Ancient Turkey 2014 & days / 11 nights tour from $2999

Transcription

1 Ancient Turkey Two Tours to choose from: Ancient Turkey 2014 & days / 11 nights tour from $2999 per person twin share ex Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane & Adelaide Departing from Australia Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday 01 November to 30 November And then again from 01 February to 31 March PRICES PER PERSON TWIN SHARE AUD Tour Cost (Istanbul & Turkey Tour) $ per person. Price Includes: Return airfares from Australia flying to Istanbul. Flying economy class with either Emirates, Etihad, Qatar or Singapore Airlines. Including all prepayable airport departure taxes. 11 nights First Class accommodations 3 nights Istanbul 1 night Canakkale 2 nights Kusadasi 1 night Pamukkale 1 night Konya 2 nights Cappadocia 1 night Ankara

2 Hotel porterage All transfers 20 meals: 11 breakfasts, 9 dinners Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout Arrive Depart Your Holiday Itinerary: The cost of the optional extra tours in the itinerary is an extra $450 per person. DAY 1, - Arrive in Istanbul Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. This evening, enjoy dinner and orientation with your Tour Manager Overnight: Istanbul Meals: Dinner DAY 2, - Istanbul City Tour Enjoy a half day morning tour of Istanbul, the only city that straddles two continents. Your tour includes a visit to the Blue Mosque, a 17th century Ottoman Mosque famous with its six minarets and magnificent interior with blue tiles. Continue to the Hippodrome, the place chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period. You will also visit St. Sophia - the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century, which remained the largest cathedral in the world for almost a thousand years, it was later converted to a mosque and now serves as a museum. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, exploring this city that blurs the line between East and West, with incredible architecture that is rivaled only by its spectacular natural setting on the Bosphorus Strait

3 Optional: Half Day Istanbul with Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar (PM) Overnight: Istanbul Meals: Breakfast DAY 3, - Anzac Cemetery, Drive to Canakkale This morning, drive to the town of Gallipoli, site of the famous Ottoman victory against the Allies during World War I. Visit the Anzac Cemetery, a memorial to the casualties of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, who s fame grew back home as word of their heroic efforts spread. April 25, 2015 will mark the 100th Anniversary of the beginning of the Gallipoli Campaign. Afterwards, cross the Dardanelles by ferry and continue to the Canakkale province, located in northwest Turkey, where you will arrive in the early evening Overnight: Canakkale DAY 4, - Visit Troy, Pergamum, Drive to Kusadasi This morning, proceed to the classical city of Troy. Tour this 4000-year-old city and legendary center of the Trojan War, made immortal by Homer's epic poem The Iliad. Then, drive to Pergamum, a powerful kingdom during the ancient Hellenistic period, and visit the Asclepion, the ancient Roman spa center. Continue to Kusadasi, a city believed to be the birthplace of Homer, where you will arrive in the early evening Overnight: Kusadasi DAY 5, - Day at leisure in Kusadasi Enjoy a full day at leisure in Kusadasi Optional: Full Day Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary with Lunch Overnight: Kusadasi DAY 6, - Pamukkale Hot Springs, Necropolis, and Hieropolis Depart Kusadasi and drive to Pamukkale. Visit the Necropolis and the ancient city of Hieropolis ("Holy City"), a UNESCO a World Heritage Site situated atop the Pamukkale hot springs. The Pamukkale hot springs have served as a therapeutic thermal bath since the 2nd century B.C. Overnight: Pamukkale DAY 7, - Travel to Konya Today, travel from Pamukkale, the "Cotton Castle," to Konya, a city renowned for its Seljuk architecture and also as the home of the whirling dervishes. Arrive in the afternoon and visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana before dinner this evening Overnight: Konya DAY 8, - Visit Caravanserai of Sultanhan en route to Cappadocia Depart for Cappadocia, visiting the magnificent Caravanserai of Sultanhan en route. Continue to Nevsehir in Cappadocia.* Upon arrival in Cappadocia, visit a carpet atelier and have a demonstration of carpet weaving Optional: Whirling Dervishes Performance (PM) Overnight: Cappadocia DAY 9, - Day at leisure in Cappadocia Enjoy a full day exploring Cappadocia independently. Famed for temples and houses cut directly into the region's spectacular rock formations, Cappadocia has captivated

