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- Day 1 ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL,TURKEY Welcome to Istanbul! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
- Day 2 ISTANBUL East meets West Discover with a captivating, guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Roman Hippodrome and hear about the events held there. Marvel at the six minarets of the Blue Mosque, and the intricate decoration and blue hues of its interior. Stand below the breathtaking dome of the Hagia Sophia, visit Topkapi Palace to see how the Sultan's lived, and discover a shopper's paradise with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world, spread over 60 streets and location of over 4000 shops! Enjoy [LF] a traditional Turkish coffee experience at a historical coffee roaster. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITIONS Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago and ultimately called after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as a gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean predestined it for a turbulent yet exciting history.
- Day 3 ISTANBUL-GALLIPOLI-TROY AREA Bravery on the Beach This morning, drive to the Gallipoli peninsula and visit the WWI battlefields, the Anzac Cemetery, the Lone Pine Memorial, and Chunuk Bair Memorial sites before crossing the Dardanelles by ferry. Later, enjoy a fascinating guided visit to the archaeological site, dating back over 4000 years. See the symbolic wooden Trojan Horse that commemorates the Trojan War, it was supposedly the winning tactic. (B,D)236 mi/ 380 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & HERITAGE Visit the moving and inspirational sites, where Allied troops, mainly Australians and New Zealanders, suffered heavy casualties in a disastrous campaign. Pay tribute to the heroes of those tragic months of 1915 at the Anzac Cemetery and the Lone Pine Memorial.
- Day 4 TROY AREA-PERGAMUM-KUSADASI The Sacred Way This morning drive to Pergamum for a guided visit of the Asklepion, a healing temple and shrine to the Greek God of medicine. Continue your journey and arrive in Ephesus to visit the Archaeological Museum for an introduction to the city and its people. (B,D) 267 mi / 430 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT HEALING THE BODY &THE SOUL Nestled between hills, the Asklepion retains a sense of serenity and history. Here, the sick sought healing as they approached the temple via the Sacred Way, a pathway to healing based on the patient's dreams and through theatrical presentations--healing practiced as a sacred art to heal both body and soul.
- Day 5 KUSADASI-EPHESUS-PAMUKKALE Ancient Civilization Preserved Start your day at the incredible archaeological site of Ephesus and be captivated by stories as you follow your Local Guide on a fascinating walking tour through the ancient ruins, including St. John's Basilica, believed to be the burial site of the apostle John. Later, arrive at the ancient city of Hierapolis for a visit, founded as a thermal resort around 190 BC, and said to have been visited by Cleopatra. See the main attractions and take time to marvel at the stunning backdrop of Pamukkale with its travertine terraces and thermal water pools. (B,D) 137 mi / 220 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS Ephesus was one of the most famous cities of the ancient Mediterranean. It was the second biggest city of the Roman Empire and today it is one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean.
- Day 6 PAMUKKALE-BURSA In the Shadow of Mount Olympus This morning, drive to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Your sightseeing tour features a visit to the Great Mosque (Ulu Cai), an architectural masterpiece famous for its twenty domes supported by twelve pillars. Plus, visit the historical, covered bazaar and silk market followed by a Kestane Sekeri tasting. Enjoy free time this evening to explore more. (B) 280mi / 450 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT THE SILK ROAD Wander through the long winding bazaar in Bursa, Turkey's centuries-old city center, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the buzzing marketplace. Treat your taste buds to one of the city's famous sweets, the Kestane Sekeri, and find the perfect gift for yourself or a friend, a piece of authentic Bursa-made silk.
- Day 7 BURSA-IZNIK-ISTANBUL Ancient Walls & Ecumenical Council Drive to Iznik, a significant town located on the banks of Lake Iznik and famous for its vibrantly colored tiles and pottery. Your guided sightseeing tour includes a visit to the Great Mosque (St. Sophia's Church) and the Archaeological Museum. After some free time, continue to Istanbul and join your travel companions this evening for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 137 mi / 220 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CERAMIC BEYOND TIMES Iznik is a completely 'open-air museum' with its rare ancient history and uniqueness. It is also the birthplace of the world famous Iznik tiles - a treasured art form dating back to the Ottoman Empire.
