirates hid their treasures here. The final scenes of Indiana Jones and the Las Crusade were filmed here. See the Amphitheater which could seat 8000 spectators. It is believed that the Nabataens carved the theater out of rock during the time of Jesus. During excavations an almost complete statue of Hercules was found. Continue to the Royal Tombs also known as the King’s Wall where you find three tombs; Urn Tomb, Corinthian Tomb and Palace Tomb. See the Temple of the Winged Lions; recently excavated it is named after the carved lions that topped the capitals of the columns. It was dedicated to the fertility goddess Atargatis, who was the partner to the main male god, Dushara.

Day 19 - Petra/Amman

After breakfast depart Petra and return to Amman. The last day is at your leisure for shopping, and exploring Amman.

Day 20- Amman/Istanbul

Transfer to the Airport for your return flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival your tour representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. You can enjoy the Grand Bazaar, the Museum, or any other sights in Istanbul.

Day 21- Departure

Farewell to Turkey as you transfer to the Airport for your return. Arrive home, you heart and mind filed with many happy memories of Turkey and Jordan.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS - ANCIENT JOURNEY THROUGH TURKEY

International Air New York/Istanbul/New York

4 nights accommodations in Istanbul at a 4-star hotel

2 nights accommodations in Ankara at a 4-star hotel

1 night accommodations in Cappadocia

2 nights accommodations in Antalya at a 4-star hotel

1 night accommodations in Pamukkale

2 nights accommodations in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel

1 night accommodations in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel

1 night accommodations in Canakkale at a 4-star hotel

13 breakfast, 10 lunches, 11 dinners

All sightseeing and transfers by air-conditioned motor coach

English speaking guide

Porterage of 1 piece of luggage per person

NOT INCLUDED

U.S. Departure Tax and Airport Security fees. Visa for Turkey.

Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, meals not included in program, soft drinks, coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, mineral water, tips for drivers, guides, transfer personnel, optional tours, travel insurance, etc.

PLEASE NOTE ITINERARY SEQUENCE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS - JORDAN EXTENTION

3 nights accommodations in Amman at a 4-star hotel

2 nights accommodations in Petra at a 4-star hotel

1 nights accommodations in Istanbul at a 4-star hotel

7 Breakfast, 6 dinner

All sightseeing and transfers by air-conditioned motor coach

English speaking guide

Porterage of 1 piece of luggage

NOT INCLUDED

U.S. Departure Tax and Airport Security fees. Visa for Turkey and Jordan.

PLEASE NOTE ITINERARY SEQUENCE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.