4 travelers for centuries Optional: Full Day Cappadocia (AM) ** Overnight: Cappadocia DAY 10, - Ankara, Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk This morning depart for Ankara, the capital and the second largest city of Turkey. Upon arrival, visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. Leading up to the Mausoleum, also known as the Anitkabir, lies a vast brick courtyard and monumental avenue lined with NeoHittite stone statues and cenotaphs beneath its colonnades. The most noted cenotaphs within the complex are those of General Ismet Inonu, a close comrade of Ataturk's and his successor, and that of Ataturk himself, a large and highly decorative marble cenotaph, beneath which lies his tomb. Continue to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum - built in two Ottoman buildings located near Ankara Castle. The Museum, being among exceptional museums with its unique collection, exhibits Anatolian archaeological artifacts, as well as artifacts from the Paleolithic Age to the present Overnight: Ankara Meals: Breakfast DAY 11, - Day at leisure in Istanbul This morning, depart for Istanbul. Arrive in the early afternoon and enjoy some time at leisure before a Farewell Dinner this evening Optional: Half Day Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Market (PM) Overnight: Istanbul DAY 12, - Return to Australia Transfer to the airport for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast The cost of the optional extra tours in the itinerary is an extra $400 per person. Tour Payment Schedule: $400 per person deposit due upon booking. $1900 per person airfare payment due on 18 September $699 Balance payment for tour is due 90 days prior to departure.

5 Treasures of Turkey 2015 Escorted Tour ; 12 days / 11 nights tour from $2999 per person twin share ex Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane & Adelaide

6 Departing from Australia Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday 01 April to 31 May And then again from 01 September to 31 October Please note our Anzac Day Tours 2015 are SOLD OUT PRICES PER PERSON TWIN SHARE AUD Tour Cost (Ancient Turkey Tour) $ per person. Arrive Depart Price Includes: Return airfares from Australian Capital Cities to Istanbul. Flying economy class with Emirates, Qatar, Singapore, Malaysia or Etihad Airlines. Including all prepayable airport departure taxes. 11 nights First Class accommodations 3 nights Istanbul 1 night Canakkale 2 nights Izmir 2 nights Antalya 2 nights Cappadocia 1 night Ankara Hotel porterage All transfers 21 meals: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 9 dinners Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout The cost of the optional extra tours in the itinerary is an extra $440 per person. DAY 1 - Arrive in Istanbul Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner Overnight: Istanbul Meals: Dinner DAY 2 - Morning City Tour of Istanbul This morning, enjoy a half day morning tour of Istanbul, the only city that straddles two continents. Your tour includes a visit to the Blue Mosque, a 17th century Ottoman Mosque famous with its six minarets and magnificent interior with blue tiles. Continue to the Hippodrome, the place chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period. Finally, visit St. Sophia the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century, which remained the largest cathedral in the world for almost a thousand years, it was later converted to a mosque and now serves as a museum. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, exploring this city that blurs the line between East and West, with incredible architecture that is rivaled only by its spectacular natural setting on the Bosphorus Strait Optional: Half Day Istanbul with Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar (PM)