- Day 8 ISTANBUL-ABU DHABI, U.A.E Marhaba Abu Dhabi! Today, bid good-bye to Turkey as you board your flight to Abu Dhabi, the capital and largest emirate in the U.A.E. On arrival a Local Host will meet you and accompany you to the hotel. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTARCHITECTURAL WONDERS Touch down in Abu Dhabi and catch your first sweeping view of its shimmering skyline--sleek towers rising from the desert like a modern mirage. From the moment you arrive, the city's blend of bold architecture, golden light, and coastal beauty promises an unforgettable Arabian adventure ahead.
- Day 9 ABU DHABI (EMBARKATION) Cosmopolitan Capital Today, head to the port, and embark your Celestyal cruise ship. Spend the day relaxing onboard or discovering the different facets of Abu Dhabi, the cosmopolitan capital of the U.A.E. Why not join an optional shore excursion to marvel at the stunning Sheikh Zayed Mosque, an architectural masterpiece boasting 1000 pillars and 82 marble domes. For tasty treats head to the date market and be amazed at the huge variety on offer. (B,D)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE and visit the splendid Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a true spiritual landmark. Its serene white marble exterior and sweeping domes reflect a blend of diverse Islamic architectural traditions. Inside, the mosque features remarkable handcrafted details, including the world's largest hand knotted carpet and immense crystal chandeliers enriched with 24 karat gold.
- Day 10 CRUISING: DOHA, QATAR DESERT JEWEL Enjoy a full day exploring Doha, the capital of Qatar; a modern city that has risen from a small pearl-diving community. Join an optional shore excursion to fully immerse yourself in Doha's history and culture. (B,L,D)ENHANCED FREE TIMECULTURAL JOURNEY Follow a guide on an optional excursion; starting at the colorful Souq Waqif where you can browse the labyrinth of alleyways lined with stalls offering spices, perfumes, souvenirs, and traditional Qatari clothing. Later take snapshots of the luxury artificial island Pearl-Qatar before heading to the Katara Cultural Village, Doha's destination for art, culture, and cuisine. At the Dhow Harbor see the traditional wooden boats and admire views of the spectacular Museum of Islamic Art.
- Day 11 CRUISING: RAS AL KHAIMAH, U.A.E Pearl of the Emirates Today, sail into the scenic port of Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost Emirate, famous for its diverse panorama, from stunning beaches to desert dunes, to the UAE's highest peak. Perhaps join an optional shore excursion to discover more. (B,L,D)ENHANCED FREE TIMECULTURE AND HERITAGE Delve deeper into UAE heritage and visit the Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, an abandoned, authentic pearling village that replicates life before the discovery of oil. Wander the streets of this ghost town and see typical examples of Gulf architecture.
- Day 12 CRUISING: KHASAB, OMAN Norway of Arabia This morning, admire rugged cliffs and fjord-like inlets as you sail into the port of Khasab, an Omani exclave overlooking the Strait of Hormuz. Khasab has lots to gems to uncover, both on land and water, why not join an optional shore excursion to get more out of your day. (B,L,D)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Roam, explore, and discover when you select an optional shore excursion. Head inland to ascend the Jebel Al-Harim Mountain in a 4x4, visit the Portuguese built fort and Khasab city center, ride a traditional Arabian dhow, or sit back and relax as you sail over the turquoise waters admiring the majestic mountains and small fishing villages; keep your eye out for dolphins!
- Day 13 ABU DHABI, U.A.E. (DISEMBARKATION) This morning, disembark your ship. Enjoy a free day in Abu Dhabi, absorb more art and culture in one of the museums, browse the stores in one of the malls, or try local specialties. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE There are countless ways to enjoy free time in Abu Dhabi. If you like art, visit the Louvre or Guggenheim museums; or watch traditional craftspeople at the House of Artisans. Absorb culture at the magnificent Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace, browse stores for gifts and souvenirs, or linger in a sidewalk café and enjoy local specialties.
- Day 14 ABU DHABI Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Name: Turkish Escape plus Abu Dhabi and Iconic Arabia 4-Night Cruise
Brand: Globus
Quality: First Class
Tour Type: Escorted
Start City: Istanbul
End City: Abu Dhabi
Notes: Uneven terrain of Ephesus' archaeological sites may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Cruise details:Rotation of ports of call may vary for congestion reasons at certain ports, with or without prior notice.Outside cabin (category XA).Included soft drinks with meals, and unlimited filter coffee, tea, water, and juice throughout the day.Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is Celestyal Discovery, operated by Celestyal Cruises.
Meals: 13 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 9 Dinners