7 Overnight: Istanbul Meals: Breakfast DAY 3, - Anzac Cemetery, Drive to Canakkale This morning, drive to the town of Gallipoli, site of the famous Ottoman victory against the Allies during World War I. Visit the Anzac Cemetery, a memorial to the casualties of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, who s fame grew back home as word of their heroic efforts spread. April 25, 2015 will mark the 100th Anniversary of the beginning of the Gallipoli Campaign. Afterwards, cross the Dardanelles by ferry and continue to the Canakkale province, located in northwest Turkey, where you will arrive in the early evening Overnight: Canakkale DAY 4 - Pergamum Asclepion Tour, Travel to Izmir Drive to Pergamum, a powerful kingdom during the ancient Hellenistic period ( B.C.), and visit the Asclepion, the ancient Roman spa center. Modern treatments that have been used for centuries such as psychotherapy, massage, mud bathing, and herbal medicine were practiced here. Enjoy lunch in a local village before continuing to Izmir, a city believed to be the birthplace of Homer Overnight: Izmir Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 5 - Full Day in Izmir Enjoy a full day at leisure in Izmir. With over 3500 years of history, the port city known historically as Smyrna offers a variety of impressive archaeological sites, not to mention easy access to ancient Ephesus. Or perhaps simply relax in the city and sip Türk kahvesi, authentic Turkish coffee, at a café set along the scenic Pasaport Quay Optional: Full Day Ephesus & House of the Virgin Mary with Lunch Overnight: Izmir DAY 6 - Necropolis & Hieropolis at Pamukkale Today, depart in the early morning from Izmir and drive to Pamukkale en route to Antalya where you will arrive in the evening. Visit the Necropolis and the ancient city of Hieropolis ("Holy City"), situated atop the Pamukkale hot springs, which together constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Pamukkale hot springs have served as a thermal bath since the 2nd century B.C., primarily for the ailing and elderly, many of whom have retired here Overnight: Antalya DAY 7 - Full Day in Antalya Enjoy a full day at leisure in Antalya. Founded by King Attalos of Pergamum as "Heaven on Earth," Antalya is an international resort city that has become a prime destination in Turkey. Long popular among yachters, the city also offers the liveliest nightlife on the southern coast, fantastic beaches, and world-class shopping, in addition to historic ruins in the surrounding region Optional: Perge, Aspendos & Antalya Archaeological Museum Overnight: Antalya DAY 8 - Cappadocia Caravanserai Sightseeing Today, depart in the early morning to travel to Cappadocia and visit the 13th-century Caravanserai of Sultanhan en route, a large abandoned city and shelter in Cappadocia, built on the Silk Road, whose main portal gate is considered a fine example of Turkish

8 Seljuk art. During the Seljuk period, trade flourished, requiring roads for caravan transport and inns for the traveling traders. The Caravanserai provided these traders, both foreign and native, with heated rooms, food, medical attention, equipment repair and many other common conveniences. There was even a small mosque, known as "Kosk Mescid," in the courtyard's center where the travelers could conduct religious practices. Continue to Nevsehir in Cappadocia where you will arrive in the evening** Optional: Whirling Dervishes Performance (PM) Overnight: Cappadocia DAY 9 - Full Day in Cappadocia Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the area independently. A region of surreal rock formations and incredible cultural heritage, Cappadocia is home to rock-cut temples, ancient underground cities, and unparalleled landscapes Optional: Full Day Cappadocia (AM)*** Overnight: Cappadocia DAY 10 - Travel to Ankara, Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk This morning depart for Ankara, the capital and the second largest city of Turkey. Upon arrival, visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. Leading up to the Mausoleum, also known as the Anitkabir, lies a vast brick courtyard and monumental avenue lined with NeoHittite stone statues and cenotaphs beneath its colonnades. The most noted cenotaphs within the complex are those of General Ismet Inonu, a close comrade of Ataturk's and his successor, and that of Ataturk himself, a large and highly decorative marble cenotaph, beneath which lies his tomb. Continue with Anatolian Civlizations Museum built in two Ottoman buildings located near Ankara Castle. The Museum, being among exceptional museums with its unique collection, has Anatolian archaeological artifacts, artifacts from the Paleolithic Age to the present are exhibited. It was elected as the first "Museum of the Year" in Switzerland on April 19, 1997 Overnight: Ankara Meals: Breakfast DAY 11 - Return to Istanbul This early morning, depart for your hotel in Istanbul. Spend the afternoon at leisure. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel with your traveling companions Optional: Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with Spice Market (PM) Overnight: Istanbul DAY 12 - Depart for Australia. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast The cost of the optional extra tours in the itinerary is an extra $500 per person. Tour Payment Schedule: $400 per person deposit due upon booking. $1900 per person airfare payment due on 18 September $699 Balance payment for tour is due 90 days prior to departure.

9 Tour Hotels. Legacy Ottoman Hotel, Istanbul This first class hotel is a magnificent work of the National Architecture Movement and is located in the Old City peninsula. Grand Hotel Gulsoy, Istanbul This first class hotel is located in the center of historic old Istanbul. Best Western The President Hotel, Istanbul This first class hotel is situated in the center of old Istanbul. Akol Hotel, Canakkale This first class hotel is located on the sea front near the ferry landing with views of the Dardanelles.

10 Kolin Hotel, Canakkale This deluxe hotel is located on the waterfront with views of the Strait of Dardanelles. KoruMar Hotel, Kusadasi This deluxe hotel has an outstanding location and views of the Aegean just outside Kusadasi town center. Colossae, Pamukkale This deluxe hotel is located in a prime location providing easy access to major city attractions. Pam Hotel, Pamukkale This first class hotel is located in Karahayit with its own thermal red water springs and near to famous Hieropolis.

11 Richmond Thermal, Pamukkale This first class hotel is located near the sites of Pamukkale and Sulphur Falls. Anemon Konya, Konya This superior first class hotel is about a a ten minute drive away from the city center of Konya. Ozkaymak Konya, Konya This first class hotel is located in city center Konya near to its cultural and historic attractions. Dinler Hotel Urgup, Cappadocia This modest deluxe hotel overlooks the picturesque hills in the lively Urgup section of Cappadocia.

12 Hilton Ankara, Ankara This deluxe hotel is located in the Kavaklidere neighborhood of Ankara. Swissotel Ankara, Ankara This deluxe hotel is located in a quiet residential area of Turkey s capital. Renaissance Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul This deluxe hotel is situated in the Besiktas area of Istanbul. Affordable Holidays - HOW DO WE DO IT??? We go directly to our overseas suppliers to source the best possible price and holiday for you. That s why our holidays are so affordable!!. There are many overseas whoelsalers that currently do not sell their holidays in Australia. We have approached some these businesses to see if we can represent them here in our country. These travel professionals offer exceptional service and tours at just the right price. If you think you are paying too much for your travel arrangements, please give us a call, we will do our best to find you a holiday that fits within your travel budget. Our exclusive focus is on supported travel arrangements which provide our customers with a breadth and depth of service complimented by local expertise that is simply unparalleled Travel Agents Licencing. As from 01 July The Australian travel industry has been deregulated. So this means the compulsory membership of the Australian Travel Compensation Fund and Travel Agents Licencing is no longer required by Australian Travel Agents.

13 Your legal rights now fall under the protection of the Office of Fair Trading or Consumer Affairs in each State. Travel agents now come under the laws governed by each State s jurisdictions. For your benefit the team here have all been in travel for many years the longest 35 years the shortest a few years. We operate a secure Trust Account where your money is kept until we pay our suppliers. At no time are your funds made available for any use other than your travel services. For more information about our business please call us on Or visit About Us: * At our travel agency we offer cultural and historical tours, hotel reservations, all kind of transfers, flight tickets, bus tickets, blue cruises almost everything related to travel in Turkey and we remain the most experienced with a proven record of comfort, quality, safety and satisfaction. Many delighted customers have joined us on our journeys, benefiting from our extensive in-country experience and full satisfaction services. * Every single tour we organize is backed by a personal touch that gets you the best arrangements and full satisfaction when you travel with us in Turkey. * We systematically organize every tour, check all hotels & lunch places periodically, and give considerable attention to the comments of our clients. * From the moment you arrive in the airport until the time you leave, we daily check everything and make sure every part of your tour is satisfactory. * We limit tour group sizes to a small number (usually 5 to 15 ) and you will be accompanied by a minimum staff of 2 or 3 ( driver and the tour guide, and sometimes a driver's assistant ). This ensures you have a high-degree of attention at all times. Please ask us for references!!! Most of our former clients return for second tours and they all recommend us to their friends. * In every region that our tours take place we have representative offices and contractors that are the locals of each region. All of the people we work with are fluent in English and everyone makes it a top priority to ensure the safety & full satisfaction of each client. Remember, what makes us happy is when YOU are happy! Registered Travel Agents Licence Number Reservations Phone How to book: Our office is located in Abbotsford in Melbourne. You can call our office on You can us on cati@ditravel.com.au, jantine@ditravel.co.au, sonya@ditravel.com.au, bill@ditravel.com.au, mark@ditravel.com.au, ed@ditravel.com.au

14 You can call our office and make an appointment to come and meet with one of travel consultants. Payment can be made by: Credit card there is 2% bank fee charged for all major credit cards that will be added to your tour cost at time of payment. We only accept visa or mastercard. You can also pay by cash or cheque or by depositing these funds directly into our bank account at any Bendigo bank in Australia. There are no bank fees charged when you direct deposit the funds directly into our bank account. Reservations Phone Please read this information prior to making your reservation. BROCHURE VALIDITY The information presented in our brochure is correct to the best of our knowledge, but is subject to change without notice. Changes can occur with respect to prices, itineraries, duration of holidays, service standards, tour content, airfares and schedules. This is out of our control. Please ensure you advise details of your requirements at the time of booking. GOODS AND SERVICES TAX (GST) The Australian GST does not apply to international travel. Any service fees, courier, cancellation and amendment fees are subject to GST. You will be charged GST where applicable. DEPOSIT A deposit of 50% per person of the total price is required to confirm your booking. Receipt of deposit will be taken as an understanding by Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours that the customer has checked their confirmed travel arrangements and has read and agreed to the terms and conditions. FINAL PAYMENT Payment in full must be made no less than 65 days before travel. TRAVEL INSURANCE You must be insured for the duration of your trip. You need comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellation, health requirements, luggage and additional expenses. Insurance policies rarely cover for loss of cash. ACCOMMODATION There will be variations in the size, standard and presentation of rooms and facilities within the one hotel. This is beyond the control of Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours. CLAIMS If you encounter any problems on your holiday, you should to try and solve it directly with the supplier whilst overseas. If it is not possible to do so please do so in writing within 30 days of completing your Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours arrangements. PASSPORT, VISA & VACCINATIONS You must familiarise yourself with any visa and health requirements that may be applicable in the countries you are visiting. You are responsible for all entry/exit health and any other documents required by laws, regulations, orders, demands or requirements of countries visited or transited. Please note

15 PRICES All prices for our tours are advised in Australian Dollars ($AUD). They are based on airfares, schedules and tariffs at the time of printing. Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours reserves the right to vary the cost of the tour, taxes and airline prices if necessary by reason of currency fluctuation, cost increase, or airfare increase. All prices are subject to confirmation from local tour operators. Once full payment has been received by Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours no surcharges in respect to currency fluctuations will be applied. Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours can not be held responsible for any service that we are unable to provide due to that particular component being unavailable. ITINERARY CHANGES Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours reserves the right to amend the itinerary for reasons such as service requirements, road or weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. Where a change is of a significant nature, it will be advised to our customers in writing. Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours reserves the right to substitute hotels, lodges, inns and camps with properties of similar standard. AMENDMENT FEES Should you need to alter your original reservations, there will be an automatic fee charged of $50 per amendment or transaction. Additionally there may be cancellation fees levied by the tour operator or fees may be applicable where arrangements have been pre-purchased. CANCELLATIONS Cancellation fees will be levied relative to the amount of notice given as follows: Days Notice % of Fare 90 or more Loss of Deposit (50%) % 85% 100% that passport and visa requirements are not the responsibility of Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours. We will not be held liable for any loss or expense due to the failure to comply with the above. We recommend that you be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay overseas. CONSULAR ADVICE Official travel advice issued by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is available by calling or visiting their web site You must review this information both prior to making your booking and prior to departure. TOUR CONDITIONS Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours does not itself provide carriage services, accommodation, transport or tours. Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours acts as an agent for the Service Providers ). All products and services provided by Service Providers are provided on those Service Providers own terms and conditions which may include limitations and exclusions of liability. All bookings with Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours and all tickets, vouchers, receipts, coupons, exchange orders and other like documents issued to the client, are subject to each Service Providers terms and conditions governing the provision of products and services to be provided by that Service provider. Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours shall not be liable for any acts, omissions or defaults whether negligent or otherwise, of any Service Providers. Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours shall not be liable (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, expense, delay or inconvenience resulting directly or indirectly from circumstances outside of Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tourss control, including acts of nature, war, civil disturbances, strikes, floods, acts of government or authorities, breakdowns,

16 The above are Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours cancellation fees. Airlines and Tour Operators may have additional fees. Transfer of a confirmed booking to another tour or departure date is deemed a cancellation of the original booking. There will be no refund for cancellation of unused services on or after commencement date. Please note that employees of any overseas suppliers are not authorised by Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours to make any undertakings to our clients in respect of refunds or other matters. accidents, disease, quarantine, terrorism, medical or customs regulations, and alterations, cancellations or delays concerning itineraries, timetables or accommodation. CONTRACT The contract between Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours is governed by the laws of the State of Victoria. By booking with Destination International & Rail & Cruise Tours, the client agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions referred to in our brochure. Reservations Phone International Travel Consultants Reservations: By appointment only at 6/10 Hoddle St, Abbotsford. Phone Office hours Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. Our exclusive focus is on supported travel arrangements which provide our customers with a breadth and depth of service complimented by local expertise that is simply unparalleled